A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Wednesday 4th April 2012 

Outside my window...I haven't actually got a view today, in fact I haven't even got a window! I'm sitting in an office that unfortuately hasn't one. It's such a shame too because its a perfect day outside. I hope to finish here soon and get outside to enjoy it. I hear that the temperature today will reach 27 degree's celcius!

I am thinking...it would be brilliant to have this weather for the next few weeks. I know that's a little greedy but my SIL is arriving soon from the UK and I'd love her to thaw out and enjoy the warmth, especially as I've seen the weather that the UK is having today! 

I am thankful...for so many things...I'm truly blessed. My family, health, home and location to name but a few. Someone commented this morning that I appear in a happy place. She made me think and yes she's right...I am and for that I'm thankful.

In the kitchen...in the cake container there's only a few crumbs left from the simplest fruit cake
But a huge pan of homemade soup...guess there's not going to be a rush on that today. 

I am wearing...capri jeans, t-shirt, and ballet shoes. No doubt the winter wardrobe will appear soon, but with these temperatures not just yet :D

I am creating...line drawings or zentangles. I have other plans but there's still some designs that I want to do first before I move on. My mojo seems to be settled at the moment so I'm happy.

I am going...to a meeting with a few entrepreneurial  ladies tomorrow morning...all very exciting.

I am wondering...why you never see baby pigeon's! NEVER!

I am reading... I'm sorry but its still 'The Dovekeepers' by Alice Hoffman

Over five years in the writing, Alice Hoffman’s most ambitious and mesmerizing novel ever, a triumph of imagination and research set in ancient Israel. 

At this point I normally write about the book and author, but I think the best idea might be for Alice Hoffman tell you about her book herself.... 

A few of the girls from my book club have read this amazing book already and are euphoric when talking about it. One of the girls is a prolific reader but couldn't read another book straight after finishing this one...she said she needed time to appreciate fully what a magnificent piece of literature she had just read. Reading quite a few reviews I think I'm in quite a wonderful read. 

About the Author: 

Alice Hoffman was born in New York City on March 16, 1952 and grew up on Long Island. After graduating from high school in 1969, she attended Adelphi University, from which she received a BA, and then received a Mirrellees Fellowship to the Stanford University Creative Writing Center, which she attended in 1973 and 74, receiving an MA in creative writing. She currently lives in Boston and New York. 

I am hoping...to get to many new places and see interesting sights whilst my SIL is here. I hope to take gazillions of photos, drink beautiful wine, eat wonderful meals, and make her stay worth the 12,000 miles that she's travelled to get here. Then hopefully she'll return and tell everyone at home what a wonderful time she's had and they'll all come to visit soon. ;D (that's my plan)

I am looking forward to...obviousy my SIL's visit. New places of discovery. Easter break. The autumn colours. Chatting on the phone with my daughter, creating more art, finishing my book and starting all the others that are lined up waiting....and so much more.

Around the house...there's lots to clean and tidy. Nothing too drastic (because I couldn't live like that) but I want to blitz the place, so that then I can relax and enjoy a good break.

A favourite quote for today...“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
― Erma Bombeck

One of my favourite things...smiles :D Such an easy thing to do but for some seems so difficult.

Here are 10 reasons to smile:

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive ~ We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away - but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood ~Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious ~When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress ~ Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System ~ Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure ~ When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin ~ Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger ~ The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful ~ Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive ~ Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. 

.....Not sure I agree with number 8...I smile a lot but I don't look 19 years old anymore!....

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day...whilst walking I spotted this little chap up above...a Kookaburra

 Then he decided to check me out...checking him out! 

I'd never noticed the beautiful blue feathers before...

Did you notice that sky?

So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have fun : D