Simple Pleasure - Afternoon Tea

Photo by Melody Augustin

I admit it, I bought this tea because of the pretty tin. My husband says I am a marketer's dream. The tea is really good, though.  It has become one of my favorite simple pleasures.

http://www.harney.com/bangkok.html

Another favorite tea comes from TEAVANA

http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/white-teas/p/very-berry-white-tea

I'd love to hear from any other tea lovers.  What is your favorite tea?

Spirit - Savasana In Life

Photo by Melody Augustin

My body clock is telling me it is time to kick it into gear - the school year is starting.  For the first time in twenty years I won't be teaching in the fall, though.  I am so grateful to my husband that we were able to work out some downtime for me as we transition into a new state.  Habits die hard, though, and ever since the school supplies have hit the Target shelves, I've felt the need to figure out what I am going to do with the rest of my life.

Photo by Melody Augustin

I have been going through some other issues in my life, as well. Right now my lesson really seems to be to let go of control - of situations, of people, of the past.  That's not always easy for me.  Did I mention that my closet is organized by color and all the hangers have to be the same and all facing the same direction? Did I also mention that as of October my husband and I have no place to live, and will probably be living in extended stay with a cat?  It won't be easy, but I'm going to try to relax.  I am going to try to follow this advice from Danielle LaPorte -

"It will be tempting to make plans for what's next, but resist and be still.  At the end of most yoga classes there is time for Savasana.  We need more Savasana in our lives to integrate what we're learning."
Danielle LaPorte - The Fire Starter Sessions

Spirit - Light

"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." - Yogi Bhajan

My work with light in photography:

Photo taken by Melody Augustin at Monches Farm - Colgate, WI

Photo by Melody Augustin

Photo by Melody Augustin

Photo by Melody Augustin

Photo by Melody Augustin

Photo by Melody Augustin

Simple Pleasure - Depression Glass

Depression glass is colored translucent glassware that was given away or able to be purchased at a small expense during the Great Depression.  I have a few pieces in my collection.  I have always adored the pink and green pastel shades.

My favorite piece is my grandmother's pink cookie jar.  I have fond memories of getting goodies out of it as a child.  It was given to my sister when my grandmother passed away.  I was young and not collecting yet. When I bought my first home my father bought it from my sister, and gave it to me as a housewarming gift.  It has double the meaning and memories from two special people who are no longer here.

Simple - Food - Summer Pasta Salad

I know some of you have already pinned this on Pinterest, but if you are like me you pin things and it takes a while to try them out.  This recipe gets a thumbs up.  It was easy, healthy, and yummy. It has become a summer simple pleasure. Thanks to Skinnytaste for posting it!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/05/summer-pasta-salad-with-baby-greens.html

Remember my new Pinterest boards can be found at:
http://pinterest.com/simpleblog/boards/

Spirit - Why I Do Yoga

People think I do yoga because I'm a calm person.  That couldn't be farther from the truth.  I can be a bundle of anxiety and nerves, and just generally uptight.  Letting go is not my thing. Yoga brings these qualities into my awareness, and gives me a small area of practice before taking it to the real world. You have to notice things about yourself before you can change them. Yoga also helps since some of the areas I need to work on is getting out of my head, letting go, and relaxing.   Maybe yoga is not your thing, but I bet there is an area of you life where you could notice your reactions and habits - maybe your golf game, your thoughts while you run, your interactions with your kids, or whatever works for you. If you are interested in learning more about yoga here are a few of my favorite websites.

• http://life.gaiam.com/
• http://www.yogajournal.com/
• http://www.mindbodygreen.com/

Style - Stage Your House For You

My husband and I just put our house up for sale.  In the weeks before we listed my husband did some quick projects.  I have also been keeping the house a little cleaner and have been buying fresh flowers in case of a showing.  I'm sure that everyone who goes through this process says the same thing - "Why did we wait."  and "We should do this all of the time."
How about you, what are you waiting for?  Stage your house for you!