On My Mind

Monday Author: Susanne Skinner

Every now and then we should stop and take a moment to see what we’re missing.  There is so much going on we can’t possibly keep track of everything. That’s why we have the Internet. It tells us what we need to know and what has slipped past us while we are busy living our lives.

Read these things you should know and you will feel a bit happier and a bit smarter.  Inhale the good in the world around us.When we take the time to read we automatically get smarter. We’re surrounded by news but sometimes there’s just too much and we tune it out. Can you blame us?  Our world is hurting; watching and reading the news feels like it might never be healed.

Sometimes I just want to hear the good news. I need to balance all that sadness, pain and hopelessness with the lighter, funnier side of things. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, it means I just want some breathing room so I can appreciate the good things.

I started a new job this week (opportunity knocked) and I’m on a plane bound for business in one of my favorite cities—San Francisco. I’m pretty sure I will leave my heart there.

Before I left I did your homework for you. Read these things on my mind and you will feel a bit happier and a bit smarter. Inhale the good in the world around us.  Here are some of the things you should know.

Life on the Lighter Side

  • Recipe Writing is getting a Makeover:  the Internet has changed the way we cook. The art of recipe writing and food preparation is not what it once was.  Thanks to all-food,-all-the-time television programs and chefs who do it their way we have options. And food blogs….so many wonderful food blogs. It’s my guilty pleasure. Read it. Watch it. Make it.
  • Life on the Lighter SideLife without Cell Phones  is photographer Eric Pickersgill’s visual reminder of how strange we look when an electronic device has been edited out of a photo, not to mention how strange we look with them permanently embedded in our hands. We’ve created the era of no eye contact.  Something to think about. FOMO
  • Meeting Body Language:  We have too many meetings. Sometimes we find ourselves at a loss for words when we are sitting in these meetings. Here’s some head nodding body language to help you when an eyeball roll just won’t do. This also works with children.  Bust a move.
  • Best Scarf Tying Video Ever: Seriously, what are you waiting for??
  • European Style Butter:  You all know how I feel about baking. Those of you who know me too well also know a trip to Europe nets at least 5 pounds of European butter coming home in my suitcase. It makes everything taste better. On this side of the pond Land o Lakes has gone and done their version. Treat yourself.
  • The Animal Lending Library: It had to happen. For twenty dollars, you may “find out about the responsibilities and enjoyment of having a pet—feeding, cleaning, grooming, handling, and exercising—without the long-term expense and commitment of purchasing an animal.”  Where is this you ask?  California of course.

Good Reading

Books make the world a better place.  Here’s what I’m reading:

  • We lose ourselves in books; we find ourselves there tooFuriously Happy by Jenny Lawson. I have started this book and I can’t stop laughing. An incredibly funny story about one woman’s crippling depression and anxiety. You don’t think you should be laughing about mental illness, but Jenny creates an honest discussion about her lifelong battle and you can’t help it—and you can’t put it down.
  • The Year of Cozy by Adrianna Adarme: projects and recipes abound in this wonderful little book that is going to be my go-to when winter weather and cabin fever is upon me.   It’s a one-stop shop when I’m looking for something to do.   First project:  making fruit sugar.  For more inspiration, check out her Blog.
  • Water from My Heart by Charles Martin: Romance at its best in old fashioned love story.  Not your mother’s Harlequin. Recommended by readers in my line book club.

Life is a stress test. You should never get too busy to learn random things that make you curious, smile, or laugh out loud and be in the moment. If that doesn’t do it for you, rent yourself a pet (or borrow one from a friend) sit quietly and remind yourself that a bad day doesn’t equal a bad life. Leave the door open and let some happiness sneak in.