Ramblings, ideas and memoirs of a joyous adventurer.
Author: Heather Houston
Absinthe aficionado. Empathetic thinker-feeler. Verbose writer. Avidly authentic. Hydrangea fanatic. Snow leopard lover. Joy huntress. Promising my devotees a honest glimpse into my life as I live with freedom, power and full self-expression in an unfiltered and sometimes distilled way. CHEERS!
#42 Theme From ‘Valley of the Dolls (Dionne Warwick) 👍🏼
Lyrics: Gotta get off, gonna get Have to get off from this ride Gotta get hold, gonna get Need to get hold of my pride When did I get, where did I How was I caught in this game When will I know, where will I How will I think of my name When did I stop feeling sure, feeling safe And start wondering why, wondering why Is this a dream, am I here, where are you What’s in back of the sky, why do we cry Gotta get off, gonna get Out of this merry-go-round Gotta get off, gonna get Need to get on where I’m bound When did I get, where did I Why am I lost as a lamb When will I know, where will I How will I learn who I am Is this a dream, am I here, where are you Tell me, when will I know, how will I know When will I know why
“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (Swiss-American Psychiatrist; July 8th, 1926 ~ August 24th, 2004)
“…the centrifugal forces of today.”
Anne Morrow Lindbergh (American Author and Aviator; June 22nd, 1906 ~ February 7th, 2001)
“I find it helpful to think of priorities as the wooden frame upon which we stretch the canvas of our days so that we may apply color and form to the work of art we are creating without the entire painting collapsing in the middle.”
“Quiet time alone, contemplation, prayer, music, a centering line of thought or reading, of study or work. It can be physical or intellectual or artistic, any creative life proceeding from oneself. It need not be an enormous project or great work. But it should be something of one’s own. Arranging a bowl of lowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day…What matters is that one be for a time inwardly attentive.”
Anne Morrow Lindbergh(American Author and Aviator; June 22nd, 1906 ~ February 7th, 2001)
“Today make getting in touch with the Silence within yourself your first priority. As you do, you will be amazed at how everything else seems to find its own order.”
Blackfeet Warrior (Drawing w/Charcoal Powder); By: Jason Tako
Discover the magnificent, turquoise tiered waterfalls of Kuang Si, Laos
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 2-25-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“I wasn’t very good at finding the Silence within myself today. Work was very stressful and after a 9-hour shift without a break, I was pooped. TGIF!” (Heather Houston 2-25-22)
“My priority is sustaining a loving and happy marriage with my husband. We create one another each day newly and then live into the day as the best date/party ever. Truly, it is a remarkable life and way to live. I cherish also my inward attentive moments like now when I read and reflect on a daily devotional. Giving back to myself fills my ‘Battery’. Loving my husband is my most beautiful work of art!”
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 59-60 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
“I am always thankful when I get to spy an eagle on my commute.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“I am grateful my husband supports my well being by making me a yummy breakfast to eat after my rowing workout.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“I am thankful I was able to secure the gift bag items for the SW Appreciation Luncheon well before the event on March 18th.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“I am grateful my commute only took 30-minutes as I was already 30-minutes late in leaving.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“I am blessed my husband created a magical dinner of ragu…which I had never had before. OMG…it was the bomb!” 💣💥(Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“I appreciate Kiva always following around in the early morning hours to secure his “goodbye” pet and love from me. What a joy to start the day with love…pure and honest.” (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
“I appreciate NPR to listen to on my morning commute. It get’s me caught up on world news and engages me with the happenings locally and around the world. I am fearful for Ukraine’s current plight.” (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
“I am thankful to live in a democratic country.” (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
“I am grateful for my indigenous heritage.” #IAmNotInvisible (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
“I am blessed to have inherited my paternal grandmother’s skin and hair. Not doing too shabby for nearly 54 years old.” (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
Lyrics: I feel it in my fingers I feel it in my toes Love is all around me And so the feeling grows It’s written on the wind It’s everywhere I go, oh yes, it is So if you really love me Come on and let it show, oh You know, I love you, I always will My mind’s made up By the way that I feel There’s no beginning There’ll be no end ‘Cause on my love you can depend I see your face before me As I lay on my bed I kinda get to thinking Of all the things you said, oh yes I did You gave your promise to me And I gave mine to you I need someone beside me In everything and I do, oh yes I do You know, I love you, I always will My mind’s made up by the Way that I feel There’s no beginning There’ll be no end ‘Cause on my love you can depend, yeah Got to keep it movin’ Ooh, it’s written in the wind Oh, everywhere I go, yeah, ooh well So if you really love me, love me, love me Come on and let it show Come on and let it show (Come on and let it) (Come on and let it) Come and let it show, baby Come on, come on, come on let it show, baby (Come on and let it) (Come on and let it) Come on and let it show Come on and let it show, baby Come on and let it show
It will be the longest journey you have ever taken.
