Happy Birthday Nora 🎂

 

"Every year on my birthday I give myself a gift. It's very simple, really.

One day to do whatever I choose. 

Whatever feels right to me."

Entranced

______________________

unbekannt, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

How do you feel about celebrating your birthday?

As my birthday rolls around this year, I’ve been thinking about how people feel about their birthday arriving and whether they treat it like a celebration or not.

 

I have friends who feel it’s nothing special and prefer to ignore it, others who acknowledge it but don’t like being made a fuss of, and then others who love an excuse to take the day off work and enjoy being spoilt.

Start With You

______________________

“We’ll have to save room for it and the ice cream,” John said. “After the birthday dinner. We were going to get pizza, but you started those meatballs, so we adjusted.”

Everything went bright, as if the sun burst through the pounding rain. “You’re going to stay.”

“I repeat, it’s your birthday. No way I’m missing out on ice cream and cake. We’ll wait for the others for eats, but I think you should open your gifts now.”

“Really? It’s all right?”

“Obviously, the genius doesn’t comprehend the power of birthday. Here.”

The Witness

Elements of an Inspiring Home Gym

 

“What gym do you use, Legs?”

She opened the bottle. “My own.”

Bed of Roses

________________

Photo by TNHometour.com - Browse home gym photos

It’s not so much the size of your workout area that matters — whether you have a corner devoted to yoga or an entire home gym. Finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part. Here are 10 elements to give your workout space (and you) a jolt of inspiration.

HOUZZ

________________

Two treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike, Bowflex, free weights, a bench press—not to mention the huge flat-screen and the glass-fronted fridge holding bottles of water and juice.Towels, he noted, neatly folded, alcohol wipes, killer view.

“Convenient,” he said, “and efficient.”

Happy Ever After

Self-Care Practice That Requires Just 15 Minutes of Your Day

 

She found herself doing something she did only with family, and the most intimate of friends. Relaxing.

Each night, for her own pleasure, she recounted the day's events and her observations in a journal.

 

Cordina’s Crown Jewel

________________________

Author = Emily Barrett

Journaling

- how to start -

Relieve stress and process difficult periods of life by taking up this habit.

MARTHA STEWART

Best Pressure Points to Treat Headaches

 

“Pay attention. Pay attention to the points I’m pressing. I need you to do this for me when I’m

done. Are you hearing me?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” He could hear her, nagging at him, while his head fucking exploded. Like

drilling holes in the back of his neck with her fingers was going to . . .

The pain eased from hot, stabbing knives to a dull misery. 

And when she took his hand, pressing,

pressing on the web between his thumb and forefinger, 

the misery downshifted to annoying ache.

The Pagan Stone

____________________

By Jose Navarro - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonavi/37509663536/in/photolist-Z9AQ9Q-XKWMmC-oX6s8F-m5bt3s-7n4MH9-6chpd-XKWMvq-7Swvfb-9ef5n1-24GAJut-c3Gm4o-dsFSCq-ogyP8L-nX1W7y-21YTgZU-2hYy4TM-54cb7f-2hiTBHE-JQXMXq-2gTmtuG-2h5RvAM-chnocy-uh4B5-SCRAWH-4mtmNu-24mW3Eo-8gRm8b-229B8Ch-8daNqn-4FVobe-JEeqx-cmVtij-6z9EJA-poEku-q7WzHc-2nrCDM-dkH41d-2sCRX3-fobWwC-2nw2db-2syuz4-d3X8cN-8py4hy-bvFPKQ-5sSPHp-574kYr-bEsvgJ-5mtDYG-KvNaa-a51GCe, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87274666

Experiencing the pain and discomfort of a headache is incredibly common. If you’re looking for a more natural way to treat your headache, you may want to think about acupressure and pressure points.

Pressure points are parts of the body believed to be extra sensitive, able to stimulate relief in the body. Practitioners of reflexology, a discipline of Chinese medicine, believe that touching pressure points in a certain way can:

 

• improve your health
• ease pain
• restore balance in the body

healthline

How to find awe in everyday things

“Look, the sun’s coming up.”

