In The Moment

Worrying about the economy, home prices, and our own finances feels overwhelming. Today Charlie and I went outside and found a beautiful white spidery seed. We watched it blow in the wind and chased it around the yard. After catching it, we settled 

in the hammock watching the trees move while we sang our own imaginary songs. Time stood still.

"Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry — all forms of fear — are cause by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence." 

-Eckhart Tolle

Seven Deadly Zins

"Seven Deadly Zins" was the winner of the First Annual Salzman Vineyards wine tasting party. The winemaker's website describes our fav as having "A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast that evokes the senses of carefree youthful nights." "Carefree youthful nights?" That explains a lot!

Congratulations to Jessica and her husband for bringing the winning

 bottle and receiving A Little Gratitude's Wine Bottle Necklace!  

Thank you to Holly and Larry for hosting a memorable evening. We can hardly wait for the next one! 

Mom's In Motion

Saturday morning was glorious as I spent some time running, walking and talking with a great group of women. We all participate in an organization called Mom's In Motion.  The founder, Jamie Allison, joined us for the beautiful run in Montana de Oro.  She started the club just seven years ago, and it's now up to 5,000 members. Jamie was an inspiration to me because she had a vision of beginning a business that fulfilled her need to exercise, meet people and be philanthropic. She stressed the importance of making time for yourself, which so many busy women put last on their agenda. As the leaders of our households (you know we are!), we are constantly fulfilling the needs of our families and all the responsibilities that encompass a busy household. Thanks to Jamie, and our fearless local leader Liz, for giving us the encouragement and venue to take care of ourselves!

Liz, our team leader, is really great at motivating. I made her this necklace that fit her personality and drive perfectly. It says "Passion, Strength and Focus." It's great for any athlete, or Wogger (walker/jogger), like me. This necklace is not on my website, but please feel free to contact me, if you're interested in purchasing a necklace at: paula@a-little-gratitude.com. 

Too Skinny Gwinny

I adore the Oprah Winfrey Show. It can be inspiring, funny, and informational. However, yesterdays Oprah got me talking on my soap box.  Gwyneth Paltrow's new "super-body" made me really think about how women view their bodies and what is labeled beautiful in society. 

 

Gwyneth works out two hours a day, six days a week with a personal "exercise genius". Oprah absolutely ogled over her body, like it was what all women should strive for. The time, money and dedication needed to achieve Gwyneth's body is ludicrous. To get her sinewy-look Gwyneth has a climate controlled workout room full of custom exercise resistance bands that work her muscles while stretching them. So, why is Gwyneth's body beautiful to people if  it is, for the most part, unachievable? Is it really beautiful? I found it a little unworldly, in an alien sort of way. 

 

As a mom of two young girls, I want more role models who are healthy and happy. Wouldn't it be nice if we weren't so obsessed with "food" and "working out", but just living a life full of healthy exercise, playing hide and go seek, jumping on trampolines, and nourishing our body when it's hungry? 

Cute Babies and Pretty Candles

I had the privilege of babysitting my bff's 4 month old today. Little Zane is so sweet and has a laugh that is pure goodness. Aimee, Zane's mom is such a good friend. We can talk a blue streak on any subject from politics to lip gloss. Aimee's husband, Jerry, is great and a really good contractor. If you need your bathroom remodeled, call Jerry!

These candles smell wonderful and make a perfect gift. One tag says

"gratitude," the other says "dream" and both tags include a hand-wrapped fresh water pearl. If you would like to order a candle, please email me at: 

paula@a-little-gratitude.com

Soccer and Shots

Starting last Saturday, I became an official soccer mom. It's a hard pill to swallow.  I always associated "soccer mom" with the kind of mom who throws away her own life for one dedicated to her kid's social calendar. That's not me! While loving my kids, I also value my own time and make it a priority to take care of myself and have fun doing it. Having said all of that... Soccer Saturday is Spectacular! We get to see friends and neighbors, spend quality time with our kids and be outside getting lots of exercise and fresh air. It's better than I imagined, and I have a new appreciation for the proverbial "soccer mom."

I was so happy and excited to get new head shots taken.  It's something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. Expert photographer, Mary Kelting was kind enough to take photos of me a few weeks ago out by our little red barn. I was happy with the result. Of course, being a woman, I picked apart my crows feet (I prefer laugh lines), and the gray roots that I put off dying for just a little too long, but overall I'm really pleased with the photo. Thanks Mary!

Lastly, I wanted to introduce a new product to my company, A Little Gratitude. A few people had requested that I make key chains for them. It seemed like a great way for a daily reminder to enjoy the moment. I have made a few of them so far, and have been very well received.  The key chains can be purchased on my on line store at the Etsy site.

Welcome!

On Sunday our family decided to take a short road trip to Harmony Cellars Winery  where my good friend Holly works.  Harmony is located between Morro Bay and Cambria.  The town has a population of 18 and is adorable.  The kids played outside, while Stuart and I sipped wine and ate cheese.  - Coastal living at it's best!

I wore a necklace that I recently designed.  I love that it is so simple, yet flows nicely.  It also looks really modern with a pair of jeans.  I named it "Circles of Appreciation." A lot of my customers want to say "thank you" to a teacher or friend, and this is a nice way to do it.