Seeing

                                                                                                                                                                               red. :)

Flowers

...today, as I am longing...for spring.

When all else fails, (there's) flowers.

:)

lg

Milygge

Upon contemplating the concept of hygge, and ferreting out how it *might* apply here, I have come up with some (native) Milwaukee hygge-isms, if you will.

I have given it a lot...of thought.

Here is my indigenous list:

1. Milygge, pronounced 'Mil-uu-gah' or 'Mil-ew-ga' is what we Milwaukeens conjure up to generate our cocoon-like feelings of safety and well-being while in our car (in which we spend a lot of time.) It looks something like this:

Driving down the interstate in my salt-stained car whilst contemplating the Packers and...sunshine. (Wait, aren't they the same thing?)

2. We Milwaukeeans readily practice Cheeygge, pronounced 'Chee-uu-gah' or 'Chee-ew-ga'  to sustain us and bring enlightenment during the long, long winter months. This involves consuming voluminous portions of all types of cheese (good cheese; Weyauwega cheese, Union Star cheese, Cady Creek cheese, All Star cheese, Shullsburg Creamery cheese, to name but a few) by candlelight, near the telly (most likely with the Packers or the Packers pre-game on) while donning our (most likely) green and gold knit stockings. (Here is a more exhaustive list of our cheese.)

3. This next one, we have down. I mean...for real. We do this any time and basically, well...almost anywhere. Yes, we regularly practice Brewygge, or 'Brew-uu-gah' or 'Brew-ew-ga'  throughout the long, looong period of winter darkness. We usually combine Brewygge with sausages, fine mustard, and buns.

lg :)

O.K., let's hygge.

Cabin tucked deep in the Appalachians in the winter; photo by KAnniePowell

O.K...so let's hygge.

The Danish art of 'Hygge' is all the rage in circles of those convivial souls trying to cultivate a (home) life that nourishes the soul. In fact, I ordered a book about it. :)

Here is a blurb that might (?) be helpful from wikipedia on the subject. (I had to correct their misspelled words. Does anybody else ever notice that?) :)

****

"Hygge is a Norwegian word with a unique definition[1] (although very similar to the Dutch word Gezelligheid). "Hygge" as a noun includes a feeling, a social atmosphere, and an action. The word is also used in compositions as "Julehygge" (Christmas-hygge). "Hygge" is also a verb e.g. "Let's hygge" and as an adjective e.g. "A small, hyggeligt house with grass on the roof".

The noun "Hygge" includes something nice, cozy, safe and known, referring to a psychological state.[2] "Hygge" is a state where all psychological needs are in balance. The antonym of hygge is uhyggelig, which translates as 'scary'.[3]"

Collins English Dictionary defines the word as "a concept, originating in Denmark, of creating cozy and convivial atmospheres that promote well-being'.[4]" (Source for all above along with additional references: Wikipedia; here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge)

****

In case you are wondering, 'hygge' is pronounced with the French 'u' nasal sound in the middle and phonetically a bit like this as follows. (There is a LOT of debate about the phonetic pronunciation!)

Ha ha! :)

Phonetically: 'Hygge' or 'Hu-gah' or 'Hew–ga.' (But get the French 'u' sound in there!)

     

   

Let's take a break and above is a bit of 'hygge' for you. Meditate here.

(Another) great quote..

                                                                                                               the road of life.

I'm applying to life's many problems and its never-ending issues...

"I'm going to have to science the sh*t out of this."

                                                                (by Matt Damon as Mark Watney in "The Martian;" * mine)

(More) nuts

                                                                                                                            to chew on.

15.) (For those who are unemployed) I deserve to be employed and paid well for my time, efforts, and ideas. Each day, I am closer to finding the perfect job for me.

16.) I am courageous and I stand up for myself.

17.) My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.

18.) Today, I abandon my old habits and take up new, more positive ones.

19.) Many people look up to me and recognize my worth; I am admired.

20.) I am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends.

21.) I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.

22.) Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.

23.) I am a powerhouse; I am indestructible.

24.) Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life.

25.) My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.

26.) My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.

27.) (For those who are single) The perfect partner for me is coming into my life sooner than I expect.

28.) I radiate beauty, charm, and grace.

29.) I am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day.

