Friday, November 30, 2012

Grace Notes No. 3

"There are days when the great are near us,
when there is no frown on their brow.... There are days
which are the carnivals of the year."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
 
 


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TODAY'S GRACE NOTES

"Have a friend over for tea. Serve cinnamon melba toast and have a real talk. This time of the year when the pressure to spend money is intense, calm down and give the most precious gift. Give of yourself."

"Remember Emerson's advice: "In stripping time of its illusions, in seeking to find what is at the heart of the day, we come to the quality of the moment."
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Isn't this the truth? The best gift is quality time with people we love! I had lunch with two different girlfriends this week and it was wonderful. We had real conversations, which I greatly cherish! Two other friends contacted me today about scheduling tea dates. Even though I feel a bit harried right now, I know that taking the time for tea and a real conversation will feed my soul.
 
What feeds your soul?


Related posts: Grace Notes No. 1, Grace Notes No. 2

Excerpts from Alexandra Stoddard's Grace Notes.

Photo



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Grace Notes No. 2

"Zen is a way of liberation, concerned not
with discovering what is good or bad or 
advantageous, but what is."
Alan Watts
 
 
 
 
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TODAY'S GRACE NOTES
 

"For most people, this season is the most stressful, anxious time of the year.
Be kind to yourself. Accept the way you feel. It's all right."

"As you begin the frantic pace, remember there are 365 days in the year.
You can't do everything at the end. Simplify."
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Related post: Grace Notes No. 1

Excerpts from Alexandra Stoddard's Grace Notes.

Photo: The Paper Studio and Letterpress Central



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Grace Notes No.1

"I believe....that every human mind feels pleasure
in doing good to another."
Thomas Jefferson
 



Every morning I read an inspirational quote and practical tips for enjoying each day to the fullest from Alexandra Stoddard's Grace Notes. It's a lovely, tiny book that provides "365 days of inpiration, serenity and inner grace." I love the nuggets of wisdom and I try not to miss a day. As we embark on the busiest time of the year, I will be sharing grace notes with you as they seem relevant and inspiring for enjoying this joyous, and hectic, holiday season.  Each post will include a thoughtful quote of the day and Alexandra's practical tips for how to truly live with grace.

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TODAY'S GRACE NOTES


"Take pleasure in reaching out and giving to others. Think of someone who is really needy and doesn't expect something from you. And surprise them!"

"Be sure your ribbon box has lots of pretty colors, designs and textures so you're ready to deck the halls and tie bows on tiny gifts."

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What is one thing you can do to surprise someone with a small gesture today? Drop a card in the mail, buy someone coffee, surprise someone with flowers, or simply call a friend you've been thinking about recently? The options are endless, and you truly will feel pleasure in sharing yourself in this way.


P.S. Grace Notes is a great gift for a friend or stocking stuffer!


Excerpts from Alexandra Stoddard's Grace Notes.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!


Hello friends! I've missed you. Life has been busy. I've been living more and blogging less. I miss connecting in this way. I have a few quiet moments to myself this afternoon and I wanted to share this charming Thanksgiving party invitation from 1939 with you. I spotted it in the window of an antique shop in my neighborhood last night and was absolutely charmed by the thought of a Thanksgiving Party at 8:30 O'clock in 1939.  I wonder what the guests were wearing. What kind of music was played, a live band for sure. What kind of cocktails were served. It took me back to a different time. I've actually never heard of a Thanksgiving Party. We're going to a Thanksgiving Eve cocktail party tonight which I'm very excited about. And I'm looking forward to relaxing, playing, eating and celebrating over the next few days. I have so much to be thankful for! Cheers friends. xoxo.