Turtles, Coughing Fits + Binder Clips

What do these things have in common?  Well not a lot...except for that they were all a part of my day today.

My daughter stayed home from school today with a persistent cough that's been bothering her for the last week.  She's a great kid and I'm so lucky...but you know how it is when you've got a sick kid at home and a pile of work to do?!  Anyhow...I needn't have worried about entertaining her because only a few hours into our day she discovered a wild turtle walking down the middle of our street.  Of course he was promptly given a name (Sheldon) and she's been busy looking after him ever since.  I remember wanting a pet turtle more than anything when I was about 8 years old...so watching her with him brings back wistful memories from my childhood.

Anyhow...with my daughter happily distracted I busied myself with a little tutorial that I posted over on Creature Comforts and then remembered that I found these awesome binder clips at Office Depot the other night that I wanted to share with you.

I love binder clips (they are perfect for hanging photos and art prints) and the brand new wall covered in colorful supplies at Office Depot did not disappoint.  They have just about any clip color you could want (I think they were only about $2), as well as push pins, paper clips, magnets, etc.  If you've got one near you and you geek out for office supplies as much as I do, then I recommend that you plan a trip soon.

What sorts of random things were a part of your day today?  Thanks for stopping by!  xo Ez

Update on Sunday, May 23, 2010 by Ez

Just a wee update to let you all know that I found my binder clips for sale on the Office Depot website.  They are priced bit more than in stores, but if you don't have a store in your area this could be perfect for you.  xo

My Rainy Day Project

I love rain.  So much of the time it inspires and invigorates me...but then there are days like today when it's pouring outside and all I want to do is sleep.  Since I can't do that (insert loud sighing sound here) I decided to make a quick project out of potting a pretty succulent I picked up at the store last night.  This sweet little vintage flowerpot has served time as a pencil holder for a couple of years (because it had no drainage holes), but after it broke during our recent move (no more drainage hole problem) I decided it was time for him to fulfill his intended purpose.

A tiny bit of potting soil in the pot and quick gentle loosening of his roots was all it took...and taa-daa!  He's been affectionately named Winston, and is now perched happily on my desk so I can admire him...but he will probably end up outside or in my kitchen or I'll end up with soil all over my keyboard (not good).

Isn't he cute?!  xo Ez

Ode To A Teacup

About a year ago (maybe longer), I decided that I would make an effort to not just gulp down my daily cups of tea without a second though.  That instead, I would enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping said brew from my growing stockpile of vintage teacups and pretty mugs.  It was an act in patience and intentional slowing down more than anything else.  Much of my life feels like it is about maximizing, rushing, and deadlines (real or imagined), so of course a diminutive cup of tea isn't always as practical as a giant mug-full is...but it is, I've found, a lot more enjoyable.  I challenge you to try it and see for yourself just how much more pleasurable those sips of tea become when they are drunk from something more than your ordinary mug.

As a wee gift to myself, I recently added a lovely little vessel by KevinOsheaDesigns to my teacup shelf and it alone has taken my love of tea to new levels (I didn't even know that was possible).  I love the hand-drawn elements and it has such a wonderful feeling of glossy earthiness (not sure if that even makes sense) while pressed inside my palm.  Do you have any small pleasures that take the rush out of your day and help to bring more enjoyment to your life?  I'd love to know.  xo Ez

A Walk Through the Rose Garden

Hi guys.  Sorry I've been m.i.a. lately.  I have to confess that my energy level has been pretty non-existent these past few weeks...so much so that even taking photographs (my favorite thing) feels like an extraordinary effort.  Since I ended up spending the entire weekend in bed I pushed myself to get outside yesterday and managed a short photo walk with my daughter through our local Rose Garden.

It was exquisite!  Walking through the rows of blooms brought back some wonderful memories of trips my Mom use to take my little sister and me on to one of the Minneapolis Rose Gardens.  Of course being much shorter then (I think I was around 5 or 6 years old) my strongest recollection is of being utterly and completely surrounded by towering bushes covered in every color and delicious scent imaginable.  I can almost feel the sun on my cheeks again and the sound of bumble bees busy at work mingling with my squeals of delight "smell this one mom!" "look at that one!" etc.

Did you have a favorite place to "escape" to when you were small?  I'm pretty sure I would have been happy to stay in that place forever (and probably put up a good fit whenever my Mom said it was "time to go").

In any case I am off again for some more tests with the doctors today (the most unpleasant ones to date) and would be so appreciative of any good thoughts you can send my way.  I know they will cheer me up as I'm sitting uncomfortably in the Dr.'s office.  Hugs, Ez

Update on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 by Ez

Just wanted to post a little follow-up.  It seems that some of the initial tests I took (last week) were clear (when they expected otherwise) while some of the test results need further exploration.  Soooo...my big test for today was cancelled (woot) and I will be awaiting further testing in the coming weeks. Thanks for your kind words of support everyone.  xo Ez

A Note of Gratitude

Hello there lovelies.  Through Creature Comforts and Carrying On I am continually moved by our blogging community and the generosity and kindness of you (my readers).  I haven't had the pleasure of meeting many of you in person, but I feel as though we are friends.  I am so grateful for the thoughtful ways that you touch my life...leaving comments of encouragement and support, surprise e-cards, and even lovely notes of kindness in the mail (like the beautiful inspiration print that now hangs above my desk - thank you Delia)!  Seriously...I'm certain that you all are the sweetest in the world!  So thank you for brightening my day with your visit and comments.  I am forever grateful for each one of you!  xo Ez