It is the journey to find yourself.”
Katherine Sharp Landdeck (Aircraft Pilot and Associate Professor of History at Texas Woman’s University; UNKNOWN ~ )
“…details of our days do make a difference in our lives, that no experience is ever just for drill, and that everything can be a springboard for inspiration if we are willing to be open to the goodness of life.”
“One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”
André Gide (French Author and Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature; November 22nd 1869 ~ February 19th, 1951)
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 2-24-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“My being-ness is all about the details. I love how a home feels when the details are sorted. It makes it feel less noisy, distracting and peaceful.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
“Chocolate, vanilla, choose. I choose to be in the present and embrace my journey today. I am intentionally planning my journey to visit my ancestors lands and feel myself in Indian country. I have made arrangements to rent a car and embark on an journey to locate my grandparents and great grandparents homes or the locations they used to be. I also want to attempt to find the cemeteries where they may be buried to soak up the hollowed ground. For me, this is a pilgrimage of my self. Turning in and returning to my sacredness within. I am excited to feel the flow and vibration of this journey and how it unfolds and adds to my life journey.” (Heather Houston 2-24-26)
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 57-59 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
Driving to work westbound, I spotted a beautiful bald eagle perched on the railway wind gauge pole facing the south at the midspan point of the bridge. It was facing away from me and the wind was ruffling his head feathers. I feel so blessed and in the “FLOW”.🦅
“I am blessed to have witnessed an eagle on my commute to work today.” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I am grateful 3 other people commented to me that they felt this week was going to be a good week. I too had the same feeling, especially after getting a 100% sleep rating this morning.” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I am thankful my husband included a piece of ham with my hard boiled egg and sourdough muffin breakfast…yummy!” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I appreciate my quick commute home…15-minutes…WOW!” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I am thankful to smell the delicious creation my husband has been working on for the last 3-days. The house smelled so yummy from his work on creating a homemade ragu sauce.”❤️ (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I always thankful for “hump Day”…makes me feel like I almost survived another work week.” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
“I appreciate how much fun my “new to me” car. Driving a manual is so fun and brings back memories of my youth driving my Super Beetle.” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
“I am grateful that the cold temperatures have been mostly dry so that my daily commute has not been too treacherous.” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
“I am blessed to have been given a family heirloom by my mother. Thank you mom for passing down grandma’s engagement ring.” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
“I am grateful that when I come home from a long day at work to a home that feels like my sanctuary.” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
Lyrics: Firebreathing through your unseigable fortress. I’m the devil and Michael De Ruyter’s my name. I ride on the waves, right through your chains. You are my Prey and you’ll never forget my name. A firebreath, a crimson sky, in a lake Of fire you will die. The English pride, consumed by flames, you’ll never Forget my name. Firebreath, spritting forks of fire. Firebreath, attacking a crumbling empire. Firebreath, the Dutchman’s anger. Firebreath, a fire’s breath. The voyage to Chatham. in 1667. The three day wat, never equalled again. Capture the Royal Charles, the English flagship. The river Thames, the bleeding English heart. A firebreath, a crimson sky, in A lake of fire you will die. The English pride, consumed by flames, you’ll Never forget my name. A thousand cannonballs, rain down on my deck. Of the Seven Provincies, the republic’s battleship number one. But they do no harm, Cause Satan’s wings protect. His servant’s life, from the English last Convulsion. A firebreath, a crimson sky, in a lake of fire you will die. The English Pride, consumed by flames, you’ll never forget my name. Firebreath, spritting Forks of fire. Firebreath, attacking a crumbling empire. Firebreath, the Dutchman’s anger. Firebreath, a fire’s breath
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe (German-American Architect; March 27th, 1886 ~ August 18th, 1969)
“You move into a completely empty house and start from scratch–money is not a consideration. Write down twenty specifics for your ideal home from architectural features to furnishings that are ‘must haves’ for you. …Are any of these items from your past? Where did you first encounter them? How long have you been dreaming about them? Are there any items from your childhood home?”
