Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
week in review
week in review
3 MSW classes
taught 1 yoga class
penned non-profit management paper
TranquiliT spring e-blast
recorded podcast with carolyn rubenstein + alena hennessey
penned things i love
commissioned mama wilson to make custom bunting for me
planted ten succulents
dentist appointment + small cavity filling = boo
tranquil space foundation grant meeting
day of rest at le beau's cabin
strategic chat with longtime friend
meeting with new tranquil space foundation volunteer
penned tranquilosophy post on why social work
penned tranquilosophy post on why social work
TranquiliT shipping
packaged ephemera gift bags for creativity circle ladies
hosted 2-hour creativity circle with yoga, pranyama, discussion, creative play
penned bonjour fresh week
phone meeting with studio director
researched fab finds for retreat touches + penned post showcasing
2 gym jaunts
2 yoga classes
2 days of sick time in bed
showcased tranquilologie takeaways from andria + joanne
shared bloOM into spring petals
received email from aunt saying i was a wonderful granddaughter. cried.
interviewed by MBA student on entrepreneurship
savored yummy vegan pizza with daiya cheese
interviewed by MBA student on entrepreneurship
savored yummy vegan pizza with daiya cheese
weekend wishlist
release 4th private podcast for france retreaters
check-in with pal britt bravo
check-in with pal britt bravo
productive pigs board meeting
release april tranquilologie issue
host fun hip hop yoga + inspiring biz of yoga workshops
participate in way of happy woman workshop with sara avant stover
release inspiring podcast featuring alena hennessy
prep for release of tranquility project
yoga + gym jaunts
work on sketchbook for the sketchbook project
yoga + gym jaunts
work on sketchbook for the sketchbook project
et toi? what's on your weekend wishlist?
bisous.
bisous.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
tranquilosophy: why social work?
video about TOMS
i used the TOMS video as an example of a mission that speaks to me. i long to create something similar through my ongoing work. i know, who doesn't? we all want to make a difference and do through our decisions each day. however social work seems to offer me the education and experience to continue planting more and more seeds. here are the 3 ways i plan to use my MSW:
1. continued growth and development of our non-profit, tranquil space foundation.
2. working 1:1 with clients on a deeper level than i can currently offer through mentoring.
3. social justice and activism for animals, particularly farm animals.
where does that leave yoga, eco-fashion, a blog and podcast? exactly where it is! these are all part of my DNA, big passions, and sweet babies. as i look to grow and do my best to leave an inspirational legacy, i see my MSW as expanding my tranquility toolkit. if all goes as planned, i graduate may 2013 and look forward to continuing to incorporate all i'm learning into my various roles.
below is a second video to highlight the great work of another organization, farm sanctuary. there are SO many ways to make a difference in the world and so many deserving causes. what's your plan? bisous. x
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
sweet succulents
dearest reader:
tuesday afternoon i finally retreated from my sniffle-induced haze and germ-ridden bed to face the outside world. it was a joy to be greeted with sunshine on my skin, a crisp breeze, and a warm bath. as you know, being sick is truly for the birds. i'm slowly feeling better and look forward to breathing easily once this silly thing passes.
despite the congestion drama, i took one hour out of today to do some mini gardening. i am now the proud mama to ten tiny succulent plants. aren't they beautiful? there is something so rewarding about getting your hands dirty, repotting a plant that needs a new home, and watching them grow in a nurturing habitat. great metaphor for life.
when's the last time you got your hands dirty? bisous. x
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
confessions from the sick bed
donning pig socks courtesy of tranquil space teacher danielle
while i pound out a paper due thursday surrounded by school books, over the counter meds, cats, and piles of tissues, i'm in the mood to take a paper break (aka procrastinate) and over share. a few random confessions:
- when a loved one is in hospice, you are encouraged to tell them you're going to be ok when they go. i said this because i was supposed to and want to take it back. i miss my gramma terribly.
- i have a bit of a potty mouth sometimes. shhhh. le beau thinks it's endearing.
- i'm obsessed with the idea of crafting and dream of doing it 24/7.
