Breakfast and a Bookstore

With our weekend being Friday and Saturday, Sunday was actually the first official day of Spring Break. We talked about a short getaway, and I do love to travel, but sometimes it is nice to just stay at home.

Staycations are an opportunity to connect with friends during the week without being rushed, 

and still have time at home to do all the things I want to do.

Yesterday morning I enjoyed a simple, but delicious South Indian breakfast with my friend, Samantha.  This branch of the Udupi restaurants isn't the nicest one, but you can't beat the price of an Indian breakfast.

 

 

 Afterwards, we headed over to a secondhand bookstore that I had heard about but never been to. Apparently it is Samantha's secret getaway to relax and read in peace and quiet for at least a couple of hours every week.

The book store has a very inconspicious entry but the interior is absolutely delightful.  Quotes are found in the stairwell that leads down to the basement which is filled to the brim with books. 

 

 

 

Such a lovely, cozy, inviting atmosphere.

And of course, I came away with three wonderful little books.

I've already read A Short Guide to a Happy Life -- it really is short, but speaks a simple truth. I believe living a simple life and practicing daily random acts of kindness will most certainly result in a happy life.

Have a wonderful day!

Walking, Wandering and RAKs

Yesterday I took not one, but two walks.  In the morning on my own and in the afternoon with my husband.

Beautiful blue skies and the temperature was just right.

My husband prefers to stick to the walking path.

While I prefer to wander which is much more interesting.

What made my morning walk even more special was that, while I was taking pictures of all the pretty things I saw along the way ...

a kind gentleman was sitting in his garden and said I could take a picture of his flowers.

You could tell he was quite proud of all his flowers and plants.

He then plucked one for me to take home.

Unexpected acts of kindness are a wonderful thing.

So not only was my mood lifted by the walking.

But I was also inspired by the random act of a stranger. 

Rather ironic that today I visit a secondhand bookstore with a friend and the first book I laid eyes on was entitled Random Acts of Kindness.

Of course, it had to come home with me.

The universe is always speaking to us... sending us little messages, causing coincidences and serendipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else, something more.

Nancy Thayer

Have a blessed day!

Five on Friday

Five happy things.

Spring Break has officially arrived.  So happy to have the next 10 days off.  

After weeks of not getting out to walk, I was able to wander around the neighborhood for about an hour this morning.

Flowers are blooming.

And bees are buzzing.

We are still having very spring-like weather so I plan to take full advantage of it over the break.

Linking to Amy's Five on Friday.

Light Source

Light in Nature creates the movement of colors.

Robert Delaunay

This afternoon I was enchanted with the play of light in the sky.  

The sun, of course, is the earth's main source of light.  And clouds either reflect or absorb that light. 

The darker picture on the left was taken before the pretty pastel one to the right.  So interesting how the reflection and placement of light plays a big role in what we see. 

All of these pictures were taken between 3 and 6 p.m.  

And this was last night's golden sunset with not a cloud to be seen.

The new moon arrived with the Vernal Equinox on March 20th and with it came several rain showers.  

Much appreciated by these pretty little flowers.

Wishing you a light filled day.

  

Scrapbusting

Finally, I have some stashbusting to share.  Honestly, these small projects take so little yarn that it actually should be called scrapbusting.

I have lots of stones I've collected on my walks, so every once in awhile I'll get the urge to crochet covers for them.

For St. Patrick's Day I crocheted shamrocks using this pattern and gave them to co-workers in a little envelope with a shamrock quote and chocolate mint candies.

These little wallhangings were inspired by a post on Instagram.  No link to who made them and no pattern, but easy enough to eyeball and figure out.

I also continue to make hearts and gift bags when time permits.

And finally, there will be no stashbusting with this ball of cotton yarn I bought a few weeks ago.  As you can see, I used it right up to the very end with just enough left to tie off and weave in.

Linking to Linda's Crafty Corner for the monthly Stashbuster Party.

Best wishes,

The Secret Garden Project

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.

Thomas Jefferson

Last Saturday, my friend Samantha (who makes the most delicious fresh nut milks) suggested we go for brunch at The Secret Garden.  The garden is a project started a year ago by Chef Mimi who received permission to turn an abandoned public space into an urban garden.

That's Chef Mimi in the hat, serving up omelettes and pickled salmon with avocado on toast. 

Every Saturday, while the weather is good, she puts out an invitation via Instagram for volunteers to meet for planting and maintaining the garden.  Everything used in the garden is either upcycled garbage or has been donated.

  I drive by this garden on the way to school every single day and never realized it was THE secret garden I'd heard so much about.  

Amazing how such a small space allows you to feel like you are somewhere else.  On this particular day there was a brunch with about 6 vendors and also a sale of handmade items.  Today there was a potluck as volunteers gathered; sometimes there are evening events; but there's always the opportunity to garden and give back.

 It's wonderful to see locals doing something positive to contribute to change in the community. I certainly left The Secret Garden that day feeling very inspired.

Best wishes and blessings,