tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89995147479132214942024-03-05T08:38:03.602+02:00 joy acousticsAurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comBlogger684125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-505279140105421032024-02-01T17:24:00.003+02:002024-02-04T17:54:03.233+02:00My 3 Words For 2024<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtqUMZgqPfOzA76Hi31YM7lJZv9ep4MpR_dXuXD97OG_APvkuzUD5nFmi9GIeFgIGhKSVMkuV1CFJNSBK_PBLhgK25aaFj-WUHD2JOdBa-A9IycV5yif_UTq_I9bLlTtTa0y0LjA5RINxC_i9MbzxP0vEKGbLBtW1g4ahh5eTjvEE2DUruQCjGwhDKpk/s1536/0eadde72-f7ff-4639-9107-2365abbaf807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtqUMZgqPfOzA76Hi31YM7lJZv9ep4MpR_dXuXD97OG_APvkuzUD5nFmi9GIeFgIGhKSVMkuV1CFJNSBK_PBLhgK25aaFj-WUHD2JOdBa-A9IycV5yif_UTq_I9bLlTtTa0y0LjA5RINxC_i9MbzxP0vEKGbLBtW1g4ahh5eTjvEE2DUruQCjGwhDKpk/w640-h640/0eadde72-f7ff-4639-9107-2365abbaf807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">This January was all about slow living by choice, and also imposed by a nasty cold. Possibly for the first time in my adult life, I allowed myself to be and rest, without the constant need to do something. I feel very proud of myself for doing so. My 3 words for 2024 came very slow, too. I kept refining them until I felt they will guide me well.<span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">This is my twelfth <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/my3words" target="_blank">"3 words"</a> exercise, switching from frustrating New Year resolutions. I find some quiet time and think about my life. I ask questions and try to find out what I need to be more of myself. Resistance is always cornering me: "Shall I do something else this time? Not yet. Setting intentions at the beginning of each year is powerful. I allowed myself the whole month of January to come up with my anchors and I allowed myself to choose expressions, not single words. It's my plan, and I write what I want to ๐. So, here I am again:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Befriend my </span></i><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">BODY</span></i> - </b><span style="color: #444444;">evolved from willpower to kindness to friendship. I don't want to be at war with my body. I want to treat it with care and respect. I want to listen to what it needs and act accordingly.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Create </span></i><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">SPACE</span></i> <span style="color: #444444;">- </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">holds a lot of meanings for me: the physical space I will continue to declutter; the mental space I deserve, to make room in my life for myself; the attention I need to guard as a precious resource in a world where everybody wants a piece of it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i>Understand </i></span><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i>FEELINGS</i></span><span style="color: #444444;"> - </span></b><span style="color: #444444;">I don't have the language nor the knowledge to understand why I react in a certain way, what is there for me to notice and act on. I bought books and I started learning about feelings. I am building the vocabulary to orient myself better by using my feelings as a compass.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">In 2024, I am trying my best to live less out of habit and more out of intent.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">What about you? What do you want from yourself in 2024?</span></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-52581187449398670302023-12-24T15:29:00.003+02:002024-02-04T17:53:26.177+02:00What Were Your Glimmer Moments This Year?
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrY3amUvvn7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=ZTcxMWMzOWQ1OA==" target="_blank">Glimmers</a>, have you heard about them? They are tiny moments of awe that spark joy and
evoke inner calm. If there is a time when one needs to fill the joy tank, it's worth revisiting your photo archive. Although there were moments when I intentionally didn't want to interrupt the experience by taking out the phone for a photo, I was left with plenty more when I did. While going down the memory lane of 2023, I intentionally skipped the photos about connection with others and made it more about myself. So, here is what sparked joy and what didn't make it into my Instagram - this year I didn't feel like being present there:</p>
<p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">FALL</span></b> was very rich for me. A late birthday gift in the form of red boots very much made for walking the whole day. A trip to London, the best visit to a museum - <a href="https://www.postalmuseum.org/" target="_blank">The Postal Museum</a> with an underground ride of the Mail Rail. And when I thought things can't get better, the theatre experience of "The Eras Tour" in IMAX. Paining my nails all in different colours reminded me of something I used to take much joy from.</p>
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SUMMER</span></b> was about Cris getting into high school and then the long waited summer vacation. I received a birthday card 2 months after my birthday and that was very cool. I had long walks with Cristian: at the seaside, in Bucharest going to art exhibits or visiting the natural park Vacaresti Delta right before his exams. We had a chance encounter with a turtle, a very friendly one. I must say, my oldest son is the best companion when it comes to going out. And there was also the moment when my new hoodie was matching the flower pot just outside "Hacienda de Mare" where we ate the best Caesar salad. <div><br /><div>
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<div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">SPRING</span></b> went by so very fast. Cristian and I spent half a day in the Botanical Garden, visited a bonsai exhibition and taking a lot of pictures. I finally saw the interior of the Bucharest Athenaeum. And it was also the time when, while visitng my parents, a <a href="https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-fried-doughs-in-romania" target="_blank">langos</a> (flat donut) felt like tasting my childhood all over again.</div><div><br />
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</div><br /></div><div>Sometimes spotting a car in your favorite colour is enough and one must take a picture. </div><div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">WINTER</span></b> was covered in the <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2023/02/january-roundup-snow-focus-and-new.html" target="_blank">January round up</a>. But there was also Valentine's day when I celebrated with shades of pink. Tulips, a fluffy moleskine and necklace layering were also glimmers.</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<br /></div></div><div>Et voila, my timeline of magic! I am grateful for each and every one, whether captured in a picture, in my heart or already forgotten. Thank you, 2024, you've been wonderful!</div><div><br /></div><div>What did you enjoy in 2023? What was your <a href="https://cupofjo.com/2023/12/20/readers-favorite-photos/" target="_blank">favourite photo</a> of the year? If I had to pick one, I'd chose the donut, so evocative of the child in me, or the one in the bus, where I was holding Tudor's head so he can sleep cosily on me, evocative of the mother in me. So many parts of me, so little time...</div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-4054078796330179892023-12-09T20:00:00.007+02:002023-12-24T17:51:45.912+02:002023 In Review - My Monthly Journal Of Focus And Insight<p></p>
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It's the second weekend of December and I don't feel like doing anything at
all. We are about to part, 2023 and
me, and this gets me thinking. I make myself a coffee and open my "flower world" notebook. It holds my monthly notes: the things I did, the quotes I liked and everything else I felt like writing. Journal was one of <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-3-words-for-2023.html" target="_blank">my 3 words</a> for this year. Here are some of my notes: my focus for each month and the quote that
resonated with me the most:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">
January </span>was about LESS: no added sugar, focus more on what's going out,
declutter.</div>
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<i>I deserve to live the life of my dreams.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>
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February</span> </span>- completed 30 Day YOGA CHALLANGE with Adrienne.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Instead of saying "I have to do this" say "I get to do this", everything is a
privilege.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">
March</span> - focus on HEALTH checks, going back to the dentist after a 3 year break, annual blood work and other medical visits
</div>
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<i>I think being yourself - your true, entire self - is always going to feel like you're
swimming upstream <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>(</i>The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo, one of my favorite books from T.J. Reid)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT8oYn2Bsmmntet0glEtEgMAUMsUX6zABtMl19PMWqApsu6SYlutVDJLuAui9V4p63NuKCUmOaFwig-_FDhnzDz5AzNoWWBDLfXaFfl8We4DTNC032yAAvlwPX4JoFDG-A129zi5JMs7i3wg_1sBUuXn4frRz5W8ev_zlT1M78YWWiJzdnLEblvvOG10/s2576/IMG_2280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT8oYn2Bsmmntet0glEtEgMAUMsUX6zABtMl19PMWqApsu6SYlutVDJLuAui9V4p63NuKCUmOaFwig-_FDhnzDz5AzNoWWBDLfXaFfl8We4DTNC032yAAvlwPX4JoFDG-A129zi5JMs7i3wg_1sBUuXn4frRz5W8ev_zlT1M78YWWiJzdnLEblvvOG10/w640-h480/IMG_2280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
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April</span> - CATCHING UP with what I wanted to do for a long time: wearing my
sequin skirt on a night out, going dancing until 4 am, buying a ticket
to an event at the Athenaeum, planning a visit to The National Museum of Art
of Romania, which I later did in July.</div>
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<i>If you're not joyful, you wasted your life. - Deepak Chopra</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>
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May</span> was about FAMILY and taking care of others very close to me.
