minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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Write Your Heart Out

Write Your Heart Out

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. JEAN-BAPTISTE MASSIEU Photography and journaling…over the past several years, they have grown together.

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Memory Keeping 2019
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AROUND THE WEB

Regular Contributor to Focusing on Life.

Story Teller for Ali Edwards Design Team

Currently Teaching at Big Picture Classes.

My Portfolio - Kelly Ishmael Photography

I’ve never been one to fight the crowds and shop

I’ve never been one to fight the crowds and shop on Black Friday. Instead I prefer to stay at home in my cozy clothes and put up our Christmas Tree.

Tripp and I dragged the two huge canvas bags up from the basement containing the tree sections, and then he set the sections in place. As always, breathing a sigh of relief when all the lights came on.

Sidenote: This is year four of our “ten year investment” in this tree according to Tripp who is keeping track on a tag that we keep in the same bag as the branchfluffinggloves™.

Anyway, while Tripp was watching the OU football game, I decorated the tree. It's a process that is a little like taking a trip down memory lane, and one that aways leaves me feeling a little wistful and weepy. And also incredibly grateful.

Every so often, Tripp would come upstairs and check in with my progress. After I finished he took a look around at all the ornaments that represent our 31 years of Christmases together. Then he brought me in for a giant hug and I said, “we’ve done something really special here.” He replied, “yes, we have.”

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#twinklelightsforever #merryandbright #transfer_visions #tv_living #tv_retro #moody_tones #moodmagic #flashesofdelight #allthingsofbeauty_ #kaieverydaymagic

The week in pictures. A full week and a full hea

The week in pictures.

A full week and a full heart. So grateful for the spectacular beauty of Autumn. So grateful for a day to gather around the table with my people. So grateful for every tiny moment of joy.
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#gatheredstyle #foreverfaffing #loveliest4 #astilllifestyle #floral_faffery #still_life_gallery #tv_stillife #jj_still_life #tv_living #global_ladies #transfer_visions #tv_neatly #tv_flowers #tv_retro #etherealmoods #moody_tones #moodforfloral #moodyflorals #curated_nature #ihavethisthingwithflowers #stylingtheseasons #petalsandprops #floralperfection #thefolkpr0ject #blissfulphotoart #creative_florals

I stumbled across an article recently that talked

I stumbled across an article recently that talked about the mental health benefits of working with our hands. According to the author, when we make things with out hands it activates what is known as the “effort-driven reward circuit”. And in turn, our brain releases endorphins and serotonin while causing the stress hormone cortisol to decrease.

Interesting fact! Working with our hands activates a disproportionately larger area of the brain than using the muscles of the legs and beck!

Anyway, basically what this means is making things with our hands is good for our brains and mental well-being. Something I have known in my body for a long time, but I love knowing a little more about the science of that experience.

So to all my maker friends, whether you make scrapbook pages, baked goods, watercolor paintings, floral arrangements, or any other kind of craft , keep doing what you’re doing. It’s so good for you - body, mind, and spirit.
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#gatheredstyle #foreverfaffing #loveliest4 #astilllifestyle #floral_faffery #still_life_gallery #tv_stillife #jj_still_life #tv_living #global_ladies #transfer_visions #tv_neatly #tv_flowers #tv_retro #etherealmoods #moody_tones #moodforfloral #moodyflorals #curated_nature #ihavethisthingwithflowers #stylingtheseasons #petalsandprops #floralperfection #thefolkpr0ject #blissfulphotoart #creative_florals #kaigarden2023

Little moments. I loved playing along with the @a

Little moments.

I loved playing along with the @aliedwardsdesigninc community this week capturing little moments and little stories about life right now. I love turning my lens towards little things that delight or capturing moments of peace and presence.
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#transfer_visions #tv_living #tv_hiddenbeauty #tv_doorsandwindows #tv_retro #doorsandwindows #jj_doorsandwindows #moody_tones #moodmagic #flashesofdelight #allthingsofbeauty_ #kaieverydaymagic

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Some of My Favorite Topics

10 Things 31 days 50 Stories 52 Weeks of Pinspiration! blogging crafts creativity faith family friends gardening holidays home Learning To See life memory keeping Nature photography recipes seasons Summer Magic The Week in Photos travel Uncategorized

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