- i'm an aspiring vegan obsessed with pizza (= making it tough).
- 2 new happy finds: dottie angel and the hip girl's guide to homemaking. (does that mean i may have to cook at some point? at least can!)
- sleeping is my favorite activity. ever.
- i believe daily naps could change the world.
- writing grad school papers about change management for a fictional agency when sick and full o' grief is super duper hard.
- i love hanging dresses around chez moi. le beau hates them falling on his head.
- going to movies solo = heaven.
- i'm an introvert who finds small talk exhausting.
- our stove doesn't work and we store things in our oven. (thank god for the toaster oven!)
- my dining room table is my home office and it rarely has blank space. this is an ongoing struggle for moi. working on a plan.
ok, back to pounding out my paper. send good paper writing thoughts as i have 2 papers and 1 presentation to go before finishing my spring semester and being SANS summer school for the first time in 2 years = yay for brain rest! any over share confessions you'd like to divulge? bisous. x
tranquilologie takeaways
january's takeaways by joanne from scotland
january's binder by andria in seattle
january's vision board by andria in seattle
the tranquilologie e-course has been an absolute delight to write, record, and share monthly. each month covers tranquilologie’s eight topics – mindfulness, self-care, nesting, do-gooding, work, style, creativity, and dreams – in a new way for that specific time of the year. april's edition is right around the corner and filled with new ways to nurture and align your spirit. join us in the ongoing exploration of tranquilologie and enjoy these beautiful images of tranquilologie takeaways submitted by joanne and andria. bisous. x
february's takeaways by joanna in scotland
february's OMwork by andria in seattle
Monday, March 26, 2012
things i love
image courtesy of berry ala mode
1. shabby chic bunting
image courtesy of sweet shoppe paperie
2. fabric strip bunting
image courtesy of bekadu
3. vintage bunting
image courtesy of the happy caravan
4. vintage doilie bunting
image courtesy of farieclare
5. paper heart bunting
2. fabric strip bunting
image courtesy of bekadu
3. vintage bunting
image courtesy of the happy caravan
4. vintage doilie bunting
image courtesy of farieclare
5. paper heart bunting
Sunday, March 25, 2012
bonjour fresh week
while putting the finishing touches on my tranquility du jour spring museletter hitting in boxes tomorrow (sign up at kimberlywilson.com), i came across this amazing image. don't you love it? truly dreamy. wishing you a joyful start to a brand new week and our final one in march - officially the end of the first quarter of 2012. a perfect time to ponder the unfolding of new year's intentions. ommmm. bisous. x
Saturday, March 24, 2012
all about the details
while le beau watches a game with a ball (ugh - why do they jump up and down and make odd noises?), i spent time picking up a few special touches for my ongoing creativity circle (full), april's art + yoga retreat (3 spots left), and art + yoga in france (4 spots left) plus fun sprinkles for tranquil space offerings (heaps!). here's my list o' creativity procured a la etsy: pink divine twine, french paper doilies, glassine envelopes, + pink striped straws. and, oui, i scoured for best pricing so feel free to use the links for your own shopping!
i am constantly reminded that it really is ALL about the details. a french lace paper doily under your cookies add a special touch to any plate. pink baker's twine tied around a gift or card gives the item a splash of creative flair. pink striped straws in your mason jar infuses a vintage feeling. a love note, bag of tea, or assortment of ephemera in a glassine envelope sealed with japanese masking tape is truly a treat. we're now wrapping our TranquiliT orders with recycled kraft paper, twine and a hand stamped tag. details, details, details, my deary.
how do you infuse love and special touches into your daily details? bisous. x
bloom into spring
merci beaucoup beautiful tina + carol for sharing your gorgeous intentions + petals from this week's seasonal podcast. these are stunning, so colorful, and creative. podcast mp3 available here. next seasonal podcast releases july 12.
