My Little Orange Kitchen

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep Gratitude Journal:

• 30 Days of Paleo
• Going to bed before 10 p.m.
• Pens that work
• La Croix natural berry mineral water
• For the "cartwheel" galaxy shown above. It just sounds fun. If I ever do a new blog I may have to borrow the name.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For a friend who saw that something was off last night and asked me about it.
• For tiny sweet wild grapes
• For strangers who become friends during CrossFit workouts
• For support when I shared a possible new life path with a friend
• For this song which makes me ache with the want for something that remains nameless in this moment:

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude journal:

• For setting a new personal record in deadlifting at CrossFit Green Bay-245lbs!
• For a fabric bound journal of quotes my grandmother created especially for me before she died. I rediscovered it tonight just when I needed it most. Here is one of my favorites and it helps when you don't know what to do in any given moment:

"First do that which is the nearest thing and

then the next thou shall more clearly see."

Quaker saying

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For stumbling upon this old post and having had the experience. It was a life changer and I've had many trips since, but that one was special.
• For Kohl's coupons that netted me fingerless gloves and four bracelets for almost nothing!
• For taking a little time for myself this afternoon and giving Selkie an extra walk...it was good for both of us.
• For this version of a favorite John Prine song sung by Bonnie Raitt...love this.

Inspiration Treasure Boxes

I was inspired by that dream I wrote of a few weeks ago and decided that it's time to create some inspiration for the masses! I'll be bringing these little treasure boxes to the Farmer's Market on Broadway next Wednesday.

Each one is different and filled with little things like beads, gemstones, buttons, baubles, magnets, inspiring words etc. They are $5 each and I think the little matchboxes can barely contain their pride now that they've been painted and covered in vintage postage! Too sweet and the pefect little gift to keep or give away!

OK, have you visited this blog lately...too much good stuff!

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude journal:

• For a new and talented friend who drops off unexpected treasure bags with vintage cookbook pages, the most gorgeous papers for wallets and the tiniest millefiori glass baubles you've ever seen...I can just see one on the desk of a fairy as a paperweight!!!!
• For novena candles that last for days!
• For scoring some more hairpin bases!
• For a car that never fails me

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For Sulamith Wulfing. I love this print and secretly I call it Laura Light and Dark and if you've been reading awhile, you know why.
• For finishing a 5k today, my second in a month. And to Marlene who ran the last mile and half with me for her moral support and coaching.
• For my body, because even after so many years of abuse...I'm running 5ks.
• For Selkie's sweet little face and because she still loves to cuddle.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For inspiring conversation with a new friend
• For an altar that feels like home (and a little background help from picnik)
• For grocery money...and knowing we're fortunate
• For yerba santa and white sage smoke cleansing the studio and me
• For Pandora

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My pre-bedtime Gratitude List:

• Cryingly grateful for a healthy and loving little puppy after a scary day at the vet
• For grapes and apples and fresh herbs
• For friends who offer good and calm advice when I'm frazzled
• For Grant at CrossFit who talked me into doing a second workout today-I needed it

I love the lullaby playing above...here are the words:
Rest your head to sleep.. Rest your head to sleep. I'm next to you to protect you.. Like sweet precious flowers. I lay you down & you sleep. Care is like a golden key.. To sleep like a small bird.. To wake up to sweet bird songs.. If you sleep Mr North Wind.If you sleep Mr North Wind He gives you a boat full of dreams.. A trip to Sifno & Amourgo.. To help rock you to sleep with the soft ocean waves.. He'll sing a lullaby.. You'll sleep and wake.. Wake and grow.. Oh.

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My pre-bedtime gratitude list:

• So appreciative of the tiny bag of treasures (shown above) I received in the mail from this friend.
• For a clear evening and an early bedtime
• For water in glass bottles
• A puppy that loves people-she's learning not to jump up on them!
• This blog for inspiring me with every read and for reminding me of how much I love this:
  

  *I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one).

Chalking It Out

I was lucky enough to score these chalk blocks for pennies at my friend's latest de-stash sale and while I haven't actually used them to draw yet, I'm inspired just by looking at them and will soon. 

I'm excited because fall is officially here and I've decided to revive my Thanks Before Dreaming evening blog post series and invite you to join me. I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my day. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one). 

So, see you tonight and in the meantime...have a good day!