Rainy days and Saturdays always get me rested

Growing up, I would replay the Carpenters' hit, "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down," wondering why they got them down. I understood Mondays, but never rainy days. So, today, I sat, feet up, fireplace in the background, and music on, thinking, "rainy days and Saturdays always get me rested."

Are you a rainy day lover too?

Perspective

Copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennovation.org), January 30, 2015

I had one of those moments - those laugh out loud moments - today when one of our students (who has helped me before on projects) send us an email over a concern he/she was having. After reading it, I had a good laugh over perspective. From our end, his issue seemed small and non-critical. However, as the student presented his/her cause, I realized this was a daily nuisance for this student. Hence, my understanding of perspective.

Everyone has their own challenges & struggles. When was your last perspective check?

Hitting the snooze

I had all of the intentions of waking up early after staying up too late working. However, today, I did it - I hit that button - the snooze button. And, it was totally worth it.

When was the last time you hit the snooze button?

A time to pamper

The great hair-cut of 2015, copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennovation.org), Jan. 28, 2015

Tonight was exactly that - a time to pamper, a time to chop the hair off. Looking in the mirror, I couldn't help but compare myself to that of Tracy Tumblad in Hairspray. Maybe it was the pink or the steamer, but, tonight, I felt like a character in a play.

When was the last time you pampered yourself?

A screenshot of possibilities

Today's moment: remembering how great it is to collaborate and have times to just meet and share ideas. It's critical to talk, share, collaborate, listen, and just be inspired by others. I cherish these moments in my day. Also, it's great to know all of the work out options I have (be sure to subscribe to your gym's calendar!).

When do you make time to listen?

Everyone needs a break

Today's moment: Sitting in a computer lab at 6PM working off of three computers...still at school. Today was my day for sponsoring our Girls Who Code Club. It was in that moment of being surrounded I realized I need a break. When was your last break?

Everyone needs a nap

Copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennovation.org) January 25, 2015

Today's moment: A reminder that I need to treat myself to a nap. Watching my niece nap, I was reminded of how important sleep is. When was your last nap? Have you taken time to rest recently?

A nice day for a bike ride

Today's the first day of sun in a week and the perfect equation for a bike ride. It's hard to beat a nice, crisp, sunny day for biking.

What's your Saturday gift to you?

Cookies and more

Sometimes, the world just needs cookies. Today, I tried out some new recipes and treated myself to some homemade cookies. Some days, you just can't top cookies.

A little bit of destruction

When I got home, my frisky cat begged for play time. And, in the process, she ran under the bed and revealed her destruction of the underside of my box spring. A reminder to not let the small things get in the way of the larger picture.

What keeps you in check?

Vanilla and rain

Two of my favorite elements for relaxing. On a fluke chance, we got rain again. There's something about a steady drizzle that calms even the most stressed. I decided to light a vanilla candle to commemorate winter and celebrate the rain.

Welcome aboard

Today's moment: officially adopting Sil, the cat who found its way to my windowsill two weeks ago and never left. With my current, temper mental, cat, this should be an interesting journey,  but I'm excited to welcome her aboard!

Toilet humor

I had a nice laugh today when I closed the stall door and read this sign meant for elementary students. Though, I'm not for sure what wiping the seat does for sanitary purposes....

#toilethumor

What made you laugh today?

Art exploration

Copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennvoation.org), Jan. 18, 2015 Sunset Tide

Last night, I decided to venture into a new art field - one embedded in color mixing and exploration. Admittedly, I had tried it once before but with little success in my mind. So, I set out again last night to try it again. This time, I was ecstatic. The colors blended, folded, bled, and divided into one giant sunset tide.

What have you decided to try again?

My trusty sidekick

Today's moment: the view from my hammock at my neighborhood lake. After a morning workout, we decided to take a 12 mile bike ride to or lake and set up shop for lunch. The perfect break for January. What's your break? #relax

And, the sun sets

It's been a while since I've seen the sun set with its brilliant colors since we have had a fluke stretch of clouds. However, it's nice to see the sun sometimes. It's hard to beat a gorgeous sunset on a 60-degree winter day.

Home sweet home

Sometimes, there is nothing better than just getting home while there's still light out and looking out the window. Today, that was moment.A simple flower and a simple joy.

What's your happy place?

Random acts of kindness

That's what I found today when walking down an elementary hallway. I love seeing students taking kindness into their own hands and spreading the word.

