My Abundant Life 2-7-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant LifeLeave a comment

February 7th, 2026

An Artist Is Someone Who Creates

“I have made my world and it is a much better world thLiving is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how…The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.”

Agnes DeMille (American Dancer and Choreographer; September 18th, 1905 ~ October 7th, 1993)

“Every day we’re given chances to embrace the new.”

“…take a risk a day—one small or bold stroke that makes you feel great once you have done it.”

Susan Jeffers (American Psychologist and Author of self-help literature; March 3rd, 1938 ~ October 27th, 2012)

“Today, take a real risk that can change your life: start thinking of yourself as an artist and your life as a work-in-progress. Works-in-progress are never perfect. But changes can be made to the rough draft during rewrites. Another color can be added to the canvas. The film can be tightened during editing. Art evolves. So does life. Art is never stagnant. Neither if life. The beautiful, authentic life you are creating for yourself and those you love is your art. It’s the highest art.”

“Since you are like no other being ever creted since the beginning of time, you are incomparable.”

Brenda Ueland (Journalist, Editor, Freelance Writer, and Teacher of writing; October 24th, 1891 ~ March 5th, 1985)

My Bucket List

Drive the Autoban In Style
Dancing at Carnival in Rio.

“Mondays are always a busy day at work, but I felt proud that I accomplished all my duties. So poopy tired when I returned home today, my partner suggested I take a nap. Late afternoon naps are simply glorious!” (Heather Houston 2-7-22)

“I believe today’s meditation is speaking to the idea of leading a created life. Style is where I struggle with this. I only recently have been in a financial circumstance where I could begin to explore this. I believe exploring how I want to show up for me is most important. Sometimes I feel practical…sometimes I feel androgenous…sometimes I feel delicate…sometimes I feel sexy…sometimes I feel powerful… I wonder what that style looks like? This is the inquiry I am on. Wish me luck!”🍀(Heather Houston 2-7-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 41-42 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Storied Life 2-6-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Storied LifeLeave a comment

February 6th, 2026

1968 Top 10 Highest-Grossing & Award Winning Films

  • Funny Girl 👍🏼
    • 26th Golden Globe Awards Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical: Barbara Streisand
    • 41st Academy Awards Best Actress: Barbara Streisand

“I enjoyed rewatching this film from an earlier time in my life. Not sure when I first saw it. A typical Barbara Streisand musical poking fun at herself. The skating vaudeville number was one of the best scenes. Pretty dated and seeing it again I realize times have changed, and not nearly fast enough for women. I enjoyed the film, but it would not be on my repeat list.”

Daily Gratitude 2-6-26

On By Heather HoustonIn 5 Daily GratitudesLeave a comment

February 6th, 2026

  • “I appreciate I have learned to listen to my inner voice and take a rest day from my workouts when my soul needs another focus.” (Heather Houston 2-6-26)
  • “I am thankful for such a loving and kind husband!” ❤️(Heather Houston 2-6-26)
  • “I am grateful for having access to all the music of my life to enjoy and reminisce.” (Heather Houston 2-6-26)
  • “I am grateful the Arsenal ⚽ game tomorrow is not at 5AM!” (Heather Houston 2-6-26)
  • “I am blessed to recognize when I am tired and asking for what I need…’I’m tired and need to go to bed.'” (Heather Houston 2-6-26)
  • “I appreciate my partner urging me to join him in the park to soak up on some of the sunshine.  It is amazing how a little sun can create a shift in your mood.” (Heather Houston 2-6-22)
  • “I am blessed to have employment during this time when the economy is struggling.” (Heather Houston 2-6-22)
  • “I am grateful that my family has included me in the “Family” group text. It keeps me connected to my extended family even when they are several states away.” (Heather Houston 2-6-22)
  • “I appreciate my dog always being excited to see…each and every time.” (Heather Houston 2-6-22)
  • “I am thankful for pizza.  The easiest way to enjoy a meal with little to no effort.” (Heather Houston 2-6-22)

My Abundant Life 2-6-26

On By Heather HoustonIn My Abundant LifeLeave a comment

February 6th, 2026

Remaking Your Own World

“I have made my world and it is a much better world than I ever saw outside.”

Louise Nevelson (American Sculptor known for her monumental, monochromatic, wooden wall pieces and outdoor sculptures; September 23rd, 1899 ~ April 17th, 1988)

“The Quaker tradition teaches that this Light is within each of us. The Quakers, or members of the Religious Society of Friends, are a perfect example of individuals who manage the delicate balance of living in the world but not belonging to it. This is because they refuse to segment their lives into the Sacred and the secular. Instead, Quakers believe that all of life’s daily experiences are spiritual in nature…”

“The essence of Quaker spirituality is the certainty that everything we do has religious significance. It is not cutting ourselves off from life but entering deeply and fully into it.”

George Gorman (U.S. Representative from Illinois; April 13th, 1873 ~ January 13th, 1935)

“Simplicity is the common thread that stitches together Quaker lives, home, and dress. Their weekly worship service, or Meeting, is a silent meditation. Rhythm, reverence, and reflection are their hallmarks. These touchstones can help us as well as we attempt to remake our personal world.”

“Think of the steady, reassuring rhythm of the natural world–the ebb and flow of the tides, the recurring cycle of the four seasons, the monthly phases of the moon, and the daily progression from day into night. Rhythm needs to be the cornerstone in our personal world as well.”

“Today be willing to reflect quietly on the role that rhythm plays in your daily life. Your heart will always tell you what’s working and what’s not. Restoring rhythm to the way you conduct your affairs can bring you contentment and a sense of well-being that will nurture and sustain you when the cares of the world can’t be left behind.”

My Bucket List

Dine Elegantly Outdoors (2022)
Pyramids at Giza, Cairo Egypt

“Today was all about shushing my demons and quieting my mind. My partner is the best at getting me to be present.”💓 (Heather Houston 2-6-22)

“I have found a rhythm in my day to day. Maintaining a regular bedtime is one area which has paid off huge dividends. Focusing on getting enough rest each night has dramatically improved my health and mental capacity.” (Heather Houston 2-6-26)

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 40-41 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

Daily Gratitude 2-5-26

On By Heather HoustonIn 5 Daily Gratitudes2 Comments

February 5th, 2026

  • “So grateful my Aunt Sue has a great neuro-surgery team who is direct and straight and direct with the best options for her care.” (Heather Houston 2-5-26)
  • “Blessed to have a husband who makes me one of my favorite breakfasts this morning…Eggs In A Basket.” (Heather Houston 2-5-26)
  • “I appreciate being so productive today at work and go a lot of my many “To Dos” completed.” (Heather Houston 2-5-26)
  • “I am thankful QFC had the barrel-aged feta cheese to add to our Greek Salad for dinner.” (Heather Houston 2-5-26)
  • “I am blessed to be on engagement #3 with my husband…EPIC!” (Heather Houston 2-5-26)
  • “I appreciate my partner making a new chicken dish from New Zealand, Herb & Miso Chicken With Creamy Polenta.” (Heather Houston 2-5-22)
    2-5-22 Herb & Miso Chicken With Creamy Polenta
  • “I am thankful I was able to get the launder done.” (Heather Houston 2-5-22)
  • “I am thankful my sewing machine was repaired and still going strong.” (Heather Houston 2-5-22)
  • “I am grateful for my sewing skills to repair my partner’s jeans so he had more than 1 pair of pants to wear.” (Heather Houston 2-5-22)
  • “I am blessed to have a warm safe home to live within.” (Heather Houston 2-5-22)