HAPPINESS IS...

Life In Five: 12

1. Packing:  for a quickie trip to Park City, Utah.  Hal's buddy is an airline pilot and was kind enough to fly us out to stay with him and his family for a few days.  Can't wait to put my snow boots, warm hats and mittens to use.  We'll even catch the tail end of Sundance!  I've never been before - have you?  We didn't pre-purchase any tickets, but I'm still hoping to catch a last-minute film or two!

2. Smiling:  as I go through photos from our 3 Little Birds movie Sing-Along event this past Saturday.  We projected Frozen on our big white brick wall and invited local families to our music studio to sing along with Elsa and Anna.  We taught the kids how to warm up their voices and how to keep the blue balloon "snowballs" up in the air whenever it snowed on screen.  We were expecting maybe 5 people.  And ended up with 40!  It was such a proud moment for us as owners, seeing our space filled to the brim with happy, silly songbirds dressed up as princesses, dancing and belting out their favorite tunes.  We're planning to host a different musical sing-along each month!

3. Obsessing:  over Serial.  I'm a little late to the game, but my book club girls just told me about this spin-off of This American Life and warned me I'd be hooked after Episode 1.  They were right!  If you haven't listened to the podcast yet - it's a true story that investigates the death of a 17-year old girl and the ex-boyfriend who was convicted of her murder and who continues to protest his innocence.  My post-Serial withdrawals even led me to Google what has happened since the final episode aired.

4. Cooking:  Oh My Veggies meal plans.  This is my new favorite vegetarian food blog.  Kiersten and her team go above and beyond to create delicious and affordable dinner ideas for the week, complete with a printable shopping list.  It feels good to be organized.  I'm working on this particular meal plan right now - mmm, the posole soup is to die for.  Since Hal makes his own meaty meals, I'm cooking for one these days.  Which means lots of leftovers for lunches, quick re-heating options for when you're low on energy, and grocery shopping only 2x a month.

5. Listening:  to A Soft Murmur.  It's a web app that provides ambient sounds to wash away distraction while you work.  As I type, there's a fire crackling in the corner, a gentle thunderstorm rumbling in the distance, and quiet coffee shop clatter that makes me feel like I'm working in a room full of people.  It's so cool, guys.  Tomorrow, I may be at the ocean with crashing waves.  Or inside a yoga studio with Tibetan singing bowls.  You can play sounds with other sounds, adjusting the volume of each as if you're at mixing board.  Try it!

I guess this series should be called 'Life In Six' today, because I couldn't resist adding one more....

6. Prepping:  for the big game on Sunday.  So pumped!  I got my new Russell Wilson jersey tee.  Hal's got his new Seahawks cap.  Found some snack recipes to make.  We are set.  I'm not sure what the odds are of winning two Super Bowls in a row, but if anyone can do it, Seattle can with the help of the 12th man!  I love how football brings our city together.  GO HAWKS!

What have you been up to lately? 

Our Weekend At Lake Quinault Lodge

I love to escape on my birthday.  Like last year and the year before, I gravitate toward remote off-the-grid locations - away from the city and immersed in nature for a quiet and contemplative celebration of life.  Lake Quinault Lodge provided just that.  Three hours west of Seattle, we drove through winding roads and foggy evergreens to our historic 1920's hotel in the middle of the Olympic National Rainforest.

We settled into our cozy fireplace room with a private view of Lake Quinault.  My poor love was sick and buried himself under the covers while I enjoyed some tranquil alone time on the deck with my book and a glass of red. 

Exploring the grounds, I discovered secret trails and picturesque resting spots.  Although it was chilly and a bit muddy, I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful place to stay.  For a brief moment, the sun appeared from behind the clouds and all was right in the world.

According to their totem rain gauge, I'm apparently 6 foot 1 - who knew?  The friendly groundskeeper who took my photo told me that the Lodge received a record 19 feet of rain last year!

And inside the grand lobby - the fireplace of all fireplaces.  This photo doesn't do it justice.  The logs were almost as long as my entire body!  People were gathered around the flames, resting in leather sofas, reading, sipping warm winter drinks, playing chess and enjoying the rustic ambiance.  I would have been happy hanging out here for the entire weekend.

But there were other adventures to be had.  After an early dinner in the Roosevelt Dining Room (named after FDR himself who lunched at the Lodge many moons ago), we were told that the 80's version of Annie would be showing in the ballroom!  What?!  How did they know that movie was my favorite as a child?  I couldn't believe my luck.  Hal and I claimed our front row seats with a big bowl of popcorn.  Since we were the only people watching, it felt perfectly acceptable to sing along.

The next morning, we woke up bright and early for a special Quinault Rainforest Tour, guided by the knowledgeable and entertaining LeRoy, and accompanied by two other couples.  Both wives were also celebrating their birthdays!  Our first stop was the world's largest 1000-year old spruce tree.

Despite the fog, it was big day for wildlife.  We spotted a family of elk lounging in the grass.  A total of 18 bald eagles.  A few salmon swimming in the river.  And a rare sighting of Mongo the Mossquatch!

I forgot what this clover-like plant was called, but LeRoy told us their stems tasted like green apples.  I immediately had to try - and yep, they sure do!  I was ready to forage up a salad. 

We arrived back at the Lodge just in time make a souvenier penny and watch the Seahawks kill the Panthers!  The perfect victorious end to a cozy celebratory weekend. 

This post is sponsored by Lake Quinault Lodge. The content and opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Happiness Is running!