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<i>Sometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and becoming
comfortable with not knowing. - E. Tolle</i>
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June</span> is the month of my birthday so I tried to make it EASY for me, do things
that bring me joy, have the first weekend away for the year, plan a trip to my
favorite town away from home.</div>
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<i>You're picky about the car you drive, what you wear, what you put in your
mouth. We want you to be pickier about what you think. - Abraham -Hicks</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div>
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July</span> was about DECLUTTERING some areas of the house, enjoying a birthday gift
- a day at the spa and finally going on our summer vacation.
</div>
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<i>The basis for true change is freedom from negativity. And that's what
acceptance implies: no negativity about what is. And then you see what this
moment requires, what is that is required now so that life can express
itself more fully. - E.Tolle</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCI6YhY-FdWdnOm4bFIuRkSsLrfmB5Rw8O-BMZmzqZiXNQdC6ntVV6KBDpeuoO7BDJNLwXN3vSWgA9TsjcD6ecGPdJ0FTKHYmCRT5Sl0isSz2YawMhlBCCGr1pNpkLfrmNynjyj6Xb4-ZKKq4pWiNCUFgL_j8aY2uuccl-djXvHrmZi1PKXuqOKQOko5E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCI6YhY-FdWdnOm4bFIuRkSsLrfmB5Rw8O-BMZmzqZiXNQdC6ntVV6KBDpeuoO7BDJNLwXN3vSWgA9TsjcD6ecGPdJ0FTKHYmCRT5Sl0isSz2YawMhlBCCGr1pNpkLfrmNynjyj6Xb4-ZKKq4pWiNCUFgL_j8aY2uuccl-djXvHrmZi1PKXuqOKQOko5E=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">August</span> was mostly VACATION and a lot of TV series</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>I am worthy of enjoying long term results and capable of doing difficult things on my own. - S. Izadi, The Kindness Method</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">September</span> - RENEW both the house and me. I started air
yoga after a lot of voices in my mind telling me "who are you to do this
at 43", I ended up loving it.</div>
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<i>Solicit help in an many areas as you would think of.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KkqqYp_rtBOp0tPrDRy0svQll7Isn4NzMGJXCOBsOk7dO0UuzMuTIQpgMhEe6MU5cYKV1YcO2whRLF_q9zMSDFYZOGfiZU15ytj-Sm_hdPJSjf7gBefVJ4Oa5ze0xU6-eXjA_ABJD2dw_D63OfvvSSHD0HMAnU6JNfSltt5m0vbWMH0IJRNfJ-YIRY8/s1024/ac35e2b8-1e2f-4c7c-b594-dcfc9ff27eca.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KkqqYp_rtBOp0tPrDRy0svQll7Isn4NzMGJXCOBsOk7dO0UuzMuTIQpgMhEe6MU5cYKV1YcO2whRLF_q9zMSDFYZOGfiZU15ytj-Sm_hdPJSjf7gBefVJ4Oa5ze0xU6-eXjA_ABJD2dw_D63OfvvSSHD0HMAnU6JNfSltt5m0vbWMH0IJRNfJ-YIRY8/w300-h400/ac35e2b8-1e2f-4c7c-b594-dcfc9ff27eca.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div>
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October </span>- a crazy couple of months after our summer
vacation, I was ready for a break. My annual visit to London is part of <a href="https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/" target="_blank">MY RICH LIFE vision</a>.
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">November</span> - back from London, I was sad that nothing waiting for me home will top my British experiences. 2 days after our return, Cris made me
an offer I couldn't refuse: for me to see "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" in
cinema while the boys go to Five Nights at Freddy's, the movie. I had the time of my life
dancing along some wonderful teenagers who knew all of the lyrics. I only
know some of them. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On a more important note, I finally understood what self care by reading "Real Self-Care" by
Pooja Lakshmin :</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Nobody gives you power, you must take it. REAL SELF-CARE is all about making space for you - your thoughts, feelings and priorities in life... It's like building a muscle. It takes time to get the hang of it."</i></span></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">December</span> - I realised THERE IS STILL TIME. I went back to my 3 words for 2023 and started right away with what was left unattended.<br /><i>The moment where I am not wanting or needing more is a moment of FREEDOM</i><br /><br /><span><span style="text-align: justify;">Looking back at my notes, the question that kept coming back was: </span><i style="text-align: justify;"></i></span></p><blockquote><span><i style="text-align: justify;">If I would take care of myself properly what would that look like? </i></span></blockquote><span><span style="text-align: justify;">I need to constantly live my life in a way that </span></span>serves
me, in a way that brings me nurture and joy. It's like I always need to learn how
to live with myself when everything else changes around me. Who knows, maybe someday I will be a relaxed woman. <p></p><p>Do you keep a journal? What was your focus this year?</p><p>xoxo</p>
<p></p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-14302441165921184812023-11-23T15:05:00.003+02:002023-11-26T19:56:04.661+02:00What Is Good About Yourself?<p></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJeHk53RVidhjNXtgGxjBxZbPqtV4ZsUIkm5gvWYj3xOzKm862rsnqoTrwS1sdGKOsSzoffFpM2MiUjO61vRLVZNL5Bgf4_6qgsOV_bZ6e7GOsnR9oRpJhKi9QxDMuI_bmfY4RM5TfDT9JhD_W1KkA1Obbvz53lXL2XQZMycVgW0MbNJHjPtzi7hPF78/s4032/IMG_4492.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJeHk53RVidhjNXtgGxjBxZbPqtV4ZsUIkm5gvWYj3xOzKm862rsnqoTrwS1sdGKOsSzoffFpM2MiUjO61vRLVZNL5Bgf4_6qgsOV_bZ6e7GOsnR9oRpJhKi9QxDMuI_bmfY4RM5TfDT9JhD_W1KkA1Obbvz53lXL2XQZMycVgW0MbNJHjPtzi7hPF78/w640-h480/IMG_4492.HEIC" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p>
It was a day like any other day, this year. I can't even remember the season.
