and now, my friend, you must give me your complete attention.
It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest,
never grow indifferent — lose your invaluable curiosity
and you let yourself die. It’s as simple as that. No?”
Not fair. I have less than 8 minutes to type to you in this moment. It took me fifteen minutes to download a slew of photos and am running late late late — but I was reading in Fair Play this morning and so wanted to share this with you all.
The key to life, as it were.
Walking the dogs this morning, I was on the phone with Tara. The inevitable question we ask each other hundreds of times a day, “how are you?” And the answer is, right now— fucking awesome.
So so so happy. So happy. Not sure if I wrote this a couple weeks ago or not, I think I did but I have no time to go back and check so sorry if it is a repeat — but oh my god, there was a Wednesday in January that was hands-down one of the best days of my life.
Seriously.
I didn’t win an Academy Award, wasn’t my wedding day, or having a baby or winning the lottery or anything of the BIG things we associate with joy. Nope. It was from the minute I woke up to the moment I was lying down in bed with a smile I could not quit — in the dark, people– just there freaking smiling in the dark because I was so happy and my life felt so good.
And it was just a day. One day. Totally ordinary in so many respects– and yet, as I reflected on it WHY was it so good — why did it feel so good? The answer was simply that I have carved out a life where what I see, what I touch, eat, — who I connect with, where I walk, what I do– all of it, each bit of it . . . I love.
All those tiny pieces of the color and texture of objects and fabrics in my home — my friends, my shoes, my thoughts— it all adds up to one big JOY.
And, I see more than ever why I am drawn to surround myself with artists — their curiosity. They are interested and noticing and drawn to the unusual.
Okay two minutes running through the hour glass here.
Shari did the MOST FABULOUS series of blog posts in January — people sharing favorite reads that got me reading all sorts of books I didn’t even know about. One in particular, Fair Play — about two Finnish artists just living their life— has fed my soul in such deep, important ways.
I am so grateful.And? Out of time.
LAST day of January, people!!
First day of the Chinese New Year — bring on the Year of the Horse– may it be wild and free.
bisous, e
This is probably one of my fav posts on your blog. I think so often we think about these huge events and that they will make us happy, whenever we reach whatever our personal bar for 'enough' is. But in reality, being consistently happy is made up of all the little things that you do and surround yourself with in your every day life. From one artist to another, thanks for the inspiration 😉
This is probably one of my fav posts on your blog. I think so often we think about these huge events and that they will make us happy, whenever we reach whatever our personal bar for 'enough' is. But in reality, being consistently happy is made up of all the little things that you do and surround yourself with in your every day life. From one artist to another, thanks for the inspiration 😉
Glorious.
This is me today my love, the smile that won't quit, easy breezy, so in love with my life. So much delight 🙂
I just keep loving you more and more, thank you for the beautiful things and feelings you put out into the world. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Your zest for life is contagious. Now I'm smiling.
You are inspiring, as always, dear Elizabeth. I will find my joy this year. Big changes, movement (in so many ways)…and it will happen.
You're being so happy makes ME so very very happy. MWAH!
yes yes yes Candace!!! you go it so right! love that we can inspire each other! xoxo, e
oh HOORAY!!!! maybe new kitties are the BIG day joy? xoxoxo !
ohhhhhh YOU!!!! could you possible make me feel any more special? THANK you!!! xoxox, e
YAY !! I know, it's funny how fast good feelings can spread .. .:)
oh, I know things have been challenging for you of late and I am TOTALLY holding the vision for 2014 being FULL of ease, light and joy for you!! xoxo, e
yep yep yep yep—– mirror images, you and me!
Oh, this is a delicious post! Your joy makes me SO, SO happy. SO HAPPY! I am totally holding this in my thoughts and using YOU as a model. 🙂 xoxoxo
heeee!!! happiness as contagion! I LOVE it. xo, e
…”why did it feel so good? The answer was simply that I have carved out a life where what I see, what I touch, eat, — who I connect with, where I walk, what I do– all of it, each bit of it . . . I love.”(E.D.) I love this! It always comes down to some form of love does it not. In this case clearly love for your self…you have inspired me with this answer. To look at my life and make sure everything in it is something I absolutely love. I have been so sad and mourning but a little joy now and then is so desperately needed in order to continue this journey I am on. Thank you, Elizabeth!
oh Carol– I am so sorry for the sadness, the grief, the missing and the mourning that has filled your days. I do believe as the pain lifts and you can bring focus to the present moment— finding a way to bring your attention to things you genuinely love, that bring your pleasure– this will sound so silly, but for instance, I have these two pink gingham linen napkins and the color of the pink and the texture of the linen– I just love using them and having them near me on the table— especially on this winter day— the scent of cinnamon makes me happy so I sprinkle it on my coffee, etc etc— small small things that combined, can bring true pleasure to the moment. sending you all best and wishes for more ease, more light in your every day . . xo, e
Thank you, Elizabeth…the napkins… not silly at all! I so get it. One forgets 'la dolce vita' in that sometimes we become so utilitarian in our living we forget about beauty and pleasure, which can also be healing to our battered spirits. Beginning to seek the pleasurable today…xo!
i
Dearest Elizabeth- So happy that you have found your joy.
XOXOXOOX !!!