Etsy Faves 14: Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday I turned another year older, another year wiser.  Hal and I quietly celebrated early over the weekend with a little getaway to the Quinault Rainforest.  I'll show you some photos next week!  It's such a beautiful winter escape.

Back in Seattle, my actual birthday was just as swell.  I started the day with a relaxing jaunt in one of these.  Hal brought home ingredients for a massive cheese plate lunch.  We doubled over in laughter trying to make this agro-yoga partner pose happen in our living room - don't ask why!  I picked up some basil and grapefruit essential oils from our local apothecary shop for my new MUJI aroma diffuser.  We ate comfort food for dinner at a nearby gastropub.  And inhaled a vegan molten lava cake for dessert.  When I realized I hadn't blown out a single candle, Hal drew this on a piece of scrap paper, stuck a candle in the top, and sang a very fine rendition of Happy Birthday.  I closed my eyes, held his hand, and made a wish.

For the bday babes in your life, enjoy these celebratory Etsy Faves ....

1. Tassel Garland by Paper Fox LA
2. Vintage Long Skinny Candles by Cowboy Goods
3. Giant 36" Orange Balloon by Love Garlands
4. Birthday Print by Coulour Moon
5. Hand-Lettered Celebrate Stamp by Besotted Brand
6. Parisian Perpetual Birthday Calendar by Pei Design
7. Bamboo Birthday Plates & Forks by Sucre Shop
8. Jumbo Confetti by Lola's Confetti Shop

 

Thoughts 11: Living By The Moon

 

If the moon smiled, she would resemble you.

- Sylvia Plath

 

Tonight at 8:53 pm PST is the first full moon 2015!  Instead of resolutions this year, I'm exploring a new goal-setting technique.  I want to reacquaint myself with the moon, my gentle luminous friend in the sky, and live my life according to her ebb and flow.

I've been doing some reading on the subject - and when we work with the moon's phases, we align ourselves with her energy and power - making it easier to achieve our desires, goals and resolutions.  With lunar assistance, we can become co-creators of our lives.  And learn a lot about ourselves in the process.

 

A new moon teaches gradualness and deliberation, and how one gives birth to oneself slowly.

- Rumi

 

Want to join me in this little experiment?  Below are descriptions of the eight 4-day lunar phases with tips on how to use them to your advantage.  Pay attention to how you feel during each one to learn your own individual rhythms.  After a few months of tracking, you'll begin to notice a stronger connection with the moon, which will eventually take on a deeper level of meaning in your life. 

 

NEW MOON:  This is a time of conception, literally and figuratively.  It represents new beginnings.  When all is dark, the sun and moon are in alignment, creating a union of creative potential and receptivity.  There is a feeling of excitement and possibility in the air.  Ask yourself - what do I desire? 

Set a modest intention for something you'd like to receive in your life.  Abstract or tangible, anything is possible.  Since the moon represents emotions, it's important fully feel your intention.

CRESCENT MOON:  You will be tested and called to overcome fears.  Habits and limiting beliefs may hold you back.  Change can be frightening, but this phase provides an opportunity to discover what's required to move forward.  Ask yourself - what must I do to accomplish my vision?

Relax into your intention and take incremental steps toward your desire.  Gather any information or resources needed to create a plan of action.  

FIRST QUARTER MOON:  You've reached a major turning point and may feel outer resistance.  You must utilize the energy of the waxing moon, which can be difficult because you're still partially in the dark.  This will take trust and commitment.

Take strong action to support your intention.  A critical decision must be made to either keep pushing forward or turn back to reevaluate your goal.

GIBBOUS MOON:  This is the final push, as you are almost at the end of the first half of the cycle.  Others can now see clearly where you are headed.  This phase will give you a boost of perseverance and tenacity.

Analyze, prepare and perfect, making minor adjustments and adding finishing touches.  If something isn't working, now is the time to fix it.  Most importantly, trust and believe that your intention will be fulfilled in perfect timing.

FULL MOON:  When there's maximum light and energy, your intention is ready to be birthed.  This phase is a time of realization, reward and fulfillment.  If you notice that your original intention was not right for you at this time, learn from this insight.  Use it to alter your approach at the next new moon.

Sit back and watch as your intention begins to manifest and take form.  Release any attachment to your intention at this stage, as it may evolve in an unexpected way. 

DISSEMINATING MOON:  Whereas the first half of the cycle was devoted to achievement, the second half of the cycle is for introspection and gratitude.  This phase will provide you with understanding.

Receive your intention with joy and give thanks to the moon for providing you with the energy necessary to achieve your desire. 

LAST QUARTER MOON:  With the waning moon, you are now actively taking things apart, seeing them in a broader context, and letting go of your intention. This is also a great time to pay it forward.

Release your intention and give back from a place of abundance.

BALSAMIC MOON:  Withdraw, relax and make room for the future.  Although this is the last phase, it is also the bridge to the next lunar cycle.  It is in the quiet of these final days that the seed of the next new moon is discovered.

Rest, reflect and restore.  

 

The moon is a loyal companion.  It never leaves.  It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do.  Every day it’s a different version of itself.  Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light.  The moon understands what it means to be human.  

- Tahereh Mafi

 

Have you ever tried to live by the moon?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

P.S.  Did you know you can keep track of the moon phases on Google Calendar?  I just discovered this fun fact and it's super easy to configure.  Open the calendar in a browser.  On the left-hand side, click Other Calendars, then select Browse Interesting Calendars from the menu.  Under More you'll find:  Phases of the Moon.  Click Subscribe and your calendar will show a little moon image of each phase!

{Engagement Photo by: Christopher Bachmann and Shannon Eileen}