I was holding a jar of Hellmann's mayonnaise and reading the list of
ingredients. Cris must have been in a hurry for us to do something with it. So
he casually said to me:
</p>
<p>
<i>"It's OK. You can eat it. You'll still go to Heaven because you are the
best mom"</i>
</p>
<p>
I am the best mom, I am the best mom, I am the best mom. Maybe that's
something you need to repeat to yourself, too.
</p>
<p>
Late last night, Tudor remembered he needed to redo his History assignment of
building a pyramid. He went to school with an Egyptian pyramid instead of an
aztec one. I did the first one, too. At a time when I would have loved to be
in bed, I was doing research of how to DIY the Pyramid of the Sun. Measuring,
cutting, building, way past midnight. He could have
done it during the weekend and I could have been sound asleep. But I did what
I know to do: prioritise his sleep over mine and help him when he needs help.
I maintained my composure but I was fuming inside.
</p>
<p>
I am the best mom, I am the best mom, I am the best mom. I have to repeat this
to clear away the inner critic and my hubby. They were both telling me it was
a good opportunity to teach Tudor a lesson. I chose not to, I am here to
shield him, not take revenge on him.
</p>
<p></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSsOOmU2LIM516-Z5GduAfhBf6vJE8VKZM6FOYjwL8Mqqkrc_i5JL2K5ugzVwkbqHTOmsDHG1DDEEoSVSVD4VULJwJR8atv-rfjyMK8L9Si5DbLgKutYZzK3NRdcNtdZ7XzUwPzjV_Y4qodVw3ZpBvE2iOS-wql61Zs7fBea2ytAwYpLsORgnguDgdJU/s4032/IMG_4538.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSsOOmU2LIM516-Z5GduAfhBf6vJE8VKZM6FOYjwL8Mqqkrc_i5JL2K5ugzVwkbqHTOmsDHG1DDEEoSVSVD4VULJwJR8atv-rfjyMK8L9Si5DbLgKutYZzK3NRdcNtdZ7XzUwPzjV_Y4qodVw3ZpBvE2iOS-wql61Zs7fBea2ytAwYpLsORgnguDgdJU/w400-h300/IMG_4538.HEIC" width="400" /></a>
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<p>Self image and self care are what I keep thinking about lately. While watching
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uWemSfpwk&t=21s&pp=ygUWcm9zYW1yeSB0YW1teSBwZXRlcnNvbg%3D%3D" target="_blank">this video</a>, I, too, realised my boys definitely value me more than I do myself.
</p>
<p>
In order to become the person you want to be, Dr Sharot says you need to first
concentrate and be aware of what is already good about yourself ("What am
I?"). Only then go to "What do I want to become?". I love the first layer Tali
Sharot brought into
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KTwmEGsY5g&t=193s" target="_blank">the conversation</a>. It was, of course, on the DOAC podcast I am still obsessed with (with his
first book out now, I am starting to learn some of "the secrets" behind his
success).
</p>
<p>
I am the best mom, I am the best mom, I am the best mom. To my kids, I am. Now
I am left with a goal, a task, call it what you want: to extend to myself the
same kindness, compassion and response I offer my kids.
</p>
<p>It's your turn now: "Who are you? What is good about yourself?"</p>
<p>
P.S.
<a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2014/03/beautiful-like.html">another compliment</a>
from Cris I will never forget.
</p>
<br />
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-59774561289935606082023-09-12T09:40:00.003+03:002023-09-12T09:56:08.604+03:00PICKY - 5 Checkpoints Before I Buy Anything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DseeYGyscc8Quz1x_Q3GH9rdoaDLSoyn7nWDQL8JFT8pgNUzyGq1JMOh2vOLShuoVmSSyypa9oAh8h-pRm8dEXg-klrBVGso74Rs1K--ZLCBjiVaUIFCPC_Bt0ZTOZvSmOw5Q0AfukcEwcHoRmT00HewDYFjJjxUz27tMzhJa-aN5iy1twQ0ez3C2GI/s1920/CLULESS.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DseeYGyscc8Quz1x_Q3GH9rdoaDLSoyn7nWDQL8JFT8pgNUzyGq1JMOh2vOLShuoVmSSyypa9oAh8h-pRm8dEXg-klrBVGso74Rs1K--ZLCBjiVaUIFCPC_Bt0ZTOZvSmOw5Q0AfukcEwcHoRmT00HewDYFjJjxUz27tMzhJa-aN5iy1twQ0ez3C2GI/w640-h426/CLULESS.webp" width="640" /></a>
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There are countless stacks of books and piles of clothes shoved in huge
plastic bags, occupying almost every inch of our apartment floors. We are
doing some wall repainting and minor redecorating, enough to bring chaos and
exhaust me both physically and mentally. This is how <span style="font-family: inherit;">I was faced with the amount of stuff we have in our home. Now I finally
understand why all decluttering efforts start with taking everything out.
While I go through my stuff and decide what can be given away, I need a
process in place for </span>improving<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on this front. In the past year or so, my rule has been 2 out for
each 1 item brought into the house. Now, I am adding a checklist, mainly for
clothes, but parts can be applied to other </span>items<span style="font-family: inherit;"> as well:</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">P</span>ERSPECTIVE/PRIORITIES</b> - switch perspective from myself: "I
am worthy of this pleasure!" to "Are they worthy of having my money"?.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Money-Reclaiming-Wealth-Resources/dp/039332950X" target="_blank">"The Soul of Money"</a>
is the book that helped me change this narrative.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Do I have other priorities bigger than this, at the moment ?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>DEAL</b>
- Is this something my ideal next self would wear? Does it have the wow
factor, joy, playfulness, or versatility I am looking for? </div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>OMPARE</b> - Is there
something I have better or that I can use? Additional question:
Would I give away something similar I already own to have this instead? I have
the upgrade/replace idea in my mind rather than adding more items to my
wardrobe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">K</span>NOW your COLOURS</b>
- Is it a colour that fits me well, something I like wearing? Sometimes I
get carried away with the design, sale price, brand, and I forget about
factoring in the color.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>OUR STYLE</b>
- Do I like it for myself or in general? Does it fit my style?</div></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT_7B2NMwMrsgu7rsoJo8jpeKXwes7HKWwOTGf8bWRgm3nYqnxscov-pOfYDa1qmtchsscRkRL3c5ffDatEXbd8nJF3A9HnV1mV_QKOWE9SrU_BkJ5_gYgaqaKOuSTQ8RGh1UupNMzqc-x464f0Oy2g-gO0YrCV4gS5K_1CqwT0pSNXEARawM61TIWIE/s1920/SHOPPING.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT_7B2NMwMrsgu7rsoJo8jpeKXwes7HKWwOTGf8bWRgm3nYqnxscov-pOfYDa1qmtchsscRkRL3c5ffDatEXbd8nJF3A9HnV1mV_QKOWE9SrU_BkJ5_gYgaqaKOuSTQ8RGh1UupNMzqc-x464f0Oy2g-gO0YrCV4gS5K_1CqwT0pSNXEARawM61TIWIE/w640-h426/SHOPPING.webp" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<p>
With this system in place and constant decluttering, my goal is to own less.
