Finding Beauty Everywhere
It is hard to believe that October marks the fifth month of Ember Grey”s 12 Months of Bliss. For those unfamiliar with this year long challenge, each month Emily posts a challenge which encourages self reflection, loving yourself better and demonstrating kindness to others. Basically, this challenge encourages one to slow down, show mindfulness and gratitude.
October’s challenge was to become aware of moments and things which bring one bliss and capture the moment with a photo. No retakes;, just one shot of what we were seeing (filters were allowed). These photos could be taken with a camera or phone camera. I absolutely loved this challenge and enjoyed taking the time to see what was bringing me happiness and bliss. Most of my photos were taken with my phone as I have it with me most of the time. However, there are a few which were taken with my DSLR
The above photo was taken on my way to work. We must drive by a local park which includes a reservoir. With the changing temperatures, it has simply been beautiful but most mornings I am either in the second lane or traffic is moving at a pace where I can’t enjoy it. Fortunately, during one of my morning commutes, I found myself sitting right next to this view. Beauty right outside my car window.
I do not take for granted that I live in a beautiful area. The above photos were once again taken while I was sitting at the stop light waiting to leave and enter my neighborhood. The morning sunrise (left photo) was one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen. The whole sky was ablaze with color. The horses (right) were grazing last week as I came home a little earlier than my norm. They truly make me smile each time I see them. (PS, I do not take photos while I am driving. Each of these were taken when I was stopped. However, I do think this makes an excellent point of rather than being upset with traffic lights and traffic, it is best to enjoy the view.)
Of course my month had to include some food. The Starbucks photo was from a Saturday morning coffee date with my friend Jennifer and we both loved the barista’s handwriting. As I eat gluten free, I can no longer have McDonald’s egg McMuffin’s and sometimes I really want one. James found the Udi’s version at Target and surprised me. I’m very lucky to have a guy who tries to help me with my food issues. The final picture is a plantain crusted whitefish at Brasbana during a recent date night. This restaurant has some of the greatest food.
These photos are from a date night (left), a Halloween party where the banker went as a bank robber with an accomplice (right) and a selfie I wasn’t too upset about. Sometimes you just need to document the regular events of life. Also, today is my beloved’s birthday!!!
The collage is of the things that make me happy. My cat Sam is always supervising in his own way (hence the sleeping photo). Although I have an office, I typically use the kitchen bar to use the computer. Sam loves to assist. I also recently made my first donation to my alma mater the University of Louisville. If you are not from Kentucky it may be hard to understand but I teach at the University of Kentucky and there is a huge rivalry between schools in sports and academics. I’m proud of my graduate school education and proud to have finally made the decision to donate. The final photo is my Thanksgiving table dreaming at Pottery Barn last week. Pottery Barn makes me happy!
Fall is actually one of my favorite decorating holidays. I love the pumpkins and the colors. Of course, we have to have a monogramed pumpkin at the front door. The top wreath is my fall door wreath from last year. I didn’t have time to create a new one this year. The bottom right wreath hangs in our front hallway. It is a knockoff wreath from Pottery Barn that I made for about $15 compared to $60 from Pottery Barn.
Somewhere along the way, I’ve become a fan of acorns and the acorns in the lantern make me happy. I have the small pumpkins sitting on a table on our front porch. Finally, the leaf collage is very important to me. In my Mom’s large family Bible, I found these beautiful pressed leaves from my childhood home. I created the collage last fall and keep them out year round.
This month’s challenge has been one of my favorites. Most everyone is so busy that it is rare to slow down and examine the world. I encourage everyone to begin noticing what makes you happy. Are there moments that make you stop and take a deep breath. Emily welcomes everyone to take part in 12 Months of Bliss and it does not matter if you haven’t been a part of the previous challenges. After all, we have 6 more to go! Visit Emily for information on November’s challenge.
How often and what do you take photos of? What brings you bliss?
You sure do live in a beautiful neighborhood! That morning sky was gorgeous! And I too have a little feline blogging supervisor, and like most bosses, he observes everything with a critical eye, without lending a hand 😉
That morning sunrise was simply one of the most stunning we have had. It was truly magical. My Sam is certainly the supervisor – he loves to walk over the computer when I am typing, just like an editor!! Thanks for stopping by!
I love all your fall decor! And your costumes are really cute. I love that the banker went as a bank robber! 🙂
He’s been in banking for years and we thought it was a fun idea.
ohhh i love your fall decor! love the monogram pumpkin. how do you like that udi’s breakfast sandwich? i love their bread and bagels but have never tried that. their chocolate chip muffins are good too 😉
Oh I LOVE their chocolate chip muffins – and their cookies are great too I really liked the breakfast sandwich. Of course, it’s not a true “mcmuffin” but it was good. You should give it a try. A tip – it says to defrost first and then heat on high – I found it was better to simply heat it but I guess that depends on the microwave.
That first picture is amazing! I love your fall decor…fall is the best.
Thanks Christine! Fall is one of my favorite times to decoriate.
Loving all your beautiful fall decor!
Thank you! It’s so much fun to decorate this time of year.
I wrote to Emily how this challenge and the 100 days of happy or whatever that one was awhile ago were wonderful. How even on the bad days when you are looking for beauty you can find it. I also found that my concept of beauty shifts a little. Lovely!
i agree with you about how the concept of beauty shifts! It helps us each to have a focus rather than become overwhelmed with life!
🙂 This post makes me happy, I love everything you wrote. That first picture is unbelievably gorgeous, wow! And I’m LOVING the one of you and your man dressed up- so cute! You have the BEST hair, Sheryl! Happy Birthday to your hubby!
So, your comments made my day yesterday when I read them. I’m struggling with some hair issues (and I know you understand that). It makes me feel a little better that others don’t see what I see. As for the first picture, there had been days that I just wanted to stop my car and appreciate it but I couldn’t. It was just timing that traffic was backed up and there I was right next to it!!
Sheryl! I love the way you write about finding beauty everywhere as a form of gratitude.
Thank you Daisy. We each simply need to slow down and look around us!
Oh wow, what a great idea! I may have to jump into 12 Months of Bliss at some point–it sounds like it could really help with my anxiety and mindfulness. Your pictures are gorgeous, especially the first one. Nature in fall is just exquisite. Love your decorations too–and of course your cat! 🙂
12 Months of Bliss is truly a wonderful activity. I hope you will join in. Emily should have November’s challenge up within a few days!
You are a great photographer for them coming out so nice. Pottery Barn is a favorite shop of mine too so to do a knock off and save the money is so worth it. Acorns, I have a thing for them too. Great photos capturing your bliss this month.
Thanks Michelle, it was such a fun month. It’s amazing how great the phone cameras can really be – I’m still trying to work on my DSLR skills! I love to go to Pottery Barn for inspiration – and then go to Target and find what I need! 🙂
What a great idea! I love the idea of 12 months of bliss, I may have to join in!
Charlene xo
The Frugal Fashionista
Charlene, I hope you will join us. It’s a wonderful way to ground yourself and have fun. Some months I’ve done better than others but it helps me learn a little about myself!
There is indeed beauty in the most mundane of days. Very nice photo collection. 🙂
Thank You! So glad you stopped by.
I love taking pictures of clouds, beaches, and sunsets.. Also, food!
Love this idea of 12 months of bliss 🙂
— DT | Here I Scribble
The 12 months of bliss is a fantastic challenge and I hope you will consider joining us! I’m like you and have a collection of clouds,beaches and sunsets – they are simply beautiful.
So much fall in your house, I love it!
Thanks Mar! I enjoy these decorations!