wishing all a beautiful saturday filled with creative, colorful play. bisous. x
Friday, March 23, 2012
week in review
week in review
taught 3 yoga classes
took 2 yoga classes
2 gym jaunts
heaps of mourning
picked up succulents for chez moi and studio
met lillian the cutest piglet in the world
visited sir walter at pigs sanctuary
penned things i love
penned tranquilosophy
2 MSW classes
hammock time
massage
mani
team meetings
art journaling
watched the way with le beau
watched the way with le beau
picked up fresh markers at michaels
sewing class
produced bloom into spring seasonal podcast
TranquiliT spring line is online
new vintage/reclaimed goodies are online
penned today's tranquility
mid-week inspiration to creativity circle rockstars
embroidered organic onsie for girlfriend
daily soaks in the tub
bought 2 books: grieving mindfully + the perfectly imperfect home
lit heaps of candles + incense
purchased a french striped tee for paris = ooh la la
created and sent france retreat resource guide
posted signature style
posted things i love
posted podcast on meditation
penned simple pleasures
shipped TranquiliT
set up podcast interviews with more inspiring rock stars
solo date night to see the artist
dreaming up "tranquility movement" ideas
sent spring care package to parents
tea + vegan lunch with friend
draft spring studio schedules
draft tranquility du jour newsletter
draft spring studio schedules
draft tranquility du jour newsletter
weekend wish list
draft non-profit management paper
work on april tranquilologie
choose spring tranquil space foundation grantees
hammock time at cabin
yoga on deck
walk in woods
visit cherry blossoms around tidal basin
plant succulents
et toi? what's on your weekend wishlist?
bisous. x
Thursday, March 22, 2012
tranquilosophy: transitions
blue tights + blue pansies
"if we don't change, we don't grow. if we don't grow, we aren't really living." gail sheehy
bonjour my lovelies. this week began with a boom. monday (the day gramma died) is always hard and the one-month anniversary of gramma's death (tuesday) left me incapacitated. i slowly rebounded the next day but waves of grief are oddly fascinating and feel like riding an emotional roller coaster sans squeals of glee. i'm learning to ride them as best i can while gratefully realizing that each and every day is different. i purchased grieving mindfully: a compassionate and spiritual guide to dealing with loss and look forward to diving into it this weekend. seemed right up my alley!
i've been pondering some sort of transition and alluded to it in my week in reviews. i know my final year of graduate school will be a challenging one due to a 20-hour internship at amtrak's employee assistance program, 4 final classes, and various endeavors. with the passing of my gramma, i've been pushed toward a transition in a way unexpected. a move i knew i must make. i need time and space to mourn, process the grief, and prepare for my intense final year of graduate school. thus, i've decided to take a semi-sabbatical from my day-to-day efforts at tranquil space (my baby of nearly 13 years) and i sent the team a memo today. here are snippets of it:
"Dearest Team: I'm writing to update you on an important upcoming change at Tranquil Space "world headquarters." Effective May 15, 2012 - May 15, 2013 I will be taking a semi-sabbatical and slowly phasing out my day-to-day over the next 7 weeks. Since starting this seedling in my living room nearly 13 years ago, I've found myself eating, sleeping, and breathing this beloved baby. Plus I have also been nurturing new "babies" - TranquiliT, books, Tranquil Space Foundation, podcast/blog, Tranquil Space Arlington, and my latest grad program at the same time.
You'll still find me teaching my regular classes and offerings during my semi-sabbatical plus working on creative and strategic measures for Tranquil Space behind the scenes. I believe it is good for business owners to take a step back, build on successes, and brainstorm fresh ideas.
Thank you for your support during this time of bereavement and for being the most amazing cOMmunity ever. I am honored to be able to work with such a talented, thoughtful team. "
it was so hard to hit "send." made it oddly real and almost surreal. i felt it deep inside my heart and belly. ah, the practice of yoga! next i made it to campus and snapped the above shot. loving nature's canopy this spring. today's non-profit management guest teacher spoke on the practice of staff development. she emphasized the importance of self-care for managers and stated "you need to bring your A game to the office everyday." a light bulb went off. that is my problem right now, i can't bring my A game to everything at the moment and it's an indication that i need to regroup and focus on self-care. many beloved team members have proclaimed that this is long overdue. hmmm, thanks . . . i think!
