Friday, November 27, 2020

Three Things For Your (Solo) Autumn Picnic

 I am grateful for 
the lessons in this season...

new opportunities to

learn
grow
heal

by

slowing down
being mindful
being present

and

taking in the beauty 

of where I am
(while I am there)


And no matter how mindful I feel I am becoming, 
I am constantly reminded of how much I still miss...


because although I've passed this way many times
it was not until more recently that I discovered

a resting place that I had never noticed

    

so...

I've slowed down
considerably

(again)

grateful

to just sit
and sip

my warm morning beverage

      

I found joy in the simple packing
of only three things...

-a Blanket
-a Beverage
-a Book



What's in your Autumn
picnic basket?

(sharing here today)

Monday, November 9, 2020

Maintaining a "Socially Distant" Mindset

One of the greatest revelations
during the COVID-19 pandemic

(and subsequent quarantine)

was

"You cannot control
other people"

and although

their lifestyles
their practices
their belief systems

may adversely affect you
those things are independently theirs

and even if you are the most careful
some things are beyond your control

so

(unless you are planning to
go completely "off the grid")

you must learn to navigate this world
with the people living in it with you

--------------------------------

Here are some things to consider:

Minimize contact

"If you don't need
to go out, don't!"



1. Find joy in the simple pleasures
found right at home, instead...

-Prepare home cooked meals
-Backyard BBQ's
-Indoor picnics


2. Enjoy time together with...

-Family Game Night
-Movie Night
-Spa Day

3. Stay connected with...

-Virtual meetings/ gatherings
-Drive by and wave parties/parades
-Text, calls, social media platforms

--------------------

Healthy practices
and lifestyle choices


-Wash your hands
and
WEAR YOUR MASK!



-Exercise and take control
of your eating habits



-Pray and meditate, 
and read your Bible


--------------------

Maintain Social
"Distancing"

(and tighten your circle)



because

now is a good time to practice
what you've always known...

Everyone doesn't warrant 
personal physical contact 

(or "access" to you)

Sorry, not sorry!

What is your Fall/Winter mindset?

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Exploring Art and Culture (Native American Heritage)

Our exploration of art and culture
has provided the amazing opportunity

to... 

learn about
celebrate
share

our similarities
our differences
our cultures

and November gives us pause
to acknowledge how it all began...

Native American Heritage Month

"Certain things may catch your eye, but
pursue only those that capture the heart"

-Native Proverb


Follow the link to find more


Children's books and hands-on activities
will engage even your youngest learners



The Gathering Drum

The leader sounds the gathering drum
strong and steady

to 

summons the tribe
lead the ritual preparation
and initiate storytelling for oral tradition

"Throw me to the wolves and
I will return leading the pack"

-Native Proverb

(find more Art and Culture here)

Monday, October 26, 2020

Twenty California Sunsets

Whenever we see
beautiful sunsets, 

we stop...
we gaze...
we wonder...

 trying to 
take in

all of the

captivating
mesmerizing

blends of 

orange
red
purple
pink

Heavenly painted masterpieces 
mortal artists can only dream of 


because...

the heavens declare the glory of God
and the firmament shows His handiwork


proving... 

He is with us
He loves us
He shines on us 

(daily)



and only the future glory
(He's prepared for His children)

can ever compare
to these California sunsets


Share your favorite sunset...
tondradenise@att.net 

(for a possible feature on our)

 "Top 20 Sunsets of 2020"
blog compilation

Friday, October 23, 2020

Exploring Art and Culture w/ Family Movie Night

Exploring "Art and Culture" is amazing
as we learn so much together!

click here

(to start from the beginning)
-------------------------------

Our theater experiences are limited, but there is
absolutely nothing stopping us from enjoying 

the films we love with
the people we love 

while in 

the comfort of our own... 

homes
cars
backyards

Gather your loved ones, pull out the blankets, and prepare
for an "in-home" family movie experience everyone can enjoy

COCO

   

Children cannot sit through an entire movie?

No worries...
 hit the drive-in!

Paramount Drive-in Theatres


Back at home set up an interactive display with
snacks and developmentally appropriate activities


"We may have our differences, but
nothing's more important than family"


(re) introduce...

"Day of the Dead" 
a traditional Mexican holiday 

as a time to celebrate family

-honor loved ones who have passed
-introduce young children to family history and heritage
-remember those who matter most to us

the underlying message is love, grace 
(restoration), and perseverance

-----------------------------

Movie Sleepover

Gather your blankets and pillows
build a fort, and cozy up to watch

Inside Out


as characters 

Anger, Fear, Joy, Sadness, Disgust
show how each play an important part
in our growth and development

laugh...
cry...
talk about it...

this movie has so many layers (and is perfect) 
for starting a conversation about feelings

"Take her to the moon for me Joy"

(same part gets me every time!)

----------------------------

and finally...

Who says "family movie night"
has to be at night?

Consider...

"Brunch and a Movie"
instead!

w/

The Little Prince



"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye."

-The Little Prince

Take time to play
pay attention
open your eyes 

(and see)

exactly who/what 
matters most to you

Monday, October 19, 2020

All Aboard... Let's Travel By Train

You know that family member
you try to block on social media?

I have quickly become her!

Because lately...

I have been unable to resist

stalking
staking out
sticking to 

my family members' pages/stories
(convincing them to share) 

whenever I see them 

traveling
experiencing
enjoying

unique adventures 
I'd also like to share with you...
-----------------------------------------------

My mother and sisters-in-law recently
traveled upstate to celebrate w/ family


and...

Sunshine graciously agreed
to take us along for the ride


All Aboard... 
Let's Travel by Train!!


(this will probably be the only
time you hear me say this) 

but... 

"Put down your book, look up, 
and enjoy the view"


She says...

Try one of their rooms. The ability to close a door,
and stretch out while traveling is priceless


Union Station to San Jose
(approx 9 hour train ride)


and views from the Observation Car
will remind you to take it all in with

Gratitude and Grace

Sunshine's Travel Tip:

Reserve a room, dress comfortably,
and bring everything you need to relax


She says...

Food and drinks are included,
but train food is not for everyone

Bring your own food, if possible!


Sunshine's Travel Tip:

When the train stops, take advantage
of opportunities to get out and stretch

Day 2- Destination



 
Fog Harbor Fish House
Fisherman's Wharf- Pier 39


After lunch...

Do some light shopping
and sample some chocolates!



or bring home some caramel
for your hot apple cider


as you warm your heart with memories
of your favorite family adventures!

(find more Family Adventures here)