If I pick something out of my closet blindfolded, I want to be something I
really enjoy.
</p>
<p>What about you? Are you ready to be PICKY? </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>
P.S. since distractions are good when changing your habits maybe you would
like to revisit the movies with the
<a href="https://www.tatler.com/gallery/best-movie-shopping-scenes" target="_blank">best shopping scenes</a> instead of buying anything new.
</p>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-68292301479114093532023-08-27T16:20:00.004+03:002023-12-24T17:53:28.004+02:009 New Stories To Tell Myself<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzQRDNrafbNtk4h5cbfvDJl6zNnMcgpA64kSyevOpJhNIaKZweIhQXB8E9j_F4TcuMElssBy7aYMJZCOxc7wHTiRHRGR9bA4DG7e3ayUlfAN2xnE7guAx56TvL_odwX8Ev0vlsPaEmYITho54iHrk_4SOcVwbhtRKKB7I5pbKmZSbm09x3KJQeYAFyrg/s2576/IMG_3440-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzQRDNrafbNtk4h5cbfvDJl6zNnMcgpA64kSyevOpJhNIaKZweIhQXB8E9j_F4TcuMElssBy7aYMJZCOxc7wHTiRHRGR9bA4DG7e3ayUlfAN2xnE7guAx56TvL_odwX8Ev0vlsPaEmYITho54iHrk_4SOcVwbhtRKKB7I5pbKmZSbm09x3KJQeYAFyrg/w640-h480/IMG_3440-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Maybe it's my age, maybe it's the reading and listening I've done so far. I can now pause and listen to what's running in my head. Sometimes those thoughts are not the kindest nor do they benefit me.</p><p>There are stories I tell to myself that need replacing. So here is what I would like to think instead. A list worth coming back to, over and over again:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Life is <a href="https://youtu.be/rDmbNmsxI4A?si=GGnEAFkZVazor_Sl" target="_blank">easy</a>, I can welcome it with ease</li><li>I like eating nutritious food</li><li>I can lose weight and have a harmonious body at any age</li><li>I accept myself just as I am</li><li>I am disciplined</li><li>I can set boundaries</li><li>I make time for creativity and fun</li><li>It is ok to have and spend money; I can live with excess</li><li>Love loves my company </li></ul><div><i>"At the end of the day, we should be thinking about what you are or what you aren't doing... Do the verb instead of being the noun; do the thing. I don't do the things I don't think I am..." </i><a href="https://youtu.be/PafvhTSC4yE?si=fW9GVjNRiKjs8VwX" target="_blank">Diary</a> of a CEO</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think you are? Would you like to change your story?</div><p></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-77277244370728818242023-06-03T12:20:00.001+03:002023-06-12T18:56:02.564+03:00FourtyThree<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrNgv1_Ka9eSGeI_1qTSPk3i0hCMfi4l0ZSHIq7cNEsUCQHqQoaoEk4NXyh_Hg3T5frkL0ClBLj5i--Y4kXnlruosqEd3bgPCMEa8Z9d0sjnKvqBZtpWHO_fOpSoDMEhQHzhzmlorvJuuNHydmygNhCgXap4q4yR9bbH9_fZuiboAMIrB3JNf-m6/s4128/20170220_125605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrNgv1_Ka9eSGeI_1qTSPk3i0hCMfi4l0ZSHIq7cNEsUCQHqQoaoEk4NXyh_Hg3T5frkL0ClBLj5i--Y4kXnlruosqEd3bgPCMEa8Z9d0sjnKvqBZtpWHO_fOpSoDMEhQHzhzmlorvJuuNHydmygNhCgXap4q4yR9bbH9_fZuiboAMIrB3JNf-m6/w640-h360/20170220_125605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Today I had 2 breakfasts by 10.30 and watched the first 4 episodes of SATC by midnight. In between, there was a long walk, a late lunch on a terrace and an ice-cream at my favorite place. A day filled with pleasures, it could only mean one thing: it was my birthday. Since this happens once a year, I am left wandering: What about the rest of the 364 days? </p><p>As a birthday gift to myself, I put together a list of small pleasures to turn to, all days, every day:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>๐ฆphotos of flamingos or wearing bird prints</li><li>๐ฅ my happy place in the house, <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2021/05/welcome-to-my-chillaxing-nook.html" target="_blank">the balcony nook</a></li><li>โ a cappuccino because of the taste and even more because I love the touch of milk foam on my lips</li><li>๐ a book in progress to serve as escape strategy when life is not ideal (is it ever? I think sometimes it is ๐)</li><li>๐ yoga</li><li>๐ decluttering/tidying the house ( a sense of order in my private space gives me a minimum sense of control)</li><li>๐ป listening to a podcast</li><li>โ writing with a pen on paper ( quotes that resonate with me, journaling, making plans, taking notes)</li><li>๐ put on jewelry even in the days I am staying home (necklace pairing is a favorite activity because after "And just like that..." wearing 1 necklace is no longer an option)</li><li>๐ moisturizing and massaging my hands</li><li>๐ dance ( why don't I do it more often, more at home?)</li><li>๐ going to the farmer's market ( for flowers, fruits and the next thing to cook)</li><li>๐ visit a bookshop</li><li>๐ virtual window shopping or maintaining my favorites list on aboutyou</li><li>๐ an <a href="https://youtu.be/NO_GdfSe9To?t=692" target="_blank">awe walk</a> ( peoplewatching and life watching as it unfolds).</li></ul><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"I am twice happy! Firstly, because I am actually happy, secondly because I realize I am happy. In general, people know how to regret the moment of ecstasy but they don't know to appreciate it."</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"> <i>R. Osog-Brasoveanu, the Agatha Christie of Romania</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p></p><div>At 43, I want to get myself the gift of joy: pursuing it, using it as fuel and acknowledging its power over me and the ones around me. I want the "small pleasures" intertwined in my monotonous life so I can ditch boredom and feel energized and inspired. I need to feel fully and live fiercely!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday to me!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2021/06/a-checklist-for-my-birthday.html" target="_blank">a checklist</a> for my birthday, <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/07/twelve-commandments-at-40.html" target="_blank">12 commandments at 40</a> and <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/05/i-turn-to-me-at-37.html" target="_blank">how I felt at 37</a></div><div><br /></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-29447164066100582222023-06-02T15:17:00.003+03:002023-06-02T19:35:37.893+03:00My Interview With The Boys: 2023 Edition<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcxSdpsaSo_9s3niSdwKdnqa68Gj7EyLCzosMkbsI5qY9CCuT2vTwRy09_VvIXRRqi49OaUe5CbfKomrAl8UPt-rONdY7RVy-q1VS1fbRucAzIJhHSScZ6_jfto4d2QBW8Qptg6qnz-JijoQpGkIRquGDyBPyEMNswi3igScUGjcuDaOrx1WrPiLz/s4032/IMG_1542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcxSdpsaSo_9s3niSdwKdnqa68Gj7EyLCzosMkbsI5qY9CCuT2vTwRy09_VvIXRRqi49OaUe5CbfKomrAl8UPt-rONdY7RVy-q1VS1fbRucAzIJhHSScZ6_jfto4d2QBW8Qptg6qnz-JijoQpGkIRquGDyBPyEMNswi3igScUGjcuDaOrx1WrPiLz/w640-h480/IMG_1542.JPG" width="640" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
They let me do it again, the questions game. Dare I say, they quite liked it.