30.) My obstacles are moving out of my way; my path is carved towards greatness.

31.) I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.

32.) My fears of tomorrow are simply melting away.

33.) I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.

34.) My nature is Divine; I am a spiritual being. 
35. My life is just beginning.

(Please do note: all above items are not my original thoughts, they are written by clinical psychologist Dr. Carmen Harra.)

Barbie

...photobombing the pasta making blog post. 

(Just) because...she can.

Simple Prayer

                                                                             Lord, I give you thanks.
                                                                             I give you thanks, in all things.
                                                                             In all things, I give you thanks.

                                                                             Lord, I give you thanks.
                                                                             I give you thanks, in all things.
                                                                             In all things, Lord, I give you thanks.
                                                                             (repeat)

Highways without Sidewalks; A Dedication

                                                       

                                                                        

Highways without Sidewalks

 

In how many places

and cities

and neighborhoods

and little towns

must children try

to ride their bikes

amid

the cars

and cars

and cars

the cars

the many cars

that dash

and crash

that whip

and turn

the children's

our children's

safe passage

can it

please

be found?

Principles to live by

The Thermians [from the movie Galaxy Quest (one of my all time favorite movies) as they reallly are.] :) (Photo taken from: Alien Species Wiki-Wikia)

1. (I) do (at least) one task (each day) in which I create something new. Each day. (Every day.) Even if it is (just) jotting down a creative or a new (innovative) thought or an idea.

2. I tell myself that if I do not do this (each day, every day) that a part of me (or in the universe as a whole) will shrivel up...and will (surely) die.

lg

(Jagged Edges)

                                                                                                                                       (The) Quiet Place

                                                      Jagged Edges

                                                      In this place

                                                      Your hands work the jagged edge

                                                      to a smooth and rounded curve

                                                      turning every point and spike

                                                      and then
                                                      you call it
                                                      good


                                                      © Karen Powell

lg

The Pasta Monster

...lurks about, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting guests and
and weary travelers alike!

;) lg

Why I like

                                                      Noble.

dogs.

1. They have a REAL sense of adventure (unless you have a timid one.) But even they secretly want "unchained."

2. They are all "nostril."

3. They are loyal. [And some (even) to the death!]

4. Their "cuteness" factor is above and beyond many other of God's creations! [Take the slug, for instance. They are not...real...cute as they look a bit like a chunk of (some) snot unfortunately, not that I have anything against them. How could I?]  

(But, more than anything is my #5...and the large second photo down!)

5. DOGS LOVE BEING LOVED A LOT.

lg

Don't Mess

Photo credit: By Anneaholaward at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12364396

Remember this popular slogan?

I thought it was all about Texans themselves...

you know, the whole "Tough Texan-don't mess with me" concept 

that resonates with people who are tough.  

I do (remember the slogan.) It started as a slogan to encourage people 

to refrain from throwing trash in the public streets (and such, for real.) (I didn't even know that.)

I'm finding it useful [(even) at this stage in my life.] 

When it comes to any fellow conquering heroes and people pleasing enablers 

it could...(at times) come in at least a little handy to try and incorporate. ;-)

[For more reading here is an, at least, noteworthy article (I do think some of it is.)]

People Pleasing Enablers Please Please Yourself and Click Here

(And check out this great comic that literally says it ALL. After all, what else could one say?)

lg ;-)

(Above comic credit: http://www.alifeonyourterms.com/people-pleaser/

and http://LeesDoodles.blogspot.com)

Nuts

to chew (on.)                      

                                                         

   

1.) I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.

2.) Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

3.) My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

4.) I am superior to negative thoughts and low (base) actions.

5.) I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

6.) I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.

7.) A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.

8.) I am guided in my every step by (the Holy) Spirit who leads me towards what I must know and do.

9.) (If you’re married) My marriage is becoming stronger, deeper, and more stable each day.

10.) I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.

11.) (For business owners) My business is growing, expanding, and thriving.

12.) Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.

13.) Happiness is a choice. I base my happiness on my own accomplishments and the blessings I’ve been given.

14.) My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.

(Please do note: all above items are not my original thoughts, they are written by clinical psychologist Dr. Carmen Harra.)

***

#14 would be 'enuf' for me...(working on number one...) :-O

*Items in parentheses are mine; #4, #8