what are the chances that this guest teacher would offer such insights on this transition moments after i send a memo? synchronicity at work. moments of tranquilosophy. anyone else dabbling in the experience of transition? it's scary, gut wrenching, empowering, and exhilarating all rolled into one. sending transitional love your way. bisous. x
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
happy, happy spring
Today is the first day of spring and I'm sure you, too, are ready to see what's in store! As I've done for the past many years, I'll be hosting my seasonal teleclass (now turned private podcast) tomorrow. Simply sign up, settle in, and await your mp3, artistic worksheet (new addition!), and more delivered straight to your inbox tomorrow evening.
Here's the skinny:
Need a dose of inspiration? Join Kimberly for a seasonal one-hour Tranquility du Jour podcast focused on her top eight tips for finding tranquility during this transformational time of the year. Gather your journal, cup of tea, and colorful markers for this sacred hour just for you. The next seasonal extravaganza will be released via mp3 on March 21 to your PayPal account email addy.
BONUS: Ooh la la, all listeners will receive a coupon code for online shopping of the eco-friendly TranquiliT collection.
Missed a past season's offering? You can find it at our on demand page.
Wishing you a beautiful start into this new season. Let's bloom! Bisous. x
Monday, March 19, 2012
things i love = succulents
image + how to courtesy of lola's girl
1. succulent terrarium
image courtesy of elizabeth ann designs
2. succulent party favors
image courtesy of toast and tables
3. succulent table decor
image courtesy of erin ever after
4. succulent chandelier
image courtesy of martha stewart
5. succulent place setting
Sunday, March 18, 2012
tranquility du jour #237: meditation
Welcome to the 237th edition of Tranquility du Jour. Today’s show features upcOMing happenings and Meditation with Patricia Monaghan.
Workshops + Retreats: Join moi for a tranquilologie experience.
Ongoing
* 1:1 Mentoring
* Creative + Conscious Business E-course
* Tranquilologie: A DIY Sprinkling of Everyday Tranquility E-course+
* Creative + Conscious Business E-course
* Tranquilologie: A DIY Sprinkling of Everyday Tranquility E-course+
(+new issue releases 1st of each month)
* Seasonal Tranquilologie Podcast March 21
* Hip Hop Yoga in DC March 30
* 4-week Tranquility Project E-course launches April 4
* Hip Hop Yoga in DC March 30
* 4-week Tranquility Project E-course launches April 4
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia April 13-15 (5 spots left)
* Tranquil Space Foundation LunaFest in DC April 20
* Urban Women's Retreat in Richmond April 21
* Yoga, Vegan, Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Animal Sanctuary in West Virginia April 29
* Doga in the Park in DC May 12
* Yoga, Vegan, Vintage in DC May 20
* Yoga + Art Retreat in Paris + Provence June 7-16 (4 spots left)
* Yoga, Vegan, Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Animal Sanctuary in West Virginia April 29
* Doga in the Park in DC May 12
* Yoga, Vegan, Vintage in DC May 20
* Yoga + Art Retreat in Paris + Provence June 7-16 (4 spots left)
* PIGS 20th Anniversary Fete in DC September 19
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia October 12-14 (7 spots left)
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia October 12-14 (7 spots left)
* Tranquil Space Foundation Celebration in DC October 24
* Yoga Retreat in India November 16-25
Featured Tranquilista: Patricia Monaghan is the author of Meditation: The Complete Guide, The Red Haired Girl from the Bog, and numerous other titles. She lives in Chicago, Illinois and lectures frequently on connections between mythology, spirituality, women’s studies, and science. Visit her online at patricia-monaghan.com. Full bio here.
* Yoga Retreat in India November 16-25
Featured Tranquilista: Patricia Monaghan is the author of Meditation: The Complete Guide, The Red Haired Girl from the Bog, and numerous other titles. She lives in Chicago, Illinois and lectures frequently on connections between mythology, spirituality, women’s studies, and science. Visit her online at patricia-monaghan.com. Full bio here.
Tranquility du Jour FAQs: Start here
Latest Tranquility du Jour museletter
- New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
- Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available!