Laura stirred and opened her eyes. Through the window she could see the

curve of the eastern sky. If she looked hard enough she could see the water of

the bay, like a mist in the distance. The sun seemed to vibrate as it rose. And the

echoes brought colors: pinks, mauves, golds. Softly at first, with the darker

night sky still dominating above, the colors spread, then deepened. Pinks

became reds, vibrant and glowing.

“Sometimes your paintings are like that,” she thought aloud. “Changing,

shifting angles, with the colors intensifying from the core to the edges.” She

nestled her head against his shoulder as they watched the new day dawn. “I

don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sunrise.”

Gabriel's Angel

____________________

By Terry Lucas - Imported from 500px (archived version) by the 

Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73670160

You don't have to scale Everest to reap the benefits of wonder.

The word "awesome" is ubiquitous these days – used to describe almost anything agreeable from a slice of Margherita pizza to that new sweater you just bought. But can these things really inspire a life-altering sense of wonderment and reverence?

Mother Nature Network

____________________

She stroked the baby's cheek and

thought—hoped—Carrie smiled a little.

Grace was tempted to sing her to sleep, 

but knew the nursing staff rolled their

eyes and snickered whenever she tried a lullaby. 

Still, the babies were rarely

critical of her admittedly poor singing voice, 

so she half sang, half murmured,

until Carrie's baby owl's eyes grew heavy.

Even when she slept, Grace continued to rock. 

It was self-serving now, she knew.

Anyone who had ever rocked a baby 

understood that it soothed the adult, as well

as the child.

Secret Star

Embrace the sweet art of 'doing nothing'

Lilah wasn't ashamed of the fact that she would rather sit than stand, 

would certainly rather walk than run and saw the value of long naps 

as opposed to exercise for

keeping the body and mind in tune.

Not that she wasn't ambitious. It was simply that 

her ambitions ran to the notion that

physical comfort had priority over 

physical accomplishments.

For The Love of Lilah

__________________

By Geraint Owen from Llundain/London via Bangor a Caerdydd/Kierdiff - Paradwys, CC BY 2.0,

 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6898818

"Maybe you sit and read a book. Maybe you stare out the window or balcony and listen to your favorite musician. Maybe you learn how to whistle … What can you do today to begin doing nothing?"

Those are big, important questions worth pondering. If only you were in a pondering mood. But let's embrace la dolce far niente — and take a nap instead.

Mother Nature Network

Self-Soothing

He could hear the funeral tones of Mozart's Requiem

coming from the parlor.

If Miranda was playing that, he knew the trip hadn't gone well.

He found her curled up in a chair in front of the fire, bundled into 

her favored gray cashmere robe, sipping tea from their grandmother's

best china.

All of her comfort tools, he noted, neatly in place.

Homeport

_____________________

By Aman.the.dark - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49293460

It might not be a concept we’re familiar with nor might we know what
sorts of things might soothe us, but at times when we feel particularly anxious
or distressed, self-soothing can be a useful part of our mental health toolkit.

blurt

Healing Stones

"You're interested in crystals?"

"I could be." Idly he picked up a hunk of amethyst. "But I flunked my earth

science course in high school."

"I don't think you'll be graded here." She nodded toward the stone he held. "If

you want to get in touch with your inner self, you should hold it in your left

hand."

Captivated 

_____________________

Top Healing Stones and Their Characteristics

Gemstones are Mother Nature's natural healers and are a delight to give and receive. By gifting someone with a crystal, you are also offering healing. There are hundreds of different types of stones to choose from, and exploring them and discovering the perfect gemstone for you can be fun.

Learn Religions 

_____________________

"Breathe." Ana's voice was gentle as she placed crystals over Morgana's belly.

They hovered in the air, gleaming with an unearthly light that Mel 

tried to take in stride.

Charmed

What happens to your body when you cry?

“I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“I cry easily. You should see me after a greeting-card commercial on TV.”

All I want for Christmas

______________________

By Rob from Sydney, Australia - Tears, CC BY 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10289118

Whether triggered by sad movies or happy reunions, 

stubbed toes or allergies, 

crying seems to serve many purposes.

MNN

______________________

He brushed the hair back from her face. "You've got a right to break

down. I don't know anyone else who'd have made it this far without a blowout.

But don't cry anymore, M.J. It rips me up."