#passiton

One of the best

Copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennovation.org) . January 13, 2015

Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. And, each day, it's hard to imagine this world without her joy, creativity, love, and kindness. I feel privileged to have had 19 years with her. And, not a day goes by that I don't try to live by her example.

Who's your inspiration?

Remedy to a cold

Copyright Christy Fennewald (Fennovation.org), Blankets Jan. 12, 2015

Some may say chicken noodle soup (and I can't lie - that is a favorite of mine too). However, it's hard to beat a fleece blanket...especially, when it comes in the form of a Snuggie. "Cold" days like today are meant for soup, Snuggies, and writing.

Side note - my Paris trunk is also a top contender so it made a debut in this post.

To be young again

That moment...today was watching my niece. Pure enjoyment. She wanted to help Pap-Pap help crack nuts; however, she lacked the skill. That didn't matter to her.

To be young again - to not live by a set of supposed tos and not allowed tos. To be free to be imaginative. To be free to find enjoyment in the small things. We could all use a little bit of youth influence in our lives.

Cold day, Hot food

Today's moment: a crock pot cook-off. It's that rare time of the year where it is cold enough here to warrant fire places, snuggies, and...crock pot soups and gumbos! So, today, we are heating up the house with some gumbo and superfood soup. What's your pick? How do you like to spend the winter months?

Lost cat

This apartment draws lost cats to it. This is the second one in two months that has wandered to my back porch. Sadly, my temperamental cat is not willing to share the space. So, this poor thing has been on my mind all day. This is my moment - through a window.

And a reminder - please take care of your animals and others - especially in extreme temperatures.

A blast from the Arctic

It's that time of the year - a time of weather surprises. And, I love it! I love the hope of cold and snow. There's beauty in the rarity of the weather. But, I look forward to days beyond this season when I can return to my rocker. Here's to new seasons!

A Good Banter

I do love some good bantering. And, a text conversation fills that need just fine. Today, I had a good laugh. And, that's all that was needed. When was your last laugh? If you can't remember, it's time to laugh.

Olivia Newton-John Remembered

Not really, I guess. But, that's what I think of every time I go to work-out. I absolutely love it - even when I don't. Today, I look at my row of new running shoes and am ready to set out on new voyages. Where will I go in these shoes?

SMILE

Today was one of those days. I was running around all morning and everyone seemed to be irritated by me. I just needed some quiet and some space. And, then, this quote shot across my Google +.  It was a great reminder of the learning process - we all have something to share - and a needed smile to my day.

Never stop smiling.

What will you write about?

This year, four journals fell into my hands, leaving me with an urge to get to journaling. To kick start it, today marked my yearly Christmas-thank you-card-writing-marathon. From my question a day for 365 days over 5 years to my altered textbook journaling, I am excited to share my thoughts. But, perhaps, I am most excited to reflect - a great action that journaling yields. What will you write about this year?

Until another year...

Christmas ornaments copyright Fennovation.org, Christy Fennewald, 2015

Taking down Christmas is one of the most difficult tasks for me each year. From wrapping up each ornament, hiding it away for another year, to stacking boxes and getting scratched by trees - it is not the most pleasant of tasks. However, as I package up these ornaments - special mementos of the year - I am excited to uncover them all again next year and see what additions I add along the way.

Until another year...

The Creative Journey

Mixed Media bike painting copyright Fennovation.org, Christy Fennewald

Today, I started a new form of mixed media. I don't know what the end product will be and I don't know what steps I'll take along the way. However, with each dab of color, each stroke of the brush, I am creating.

The ability to create is one of those things that I look forward to each morning and dream about each night. Don't worry about the end product. Enjoy just being able to create and being able to let your thoughts flow.

A seed to new beginnings

Image copyright Christy Fennewald, Fennovation.org January 1, 2015

A fluke cold spell in Austin, Texas on New Year's Day combined with freezing rain led to loads of hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. In between sweats and resolutions, I took a quick walk out behind my home to catch the rain and the sprinkling of green grass, signalling spring on its way. What did this spot look like 10 years ago, 100 years ago, 1000 years ago? What will it look like next year and every year after? As the acorns fall, I see new growth and endings. We are all just a seed in this world. When we fall together, we grow together and develop new forests. When we fall apart, we grow apart. Though, we may draw attention, we are not as strong against a storm.

With this thought, my resolution is to not let others' actions change me - to fall into new beginnings and to fall into crowds, ready to make the forest stronger.

What does this picture make you think? What will you vow to do this year?