Lyrics: I take two, okay You say you want a revolution Well, you know We all want to change the world You tell me that it’s evolution Well, you know We all wanna change the world But when you talk about destruction Don’t you know that you can count me out, in Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) You say you got a real solution Well, you know We’d all love to see the plan You ask me for a contribution Well, you know We all doing what we can But if you want money for people with minds that hate All I can tell is, brother, you have to wait Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) You say you’ll change the constitution Well, you know We’d all love to change your head (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) You tell me it’s the institution Well, you know You better free your mind instead (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) If you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao You ain’t gonna make it with anyone anyhow Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right? (Ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All, all, all, all (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All, all, all, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah) All right, all right (ah, shu-bi-do, ah)
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
Judy Garland (American Actress and Singer; June 10th, 1922 ~ June 22nd, 1969)
“You see, whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we’re constantly programmed by the world to be other women, not ourselves. …With this pervasive social schizophrenia, it’s no wonder that most women are terribly confused about the issue of authenticity.”
“According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be authentic is to be ‘not imaginary, false or imitation.’ To be authentic is to be ‘genuine, veritable, bona fide, being actually and precisely what is claimed.’ The only thing that we can genuinely claim to be is ourselves. But our best is good enough, even on a bad day.”
“We are all hard on ourselves. We not only want to be other people, we want to be perfect versions of them.”
“We should only strive to be a first-rate version of ourselves. And our best is always good enough.”
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 3-23-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“Where do we learn this odd behavior of trying to be someone we are not. We reach for the ideal of being someone other than ourselves. I have spent a lifetime trying to be someone…anyone other than myself. Makes me sad to think I never thought I was enough.” (Heather Houston 3-23-22)
“Growing up in a family of quilters, the below quote speaks volumes to being your authentic self and that perfection is ridiculous…” (Heather Houston 3-23-26
“…Amish quilters will deliberately add a mismatched patch to each quilt to remind themselves that only Spirit can create perfectly/”
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 89-90 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
“Don’t you love it when some incredibly beautiful woman like Linda Evans or Cindy Crawford tells us that the real beauty secret is finding your inner light? No shit. But I’ve done the dame things these women have done to find my inner light and while it’s true I’m happier, I still don’t look lie them.”
Marianne Deborah Williamson (American Author, Spiritual Leader, and Political Activist; July 8th, 1952)
“We can’t all look like Linda Evans or Condy Crawford, but we can each look our best. Simplicity plays a part in striking the right chord of self. This occurs naturally as we begin to rethink how to put together our best look. Our authentic look. Gradually we learn that the ‘less is more’ approach applies to makeup and fashion as well as to decorating and entertaining.”
“Ironically, this desire to look our best comes after we have committed to our inner work. As we go within, searching for spiritual groth, we begin to blossom on the outside. Time well spent in meditation gives us more serenity, and it shows on our faces. Learning to love ourselves exactly as we are gives us motivation to move forward…”
“Why does working on our inner beauty produce outward charm? Perhaps it is because the two are inexorably connected.”
“As is inner, so is the outer.”
Gnostic axiom
“Women who realize thei full potential delight the Great Creator with their brilliance.”
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 3-20-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“I have mostly ignored or underestimated my outer beauty. My story whispered to me that I was unlovable, unworthy, not enough. I pursued my inner beauty in hopes of others seeing me and being able to overlook my outward packaging. Ho-Hum…not what I wanted my life to be. I want to feel beautiful inside and out. I strive to work on my own self-image daily.” (Heather Houston 3-20-22)
“I am really at a point where I genuinely like my inside and out. With love in my life for the first time where I can give it freely and receive it without reasons, I am feeling happier and more beautiful than ever. I really love my 50s and my 60s are going to be smashing!”
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 86-87 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
“Repose is a quality too many undervalue. …In the clamor one is irresistibly drawn to the woman who sits gracefully relaxed, who keeps her hands still, talks in a low voice and listens with responsive eyes and smiles. She creates a spell around her, charming to the ear, the eye and the mind.”
Good Housekeeping (November 1947)
“We have all met her, that special woman who draws you into her orb with a radiant smile. Her eyes light up as you tell her how you’ve been. She attracts men, women, children, and animals, for her complete attention is soothing and hypnotic. When you walk away from her you feel as if you have been bathed in a beautiful warm light.”
“You have. It’s called Love, and this ancient beauty secret is available to all of us. When we are genuinely interested in others, a graciousness comes over us that is compelling.
“She did not talk to people as if they were strange hard shells she had to crack open to get inside. She talked as if she were already in the shell. In their very shell.”
Marita Bonner (known as: Marieta Bonner) (American Writer, Essayist, and Playwright; June 16th, 1899 ~ December 6th, 1971)
“Would that each of us were such a woman. Would that each of us could become one. We can. …by taking the time to step outside our own sphere to embrace others, we open ourselves up to the power of Spirit. We are suddenly lit up from inside, and this illumination can transform our looks more effectively than any fancy salon beauty makeover.”