Latest Tranquility du Jour museletter
OMwork: What are your takeaways from tonight's podcast? Ponder ways to incorporate meditation into your every day!
Signature Style: TranquiliT is a line of layers in rayon made from organic bamboo. We are locally sewn and plant 150 trees each month while also donating a portion of proceeds to Tranquil Space Foundation and Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Featured Look: 2in1 maxi dress (coming this week online).
Stay Au Courant:
Connect on Facebook.
Follow moi on Twitter for daily sprinkles of tranquility.
Watch Tranquility du JourTV and tranquilspace.tv.
Browse Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista.
Join the Tranquility du Jour museletter.
Pin along with moi on Pinterest.
Peruse my Etsy shoppe.
Read about my passion for pigs.
Follow moi on Instagram @tranquilitydujour.
Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing Hours by Tycho. Learn more about him at tychomusic.com.
Techy stuff:
- You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
Signature Style: TranquiliT is a line of layers in rayon made from organic bamboo. We are locally sewn and plant 150 trees each month while also donating a portion of proceeds to Tranquil Space Foundation and Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Featured Look: 2in1 maxi dress (coming this week online).
Stay Au Courant:
Connect on Facebook.
Follow moi on Twitter for daily sprinkles of tranquility.
Watch Tranquility du JourTV and tranquilspace.tv.
Browse Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista.
Join the Tranquility du Jour museletter.
Pin along with moi on Pinterest.
Peruse my Etsy shoppe.
Read about my passion for pigs.
Follow moi on Instagram @tranquilitydujour.
Au Revoir: To close out the show, we’re playing Hours by Tycho. Learn more about him at tychomusic.com.
Techy stuff:
- You don't need an iPod to listen to the podcast! Click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
- New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
- Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast. You'll automatically get the latest edition as soon as it's available!
simple pleasures
scenes from today's play
in response to yesterday's question "what does it mean to live your best life right now?," i did some art journaling last night and one big theme was basking in life's simple pleasures. there are SO many of them and taking the time to truly smell the roses can have a profound effect - especially when dealing with grief, stress, or any other curve ball life throws our way. and in dc we're blessed with the centennial cherry blossoms and heaps of blooming trees right now which serve as the perfect reminder that we are meant to continually evolve, grow, and sprout new blooms.
today has been ALL about simple pleasures. from starting the day with a stroll through the woods with le beau +le pug, to meeting miss lillian (the sponsored piglet by the tranquil space team in honor of my gramma - bottom center), to spoiling walter (lower right), to picking up some gorgeous succulents (upper left), to art journaling (lower left), to devouring half a box of thin mints (no pic - thank goodness), and to enjoying the blooming trees (upper right).
with a lit lilac candle and pink thermos of green tea, i'm now settling in to do some writing. oh, and prep tonight's podcast with patrica monaghan, author of meditation: the complete guide. i'm sure you'll love it! life is made up of so many simple pleasures and i'm on a mission to bask in them more and more. et toi? bisous. x
Saturday, March 17, 2012
today's tranquility
setting from today's outdoor office space
"you must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." - thoreau
while spending the day reading and writing in a hammock, i came across this great article from tiny buddha blog titled "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" the gist is to not ask that question, but rather "what does it mean for you to live your best life, right now—and who do you want to be in five years?" um, wow! as i settle in for a bit of art journaling while le beau's cabin is quiet, i plan to ponder this question in my sketchbook.