I was thrilled. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We went back to
<a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2021/05/welcome-to-my-chillaxing-nook.html" target="_blank">the balcony</a>
without much preparation. I started writing the questions 1 night
in advance but they didn't want to do it then. They asked to be interviewed
the night before the First of June precisely. And so I did. Here are the questions, if you'd like:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>How are you feeling today?</li><li>What are you curious about these days?</li><li>How was this past year for you?</li><li>Who is your best friend?</li><li>What was your favorite subject at school this year? Teacher?
</li><li>What's your best trait?</li><li>What do you like best about me, your father and your brother?
</li><li>If you would need to pick your future job today, what would that be?
</li><li>If you had 1 million euros today what would you buy?
</li><li>Perfect day, what would it look like for you?
</li></ul><div>This time I decided to make it more personal and recorded the conversations, in Romanian, with their permission, of course. Warning: it's a slow listen, not edited at all, with ample time for the boys to think and formulate their answers.</div><p></p>
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1528753768&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/aura-mitea" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Aura Mitea">Aura Mitea</a> ยท <a href="https://soundcloud.com/aura-mitea/strada-sergent-major-samoil-1" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Interview Cristian">Interview Cristian</a></div>
<p>
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1528753756&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/aura-mitea" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Aura Mitea">Aura Mitea</a> ยท <a href="https://soundcloud.com/aura-mitea/strada-sergent-major-samoil" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Interview Tudor">Interview Tudor</a></div>
<p>
</p><div><i>A conversation a day keeps the doctor away!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>
P.S. <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/questions%20for%20kids" target="_blank">previous editions</a>: 2020, 2021, 2022
</div>
<p></p><p></p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-3354824017643130562023-02-13T23:11:00.034+02:002023-03-08T17:25:15.317+02:00If I Could Wear Anything This Winter - The Coat<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXCUDMjgnnBQl-8w_hTR_6I9PIkbW_jDreVhLoZBj26MpaSkNQyZHFsqMwWmkKv06N0kreHH4BgxbawUKTu1Y-6wVs0tZArmaGXEAYfpaK3WcGMODZsOI_tjQpMl9dGZWB-Vp5M6pSAgASAGOluaQDHFeZFKDFWsGH9rxf-uGsluD6JK9Ow_GGsQN/s1200/Web_Photo_Editor.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXCUDMjgnnBQl-8w_hTR_6I9PIkbW_jDreVhLoZBj26MpaSkNQyZHFsqMwWmkKv06N0kreHH4BgxbawUKTu1Y-6wVs0tZArmaGXEAYfpaK3WcGMODZsOI_tjQpMl9dGZWB-Vp5M6pSAgASAGOluaQDHFeZFKDFWsGH9rxf-uGsluD6JK9Ow_GGsQN/w640-h640/Web_Photo_Editor.png" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />Lately, I've done some soul-searching and check ins with myself. There was a lot of focus inwards. Meanwhile, I haven't
lost my love for fashion and I've been searching for what fits me best. Through the people I follow, the brands I love, and always asking one question before buying anything <b><i>"Would my ideal next self wear
this?"</i></b>. <div><br /></div><div>With the winter time still lingering on, the coat is the center piece. I really hope that, with better buying decisions, I will own a <a href="https://ro.maxmara.com/coats-and-jackets" target="_blank">MaxMara</a> coat, someday. I also love the one above from
<a href="https://zadig-et-voltaire.com/" target="_blank">Zadig&Voltaire</a>.
So here is how I would style it today:</div><div><p></p>
<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
Caramel sheepskin
<a href="https://zadig-et-voltaire.com/eu/en/p/WKCI1411F_CARA/raincoat-women-mady-wavy-coat-caramel-wkci1411f" target="_blank">coat</a>, Zadig&Voltaire </li><li>Dress, <a href="https://www.sezane.com/eu/product/sarah-dress/miranda#size-38" target="_blank">Sezane</a>, cause their spring collection is wonderful</li><li>Adele
<a href="https://www.sezane.com/eu/product/adele-boots/tan#size-35" target="_blank">boots</a>
or any other suede ones</li><li>
Bags for both daytime and nights out, via
<a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-ro/shop/bags" target="_blank">The Outnet</a></li><li>Necklace, <a href="https://lunaflolondon.com/products/shooting-star-necklace-white-lotus-lunaflo" target="_blank">Luna Flo</a> London, the one Daphne wears in season 2 of White Lotus.</li></ul><p></p>
<p>What is it that you truly desire these days, fashion-wise or from life overall?</p>
</div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-37368972772081497092023-02-01T14:33:00.002+02:002023-02-10T12:17:13.810+02:00January Roundup - Snow, Focus and a New Podcast<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiZ2s3fnoqNQgewk75aAifunBOHp4IZFCpnpS5I36Fp3hLfjwO7v9ZSTOSZsJQyT3HGYctMjAy08BRv1GOKEYwZyViU5ROCgRudH3Op3cI_ajv1mCvOHMicnabkFpKpUm1XCHnyJrVqjhEcYoommMXPtqw5O2UTSV3NO3UgGzVmLVjdOci7SLlnuf/s4032/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiZ2s3fnoqNQgewk75aAifunBOHp4IZFCpnpS5I36Fp3hLfjwO7v9ZSTOSZsJQyT3HGYctMjAy08BRv1GOKEYwZyViU5ROCgRudH3Op3cI_ajv1mCvOHMicnabkFpKpUm1XCHnyJrVqjhEcYoommMXPtqw5O2UTSV3NO3UgGzVmLVjdOci7SLlnuf/w640-h480/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>This month, my wish came true. We had just enough snow to get us sleighing down a minihill in a close by park. The boys talked about going there with friends but they couldn't meet on a short a notice. So I got to accompany them. With joy in the snow, came a concern for the future. What will I do when they won't be sleighing with me anymore? </p><p>In January, I kept my focus on nutrition and started with "no added sugar". Although the exceptions I made are more significant in my mind, I did a good job. This is so hard to say to myself. Because I am so set on black and white, that grey is hard to accept as a win. I did better with my nutrition, in January, and I need to pat myself on the back for doing so. The year goes on and so is my focus. In February, my goal is to continue with this and also figure what more I can improve upon.