Every December I'm giddy about Christmas, but I'm also overwhelmed by all the extra tasks on my to-do list. I find myself needing more breaks. Less frenzied hours. Do I actually take these breaks? Debatable.
All month we'll be taking one minute vacations on my blog, and that's good enough for me!
Up first?
A private oasis. Yes, I fantasize about spending a day, week, or month (take your pick!) in a valley with waterfalls and sunshine. I'm partial to snorkeling gear, comfy lounge chairs, plenty of chips and salsa, ice-cold drinks, and hot, gourmet meals. The meals just kind of appear. Isn't that nice?
And if I'm relaxing in the valley, I'm taking my husband with me. And a stack of books. :)
Oooh, look, a rainbow!
Mmm...romantic!
Photo by portobaytrade
Hey, I'm less stressed already! Here, have a fruity, frozen beverage.
Cheers!
Photo by alexbrn
Ahh...I feel better already. :)
Do you ever dream about a private oasis? What would you take with you?
Have a wonderful day!
Showing posts with label December. Show all posts
Showing posts with label December. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Friends! One Minute Vacay: Dec. 19
One of my favorite things about December is that I always see and hear from so many friends. I love getting Christmas cards, and I anticipate spending good, quality time with our families around the holidays.
This week a neighbor stopped by with a plate of homemade goodies. It made my night! We only chatted for ten minutes, but those ten minutes warmed my heart, something desperately needed in light of the tragedy in our country.
Both my parents and my husband's parents spent last weekend with us to watch our daughter's Christmas dance recital. Now, I know many, many women with strained in-law relationships. I also have plenty of friends with strained parent relationships. And, I hesitate to even write this, but in the end, I want you all to know what a blessing I consider our parents to be.
We have always been able to host our families in our house with no drama. Our parents are true role models, because they make an effort to get along with each other. My parents and my husband's parents place a high value on Christian morals--and they walk the walk.
How is this a one-minute vacation?
Some friends and family members make us better people. When they show up or call or write a card, our hearts expand--our lives improve because of them.
But some of our relationships bring stress--stress that we didn't cause, but that we have to deal with at high-tension times like Christmas.
When you dread the people who bring you stress, remember that you--like my parents and my husband's parents--can simply walk the walk. You might not be able to "fix" troubled relations, but you can be a light to the people around you.
In the meantime, think of the people in your life who bring you joy. Go ahead! Smile! They're wonderful, aren't they?
Do you have good role models? Who are they? If you don't, can you be the role model you always wanted?
Have a terrific day!
This week a neighbor stopped by with a plate of homemade goodies. It made my night! We only chatted for ten minutes, but those ten minutes warmed my heart, something desperately needed in light of the tragedy in our country.
Both my parents and my husband's parents spent last weekend with us to watch our daughter's Christmas dance recital. Now, I know many, many women with strained in-law relationships. I also have plenty of friends with strained parent relationships. And, I hesitate to even write this, but in the end, I want you all to know what a blessing I consider our parents to be.
We have always been able to host our families in our house with no drama. Our parents are true role models, because they make an effort to get along with each other. My parents and my husband's parents place a high value on Christian morals--and they walk the walk.
How is this a one-minute vacation?
Some friends and family members make us better people. When they show up or call or write a card, our hearts expand--our lives improve because of them.
But some of our relationships bring stress--stress that we didn't cause, but that we have to deal with at high-tension times like Christmas.
When you dread the people who bring you stress, remember that you--like my parents and my husband's parents--can simply walk the walk. You might not be able to "fix" troubled relations, but you can be a light to the people around you.
In the meantime, think of the people in your life who bring you joy. Go ahead! Smile! They're wonderful, aren't they?
Do you have good role models? Who are they? If you don't, can you be the role model you always wanted?
Have a terrific day!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Mixed Feelings? One Minute Vacay: Dec. 17
The preparations heat up, and for many, Christmas is eagerly anticipated, but for others, mixed feelings throw a thick, gray cloud cover over the month.
Let's face it--not everyone enjoys the holidays. There are hearts that rip open every December. The onslaught of merry music sounds shrill, the endless Christmas miracles on television movies don't help, and there's a vague feeling of, shouldn't I be enjoying this more?
I understand. I've been there. Christmas usually brings me joy, but I've had years where I've gone through the motions, not quite knowing why the cheer skipped me that season.
Christmas magnifies how we feel life should be as opposed to how it really is.
