Around my neck of the woods, Memorial Day signals the end of school and the beginning of Summer. Unless, of course, we have had an exceptionally bad Winter where kids were out of school due to weather more than usual.

As I browse the telly today I see a lot of commercials for all sorts of Long Weekend Projects – if the weather is good, it might be a good time to paint – and a lot (!) of cookery shows focusing on grilling and / or barb-e-queing.

Today, however, has been cool and damp and threatening more thunderstorms. Somehow I think there won’t be a rush to putter in the garden let along tackle that big painting project. LOL!

Here’s hoping your Memorial Day Weekend has been a good one!

One of the most prevalent topics I’ve seen lately is along the lines of Protecting My Peace. Finding calm. Recharging my own batteries. I suspect most of us are in that same boat, overwhelmed by what is in the news on an hourly, if not daily, cycle. There comes a point when my sanity is far more important than finding out who is having another tantrum and how things (that I have no control over) are falling apart.

Sound familiar?

I’ve started looking for ways to enjoy music that is calming and relaxing. That could be playlists I’ve developed for finding new ones – much to my amazement there seems to be a lot of them on a variety of platforms.

I am also in that dreaded ‘in between’ space where my authors have not yet published, so I am looking to find new authors to read/listen to.

In the past few years I have endeavored to use the good dishes, etc. I think this is important because waiting for some ‘special occasion’ could mean those wonderful treasures might never be used at all.

Which reminds me, if you find yourself wanting treasures, don’t forget to check out your local second hand, antique, or charity shops. You might be amazed to see what they have on hand.

One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure.

Speaking of such shops, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the ‘stuff’ in your home, why not embark on a clear out program? Choose a room, a spot, a drawer, a closet and start clearing out the things that you no longer use, don’t want, don’t need. I don’t endorse a radical major clear out but a methodical purge. As we are heading into the end of school term now might be the opportune moment to get rid of things that no longer fit are no longer used, etc. Make it a summer project.

Meal planning could be a place where more organization and control would reduce, if not eliminate, stress. Farmer’s Markets will be gearing up so fresh fruits and veg will be available. Prime opportunities to try new recipes and explore new things. Cheaper, too.

I’m looking around and seeing opportunities to return to hobbies that got lost in the shuffle. These were one of those ‘I’ll get around to it later.’ things that might just be exactly what is needed.

Take a deep breath. Turn off the noise. Take it one step at a time.

😀

For many of us folks, Sunday Nights were when we watched Wonderful World of Disney*. This Disney staple was a rotating anthology series that gave us insight into all sorts of wonderful things while showcasing the Disney Studio expertise. You might still be able to find some over on YouTube.

Saturday night has become my favorite time of the week because Dennis over at West of Neverland (YouTube) brings us stories about the Disney classics providing context, history and insight. While most are under 20 minutes long, the weekly videos are interesting, thought provoking, memory jogging and enjoyable. In its way, West of Neverland is the modern equivalent of the Wonderful World of Disney.

I’m looking forward to doing a deep dive to see what is in the playlists and discover more about the podcast.

*The name changed a bit when color TV became more of a thing in the 60s.

There will be some renovation going on here. I don’t have a set time frame but plan on having the majority completed by the end of the month.

Thank you for visiting, commenting, liking, and sticking around. You have no idea how much it means. Really.

I looked up the other day to see a commercial for Memorial Day…! That end of May holiday… Needless to say, I was surprised. Not sure I am ready for that, either.

This has become a time of quiet. A time for peace, wherever we can find it.

As I contemplate this next phase, I wish you peace, calm and beautiful days.