</p><p>What else: with 4 pair of shoes and 17 of under ware out, I continue to simplify my life and release what I no longer enjoy. I took 2 days off just because and treated them as a vacation. We had a family outing to see Avatar at Imax and it was super fun. I went to the theatre twice in a weekend. It made me realize I need diversity and a bigger social circle and this is also something I want to be intentional about.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Some of the things I enjoyed this month: <a href="https://www.thecandidly.com/2019/the-9-bags-were-still-thinking-about-from-the-white-lotus" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">the bags</a><span style="text-align: left;"> from White Lotus, my new burgundy flurry Moleskine, playing Cards Against Humanity Family Edition, the flowers on my balcony, a new yellow-gray-black Logitech Pop <a href="https://www.logitech.com/en-ph/products/keyboards/pop-keys-wireless-mechanical.920-010577.html" target="_blank">mechanical keyboard</a>. Not a joy for my hands but a delight for my eyes. I feel like Wednesday when she is using her typewriter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1iOBbEe4x35Lle7TJUBZz2BJQj9yU-MdWtcGeyFDAASCSjl2aTOLWFbMpS7Lwb6NTA3eBfG9YGLozxxq-ybzNjxcgGdOqfECVpCr-Alh5okY6SEfVQZ7ZVBobZ5Wy4Z6AUhelY7WnCMfAwCcBZmygGBwOnYVSuxQRYV6x59Gv_p6gyaycP3maVC6/s1901/IMG_1910-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1901" data-original-width="1901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1iOBbEe4x35Lle7TJUBZz2BJQj9yU-MdWtcGeyFDAASCSjl2aTOLWFbMpS7Lwb6NTA3eBfG9YGLozxxq-ybzNjxcgGdOqfECVpCr-Alh5okY6SEfVQZ7ZVBobZ5Wy4Z6AUhelY7WnCMfAwCcBZmygGBwOnYVSuxQRYV6x59Gv_p6gyaycP3maVC6/w640-h640/IMG_1910-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Also, I am listening to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACEO" target="_blank">DOAC</a> - The Diary of a CEO podcast, whenever I get the chance. It's where I heard this question:<div><i>"What's one thing I am doing wrong, that I know I'm doing wrong, that I could fix, that I would fix? The answer won't be the one you want, but it will be the necessary one."</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are the microimprovements are you working on this month?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy your February and yourself! xoxo</div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-62391337477145794832023-01-04T19:08:00.001+02:002023-01-04T19:08:18.714+02:00My 3 Words for 2023<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGpBoPHDT7bE6UWjo4mo4Xso5beDJvDWDZ3Zaplob4713gGi_kTbW_CyNKwU-PpxHBFqnUAkUfBQGWh3WOf7WvPTy3rv-RFADJV_5NcGNaUsYcToYQ1WoefWi7qv3zmDB5E_mObwIWuLfmjHhf_KJN5hXmCkuKdwiCyNORGkgxtayelYr2TMF5kLT/s2576/IMG_1488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGpBoPHDT7bE6UWjo4mo4Xso5beDJvDWDZ3Zaplob4713gGi_kTbW_CyNKwU-PpxHBFqnUAkUfBQGWh3WOf7WvPTy3rv-RFADJV_5NcGNaUsYcToYQ1WoefWi7qv3zmDB5E_mObwIWuLfmjHhf_KJN5hXmCkuKdwiCyNORGkgxtayelYr2TMF5kLT/w640-h480/IMG_1488.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>In an effort to switch from frustrating new year resolutions to new year guiding "lights", this is my eleventh <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/my3words" target="_blank">"3 words"</a> exercise. I find some quiet time and think about my life. I ask questions and try to find out what I need to be more of myself. Every year, resistance is cornering me: "Shall I do something else this time? Maybe use Daniel's Pink <a href="https://www.danpink.com/pinkcast/pinkcast-4-17-this-is-how-to-make-new-years-resolutions-like-a-pro/" target="_blank">How to make a new year resolution like a pro</a>? Not yet. Setting intentions on the first days of January is powerful. It casts a spell that will veil me throughout the new year. In <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2022/01/my-3-words-for-2022.html" target="_blank">2022</a>, my words were abstract, this year they are more resolution oriented. So, here I am again:</p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>NUTRITION</b></span> - my food intake hasn't been optimal. My body is trying to tell me that for a while now. I need to change something and the first step is "no added sugar". I want to learn more about food. My goal is to find nourishment and not comfort with what I eat.</p><p><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">ENOUGH</span></b> - I am enough and I have enough. I know this theoretically and I want to find ways to feel this deep in my body. Because I would like to live life from a place of abundance, self confidence and of gratitude for the present moment. More living, less buying, more experiencing, less stuff to clutter my life and my choices. More at ease with myself.</p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>JOURNAL</b></span> - documenting my inner dialogue, dreaming, daring and counting my blessing on the way. It's a way of tracking my growth and living with intention. </p><p>Again and again, I am a work in progress. I am also just fine, on my way to where I want to be.</p><p>May 2023 bring you joy and peace of mind!</p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-85338948288303580492022-11-07T18:52:00.004+02:002022-12-18T21:31:30.681+02:00Are You Having A Good Time This Fall?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQvo6XkGz2JNErD2-5_gT1cxF0TBzSoQ23-LsZpMOzKgH3hVpG7C7VvmN4i5LTx95Cf4yFtJyey_WcjhwRtNLAgA6cwbkMeNWZn532ry98xlReJw9yDeGbV1J9LUFVggaFYm18wygrgr_oolrA4H1sDCMGvaCMfMXyxW2SPBteEXCUSbrw7JYuZGi/s4032/IMG_1571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQvo6XkGz2JNErD2-5_gT1cxF0TBzSoQ23-LsZpMOzKgH3hVpG7C7VvmN4i5LTx95Cf4yFtJyey_WcjhwRtNLAgA6cwbkMeNWZn532ry98xlReJw9yDeGbV1J9LUFVggaFYm18wygrgr_oolrA4H1sDCMGvaCMfMXyxW2SPBteEXCUSbrw7JYuZGi/w640-h480/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> A cocoa milk, sour cherry tea and a sandalwood candle, all on my small desk. There are 3 new mohair and alpaca sweaters in my dresser: one brick, one furry navy blue and one coral. It finally feels right to light a candle and have polenta after a long summer break. Autumn is here to stay for a while.