January 14th, 2011
*Sprinkle No. 48* is an assignment to marvel at something small and seemingly ordinary.
I received a little package of Japanese candy in the mail for Christmas (thank you Lily @JetPens) Before you think, “Yah, so …” take a close look at these candies. There are pictures in the middle of them! How on earth are hard candies created that have faces and symbols in the middle? I’m assuming they are somehow built in long rope-like pieces and eventually cut up in smaller chunks to reveal the picture that has been made by the layering of various colors??
I just think these are marvelous.
Once I really stopped to take notice, I truly marveled at how unique they really are.
My children wanted to eat them.
Every day for several days they asked if they could.
I kept putting them off because I needed to take a picture.
Later, I asked Taft if the candy tasted as remarkable as it looked.
He said, “No.” It just tastes like candy.
And there you go, lots of little things that can be easily overlooked and under-appreciated. Take notice and *sprinkle* your life with a “little marvel” today.
Posted in Curiosity, Just for FUN. | 5 Comments »
December 23rd, 2010
Sprinkle No. 47 is two-fold.
One, I’d like you to grab your camera and take a picture of a decoration you love.
There’s a good chance you’re pretty busy today.
Do this anyway.
It will only take about 5 minutes.
Two, I’d like you to linger and then see this decoration for what it really means to you.
Where did you get it?
Who does it remind you of?
Why do you display it the way you do?
Now, get in closer and click the shutter a few more times.
How can you alter the focus of your photo?
Can you highlight various details and shift the viewer’s understanding of what you are communicating with your image?
Merry Christmas!
Posted in Creativity | 3 Comments »
November 30th, 2010
Sprinkle No. 46 is to play around at Wordle.net
On Thanksgiving I asked my family and each of our guests to write down THREE specific things they are grateful for in 2010. At Wordle.net you input a list of words and click on the “Submit” button. Wordle takes your list and magically turns it into a beautiful word collage. If you want one or two words to be larger than the others, simply put them on your list multiple times. I put each person’s name on the list twice and “Thanksgiving” and “2010″ four times. If you have multiple words you want strung together, input them without spaces between the words.
Make time soon to be a little curious and see what you can create with words in your life.
If you’re not one to look back, try this with your Christmas list of things to do!
Posted in Curiosity, Just for FUN. | 4 Comments »
November 3rd, 2010
The excitement of a new school year has now worn off for everyone–including the teachers!
Sprinkle No. 45 is to write a note to a teacher.
Tell her that you really appreciate her time, her preparation, her dedication and her efforts in teaching, shaping and directing children, young and not-so-young. Tell him he is making a difference in the life of your child (or grandchild.) Tell him you are grateful for all that he does!
Posted in Compassion | 8 Comments »
October 20th, 2010
Sprinkle No. 44 is …
Teach someone to SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE
As we move into shorter days and less light, let’s take advantage of the sun when it comes out. The next time you look outside and think, what a beautiful sunny day, grab someone close to you (spouse, child, co-worker) and go outside and follow these 5 steps.
1. Sit down
2. Close your eyes
3. Lift up your face
4. Feel the incredible warmth of the sun
5. Take 3 deep breaths
Return to whatever you were doing and marvel at how Quick & Easy it is to live with more awareness and intention.
Posted in Curiosity, Just for FUN. | Comments Off
September 21st, 2010
Sprinkle No. 43 is one of those things that is easy and relatively inexpensive and brings (at least for me) a huge return on investment.
Get new dishtowels *
(or … wash cloths or kitchen towels or whatever “linen” item you use every day)
That’s it. Easy.
These daily linens tend to get dirty, stained and raggy before too long and I’m always amazed at how happy I am when I gather them all up, toss the really nasty ones, put the others in the Goodwill box and replace them when new, fresh and clean!
* I recently found these happy green cloths at Fred Meyer. They are fade-resistant, so you can wash them with your whites and bleach and they will stay green! I don’t have a source online, but here are some cool green Microfiber Cleaning Towels 
on Amazon.
NOTE: I have a new plan for my *sprinkles* blog.
When I do or discover something that is a *sprinkle* in my life, I will share it with you.
I may post once a week and I may not.
The good news is that *sprinkles* from now on are 100% authentic. This blog is now less pressure to inspire you and more a reflection of the curious, creative and compassionate things I do to nurture joy in my own soul. I have also turned off the comments on this blog. I don’t need to know whether or not you like or use a *sprinkle.* I just need to put it out into the universe and hope that good things happen.
Posted in Just for FUN. | Comments Off
August 18th, 2010
Your *sprinkle* this week is …
to buy local.
Visit a farmer’s market or just a farm and purchase something you eat, directly from the source.
If you have a garden, pick one specific meal and prepare as much home-grown deliciousness as possible.
Stop on the side of the road for fresh corn.
Google “farm fresh eggs” in your area.
Visit a local vegetable co-op.
Schedule a trip to pick fruit this weekend.
and … don’t forget your camera!
Tags: food, nature
Posted in Just for FUN. | 5 Comments »
July 23rd, 2010
I’ve driven to Utah twice this summer. Between Spokane and Salt Lake City, there are dozens of billboards, like these. They don’t promote a product, a service or an event.
They promote values.
I’ve found that after passing one of these billboards, I feel really, really good.
And … my mind wanders to all kinds of good and inspiring places.
More on motivation.
More on inspiration.
More on preparation.
How could I possibly leave out Mr. Rogers? More on Friendship.
This week, your *sprinkle* is to visit values.com and pick your favorite billboard.
Then, leave me a comment and tell me about it!
And, the next time you need a lift or a uplifting story, you’ll have a wonderful resource.
Tags: values
Posted in Curiosity | 22 Comments »
July 14th, 2010
If you’re like me, you often “run” to the supermarket to grab a few things, or see how FAST you can check off your list and get through the line.
This week, your *sprinkle* is to slow down at the grocery store …
and even more specifically,
wander in the greeting card aisle.
Let inspiration guide you to pick up a card for someone who needs one.
Add some words of appreciation or encouragement and drop your card in the mail.
While you’re there, pick up another card to inspire your paper crafting and prop it up in your creative space.
Posted in Compassion, Creativity | 5 Comments »
July 6th, 2010
Your *sprinkle* this week: Read outside.
Here’s how it works:
Grab a book you’re reading, or want to read and find a spot to settle in where you can feel the sun, or appreciate some shade, or smell the sprinkler watering the grass. Pay attention to what you hear and remind yourself that life is good and there is much to learn.
Feel free to leave me a comment when you come in. Tell me what you read and where!
Posted in Just for FUN. | 16 Comments »