Today, as as if you are a woman with repose of the soul. Greet everyone you meet with a warm smile. …don’t rush your encounters. Speak softly. Listen attentively. Act as if every conversation you have is the most important thing on your mind today. Look…your partner in the eyes when they talk to you. …caress the dog. Lavish love on every living being you meet. See how different you feel at the end of the day.”
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 3-19-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“I see parts of me in this charismatic space from time to time. I am already very warm and approachable, which lends itself to this space with others. I think I miss it sometimes as I am oblivious. I need to be more intentional about how I engage with others.” (Heather Houston 3-19-22)
“Repose of the soul is what my husband reminds me of everyday. He says I am a sexy hot fun chic and completely irresistible when I don’t hide. I have spent most of my life hiding behind not being lovable or worthy. No longer. UNLEASH THE SNOW LEOPARD!” (Heather Houston 3-19-26)
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 85-86 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
#69 The Fool On The Hill (Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66) 👍🏼
Lyrics: Day after day alone on a hill The man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still But nobody wants to know him they can see that he’s just a fool And he never gives an answer but the fool on the hill Sees the sun going down and the eyes in his head See the world… spinning round… Well on the way his head in a cloud The man of a thousand voices talking perfectly loud But nobody ever hears him or the sounds he appears to make And he never seems to notice but the fool on the hill Sees the sun going down and the eyes in his head See the world… spinning round… But nobody seems to like him They can tell what he wants to do And he never shows his feelings but the fool on the hill Sees the sun going down and the eyes in his head See the world… spinning round…
Mary Therese McCarthy (American Novelist, Critic and Political Activist; June 21st, 1912 ~ October 25th, 1989)
“In every one of us there lies a sleeping beauty waiting to be awakened through love. Because she has dlumbered for so long, she must be awakened very gently. But instead of waiting for Prince Charming to storm the palace gates, you must summon the magic powers of your authentic self to break any cruel enchantment that has left you unaware of your own glory.”
“It’s hard to tell our cad luck from our good luck sometimes. Hard to tell sometimes for many years to come. And most of us have wept copious tears over someone or something when if we’d understood the situationbetter we might have celebrated our good fortune instead.”
Merle Shain (Canadian Author and Journalist; 1935 ~ 1989)
“What was your spindle? Was there a moment when you pricked yourself and fell into a deep slumber? Or did you just slowly shut down? Perhaps the cruel enchantment was caused by overly critical parents,…”
“It is time to awaken, sleeping beauty. Your creativity, imagination, and authentic sense of style are far superior to any sorcerer’s spell, no matter how strong.”
“One can never change the past, only the hold it has on you, and while nothing in your life is reversible, you can reverse it nevertheless.”
Merle Shain (Canadian Author and Journalist; 1935 ~ 1989)
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 3-18-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“My finger prick moment happened shortly after the picture above…around 3-4 years old. My parents were showing pictures of myself and my brother as newborns. My parents shared with my aunts and uncles how “squished” I was from birth and that my father thought I looked like a monkey. From then on, I made up meaning about this moment. I believed that the two most important people in my life who was supposed to love me, left me distrusting of love and I labeled myself as not human and not enough. I have lived in that context my whole life. Very sad to admit, but I believe now that the past doesn’t exist and I no longer have to be trapped by this unreality. I must work on this every day…every moment to remind myself that I am worthy…even to myself.” (Heather Houston 3-18-22)
“I recently read an article in Psychology Today about Cold Mother/Parent Syndrome and how it affects their children. Both my brother and I experienced many of the symptoms from our childhood. My brother took on some variations different from my own likely due to his birth number, him being male and him being a planned birth. However, below are only a few of the symptoms I experienced and how I interpret my brother’s experience. This sharing an awareness is not to be malicious, and it is necessary to name it to move past it. I can’t control others and how they take responsibility for their own baggage. I do have a responsibility to myself and those I love to process and move through this pain and drop the expectations of a relationship that really doesn’t exist on a substantive level. I was the catalyst that changed my parents life and dreams. My mother especially shared how I came along and prevented her from pursuing medical school. My brother was the perfect Gerber baby and I felt invisible. I resented my brother for so long and didn’t realize we were both just surviving in an unhealthy relationship with our mother and father. Even as I write this I mourn that I am not a priority to my mother. She has excuses for why she is unable to communicate and share with me. This is nothing new, excuses are the reasons for her lack of loving behavior. She has not put in the time to work on her own baggage with her own mother who also perpetuated the Cold Mother Syndrome. This is a generational trauma that just keeps getting passed to each new generation. I am naming it and speak the truth loudly to attempt to prevent this cycle from repeating. Maybe seven generations forward, this trauma will be healed and for now, I am committed to healing myself.” (Heather Houston 3-18-26)
“Cold mother syndrome describes a pattern of parenting marked by emotional unavailability, distance and neglect, leaving their children feeling neglected, unimportant, and unloved. This causes severe, long-term psychological damage to a child’s self-esteem, attachment, and development. It is recognized as a profound form of childhood trauma and relational trauma.”(Heather Houston 3-18-26)
“SIGNS
Emotional Distance/Lack of Affection: Unresponsive to a child’s emotions or needs, often appearing cold or distant.