<div><br /></div><div>New season brings new routines, some I really enjoy. Like taking a long walk in the morning while Tudor has his English classes in the city center. It was my favorite thing this fall together with a walk in the forest to the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g656863-d4747521-Reviews-Cascada_Urlatoarea-Busteni_Prahova_County_Southern_Romania.html" target="_blank">Urlatoarea waterfall</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt89MOi_HYHjyIYyolaFFj4kGXhbrQ_FrE0c_BUH9p2HP86fSZFc58UPKT6ME3UcZxd0E_DocmXmFXouxwT43K2adkZwAo1ctEnFUWIt8NrXb5zM56ipf6VcBDcX9GhdCpYT0FD9hZcsFUKCOK0NHwnx4UNQtbM9tyOjz2wDhLIwVkgILUSAI1852c/s4032/IMG_1556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt89MOi_HYHjyIYyolaFFj4kGXhbrQ_FrE0c_BUH9p2HP86fSZFc58UPKT6ME3UcZxd0E_DocmXmFXouxwT43K2adkZwAo1ctEnFUWIt8NrXb5zM56ipf6VcBDcX9GhdCpYT0FD9hZcsFUKCOK0NHwnx4UNQtbM9tyOjz2wDhLIwVkgILUSAI1852c/w640-h480/IMG_1556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXwP8qrAXo3NdaaEfUeamM4CkpUY0xqkFWnZqVZ2QPxknjnQTS9FXfX4tjcFrlHLGwPmUICLwZFNc9M_mWad-gV_zgi9Z1iFGYXuvL7uz3w-HqPiNaxj_Jka48JAjKwt3EfERCURIa1wazUYjVauO73I4Zy3Q5UMDT6Tjm0suMEZEiVJ1_ASqXGmz/s4032/IMG_1542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXwP8qrAXo3NdaaEfUeamM4CkpUY0xqkFWnZqVZ2QPxknjnQTS9FXfX4tjcFrlHLGwPmUICLwZFNc9M_mWad-gV_zgi9Z1iFGYXuvL7uz3w-HqPiNaxj_Jka48JAjKwt3EfERCURIa1wazUYjVauO73I4Zy3Q5UMDT6Tjm0suMEZEiVJ1_ASqXGmz/w640-h480/IMG_1542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div> Here are some of the things I am grateful for this fall:<br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>new sweaters to take on long walks </li><li>sipping cappuccino without a lid this fall and forever because the touch of foam on my lips...</li><li>pick a chestnut from the pavement, and take note of its silky, slightly oily touch</li><li>go people watching at an event not because of the content but because of the audience. Like at Cafe Verona while listening to Gabor Mate. </li><li>bake a new cake or cook a smoked salad soup (recipe <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoked-salad-soup.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</li><li>2 new shades of nail polish</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-304HFZ8bf6QX4OJT2IZ4WtlggZdLV4l6XMjuddyFmg-CEmzwEpe86pZbrAm9wwcRn2eNoze6pS_ekVgposq1-KvY8rKQkyWkAKSRt_uywbbilHHlrB_RMT1MGtxeVWWpU9g9-oHmI52GX9JZ7uGz581FhxVL7ZBQ0ufAWzLKK5RvRCYub2T-rHdu/s4032/IMG_1688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-304HFZ8bf6QX4OJT2IZ4WtlggZdLV4l6XMjuddyFmg-CEmzwEpe86pZbrAm9wwcRn2eNoze6pS_ekVgposq1-KvY8rKQkyWkAKSRt_uywbbilHHlrB_RMT1MGtxeVWWpU9g9-oHmI52GX9JZ7uGz581FhxVL7ZBQ0ufAWzLKK5RvRCYub2T-rHdu/w640-h480/IMG_1688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i9CotWNlSX5DJQt9c1QBg5pWAsN-J-KvHxY2HBBv_LdtiANfSx5uuGyVj9y3aIWd2cj-zjOrDRXqqPJNpCSfK4VQnC9xklIqSz6kh_2W7xsP4x9wamcfZXltRRsfFJMhO4scPKG0cI1zQPWIRA3CrWFrxXL0oIIuoCj7EIq1eGq5IfC6oU-T7Qqw/s3024/IMG_1614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i9CotWNlSX5DJQt9c1QBg5pWAsN-J-KvHxY2HBBv_LdtiANfSx5uuGyVj9y3aIWd2cj-zjOrDRXqqPJNpCSfK4VQnC9xklIqSz6kh_2W7xsP4x9wamcfZXltRRsfFJMhO4scPKG0cI1zQPWIRA3CrWFrxXL0oIIuoCj7EIq1eGq5IfC6oU-T7Qqw/w640-h640/IMG_1614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhLGPYNW85F0Dg-VQCR-RwzUkYPxqrLCu3mokSHnQdvxNhwVK8q9UbkFN0lwvbC_CNlQtSHo5JHlF3smhbrAiJqtAwR8CC7uc3pbAYTA1cHn8vzVr1df6n8xBwSSIFwx7GQVypH1AqxbR0NXJ7M24PmvLqb62Vaz6YJ4NApwB_4pJ9KcoCCyjDuHo/s4032/IMG_1608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhLGPYNW85F0Dg-VQCR-RwzUkYPxqrLCu3mokSHnQdvxNhwVK8q9UbkFN0lwvbC_CNlQtSHo5JHlF3smhbrAiJqtAwR8CC7uc3pbAYTA1cHn8vzVr1df6n8xBwSSIFwx7GQVypH1AqxbR0NXJ7M24PmvLqb62Vaz6YJ4NApwB_4pJ9KcoCCyjDuHo/w640-h480/IMG_1608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxHZP8q2SFK-kFmIKtaZi-mmCGJ-5gOWU0NHvDvW11S6D4hrsDbViUZO3Slc_vpNAivh2xBJ7BOta2eQ43NUCHNyudKMLDVdrZg1SlLZdAc9y62T5WBhlTO99efKV35Ouwalxntj-LuzLvmwYZgN2VQ1vtEQR_fTfcFs0g_GwrRzA1MnCUl4hNJiI/s4032/IMG_1588.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxHZP8q2SFK-kFmIKtaZi-mmCGJ-5gOWU0NHvDvW11S6D4hrsDbViUZO3Slc_vpNAivh2xBJ7BOta2eQ43NUCHNyudKMLDVdrZg1SlLZdAc9y62T5WBhlTO99efKV35Ouwalxntj-LuzLvmwYZgN2VQ1vtEQR_fTfcFs0g_GwrRzA1MnCUl4hNJiI/w640-h480/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvjEqbRBPTpOxqBt4XHRL0our7USZ1s8DdjYPOh5gWHBDIoyoD3o8hU8a8faw7PNRIMDNQDqUJO-yhzh2-u4OsApQMizplzAUs7zS29raKfesj7mUlyu_0hdTk74LT76UZYx9lPzJgNzin0nYkWXrWuJpJI_OkVbcF73HPd-gsTimEaxYEZKQTYpm/s4032/IMG_1570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvjEqbRBPTpOxqBt4XHRL0our7USZ1s8DdjYPOh5gWHBDIoyoD3o8hU8a8faw7PNRIMDNQDqUJO-yhzh2-u4OsApQMizplzAUs7zS29raKfesj7mUlyu_0hdTk74LT76UZYx9lPzJgNzin0nYkWXrWuJpJI_OkVbcF73HPd-gsTimEaxYEZKQTYpm/w640-h480/IMG_1570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyWNlUJwdekLhGlSWWinHM4gMHq07iJOQzf10lHFdbkPGr99A-RSfAQpsrUTXR8Vq0IQnd0EmqS1mitEoclXbMPcnfgyI9LYLpbMjTPePYekP_KvIF_RpUrD-FqhOjzBJwU2yQ_JGYyBF1TIhBCrzA66QIpnjNA3aVhf7XtnGRoVhkdrBmkbFCak4/s4032/IMG_1494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyWNlUJwdekLhGlSWWinHM4gMHq07iJOQzf10lHFdbkPGr99A-RSfAQpsrUTXR8Vq0IQnd0EmqS1mitEoclXbMPcnfgyI9LYLpbMjTPePYekP_KvIF_RpUrD-FqhOjzBJwU2yQ_JGYyBF1TIhBCrzA66QIpnjNA3aVhf7XtnGRoVhkdrBmkbFCak4/w640-h480/IMG_1494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>have a bath and drink tea in the same time, a habit I picked in <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/04/marrakesh-something-old-something-new_5.html" target="_blank">Morocco</a></li><li>stay off social media for a while- a day, a week, whatever makes sense to you</li><li>dance in front of the mirror when I'm home alone with loud music playing through my headphones </li><li>go to a movie or a play</li><li>make a list for the things I want to do/buy before the end of the year. There's still time</li><li>go to a farmers' market and enjoy the harvest season, bring it home</li><li>buy a magazine and sniff the smell of the paper</li><li>learn a language, I use Duolingo for Italian</li><li>clean my closet</li><li>take a book and sit on a bench in the park: reading or simply looking at leaves falling out of the trees</li><li>go to an art gallery or a museum</li><li>an adrenaline rush ride in an amusement park. This was the one thing Cristian was looking for after he got his ID card and I was happy to share the experience with him.