Little things

"I have found that some of the simplest things have given me the most pleasure. They didn’t cost me a lot of money either. They just worked on my senses. Did you ever pick very large blueberries after a summer rain Walk through a grove of cottonwoods, open like a park, and see the blue sky beyond the shimmering gold of the leaves? Pull on dry woolen socks after you’ve peeled off the wet ones? Come in out of the subzero and shiver yourself warm in front of a wood fire? The world is full of such things." -Dick Proenneke 

I read this quote the other day and was struck by its deep simplicity. It is the truth. The little things really are what makes the world go around. They make each day bearable and beautiful and full of life. With the real world looming on the horizon, I've been trying to focus on the small things, the little moments that can give you joy enough to fill the day. While there will always be "big" things that you can feel the weight of on your shoulders for some time while they are approaching, that fill your soul with unrest, and that consume your thoughts; it is the little things that will lighten those days and put your fears at bay. The little things can put a smile on your face, that in turn is contagious and that smile and positivity will grow like a sort of mitosis. Give the little things credit where it is due. Don't pay attention to the nagging, annoying little things that just create a buzz in your ear. Do pay attention to the little smiles, the small comforts, the natural beauties, the sensory things. Let the little things and small victories fill your day and your heart with happiness and gratitude. 

Light and love, 

M 

Fresh Air

In my attempt to nourish the creative side of my soul, I decided that it would be a good idea to plant myself in some new(ish) surroundings while I worked. This idea proved to be quite successful as I actually got quite a bit of work done and (bonus!) got to enjoy a little slice of the beauty of Michigan summers. 

Anyone who lives in Michigan can tell you that in one day it can literally be sunny and warm, rainy, and even snowy. That is just the way it is. Call it global warming, call it being surrounded by lakes, call it being shaped like a mitten: it is what it is. So when there is even a splash of sunshine, we Michiganders tend to run outside, shorts on and sunscreen in hand, ready to enjoy it. It has been a particularly chilly summer thus far, so I'm trying to get outside any time that I can. And that I did, yesterday. 

My roommate and I went to Grand River Coffee Company, an adorable little cafe tucked just off of Grand River (hence the name...ha) in East Lansing. I've been here many many times before, but I have never sat outside and let me tell you, it was pretty great. It was shady, but warm and breezy and the sidewalk nearby held a constant flutter of runners, people walking their dogs, or just going for walks and chatting. I was reading for one of my classes (the wrong book, I might add...ARGH!) and sipping on an iced hazelnut latte - which is a complete revelation. I'm in love with that drink! 

Iced hazelnut latte - so yummy! 

Anyway, it was one of those mornings where you can sit outside and really breathe in the air and remember why it is so awesome to live in Michigan. The cool fresh air filling your lungs is like your first breath all over again. The rays of sunshine fall upon the leaves, the flowers, and your skin like radiant beauty from the universe, fueling the earth back up with light and warmth. Listening to people talk about the goings on and this and that reminds you that the banality of the everyday is really what makes life so beautiful. 

Sometimes it simply takes being out of the same old environment to be able to really appreciate what is around you. Here's to hoping that you all (whomever you are) can experience this for yourselves. 

Light and love,

M

Lists of the creative nature

In an effort to get my creative juices flowing and create a quasi creative ravine in my soul, I am making a list of (creative) things that I want to do.

• write more. everyday. rain or shine, happy or sad, busy or bored.
• read more. anything. short story, novel, novella, poem.
• make design quotes. for my future home, wherever that may be.
• be more exploratory in my cooking. at least one new recipe/food a week.

Now what?

This blog is my (potentially futile) attempt to cultivate creativity and positivity in my post-collegiate life. What is this all about, Molly? You may ask. Well, let me tell you little duckling. This is about my search to find myself and my niche in this terrifyingly huge, soul consuming world that we live in. Oh, and about trying to maintain some positivity and grounding in said consuming world.

That being said, I hope that you (dear reader) can also gain something from my experiences and words.

Light and Love.

M