Ode to October

Autumn flings her fiery cloak

over the sumac,

beech and oak.

                                                                             - Susan Lendroth, American writer

                                                                    Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep 

Another month of beauty upon us!

Understated

Lacking ladylike poison, Lizzie Borden did what every

over-civilized understated WASP is entirely capable

of doing once we finally admit we're mad as hell

and aren't going to take it any more:

She went from Anglo to Saxon in a trice.

                                                                           Florence King, 1936-, American Novelist and Columnist for National Review

photo courtesy Beatriceviakelly

Humor is a beautiful thing!

T is for Teacups

The art of taking tea out of sweet little handle-less porcelain cups, simple white and sometimes blue,  originated in China around 220 BC.  As the custom and ceremony of preparing tea spread to Europe - specifically English Royalty - the handle-less cup gave way to elegance in the form of sterling silver during the reign of King George II (1683-1760).  It was Englishman Robert Adams who designed handled cups with sets including a tea pot, sugar bowl, creamer and matching spoons.  Through the centuries porcelain took precedence with the sets beautifully hand painted and decorated.

Sensory pleasures of smell taste and feel are elevated once your lips experience the sipping of tea from the delicateness of porcelain. It is meant to bring mindfulness and relaxation; to be savored and enjoyed. Treat yourself to a gift at simplycoolstuff and relinquish those thick rimmed mugs and disposable cups to coffee -  on the go!

Time

Time... it is your most precious resource.  How you use it will determine the quality of your life.

Take time to

Think: It is the source of self-renewal.

Play:  It will keep you young.

Read:  It will rejuvenate your mind.

Worship:  It is the acknowledgment of your limitations.

Help Needy People:  It will return more than you give.

Show Love:  It is the key to life's greatest satisfactions. 

Daydream:  It will provide a road map for your future.

Laugh:  It restores your balance.

Work on new skills:  It will keep you in demand.

Plan:  It will determine whether you have time for everything you want to do!

-Dr. Robert Fritz

Ode to a Boat

The enchanting elements of a boat can mesmerize. As a watercraft designed to float, work or travel on water, a boat represents the ultimate in form following function.  Comprised of a gunnel, deck , keel, bow, and stern, it displaces its weight in water based on a specific mathematical formula dividing the mass of the structure by the volume below the water line.

Enjoy your Labor Day!