So many people deal with broken families, sad memories of past Christmases, loneliness, tragedies, and depression. My heart goes out to all who want that "perfect Christmas" but for circumstances beyond their control, must settle for getting through Christmas.
Today's one-minute vacation is this:
It's okay to have mixed feelings.
It's okay to cringe at happy Christmas letters.
It's okay to not want to throw another five bucks into the charity-of-the-week collection at work.
It's okay to get McDonald's for dinner because you're too tired to make a meal.
It's okay to buy store-bought cookies.
It's okay to turn off the made-for-television Christmas movies and watch horror films.
It's okay not to donate a dollar as you check-out at stores.
It's okay to jam to sad songs instead of the Christmas music station.
It's okay to tell yourself "it's just 24 hours," when you're dreading a strained-extended family Christmas party.
It's okay to buy two boxes of chocolates for yourself.
It's okay to skip gift-wrapping and buy gift bags for every present.
It's okay if your kids get on your nerves within three hours of being out of school for Christmas vacation.
It's okay.
We do not live in a perfect world. It's full of sin and pain and hard things.
It's also full of people who want to help, who truly care, whose heart breaks at the thought of anyone being sad or alone at Christmas.
Let's not be too hard on ourselves this time of year.
It's okay.
Do you struggle with mixed feelings this time of year? How do you deal with them?
Have a fabulous Monday!
Let's face it--not everyone enjoys the holidays. There are hearts that rip open every December. The onslaught of merry music sounds shrill, the endless Christmas miracles on television movies don't help, and there's a vague feeling of, shouldn't I be enjoying this more?
I understand. I've been there. Christmas usually brings me joy, but I've had years where I've gone through the motions, not quite knowing why the cheer skipped me that season.
Christmas magnifies how we feel life should be as opposed to how it really is.
So many people deal with broken families, sad memories of past Christmases, loneliness, tragedies, and depression. My heart goes out to all who want that "perfect Christmas" but for circumstances beyond their control, must settle for getting through Christmas.
Today's one-minute vacation is this:
It's okay to have mixed feelings.
It's okay to cringe at happy Christmas letters.
It's okay to not want to throw another five bucks into the charity-of-the-week collection at work.
It's okay to get McDonald's for dinner because you're too tired to make a meal.
It's okay to buy store-bought cookies.
It's okay to turn off the made-for-television Christmas movies and watch horror films.
It's okay not to donate a dollar as you check-out at stores.
It's okay to jam to sad songs instead of the Christmas music station.
It's okay to tell yourself "it's just 24 hours," when you're dreading a strained-extended family Christmas party.
It's okay to buy two boxes of chocolates for yourself.
It's okay to skip gift-wrapping and buy gift bags for every present.
It's okay if your kids get on your nerves within three hours of being out of school for Christmas vacation.
It's okay.
We do not live in a perfect world. It's full of sin and pain and hard things.
It's also full of people who want to help, who truly care, whose heart breaks at the thought of anyone being sad or alone at Christmas.
Let's not be too hard on ourselves this time of year.
It's okay.
Do you struggle with mixed feelings this time of year? How do you deal with them?
Have a fabulous Monday!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Fudge! One-Minute Vacay: Dec. 14
I've been craving the sweet stuff, the Christmas cookies, the boxes of Hershey's Pot O Gold, and yes, the fudge! Fudge!!
My aunt made me my own small tupperware of her delightful fudge one year for Christmas, and it was one of the best gifts ever! I try to make at least one batch each Christmas season, and whenever I do, I think of my aunt. :)
For me, the sweetest one-minute vacations usually involve memories of family and treats.
Now, I realize not everyone loves fudge the way I do, so here is a lovely slice of chocolate cake instead.
And if you don't like chocolate, how about sugar cookies?
Thanks so much for sharing a fudgy minute with m. Lindsay Harrel is hosting me today at her blog! We're talking about Secret Santas, and I'll bet you'll never guess what I do about them. Stop by and find out! :)
Do you like fudge? What's your favorite Christmas treat?
Have a wonderful weekend!!
My aunt made me my own small tupperware of her delightful fudge one year for Christmas, and it was one of the best gifts ever! I try to make at least one batch each Christmas season, and whenever I do, I think of my aunt. :)
For me, the sweetest one-minute vacations usually involve memories of family and treats.
Now, I realize not everyone loves fudge the way I do, so here is a lovely slice of chocolate cake instead.
