On Wasting Time with Rest – John Lubbock
21
07, 2021
19
07, 2021
Are Naps a Good Thing or Bad Thing?
Nappers (those of us who take regular naps) are often labeled lazy.
But that’s not necessarily true. Nappers may be the wise ones.
Like young children, too many of us soldier on, whether we’re tired or not, to get everything done we think we need to do.
Studies indicate the opposite is true.
The tendency to avoid naps or take breaks to relax during the day can reduce productivity and/or produce results that are less than our best.
Don’t believe it?
Check out this New York magazine video. You may change your mind about nappers. Or become one.
14
07, 2021
12
07, 2021
Snow Cones, Popsicles, and Sprinklers
As a kid I loved summer. One lazy day after another for what seemed like an eternity.
Sunshine and splashing in the sprinkler, slurping snow cones and sleeping in. Reading on the porch swing. Playing in the sprinkler for hours trying to chase away the summer heat.
Those were fun relaxing days.
But as an adult, I don’t slow down to enjoy summer that much. Those once lackadaisical days become rushed vacations and busyness.
Slowing down isn’t easy in our fast-paced technology world. But we should intentionally slow down to recapture those relaxed days of summer.
But how?
Take A Deep Breath.
Breathe in slowly for six seconds and out for six seconds. Try it right now. Feel the calm fill your body. Place sticky notes around to remind yourself. Before you know it, you’ll have the habit of stopping yourself to refresh regularly.
Change Your Routine.
Routine and repetition can steal joy. We miss what’s right in our face. Doing something different refocuses us. Why not have breakfast outside on the patio? Look out the bedroom window in a new direction. Focus on what’s changed since the last time you looked.
Or take a different route home from work? Enjoy the new sites.
Or visit a Farmer’s Market and taste something new that you’ve never tried before.
Unplug and Reconnect.
Silence the phone, close the laptop, skip the Netflix binges. Difficult to do, but a necessary component to recapture those childhood feelings of summer. Look around you instead. See the people and things around you. Talk to the neighbor, wave at the jogger. Really connect.
Here are some other Summer-Slow Down ideas to try:
Blow Bubbles for a baby or give a jar of bubbles to a small child. Children help us find the joy of the moment. I think you’ll smile and so will the child.
Grab a snow cone or popsicle and take a leisurely walk in a nature park. Nature is a never-ending love letter from our Creator. Walk slowly and take note of the amazing beauty around you.
Wave down the ice cream truck and treat yourself. Savor the memories it brings back.
Why not make a list yourself? Enjoy summer like we did in our youth.
7
07, 2021
5
07, 2021
30
06, 2021
Bye, Bye June.
SOURCE: June 2021 Martha Stewart Living
23
06, 2021
21
06, 2021
Summer!
The lazy days of summer officially arrived this week. We’re looking at late sunsets, short nights, and hot days.
The official start depends on whether you’re speaking about the meteorological or astronomical definition for the season. Meteorologists classify June 1 to August 31 summer. Astronomers base their start on the position of the sun and moon.
In Texas, summer didn’t wait until the sun rose directly above the heel stone at Stonehenge (the official astronomical start of the summer season).
Nope.
Mother Nature didn’t pay any attention to meteorology or astronomy in Texas this year. She had her own schedule and intensity. Freezing winter, wetter than normal Spring, and hellfire summer days starting well before the summer solstice.
Texans missed out on the fun of the longest day of the year sequestered in their houses with blinds drawn, AC pumped high, fans roaring and a tall glass of iced tea to block the triple-digit heat outside.
And there’s still July, August, and September to get through! The traditional hot-as-hell months in the Lone Star state.
But Midsummer Day is arriving this week (June 24).
From ancient times, Celts marked the day with celebrations. Churches celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. What the day represents for me is farmers are halfway between planting and harvest. Cooler days of fall will come.
I am so ready.
Until then, everyone stay cool.
18
06, 2021
Oops
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
Feeding the birds this morning was interesting. They always rush to get their food as if they had not eaten in days.
Some of the chickens are convinced what the ducks are eating is better. It is a case of “the feed is better in the other pen” when actually it is the same. Nevertheless, every morning at least one chicken flies over the fence to get a closer look at the duck feed.
This morning, the chicken got stuck.
It remained remarkably calm while I took a picture. Then I carefully untangled its foot from the chicken wire and tossed it back where it belongs.
There doesn’t seem to be any damage from the acrobatic endeavor, and I am hoping it will be cured of its curiosity and stay on the chicken side of the pen.