Simple Pleasures.

2020, I think, will be my year of simple pleasures.

They are what makes me the happiest and the most content.
Things that bring me joy and cost nothing- or very little.

What are these things?

Sleeping with the window opened a tiny bit so I can feel a soft breeze wafting across my cheeks. I grew up in a house with only a wood-stove and a fireplace for heating so I LOVE a cold bedroom.

Enjoying a cup of coffee made JUST the way I like it. I like to enjoy mine sitting outside listening to the birds but where I live now all I would get is exhaust fumes off the cars that go by on the main thoroughfare. So I enjoy mine by the big lovely window in my living-room. It overlooks the golf course so if I turn some music on it kind of drowns out the traffic sounds.


Listening to classical music. I love chamber music. It relaxes me and send me to another level of calm and serenity.

Taking a long hot bubble bath. I'm not big on the candles aspect of it- mainly because I haven't found a scented candle I like that doesn't smell like food- and that just makes me want to get finished as quickly as possible in the bath so I can go make me a sammich. Kind of defeats the purpose.

Sitting out in the garden or taking a long walk in a park or the forest and enjoying nature. Betty and I went to one back last summer and it was one of the most amazing places ever. I want to go again come spring when everything is blooming and just turning green again. We vowed we were going back in the autumn to see the colours, but life got in the way and we didn't make it. But this spring we will!!

Watching snow fall. Oh My Gosh- one of the most beautiful and serene activities on earth. and in the morning or late at night when there is a couple of inches on the ground and everyone is off the roads and snugged inside their homes- you can step outside and hear what total silence sounds like. This world is bombarded with mind numbing, constant noise. My mind yearns for the quiet solitude and stillness of the mountains and valleys of Valhalla.

Eating a slice of bacon or a piece of fried chicken. And my sister's mac & cheese. Or Olives. Or anything I crave. Not overdoing it- just having a nibble. the last time Betty and I went shopping together for her Christmas decor, she brought me to a lovely little pub for lunch. We sat by the fireside, and bought a sharing tray of nibbly bits. My gosh but that was one of the best lunches I have ever had- we didn't have to shop for it- we didn't have to make it- we just sat back and enjoyed nibbling and being in each others company. Best Lunch date EVER!

Doing something creative. I have so many things I do to be creative.I'm taking a course on Photography at the moment- Learning all the fiddly bits my husband doesn't have the patience to teach me. I'm doing a purge of all my earthy possessions and am having to be ruthless. So I am having to come up with creative solutions to store the things I want to keep and it is proving quite a challenge. But I can do it.

Yes- this year is going to be full of challenges and simple pleasures. I guess a Goddess CAN have it all!!!

Im Flipping Fabulous.

Well, I dont have resolutions this year- I have a Bucket list and goals.

2020 BUCKET LIST

TO MINIMIZE MY WARDROBE:

*CLOTHES

*SHOES

*HANDBAGS

TO START WALKING AT THE GARDENS- STARTING AT 1 LAP AND INCREASING IT 1 LAP EVERY WEEK FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

TO GET BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE.

TO PUT A FULL 1/3 OF MY WAGES BACK FOR VISITS BACK STATE SIDE HOME.

TO PUT 1/3 BACK AS SAVINGS FOR A HOUSE.

TO DRINK MORE WATER & MAKE BETTER FOOD CHOICES.

TO LOSE 100LBS BY CHRISTMAS 2020.

TO GET BACK INTO PHOTOGRAPHY AGAIN.

 I've put these in red ink- and as I accomplish them they will go to green ink.  I'm also employing the positivity aspect to my week- I have a can and every week on Saturday- right before weighing myself I will sit down and write down one GOOD thing That has happened to me that week. Then at the end of the year I will read them all and see all the good things that have happened to me over the year.  

Positivity and Affirmation!!!! That is my Mantra this year- 

I'm going to go home for Christmas next year. I just have to get employed as quickly as possible so I can book my travel in May. My lovely Bezzie is going to book with me so we can travel from Manchester to Philly together before going our separate ways to our hometowns.

Then when I get back Hubby and I are going to start scouting for a house of our own. I am sick to death of throwing our money down the drain on rent. So THAT is going to change too. No more procrastinating- it WILL happen or else.

I am solely responsible for my own happiness- and I am taking charge.

Happy 2020 to us ALL!!!!!