And if you don't like chocolate, how about sugar cookies?
Thanks so much for sharing a fudgy minute with m. Lindsay Harrel is hosting me today at her blog! We're talking about Secret Santas, and I'll bet you'll never guess what I do about them. Stop by and find out! :)
Do you like fudge? What's your favorite Christmas treat?
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Christmas Lights! One Minute Vacay: Dec 10
Who else LOVES outdoor Christmas lights?
The Toledo Zoo hosts an annual outdoor light display, and it is amazing. On weekends, people wait in line for up to an hour to get in and see the "singing trees," the colorful lights dripping from every bush and tree, not to mention the lights shaped like animals or the tunnel made out of light hoops. It's festive, fun, and worth every penny.
Since not everyone can make it to the zoo, I found this fun outdoor light display for you instead!
Enjoy!!
Do you decorate the outside of your house for Christmas?
Have a fabulous Monday!!
The Toledo Zoo hosts an annual outdoor light display, and it is amazing. On weekends, people wait in line for up to an hour to get in and see the "singing trees," the colorful lights dripping from every bush and tree, not to mention the lights shaped like animals or the tunnel made out of light hoops. It's festive, fun, and worth every penny.
Since not everyone can make it to the zoo, I found this fun outdoor light display for you instead!
Enjoy!!
Do you decorate the outside of your house for Christmas?
Have a fabulous Monday!!
Monday, December 3, 2012
One Minute Vacay: Dec. 3
It's that time of year again! All month long, I'll be featuring One Minute Vacations! Each post will be a chance to rest and smile and just catch your breath for sixty seconds.
Today's drop of bliss?
Snow and coziness!
Doesn't that snowy lane shout "Christmas"? It does for me! I would love to walk under those beautiful pines. Maybe a deer would hop out onto the pathway. Maybe not. I just like to think it would. :)
There's something magical about stomping inside after a nice, winter's walk and warming up by the fire. It's even better when there is a gorgeous Christmas tree by the fireplace.
The contrasts of a walk in crisp, winter air and relaxing by a cozy fire make December lovely.
What relaxes you in December?
Have a terrific Monday!
Today's drop of bliss?
Snow and coziness!
Doesn't that snowy lane shout "Christmas"? It does for me! I would love to walk under those beautiful pines. Maybe a deer would hop out onto the pathway. Maybe not. I just like to think it would. :)
There's something magical about stomping inside after a nice, winter's walk and warming up by the fire. It's even better when there is a gorgeous Christmas tree by the fireplace.
What relaxes you in December?
Have a terrific Monday!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Warm Fuzzies
Our one-minute vacation today wraps us up in softness and warmth. It's December after all. Even if you live in warm climates, the season prods you to wrap up in the softest blanket you own. I do not live in warm climates, so warm, fuzzy things are essential.
Look at this little bunny. I want to pick it up and squish it in a big hug, or at the very least, stroke its plush fur. The delicate snowflakes resting on its fur add to the serenity of the photo. I think my heart rate has actually slowed down just looking at this adorable guy!
What else do I need today to bring the warm fuzzies? This picture invites me in and makes me want to stay and relax. Let's see, snow-covered pine, fluffy comforter, and a journal with a pen? Have I died and gone to Heaven? I think I might have.
And what do we have here? A lovely, festive fireplace with candles, nutcrackers, and shelves lined with books. Our home doesn't feature a fireplace, but many area coffee shops have added them. When I need to curl up in a chair next to a warm fire, I head out.
What comforts you on cold days? Where would you spend a cozy afternoon?
Thanks for sharing this mini-vacation with me!
Look at this little bunny. I want to pick it up and squish it in a big hug, or at the very least, stroke its plush fur. The delicate snowflakes resting on its fur add to the serenity of the photo. I think my heart rate has actually slowed down just looking at this adorable guy!
What else do I need today to bring the warm fuzzies? This picture invites me in and makes me want to stay and relax. Let's see, snow-covered pine, fluffy comforter, and a journal with a pen? Have I died and gone to Heaven? I think I might have.
And what do we have here? A lovely, festive fireplace with candles, nutcrackers, and shelves lined with books. Our home doesn't feature a fireplace, but many area coffee shops have added them. When I need to curl up in a chair next to a warm fire, I head out.
What comforts you on cold days? Where would you spend a cozy afternoon?
Thanks for sharing this mini-vacation with me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)