and now i ask you, who do you want to be in five years AND how can you live your best life NOW? bisous. x
Friday, March 16, 2012
week in review
week in review
3 gym jaunts
took 3 yoga classes
taught 3 yoga classes
hosted creativity circle
gifted creativity circle with japanese masking tape = BIG hit
gifted creativity circle with japanese masking tape = BIG hit
penned manager notes
hosted manager goodbye lunch for sara at cafe green
3 MSW classes (includes NEW 1 credit budgeting class)
private sewing class = peter pan collar start
private sewing class = peter pan collar start
teacher training meeting
heaps of disturbed sleep + waves of grief
heaps of disturbed sleep + waves of grief
spring studio schedule review + edits
released 3rd private podcast for france retreat
posted instagram inspiration
posted instagram inspiration
spontaneous stroll with le beau + le pug
tranquil space foundation lunch + system review
penned international social work paper
penned things i love
penned signature style piece
penned in search of normalcy
came across this great piece on taking photos
and this one on 10 tips of successful blogging
TranquiliT spring photos + descriptions to webmaster
enjoyed wall street journal piece on how to be creative
TranquiliT trunk show prep
drafted FAQs for paris + provence peeps
savored grapefruit sorbet
organized home office (aka kitchen table)
packaged + shipped TranquiliT orders with love
penned offerings o' tranquility
TranquiliT spring photos + descriptions to webmaster
enjoyed wall street journal piece on how to be creative
TranquiliT trunk show prep
drafted FAQs for paris + provence peeps
savored grapefruit sorbet
organized home office (aka kitchen table)
packaged + shipped TranquiliT orders with love
penned offerings o' tranquility
weekend wishlist
meet lillian the piglet
mentoring session
writing
art journaling
release inspiring podcast
et toi? what's on your weekend wishlist?
bisous. x
offerings o' tranquility
purple pansies snapped on campus today
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never
exist through any other medium; and be lost." - Martha Graham
Wondering how to get a dose of tranquility this spring, summer, or fall? Below is a potpourri of offerings BIG and small to inspire creativity, mindfulness, doing good, connection to self, and, of course, tranquility. S'il vous plaît consider joining moi for an upcoming adventure on the mat, off the mat, in France, around town, or at Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Options abound.
And I promise your soul will thank you.
exist through any other medium; and be lost." - Martha Graham
Wondering how to get a dose of tranquility this spring, summer, or fall? Below is a potpourri of offerings BIG and small to inspire creativity, mindfulness, doing good, connection to self, and, of course, tranquility. S'il vous plaît consider joining moi for an upcoming adventure on the mat, off the mat, in France, around town, or at Pigs Animal Sanctuary. Options abound.
And I promise your soul will thank you.
Ongoing
* 1:1 Mentoring
* Creative + Conscious Business E-course
* Tranquilologie: A DIY Sprinkling of Everyday Tranquility E-course+
* 1:1 Mentoring
* Creative + Conscious Business E-course
* Tranquilologie: A DIY Sprinkling of Everyday Tranquility E-course+
(+new issue releases 1st of each month)
* Seasonal Tranquilologie Podcast March 21
* Hip Hop Yoga in DC March 30
* 4-week Tranquility Project E-course launches April 4
* Hip Hop Yoga in DC March 30
* 4-week Tranquility Project E-course launches April 4
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia April 13-15 (4 spots left)
* Tranquil Space Foundation LunaFest in DC April 20
* Urban Women's Retreat in Richmond April 21
* Yoga, Vegan, Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Animal Sanctuary in West Virginia April 29
* Doga in the Park in DC May 12
* Yoga, Vegan, Vintage in DC May 20
* Yoga + Art Retreat in Paris + Provence June 7-16 (4 spots left)
* Yoga, Vegan, Volunteer: A Day at PIGS Animal Sanctuary in West Virginia April 29
* Doga in the Park in DC May 12
* Yoga, Vegan, Vintage in DC May 20
* Yoga + Art Retreat in Paris + Provence June 7-16 (4 spots left)
* PIGS 20th Anniversary Fete in DC September 19
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia October 12-14 (7 spots left)
* Art + Yoga Cozy Cabin Retreat in West Virginia October 12-14 (7 spots left)
* Tranquil Space Foundation Celebration in DC October 24
* Yoga Retreat in India November 16-25
* Yoga Retreat in India November 16-25
Bisous. x
Thursday, March 15, 2012
today's signature style
while these aren't the most flattering photos, i heart today's look and had to share. as i was dashing out the door today 10 minutes behind (story of my life), i couldn't locate my romper so i pulled out these darling tiered shorts i picked up in new york earlier this month, topped it with this tangerine j'aime tranquil space tank, and a vintage-inspired lace blazer. these pics show moi striking a quick pose on my patio and in front of my new organizational system. i just LOVE shorts with tights and wedges.