"I hate to cry." She sniffled, knuckled tears away.

"I'm glad to hear it."

Captive Star

Getting back to nature

She imagined them sinking into cool, tobacco-colored water in the bend of a

river where fiddlehead ferns grew thick and green and moonlight shimmered in

rays through a canopy of trees.

“I want to go to your swimming hole.”

“We will.”

“In the moonlight,” she said.

The Witness

__________________________

By Jim Champion, CC BY-SA 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9305393

how forest bathing can make us feel better

The Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the woods is beneficial for body and soul. Now western doctors – and royals – agree

Every day, apart from when it’s raining heavily, Dr Qing Li heads to a leafy park near the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo where he works. It’s not just a pleasant place to eat his lunch; he believes the time spent under the trees’ canopy is a critical factor in the fight against diseases, of the mind and body.

Once a month Li spends three days in forests near Tokyo, using all five senses to connect with the environment and clear his mind. This practice of shinrin-yoku – literally, forest bath – has the power to counter illnesses including cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety and stress, he says.

The Guardian

Life After Sexual Assault

"So I didn't say anything, because there was nothing to say and no one to say it to. He raped me twice more over the next month, before I got the nerve to run away again. Of course, they caught me. Maybe I'd wanted them to that time. I stayed in the home until I was eighteen. And when I got out, I knew no one was ever going to have that kind of control over me again. No one was ever going to make me feel like I was nothing ever again."

Unsure what to do, Colt reached up tentatively to brush a tear from her cheek. "You made your life into something, Althea."

"I made it into mine." She let out a breath, then briskly rubbed the tears from her cheeks. "I don't like to dwell on before, Colt."

"But it's there."

"It's there," she agreed. "Trying to make it go away only brings it closer to the surface. I learned that, too. Once you accept it's simply a part of what makes you what you are, it doesn't become as vital. It didn't make me hate men, it didn't make me hate myself. It did make me understand what it is to be a victim."

Nightshade 

_________________

By Jason clendenen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76284275

What It's Like to Reclaim Your Sex Life After Sexual Assault

That focus on a better future, many survivors say, is part of what helps them form bonds with potential partners with whom they can have healthy relationships—and repair their relationships with themselves. “There is hope,” says Lindsay. “The physical pain, the emotional pain—all that stuff is passing clouds. Joy is the sky. It’s always there.”

YAHOO!

_________________

He plunged his hand into her hair, got a good grip to jerk her face up to his. “Pay up,” he

demanded, then closed his mouth over hers.

There it was, she thought, outrageously grateful. There was the instant thrill, the response, 

the need. It had taken nothing from her. His body moved wet and hard 

against hers, his mouth took from hers, and there was nothing, nothing but pleasure.

“Touch me.” She demanded it, using her teeth, her nails. Nothing fragile here, 

nothing damaged or in need of tending. Touch me, she thought, take me. 

Make me feel utterly, utterly human.

The Pagan Stone

quit smoking

Pandora only shrugged as she started across the lawn. 

"Michael, have I mentioned that you've been more crabby than usual?"

He pulled a piece of hard candy out of his pocket and popped it into his mouth. 

"Quit smoking."

The candy was lemon. She caught just a whiff. "So I noticed. How long?"

He scowled at some leaves that skimmed across the lawn. They were brown and dry and

seemed to have a life of their own. "Couple weeks. I'm going crazy."

She laughed sympathetically before she tucked her arm into his. "You'll live, darling. The first month's the toughest."

Now he scowled at her. "How would you know? You never smoked."

"The first month of anything's the toughest. You just have to keep your mind occupied.

Exercise. We'll jog after lunch."

A Will and a Way

_____________

By Lindsay Fox from Newport beach, United States - Cigarette, CC BY 2.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47846970

Real stories: ‘How I quit smoking’

There are many methods you can use use to quit smoking – it is, however, important to remember that what works for one person might not work for another.

Health24

Bring the Spa Home

“It’s good to be home. You know, one of the things I have in those shopping bags

 is this incredible honey almond scrub they use at the spa. 

After dinner, and after I give the dogs some more play and attention, 

we could take a shower. I’ll exfoliate you.”

“Is that code?”

She laughed. “You’ll have to find out.”

