Sprinkle No. 41

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.

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More on motivation.

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More on inspiration.

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More on preparation.

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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.

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Sprinkle No. 40

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.

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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.

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Sprinkle No. 39

July 6th, 2010

Your *sprinkle* this week: Read outside.

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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!

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Sprinkle No. 38

June 29th, 2010

Today, June 29th is National Camera Day.

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Sprinkle No. 38: Take a picture of your camera.
Today and the rest of this week is a perfect time to contemplate what your camera allows you to do. How has photography changed your life, how has it changed you? Photograph your camera and then consider creating some kind of tribute to the lens through which you view and capture life.

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Sprinkle No. 37

June 15th, 2010

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Your *sprinkle* this week?

SIDEWALK CHALK

buy some. give some. draw with some. play hopscotch. play four square. decorate a neighbors driveway. make art. write words. send happy messages. anything.

photograph chalky hands and butts, and knees (if you see any!)

and of course, report back.

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Sprinkle No. 36

June 8th, 2010

The idea for this week’s *sprinkle* comes from an email I received (see below) and I LOVE it!
Look for an uplifting message on some kind of product packaging this week.
Now that I’m paying attention, I’m seeing these FUN positive messages everywhere.

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When you find yours, save it or snap a photo!

[email from Heather C] You don’t know me but I’ve followed you trail of happiness for years.  You know my sister, Bettijo, as in ‘Bath by Bettijo’ shower gel.  Anyway, I had this experience this year and thought of you.  Thank you for helping me see the small, important moments as I experience young mommy-hood.  This year I’m on a quest to find joy in my journey. Soon after I began I had one of those wonderful spontaneous moments.  I opened my Daisy sour cream and staring up at me was the foil seal with beautiful pink flowers and the saying, “Jumping for joy is good exercise.” I just had to laugh!  I cleaned it and it’s been on my wall for months.

When I got Heather’s email. I went to my outside fridge and discovered that I actually had a container of Daisy brand sour cream. I pulled off the lid and read, “Little acts of kindness can add to a lifetime of happiness.”

It’s so true.
Thank you Heather!
I hope you’ll leave me a comment and tell me where you find your positive words.

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Sprinkle No. 35

June 2nd, 2010

I got a little behind with the holiday weekend.
Today feels like a Tuesday, so … it must be time for a new sprinkle.

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Your *sprinkle* this week is to sit down (this is important) and eat some cinnamon toast.
Why? Because cinnamon toast is easy to make, tastes really yummy and makes you feel special.
Don’t you think?

Just for fun, I Googled “cinnamon toast” and discovered this recipe on the Joy of Baking website. Who knew? I tell you, the Internet is amazing.

Cinnamon Toast: In a small bowl mix sugar with cinnamon, adjusting the ratio of sugar to cinnamon to your own particular taste.

Toast the bread until golden brown, on both sides, either under the oven’s broiler, on a grill, or in a toaster oven. Butter one side of the toast and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar. If desired, place the cinnamon toast under the oven’s broiler until the sugar has melted and starts to bubble. Remove from oven, cut the slices of cinnamon toast in half, and eat straight away.

Serves 2-3.

Enjoy!
Note: If you have a child or children, then take this opportunity to teach them how to make cinnamon sugar and put it in some kind of container that will dispense it properly. I like this Pampered Chef Flour & Sugar Shaker Note: I generally mix 1 tsp. cinnamon with 1/2 cup sugar.

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Sprinkle No. 34

May 26th, 2010

Guess what?

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It’s time to treat your toes right.

Your *sprinkle* this week is to paint your toenails a pretty color for spring.

Barefoot season is just around the corner (remember I live in the Northwest, so it’s still around the corner for me!) so, go get a pedicure or just take a bath, trim those nails, use some pretty smelling lotion and add some bright, happy color to your feet!

As an added bonus: Memorial Day weekend is the “official” weekend of summer, celebrate by taking your bare (and beautiful) feet for a walk in the grass.
You could even take a picture!

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Sprinkle No. 33

May 20th, 2010

I’m a little late this week, but it’s Ok, because I’m sure you can make time.
This one is easy, rewarding and refreshing!

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Your *sprinkle* is to find some water and sit by it for at least 15 minutes.

See? Easy.

You can visit a local park and sit by the pond or stroll along a river. You can drive to a scenic outlook with a view of the ocean or take your lunch break and sit by a fountain in the middle of a bustling city.  The kind of water and it’s location is not important. The important thing is you, taking a break to listen to the magical sound of water. Grab a notebook and pen or just chill–either way, let your mind wander and be happy.

I’d love to know where you go and what you experience, so feel free to report back with a comment!

By the way, this man made waterfall is a stop along our trail system, at a place called Mirabeau Park. We often see wild rabbits and turtles sunning themselves on rocks. We’ve also seen more than one wedding, with the bride and groom posed against the backdrop of that lovely falling water!

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Sprinkle No. 32

May 11th, 2010

The weather is warming and more and more people are out and about.
The other day I was driving home and I passed an elderly gentleman walking on the side of the road.
I honked my horn (lightly) and gave him one of those quick waves from the top of my steering wheel.

His response was over-the-top delightful.
He looked up with this huge smile and waved enthusiastically back.

Trey was with me and we both laughed out loud, while experiencing one of those emotional rushes that confirms you have done a good thing.

image source.

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Your *sprinkle* this week is to WAVE.

Go out of your way to wave. Some people won’t wave back, but most people will.
Some people will look utterly confused, but most will instantaneously respond with one of those “we’re all part of the human family” waves.

This week: Wave and be waved!
And, if you encounter something you’d like to share, leave me a comment.

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