here are a few posts on how to rock the look your way:
any other fab sources for tights + shorts? do you like the combo, too? it's oddly refreshing to pair fall tights and summer shorts for year-round wear.
wishing you expression of your own signature style. bisous. x
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
in search of normalcy
the past few days have been particularly hard as we just hit the 3 week anniversary of gramma's death. i've seen a hospice grief counselor twice and am finding it to be most helpful. those hospice peeps are good eggs! she promises me that what i'm feeling is a normal part of the grieving process - lethargy, fuzziness, chest pains, and heaviness. it's like there is a big pile of lead tied around me. big boo, grieving smieving, it sucks.
i'm now waking up in the middle of the night for hours replaying memories and having dreams about her. like last night's where she wasn't really gone and went on a fun trip where she didn't even need a walker! it's interesting how grief affects us on so many levels - even while we slumber. then i have moments of lucidity and feel a bit more myself. again, from what i'm told this is all "normal."
yet, honestly i have to even wonder what normal is anymore. life as i've known it will never be the same. i am seeing things differently and feeling differently. maybe it's due to being numb, but i'm fairly sure some of these shifts will stick. in a good way.
i love the notion of buddhist thought that sees challenges as opportunities and i'm trying to find that here. having life shaken up in such a way will definitely encourage a shift in perspective. ah, the lessons! in the interim, i must confess that i'm eating tons of tofutti cuties and wondering when normalcy will really return. and then pondering what normalcy even looks like now.
life is full of cycles. a favorite reading notes "no matter how dark the night, morning comes. no matter how cold the winter, spring always comes." i'm ready. et toi? bisous. x
Monday, March 12, 2012
things i love: dreaming of paris
1. sidewalk cafes
image courtesy of a girl, a style
2. bookstore browsing + bohemians
image courtesy of we heart it
3. eiffel tower + romance
image courtesy of oh happy day
4. carousels
Sunday, March 11, 2012
an afternoon stroll
despite looming deadlines, le beau, le pug and moi took two hours off today to savor a spontaneous afternoon stroll. as we passed blooming trees and flowers, i snapped photos to share via instagram. during our stroll i mentioned to le beau how freeing it was to take time off on a weekend to do something so simple - pick up a veggie burrito, walk sir louis, sit in the sunshine to eat, and pick up sorbet en route home.
after 13 years of working around the clock to nurture my babies (businesses), i'm slowly starting to take moments to bask in life's simple pleasures on a more regular basis. hopefully in time they will be guilt-free. le beau reminded me that some people actually have two days off (gasp!) where they focus on rejuvenation. hmmm, i was happy with my two hours of luxurious strolling and am excited to see what is to come as i prepare for some tranquil transitions.
it made me happy to see so many people on bikes, walking dogs, enjoying treats, reading on park benches, and savoring time outdoors. spring has almost sprung and i'm ready for what lies ahead. et toi?
if you, too, struggle from feeling stuck on a hamster wheel and long for less deadlines, time crunches, or to-dos, may i recommend a simple afternoon stroll to bask in sunshine? it's sure to do your body and soul good! the to-dos will still be there. promise. oh, and a little grapefruit sorbet makes the experience even better. bisous. x
p.s. note the look of anticipation in sir louis' eyes as he eagerly awaited his pink granola donut with sprinkles after the stroll (during which he was often carried).
Saturday, March 10, 2012
instagram inspiration
do you know about the wonderful world of instagram? if not, check it out. if so, follow moi @tranquilitydujour for daily sprinkles of inspiration and eye candy.
blue tights + fringe boots en route to tranquil space happy hour last night
beautiful blue hyacinths outside yoga class today
penning thoughts in journal pre-yoga class today
setting the stage for tonight's solo saturday night in
wall art of vintage handbags organized tonight
what are you snapping photos of right now? so much inspiration surrounds us if we will
only take a moment to notice. bisous. x
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