Robotic Interaction: Parenting is often transactional, appearing cold, rigid, or inauthentic, like wearing a ‘mask.’
Victim Mentality: A tendency to act as the victim if confronted about their emotional distance.
Lack of Empathy: A tendency to struggle to understand how their own children are feeling and may not seem to care or act to help with their own children’s needs and emotions.
Disengagement: Not showing interest in their children or adult children’s activities, hobbies, or achievements.
Rarely Offering Praise or Support: Rarely encourage or acknowledge their children’s successes to the children. Transactional praise to others to uplift their own self-interests.
CAUSES
While not an excuse for abuse, potential reasons for this behavior often stem from the mother’s own history, including her own upbringing with unavailable parents, a history of trauma, and/or a lack of developed emotional intelligence.
Unresolved Past Trauma: Parents who’ve experienced trauma in their own lives may have difficulty forming emotional connections with their children.
🧠I believe my mom suffers from past traumas which are completely unknown to myself as she has never shared her own challenges growing up and through adulthood.
Mental Health Issues: Conditions such a depression, anxiety, or personality disorders can impact a parent’s ability to engage emotionally with their children. This can lead to the parent becoming unresponsive to their children’s needs.
🧠I have considered for a long time that my mother suffers from depression.
Lack of Emotional Awareness: Some people, especially those who had emotionally withdrawn parents themselves, may not know how to express their feelings. This can make it difficult for them to be there for their own children.
🧠My mom was the oldest of 8 children and I definitely see how she too was forced into roles at young age when she needed more emotional support. I remember hearing my mom speak about having to help raise her siblings and that when she left for college she felt resentment from her own mother.
EFFECTS
Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Children often grow up feeling unlovable or unworthy of affection.
Attachment Issues: Struggles with forming close trusting relationships, often experiencing fear of intimacy or fear of abandonment.
Emotional Dysregulation; Difficulty recognizing or expressing emotions in healthy ways.
Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD (CPTSD).
Physical Health Issues: Potential for higher stress levels and faster cellular aging due to chronic stress.
Perfectionism or Overachievement: In an attempt to gain their parent’s approval or compensate for the lack of affection, some children might push themselves to excel at the expense of their own wellbeing.
Chronic Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation: Children who don’t receive adequate emotional support from their parents might grow up struggling to feel connected to others.
HOW TO HEAL
Seek Therapy: Professional help, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help treat the trauma and develop emotional intelligence.✅
Reframe Your Narrative: Shift you perspective from being ‘unworthy’ to realizing that neglect was not your fault.✅
Establish Boundaries: Protect your emotional well-being by setting firm, healthy boundaries with the parent.✅
Practice Self-Care: Focus on nurturing yourself and building a healthy, loving inner life.✅
Build a Supportive Community: Cultivate relationships with friends and family who provide the warmth and validation you didn’t receive growing up.✅
CAN A COLD PARENT CHANE THEIR BEHAVIOR?
They can change their behavior, although it requires awareness, effort, and, oftentimes, professional support. Many people don’t change their behavior. However, if they’re going to try to change, the first step is recognizing their actions and the impact they’ve had on their own children and the people around them. Professional help can help address underlying issues, such as past traumas, mental health problems, etc.” (Heather Houston 3-18-26)
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 84-85 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
Lyrics: (I want everybody to get up off your seat And get your arms together, and your hands together And give me some of that o-o-old soul clapping) You didn’t have to love me like you did But you did, but you did And I thank you You didn’t have to squeeze me like you did But you did, but you did And I thank you If you took your love to somewhere else I wouldn’t know what it meant to be loved to death You made me feel like I’ve never felt Kisses so good I had to holler for help You didn’t have to squeeze me but you did But you did but you did And I thank you You didn’t have to hold me but you did But you did but you did And I thank you Every day was something new You pull out your bag and your fine to-do You got me trying new things too Just so I can keep up with you You didn’t have to shake me like you did But you did but you did And I thank you You didn’t have to make it like you did But you did but you did And I thank you All my life I’ve been shortchanged Without your love baby, it’s a crying shame And now I know what the fellas are talking about When they say that they been turned out I want to thank you (thank you) Thank you (oh, baby) Thank you baby (yeah, yeah) Oh baby (I gotta be thanking) Got to say You didn’t have to love me like you did But you did, but you did. (And I thank you.) You didn’t have to hold me like you did But you did, but you did. (And I thank you.) Thank you (thank you, baby) Baby (Got to thank you) Baby (oh, baby) Thank! I’ve! Got! I’ve got to (thank you baby) Thank you baby (oh baby)
“If you want to find the answers to the Big Questions about your soul, you’d best begin with the Little Answers about your body.”
