The Power of Thanks

Yesterday we discussed habits and I shared a few of mine. I have a new one to start.

I heard an author on a local radio show discussing her new book. The summary is that being thankful and saying thank you can really help you out in life. By being thankful you're seeing the positive things that happen to you.

Here's some info about the book, but whether or not you (or I) decide to read it, I think the message is powerful. Not just now because Thanksgiving is right around the corner (I have 2 turkeys in my freezer to prove it!) but all year long. I just feel better when I look at the positive side of things. There's too much negativity in the world.

"Thank You. Can such small words hold life changing power? Yes!

Deborah Norville's groundbreaking and persuasive book argues that gratitude is the secret key to unlocking your full life potential. Rooted in science, presented from a spiritual perspective, Thank You Power details the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude.

Norville brings together for the first time the behavioral and psychological research that prove what people of faith have long known: giving thanks brings life blessings. Beginning with those two small words, thank you, Norville shows how you can be happier and more resilient, have better relationships, improved health, and less stress.

The list of benefits is long. You'll exercise more, be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a higher immune response, live longer, be better liked by others, and have more creativity in solving problems. Each of these outcomes is backed up by published research. The key? Gratitude.

Ever heard the one about being able to catch more flies with honey than vinegar? If you want to eliminate many of the negatives of daily stress and better deal with the realities of your day, then read on. Deborah Norville may have found the real secret to happiness. You'll find the answer inside.
--Dr. Mehmet Oz, Vice Chairman and Professor of Surgery, Columbia University; and Author, You Series"

More info about the book

Ceiling Fan Rotation

According to BobVila.com, ceiling fans should turn counter clock-wise in the summer and clockwise in winter.

Let's Get Real Monday: Habits

Thought I'd join in the Let's Get Real Monday.

---What is one good habit that I have?

I work hard to make those around me comfortable, especially guests.

---What is one bad habit that I have?

Procrastination.

---What is one habit that I would like to cultivate in my life?

Finding something good about each and every person I meet.

A pretty Christmas decoration

Loved this natural bough of greenery. All you need is a metal coat hanger and a bit of wire. I have a feeling I might do several of these.

This past weekend...

We finally got our carpets cleaned. And I'm so happy! I had this idea in my head that my carpets would just spring to life, looking brand new, maybe be a few shades lighter....

I'm not sure any of that is the case. But I do think they look cleaner. It's got a little more spring in it. And is definitely fuzz free. That won't last long. :)

What did you do this weekend?

One of those days....

Perhaps I need to go back in time and set this up a bit so you understand where I'm coming from. For the past two years, DH and I have hosted a Halloween party for our neighborhood. The goal was to meet our neighbors, have a good time, and make the kids happy. (Note, we don't have kids.)

This year the HOA decides "they" want to take over the Halloween party. (Note, they didn't talk to me about their decision or anything.) Then they wanted to change the name. To a Harvest Fest. So it wouldn't be as "offensive."

Long story short, they gave it up b/c of lack of interest and no one stepped forward to run the whole show. (I wonder why?)

So DH asked if I wanted to take it back over and I said sure.

So last night, like I've done the past two years, I printed up invitations, rolled them up, tied a festive ribbon around them and put one on everyone's mailbox. All 40 houses. I was finally feeling festive. Finally getting back into the spirit.

Woke up this morning to.... rain. (Note: There isn't a smilie in the world with big enough eyes or would accurately catch my expression when I looked out the window.)

It hasn't rained in forever. We're in a severe drought. They say the whole city of Atlanta could run out of water by January. It's that bad. It was that unlikely that it'd rain and RUIN all my hard work.

So I'm debating whether I welcome the rain (which I really love) or am irritated (make that depressed) that my invitations are likely ruined.

Note to self: put them in the mailbox next time.

Another note to self: don't have a next time. No. More. Parties.

Yep, ladies and gents, this is what it looks like when an Invitation Fairy's spirit dies.

Happy Halloween.

Lists of Lists

It's amazing how many list makers are out there. I'm one of them. My dh laughs b/c I have these journals of lists. He wonders how I ever find anything. Truth is, if I write it down, I remember it.

For those of you who are fellow list makers, let me introduce you to Ta-Da list. A free online service that lets you make all sorts of nifty lists to keep yourself organized. If you need a little more doodling space, meet it's older brother BackPack. I'm also a big fan of the free spreadsheet service that google offers. Simple. Easy.t

Ahah!

I'm always interested in learning how others take care of their home and what works for them. Rebecca over at No So Desperate Housewife gave me an idea today. When loading the dishwasher, load spoons with spoons, forks with forks, and so on. It'll make unloading easier.

AHAH! What a light bulb moment. I feel dumb not thinking of it before. Thanks Rebecca!

Pumpkins!

I'm so excited that my pumpkin vines are doing well. I have two main pumpkins growing right now. Each a little bigger than my fist. They're regular jackolantern pumpkins. The bigger one's name is Marvin. The other is Louise. :)

Last year my pumpkins got a little bigger than this and then they died. So sad. :( So I'm praying that they make it to the fall!

Gone to the Birds

I have a family of birds hanging out around my back deck. Up on the curve of the gutter there's a nest with three baby birds in it. I haven't figured out what kind of bird it is yet. I'll have to take a picture as soon as I recharge the camera... which is a whole other topic. :)

But I'm enjoying watching these two birds take care of their growing family.

I found an awesome website for bird lovers: www.whatbird.com Really, check it out. You can identify all sorts of birds by color, location, etc.