“20 Architectural Features & Furnishing Must Haves
Sun porch (Grandmother’s House; 3-4 years old; I have always wanted this; not from my childhood home).
Soft chaise lounge in sun porch (In a furniture store; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Overstuffed leather chair with brass button brad detail in a library (Read in a book and saw in an old movie; grade school age; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Library with leatherbound books and a fireplace (Read in a book and saw in an old movie; grade school age; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Walk in pantry (Grandmother’s House; 3-4 years old; I have always wanted this; not from my childhood home).
Large hearth in living room with a large threshold and bench area to sit upon in front of the hearth. (Grandmother’s House & Aunt Dot’s House; 10-12 years old; I have always wanted this; not from my childhood home).
Fireplace in every room (saw in an old movie; grade school age; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Claw-foot bath tub (Aunt Dot’s House; 10-12 years old; I have always wanted this; not from my childhood home).
Gas 6 burner with griddle area stove/oven (saw on a cooking show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Deep farmer’s sink in kitchen (saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Marble counters in kitchen (saw on a cooking show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Outdoor fireplace/fire pit (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Outdoor kitchen and BBQ (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Outdoor cabana with outdoor TV (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Pool with jacuzzi/spa (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Office shared with my partner (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
3-car garage (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Fenced yard so Kiva can play and go indoors to outdoors at will (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
2 Walk in closets with dressing areas (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Craft/Sewing room (I saw on a home improvement show; adult; I wanted this after I saw it; not from my childhood home).
Window seats in dining room or family room (Grandmother’s House; 3-4 years old; I have always wanted this; not from my childhood home).” (Heater Houston 2-23-22)
“Next, imagine that your closet and drawers are empty. You need to fill them. What are the first ten things you would either hang up or put away? You may either keep favorites from your present wardrobe or buy entirely new items. Which comes first for you, comofrt or career?”
“10 Wardrobe Item Must Haves (Comfort is primary over career)
20 pair of soft cotton thongs
20 pairs soft cotton ankle socks
Flannel pajama pants with soft long sleeve t-shirt
Soft night sleep shirts
Sweat pants and sweat shirts
Jeans
T-shirts
Sneakers
Sweaters
Sexy Tops” (Heather Houston 2-23-22)
“Your kitchen cabinets are bare. You need to buy new china, flatware, glasses, and linens for everyday use and for entertaining. Where do you begin? What pattern do you want to see every day? What shape glass do you enjoy drinking from?”
“I would have a formal china pattern with a modern design and simple elegant flatware and a daily set that is less formal. However, I would use both interchangeably without concern for special occasions.
The formal china would be hydrangea floral pattern or a modern graphic design.
I prefer round edge glassware. Something with a heavier base feel. Stemware and martini glassware needs to be durable and yet as thin as possible.” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“The soap in the bathroom, the flowers in the garden, the book on the bedside table are all strong symbols of life in progress. …You look at theses details and a world unfolds.”
Charlotte Moss (American Interior Designer and Author; Unknown ~)
“By paying attention to the details–your authentic gestures–you give expression to the most personal of all the arts: making your own imprint on life.”
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“It is super fun to play a mental game of “what if”. I have eclectic taste which is combined with my love of texture and comfort. All pieces and rooms in my dream house would be useable versus art pieces. I love a house filled with love and lived in. A home needs to have character.” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
“I reread my 2022 entries above for if I was to fill a new home with those items important to me, what I would fill my wardrobe with and the glassware and eating ware that I prefer. Fascinating that I put so much energy into this back then. Likely, because I had never even considered any of it as finances have always been strained, so survival was my only concern. Now I realize I am much more practical with what I want vs. need. I feel great in my on skin, so I am not on a quest to find things to flourish myself as I am enough without special clothes or furnishings. Truly blessed to be at this point in my life living abundantly vs. scarcity.” (Heather Houston 2-23-26)
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 56-57 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
Driving to work westbound, I spotted a beautiful bald eagle perched on the railway wind gauge pole facing the south at the midspan point of the bridge. It was facing away from me and looked like he was intently watching the water for food options.🦅
My Distilled Life 