Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sleep!

Sleep we all need it and we all love to sleep.  At least I do!  When I was little I remember having bad dreams like every other kid afraid of things I didn't understand.  I really do think your dreams tell you a lot about what your going through.  Fear, happiness, loss, frustration, anger.   I often look up what my dreams symbolize.  I dream a lot from time to time about tornadoes.  Not just because I'm fascinated by them but because they symbolize not having control over things in your life.

I used to sleep really well up until a few years ago then I developed insomnia which is not fun for a sleeper like me. They say that can happen with age.  I try and do things at night that help me sleep better. Sorry counting sheep does not help because the sheet are kind of noisy.   Yoga, eating light at dinner,  meditate, don't watch any TV before bed especially news or crime dramas, no intense books that might keep me awake, using lavender lotion,  writing,  talking to someone and lately I've been using this iphone app that simulates the rain.  The sound of the rain always helps me sleep.

Also don't sleep in much since I usually wake up really early.  But every once in a while if I'm really tired or I can clear my mind and its nice and cozy I can fall back asleep at least for another hour or 2.

I have tried to make my bedroom as cozy as possible since its probably the biggest bedroom I've ever had.  soft pillows and sheets, soft lighting, books next to my bed, water, candles from Tatine.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

BOOKS

I think I have always been a big reader.  I inherited my love of reading from my dad who reads a lot of books especially when we went on vacation when I was growing up. I also tend to read a lot when I'm on vacation.  Sitting in the sun at the beach or a cozy chair at home in the winter months.  My favorite author when I was young was Judy Bloom. I also like the Little House on the Prairie series.   I remember reading comic books, romance, adventures, classics and mysteries.  Now I read all kinds of books but my favorites are historical fiction.  Devil in The White City and Loving Frank are two in recent memory that I really enjoyed.  Both take place in and around Chicago and I learn so much about what it was like during different times in our history and how people lived.



I've been in a book group for over 10 years now.  We have a great mix of amazing woman all with their own individual stories and amazing lives. When we get together sometimes we discuss the book and have insightful discussions. What we liked or didn't like, if the writing was good, if the characters were interesting, if it brought to another place and time, what we learned or what pissed us off.  I think our record for discussion is about 30 minutes.   It can get pretty lively depending on how much wine we consume.   We have shared laughter, tears, hardships, adventures, and some very frank discussions about life and the world.

Reading is a passion of mine and has helped me get through different phases of my life.  I enjoy learning about the world around me, the people, the places and the lessons of life.  There is no better way to gain knowledge and insight by just being still and immersing yourself in a good book.  What is your favorite book and how did it influence your life.


This blog is dedicated to my father because it fathers day and he influenced my love of reading. Thanks Dad!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Games We Love To play

Games I play now and when I was a kid: Ghost in the Graveyard, Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, Tag, Kickball, Dodge ball, Monopoly, Kick the Can, Clue, Spin the Bottle, Quarters, I Never,  Left Right Center, Boggle, and my all time favorite Scrabble.  I love Scrabble even though I am the worlds worst speller okay maybe not the worst but really how do I play when I can't spell? But somehow I manage and still have fun.  I don't win very often because I play with people who are very competitive but still make it fun especially the times you spell silly or dirty words that get you a lot of points!  And a lot of laughs.  Games keep you young, expand your mind, let you have fun with people and drive you nuts in a good way hopefully. 

I also like puzzles and once I start one can't seem to pry me away till I'm done.  The vintage ones are the best. What kind of games do you like to play?