The Search

_______________

Those minutes spent soaking in a bath or luxuriating under the shower can transform your hair, skin, and mood. Maximize the benefit of every drop.

Better Homes & Gardens

_______________

She began to rub it over his back in slow, steady circles. 

“The texture, the flesh-to-flesh contact, the aroma—all add to the experience. 

Your skin wakes up and feels more—Uh-uh,” she said again, when he reached back. 

“I do the touching till we’re done. Hands on the wall, Doyle.”

“Did you get naked in the shower at the spa for this?”

“No. I’m adjusting it for home use. You smell wonderful already, 

and mmmm, smooth.”

The Search

You should start a sit-spot routine

She gave him his moment while she scanned the woods. Birds called, a

musical lift accompanied by the rat-a-tat of a woodpecker hunting for lunch. The

sun through the filter of young leaves cast a dreamy light.

It would brighten as they walked, she knew, and the view would open to the

hills. She loved looking out from the high ground, studying the rise and fall of

the land. And here, in soft light and shadow, with the birdcall and the mutter of

the stream, the splashing dog—here, she thought, was more home than the

house.

The Witness

___________________________

Spending time in nature has proven health benefits, and this habit will help you reap those positive rewards

Half an hour ago, as I walked into my beautiful little oasis located just a five-minute walk from my house, I was carrying the weight of a overly long to-do list and drafting emails in my head. My stomach and shoulders were tensed and my brow was furrowed with full force, though I didn't really notice because my mind was elsewhere.

But as soon as I arrived at the creek bank, I forgot all about what I wasn't getting done and what was being asked of me in my day.

Mother Nature Network

___________________________

She rode for the loch. It was an indulgence, right or wrong, that occasionally she allowed herself. 
Whenever time allowed, she went

there to sit on the bank and dream a little. And remember. 
It brought Brigham closer to her. As close, Serena knew, as he would ever
be. He was gone. Back to London, where he belonged.

Now spring was here in all its glory. Flowers waved in the gentle breeze, 
trees were ripe with green, green leaves. The sunlight dappled

through, making pretty patterns on the soft path. 
Young deer walked through the forest.

By the loch the ground was springy and warm, though the water 
would be frigid for weeks yet, and would carry a chill all through the

summer. Content from the ride, she lay on the grassy 
knoll to read a little, and dream. 
It was solitude she had wanted, and it was serenity she found.

Rebellion 

Women are aging alone more than ever

“I’m happy,” she told him. “I tend to be a happy person, and I learned 
how to be happy on my own. It was good for me, to have that time, 
to find out a little bit more about myself. What I could do, 
what I could do without.”

Chasing Fire

__________________

By Alexandre Godreau alexandre_godreau - 

https://unsplash.com/photos/lbhVDNb5JRU, CC0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61829641

Figuring how to make it work

There are challenges — and rewards — to going solo.

mother nature network

__________________

She waited until she thought that Lulu had had time enough to get home from the bookstore but not enough to settle in too comfortably. 
After she’d waded through the lawn art, adjusted her eyes to the 
virulent colors that Lulu habitually selected to paint her house, 
and knocked on the back door, Ripley was pleased to see her timing was good. 
Lulu had changed out of her work clothes into a sweatshirt that read, 
“Coffee, Chocolate, Men . . . Some things are just better rich.” 
She had an unopened bottle of wine in her hand and was wearing ratty red slippers 
and the faintly irritated look of a woman who’d been interrupted.

Heaven and Earth

Who needs small talk?

“I might do that. So, how did you go from doing stunt work in LA to owning a garage in Greenwich?”

“Is this small talk, or are you interested?”

“It can be both.”

Happy Ever After

________________

When I was single and dating, my friends made fun of me for jumping into deep  conversations with guys I just met.

I've never been interested in small talk, or its cousin, flirting. I'm genuinely curious to get to know people, and I'd rather not talk if it's going to be about nonsense. Turns out, I have something in common with the "silent Finns" who are also known for not talking small, but diving into meaningful conversation — or none at all.

Mother Nature Network

________________

He’d expect conversation, and she wasn’t sure she had any more. 

Between him and his mother, she was out of what struck her 

as appropriate small talk.

The Witness