Living A Beautiful Life

There is one book that I go to on occasion for inspiration; it's called Living A Beautiful Life by Alexandra Stoddard. She has such a way of creating beauty in the day to day things. At the end of each chapter she has ideas and tips that she calls "Grace Notes" and I thought I'd share with you some of her notes on the chapter titled Rituals.

~Grace Notes~

• Work smarter, not harder. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break from whatever is causing you pressure and attend to some necessary tasks that will please you and bring instant gratification. Organize your desk top or a drawer or two. Then go back with new energy to the bigger tasks.



• When you're feeling out of sorts and blue, pick up a favorite art book and rejuvenate yourself through the beauty of the pictures.



• Spray cologne in a box stationery and put the top back on. The wonderful scent will be there for you as soon as you open the lid to write a note. The recipient of your letter will enjoy it as well.



• Go to a specialty store, and buy some small, distinctive item. For instance, Tender Buttons in New York is a wonderful little store that has turned the button into an art form. I go there and buy a set of blazer or other buttons to spruce up an old coat. This makes me feel wonderfully refreshed.



• Line the inside of your closet door with art postcards. Use double-sided Scotch tape so you can peek at the back if you need to check an artist's name of the painting. Get dressed with art.



• Mark new seasons with childhood reminiscences: In spring, fly a kite, In summer, make a sand castle, In fall, rake leaves and go hiking, In winter, go for a walk in newly fallen snow.



• Hang a favorite quilt on your living-room wall behind your sofa, or in your bedroom over a loveseat. Use Velcro on a wooden strip and sew Velcro on the top of the quilt to protect the edges.



• Be three minutes early for your next appointment and wait calmly. While you'll show respect for someone else's time and life, you will also have time to compose your thoughts.



• Lift your mood with a new fragrance.



• Burn up calories as you bustle around tidying up. Put on some running shoes and be aware of bending from the waist as you pick things off the floor. Fast fixing up can be almost aerobic-like when you do it to jazzy music.



• Make your own quotation book. Every time you read or think of something you want to remember, enter it in your book. Reviewing your quotes gets you thinking.



• Make a personal source guide. When you discover a store that has a product you like, make a note; order by phone or mail, if possible.



• Being organized saves time, enabling you to accomplish more and feel more satisfied with yourself. Keep a careful datebook, and weed it out each month.



• Have a special basket for the mail. It looks pretty, and it's fun to bring into the living room or library, to open at leisure.