Autumn Beauty

Creativity Adds Value

This past weekend there was a LOT happening in our little towns.
Oktoberfest. Gallery Stroll. Art exhibits. Live music. And so much more. 

I enjoy living in a place that values beauty. And art. And coming together to celebrate. 

We have so many creative people who make daily life interesting and lovely. 

Thank you Kim Zahnow for the amazing photo of the Northern Lights. And, thank you 3 Flowers Farm and Mary Deur for the beautiful flower delivery (Rhoda, I appreciate you! ♥️🙏🏽)

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“If we begin to get in touch with whatever we feel 
with some kind of kindness, 
our protective shells will melt,
and we’ll find that more areas of our lives are workable.”

~ PEMA CHÖDRÖN

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Hello!

It’s interesting. For three years now, I have sat down every Tuesday to start my weekly newsletter. 

Sometimes? I know where my writing is going well before my fingers land on the keys. 

Other times? I have zero direction. 🤪

What then? 

It might be the selection of photos that inspires me. Or, the quotation that directs my thoughts. Oftentimes it’s a conversation, or a situation, or a feeling that I’ve recently experienced that finds its way to the foreground. 

Regardless of the creative spark? It always takes time. And stillness. Because, I strive to write from a place of truth. A truth that is distilled enough to (hopefully) be of some value to you. 🙏🏽

Last week’s message spurred on many wonderful conversations. 
I’m grateful for them all. Thank you for your courage, and your vulnerability, to share. 

Looking into our own issues isn’t easy. Sometimes, looking within can be unsettling and uncomfortable. And, I know being uncomfortable is something most of us hope to avoid. 😟

But here’s the thing. Some internal discomfort can be okay. I try and remind myself that what’s getting churned up is temporary, and it’s here to teach me something. 

Also, I don’t want my insecurities and defense mechanisms to take over, so I remind myself to use a soft internal gaze. No need to be staring myself down like my Mother used to when I hadn’t cleaned my room, or when I came in past curfew.
😉 🤣

If we’re into the concept of  “always evolving,” then exploring our edges, looking into the corners, lifting up the darkness? These are wonderful ways of promoting growth. 

I’m a big believer that if we slow down. Find some moments to pause. Are willing to open ourselves up to an honest look within, we can continue making small shifts that make monumental differences. 

Here’s to thriving the best we can!

Full moon blessings,
~ m

P. S. Happy 3rd anniversary to US! When I started this endeavor three years ago, I promised myself I would try sending out a weekly email for one month. 
4 newsletters seemed daunting, but doable.

Some of you have been with me since that very first effort. Thank you ☺️

Three years later, we’ve grown larger, and we’ve come a long ways. 
Cheers to us all! 🎉