George A. Sheehan (Physician, Senior Athlete and Author; November 5th, 1918 ~ November 1st, 1993)
“Like all of us, you see yourself in the mirror every day. But when was the last time you nodded your head in approval at what you saw? Today, I’d like to ask you to try something radically different: look at yourself lovingly and begin to appreciate what you see.”
“This exercise is more than just skin deep because I want you to take an inventory of what you like about yourself. Most of us are very quick to criticize ourselves. We’re always finding things wrong with the way we look. Today we’re going to discover and give thanks for what pleases us.”
“Tonight, set aside an hour to celebrate how marvelous you really are. …Ask your authentic self to bring to your conscious mind all the special things you should discover tonight. …In your most nurturing voice, tell yourself aloud how wonderful you are. …take a compassionate look at yourself in the mirror. Continue to gaze approvingly into the mirror until you find ten things that you absolutely love about your face and your body…Write all ten down in your gratitude journal. Now think about aspects of your personality that you like. …Write it all down. Do not stop until you have at least ten things about your personality for which to be grateful. Now record them all in your gratitude journal.
“And if you think you can’t find twenty things to love about yourself, go back to the mirror. Do this exercise every day until you can. …Today, be willing to search genuinely for your glorious possibilities and rejoice in your divine authenticity.
“Nature never repeats herself and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another.”
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (American Writer and Activist who was a leader of the women’s rights movement in the U.S. during the mid- to late-19th century; November 12th, 1815 ~ October 26th, 1902)
“Before my story began…” (Heather 3-16-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
Ten Things I like About My Body: (Heather Houston 3-16-22)
I love my blue eyes.
I love that I have actual free hanging ear lobes.
I love my hair color when it is dyed black and blue.
I love my hands and fingers.
I love my breasts…Epic!
I love my nipples…Brilliant!
I love my belly button.
I love the ratio of my labia majora to labia minor…Perfection!
I love my ass.
I love my feet.
I love the silky soft soles of my feet…no hard callouses.
Ten Things I like About My Personality:y: (Heather Houston 3-16-22)
I love my sense of humor.
I love that I am kind.
I love that I am generous.
I love that I am thoughtful.
I love that I am integral.
I love that I am intelligent.
I love my appreciation for all music.
I love that I feel fulfillment from being of service to others.
I love that I am loving.
I love that I am logical.
I love that I am warm and approachable to others.
I read the above list and still feel the same about what I love about my physical body and my personality. (Heather Houston 3-16-26)
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 82-83 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
Mary Lou Cook (Actress; December 12th, 1908 ~ August 17th, 2008)
“Today, we make peace with the past: with the bodies and faces we were born with and those that have evolved.”
“Here in this body are the sacred rivers: here are the sun and moon as well as all the pilgrimage places…I have not encountered another temple as blissful as my own body.”
Saraha, Sarahapa, Sarahapāda (known as: The First Sahajiya and one of the Mahasiddhas) (Tibetan Poet and Teacher; late 8th century)
“It will take a bit of doing, learning to love all our personal pilgrimage places. However, before genuine love can flourish, we must finally accept ourselves exactly as we are today. Not tomorrow or next week…”
“Remember, acceptance is acknowledging the reality of a situation…Most of us think of other women as beauties, never ourselves. But every woman was created by Spirit to be a genuine beauty. We learn how to reveal to the world our unique radiance only after we acknowledge it ourselves. Today, take your personal mantra: ‘I am what I am and what I am is wonderful.'”
“Before my story began…” (Heather Houston 3-13-22)
1972 Me…at my Aunt Carrie’s Baby Shower
“It is so funny, yesterday I wrote that I should add a self-love mantra to my meditations and my request was answered with today’s reading. BRILLIANT!” (Heather Houston 3-13-26)
“I stop and pause in the mirror after every shower to marvel at the gift my body is for me…my temple. I am blessed to be almost 58 years old and have more energy and vitality than 20-30s somethings at work. I look much younger than my age. I work alongside a co-worker who is also a 1968 baby and 10-days younger than me. I look like her daughter. My physical fitness and career have kept me vital and energetic. Most of all I have found epic love has shed years from my temple. My husband IS the Fountain of Youth. I have proof as my bio-impedance scale says I am getting younger each year that passes. I love myself and my temple for the first time in my life.”
–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 80 of 501.
I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.
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.
My Distilled Life 