bliss moments

My Monday morning started out rather typical for a Monday. I spilled my coffee down the front of my shirt as I walked into the office. It did not bode well for the day but then I walked towards my desk and behold, what did I see...a copy of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" cookbook. And to boot, it was a used copy. My colleague knew I was looking for a copy and she had one lying around she didn't want. It made my day. Who knew a cookbook could make a day right? She inscribed it "Bon Apetit Sara."

The spine of my new treasure - so exciting

On another note, I bought my first ever piece of art. My friend Kristin does some really beautiful art and yesterday, she held an art show. I attended and purchased. I feel like a grown-up now. I think this is also on my 101 things to do list. Now, I just need to get it framed properly.

The color didn't really come out well in the photo but the message is clear

And on the topic of beautiful and wonderful things, I picked up a bushel (or so) of colorful tomatoes. I will be making another batch of the Mothership Tomato Salad. I can't wait to eat it. I am also going to try making homemade crostini to eat with the salad. I am inspired by the movie, Julie & Julia. In the film, Amy Adams character, Julie, makes these crostini-like things in her frying pan. My mouth watered. By the way, if you have not seen the movie, go now and see it. Meryl Streep is amazing once again.

And they even taste like tomatoes...

Lisa Hannigan - I Don't Know - video

I love this song and video. Enjoy!

idea books

I am a collector of many things but I think my favorite thing to collect is ideas. When I was in grade 7, I began collecting ideas in books. Partly inspired by my older sister and partly inspired by the world, these books took a life of their own. The ideas arrive in my life in the form of notes, pictures, magazines, quotes, ticket stubs and so many other things. I am not sure how many books I have but it always gives me a slight thrill to complete an idea book. And tonight, another idea book is complete.

The completed book

A sneak peak inside

Now, the difficult decision of choosing the new idea book. Many things need to be considered before a book is chosen for the prestigious role of Sara's idea book. I am leaning towards the green one. I like the color. It makes me smile.

Desiderata

A friend revealed this poem to me recently. I thought I would share it with you.

Desiderate

by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.