Big Boat Day

April 26, 2013 Photo of the day:  "Still Floats!"

Today is "Big Boat Day" at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. This morning a 25-ton crane was hired to safely place our boats back into the lake. Since it's a school day, I missed the festivities. These photos are courtesy of my husband Eric's iPhone. Sailing Season has officially begun, but we still need to step the mast, clean the interior, and pray for warmer days and fair winds...Sail la Vie!

What a difference a day makes!

April 25, 2013 Photo of the day: "Crocus"

First Bloom

April 24, 2013 Photo of the day: "First Bloom"

Today, after weeks of waiting,

I finally spotted the first blossom in my garden:

this tiny, delicate crocus.

Vraie Beauté

April 23, 2013 Photo of the day: "MWAH!"

Yesterday, I posted a close-up photo of myself smelling a bouquet of flowers. As soon as I published it, I began to second guess my decision. As I started to scrutinize the photo, I realized that I was really critiquing myself. I worried that my hair was frizzy, my freckles made my skin look uneven, my eyes looked a bit blood-shot.... In fact, each time I see a photo of myself, I go through the same process, focusing on all of my self-perceived faults. Of course, we all want the right angles and lighting to optimize our appearance, but why are we so self-critical?

*

This morning, I discovered this wonderful video that clearly illustrates how we really are our own worst critics. Others tend focus on our natural attributes, oblivious to the faults that we perceive in ourselves.

So today, I challenge you to be kind to yourself.

Try to see yourself the way others see you.

*

OK, here goes:

My hair isn't "frizzy"; it's thick and wavy.

My complexion is fair and my freckles are youthful.

My eyes are a pretty shade of blue.

Give yourself a break or even a hug :)

#WeAreBeautiful

Happy Earth Day

April 22, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Happy Earth Day"

Take time today to smell the flowers, 

to look up at that blue sky, 

and to wonder at the beauty of nature.

Be cognoscente of your place on the Earth, 

as well as its privilege and responsibility.  

It has been a cold, reluctant spring, 

but that makes a lovely day like today even sweeter! 

(Oh, and I got my eyes checked today, 

so everything looks bright and beautiful :)

Sunday Night Blues

April 21, 2013 Photo of the day: "Sunday Blues"

Why is it that after all these years, 

I still get that Sunday night feeling?

Much like these supermarket hydrangeas,

I feel slightly blue and kind of fragile.

The flowers, like the weekend, are lovely,

but not vibrant enough to satisfy 

my desire longer, warmer days.

Yet, I know they're coming...