carpe diem | Bead Happily Ever After

You’re Worth It

Posted on March 9, 2011 by crystal

Isn’t it a shame that we sometimes get so busy; we don’t take the time to treat ourselves well?

Carpe diem and all that stuff . . .

What on earth are you talking about Crystal? (You ask.) 😉

Well, I have this lovely little collection of bone china teacups, cake plates and even a few teapots. I’ve collected them one piece here and another piece there, for years. It’s not a matchy-matchy set, which is what I love most about it. I can’t set the table with the same dishes for each person but that’s ok! It means I can enjoy a whole array of pretty designs all at same time!

Very nice, but what’s the problem?

Ok, what I’m saying is that I often find myself settling for my plain old everyday dishes instead – because it’s easier. The bone china has to be washed by hand and most days I’m looking for shortcuts in the kitchen.

But this week, I made Irish bread and it’s especially wonderful fresh from the oven with a cup of tea.

As I was about to set the table I suddenly thought: “No, wait! Use the china!”

So, I grabbed a favorite teapot –

and the roses dessert set for me –

and the forget-me-nots for Sir Beads –

What a delight it is to spoil yourself a little, to make things special. You can actually feel the stress just melting away . . . 🙂

I think we should all make a little note to stick on the refrigerator. The message should read:

Take the time to make things special.

You are worth it! 😀

Hugs,

Slow Dance

Posted on June 18, 2010 by crystal

I bumped into this sweet little poem and just had to share it with you . . .

At first glance, it looks a bit long, but it’s really a quick read!

Thank you for your visits and comments this week! I appreciate it so much. 😀

Happy weekend! See ya Monday!

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask “How are you?”
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done,
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You’d better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
‘Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?
You’d better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift….
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

[ Author Unknown ]

Hugs for all,

Thanks, Robin!

Posted on June 2, 2010 by crystal

Ever had one of those days when the hours between breakfast and bedtime pass in a flash?

I know you have!

It’s been that way around here for a couple of weeks now – just too much on the schedule.

In the middle of it all, I thought of Robin Williams.

<Oh boy! Poor Crystal is cracking up!!!> 😉

Seriously though, do you remember the movie, Dead Poets Society? In it, Robin Williams is an English professor who inspires his students with his unconventional style of teaching. He urges them to “seize the day” (carpe diem).

After the popularity of the film, that phrase (originally from the writings of Horace) quickly caught on. It reminded all of us to “live in the moment”.

Recently, after a blur of an afternoon, I happened to glance out the window and notice that our iris were at their peak. So beautiful; so soothing to behold; I could feel myself begin to relax . . .

My mind wandered for a few seconds, and then somehow I remembered the movie . . .

Carpe diem, indeed! 🙂

Wishing you a calm moment today.

Hugs,