May is wrapping up, making way for June. It’s already in the 90s in Louisiana, so it may as well be summer as far as I’m concerned. We’re just waiting for the rest of the country to catch up with us. Ha!
When I set out today to settle in a quiet place to write, I didn’t think I’d find a different project that I would so eagerly embrace. Organizing things and mindless sorting can be – CAN be (not always) – greatly soothing activities for me. That’s how it ended up today. The first few hours at my writing destination were spent cleaning it up. Tidying, organizing, and then washing a few glass coffee tables turned out to be exactly what I needed without realizing it. When I finally sat down to write, I was able to look around and not be instantly overwhelmed by the chaos of clutter. It’s nice – especially when so much going on in life and the world at large is out of your control – to exercise the control you do have to make a small wedge of the world a little better. Knowing that someone else will also benefit from today’s cleaning is an added bonus because I certainly won’t wreck the place upon leaving. I even found a tiny but massively fragrant candle to burn on the table beside me. How soothing and healing it can be to calm the chaos in one’s immediate vicinity. I keep breathing sighs of relief every time I look around.
My wedding is just shy of three weeks away. There are some final touches that need doing, but there’s little to cause anxiety. I’m excited to tie my life to someone I love. We both did it once before in the dewy-eyed foolishness of youth and both paid dearly for those mistakes. This time around, we are older and wiser and more honest about our needs and concerns. I don’t mean to imply that romance isn’t a part of our relationship because it absolutely is, but we are clear-sighted and deliberate in our decision to marry, despite the challenges we face because of it.
Here are June’s suggestions for little ways to enrich your life:
- Reading for Fun: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. You can find it on Amazon* or a very imperfect version free online, and here is a reading on YouTube.
- For a Challenge: The Frogs by Aristophanes. You can find it free online from MIT or on Amazon*, and here is a reading on YouTube.
- Artist: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). Below is an example of his art.
- Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven. Here is a sampling of his work.
- Movement: Cycling. Here is an instructional video on how to start cycling for beginners.
- Game: King’s Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow is an adventure game by Sierra. You can find it on GOG along with games 4 and 5 of the series.
- Snacks: Strawberry. Here are some nutritional facts about strawberries. Try them whole and unadorned, or refresh yourself with a strawberry smoothie. Cutting them up and topping them with whipped cream is my favorite.
- Meditation: Guided visualization. Here is a guided imagery meditation by Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital.
- Journaling Theme: Keep a journal, and doodle butterflies/fireflies in a jar. Colorful loops around a central oval or blob aren’t too tough to draw. This can liven up a journal for people (like me) who find it tough to maintain.
Try to incorporate as many of these into your day as possible over the course of June. By experimenting with these little samples, you just might discover something you love!
*These are Amazon Affiliate links.
Magical Musings 