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are still things I didn't get to do. There always will be. Like wearing my sequin skirt I ordered right before spring of 2020, go to an event or visit the Romanian Athenaeum, have fun in a photo booth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What are you grateful for this fall? And what are you excited about?</div></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-80320454979471355292022-09-07T19:56:00.003+03:002022-12-17T19:11:13.115+02:00So Quiet, At Last!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAm7WkGlCVCnujD9_yBUx3Qxy67qmbTRktnwuLcA1fqBtq9C_P6WIGLOvUBtQZlZ2yfQ5e3dtQyzAcI0VZPPnyvkOf6AqljK-jlSWkoSSkLhCBu57YsIhxPmo8DqPsfmLoeMj9wUUr18m7raBFdaKYkKwjkH10puJtPL81ZsKjD39xXUyNI43D-1s/s4032/IMG_1401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAm7WkGlCVCnujD9_yBUx3Qxy67qmbTRktnwuLcA1fqBtq9C_P6WIGLOvUBtQZlZ2yfQ5e3dtQyzAcI0VZPPnyvkOf6AqljK-jlSWkoSSkLhCBu57YsIhxPmo8DqPsfmLoeMj9wUUr18m7raBFdaKYkKwjkH10puJtPL81ZsKjD39xXUyNI43D-1s/w640-h480/IMG_1401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><p><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></p>My Lesson</span></b><p></p>
<p>
Yesterday, I went to the
farmers' market because I needed ingredients for a veal stew. That's when I
realized I needed flowers as well, for Monday, the first day of school. I
bought 11 fuchsia dahlias that would later become: 2 bouquets for the class
masters and 1 flower for me. It was the right time for Cris to teach me
<a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-lesson-on-first-back-to-school-day.html" target="_blank">another lesson</a>: "Mom, why did you buy only 1 for you? You bought so many for school and only
one for you!"</p><p><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Progress</span> </b></p><p>Sunday, I spent 10 hours organizing and tiding the boys' room. My "back to school" gift for them. It was also a loaded day for the boys, too many feelings to decipher. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Cristian's were mixed; he knows 8th grade won't be as leisurely as the years before. Tudor was very excited in the morning and overwhelmed at bedtime. He said school starts too abruptly, "one day you're on vacation and the next you're not". I explained Monday will only mean 3 hours in school. It wasn't only about that. It was also about tiding up his desk. "Too many changes" he said, tears running down his eyes while trying to bring back his personal space to a form a bit more familiar to him. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttuEGBxHTTtNjFl-xLG5SqfU469PL2ZtIkE3mYdkW8lMvqeiq0EqSMRzI7EskWEaeh9hKljus37sAPjxjHqyX-QYspmPXEkzKcP2nlEJslNe6Zue9iRvXmeRst04zbjBFOa4FC0CynvRK3a1Sjpvv8ZxROObJ8Vn5ygmcii7ib9q1Uj3LfGuqhFtd/s4032/IMG_1365.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttuEGBxHTTtNjFl-xLG5SqfU469PL2ZtIkE3mYdkW8lMvqeiq0EqSMRzI7EskWEaeh9hKljus37sAPjxjHqyX-QYspmPXEkzKcP2nlEJslNe6Zue9iRvXmeRst04zbjBFOa4FC0CynvRK3a1Sjpvv8ZxROObJ8Vn5ygmcii7ib9q1Uj3LfGuqhFtd/w640-h480/IMG_1365.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the toys they didn't agree to give away</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Saturday night, the boys had Oreos and milk for dinner. They have their own process of sharing the pack and dunking the biscuits, always counting the seconds they stay in the milk. Tudor made an Oreo milk shake, breaking the biscuits and the dunking tradition. He was also sobbing, overwhelmed with the change ahead. I gave him a hug and told him how crying can be good. He said he needed to talk and we did just so up until midnight, the boys in their bunk beds and myself, lying on the floor trying hard not to fall asleep. Tudor made great progress in processing his emotions, that's for sure.</p>
<p>Cristian made great progress in the kitchen this summer. He made <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2013/01/sweet-for-my-sweets.html" target="_blank">Tiramisu</a>, Saturday night, all by himself. I only helped with cleaning and offered little guidance. It was a pleasure seeing him at work.
</p>
<p><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Back to School Day</span></b></p><p>The boys and I have a lot to learn and the first day of school is only a reset. A chance to start again and be excited about what's to come. I would say this is also a good way of starting any other day. Everyday is Day 1.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyssUI8pv8jnz19YjinC8FsazmhMTPczGsfNC3hq2JYhMP-ssKfCIHii-KTL78UJnvm2gXQ1ZQWAtTWe89y8o_BQEswDmcLu-nnxNLCRxPh2JuA3AjR4AbPds2qTRW-DkIlyhEghLpII7_FBxP-69dz28LpAj-DCMJDsu63pAsJQidgmKfgFkrcHG/s4032/IMG_1385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyssUI8pv8jnz19YjinC8FsazmhMTPczGsfNC3hq2JYhMP-ssKfCIHii-KTL78UJnvm2gXQ1ZQWAtTWe89y8o_BQEswDmcLu-nnxNLCRxPh2JuA3AjR4AbPds2qTRW-DkIlyhEghLpII7_FBxP-69dz28LpAj-DCMJDsu63pAsJQidgmKfgFkrcHG/w640-h480/IMG_1385.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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<p>Monday was a good day. Cris and I had some time to hug, talk and play scrabble before
Tudor woke up. He was overly excited about taking his time in
the morning, "not jumping out of bed and off to school". After classes, they both met with their colleagues and friends. Tudor went to a pizza place and Cristian to the mall, eating at this favorite place and playing pool. I
went back home with my long time friend, my hubby.</p><p><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">My Space</span></b></p>
<p>
After 14 years of being a mother, I have the first hour of the day to myself.
For the first time, both boys are off to school in the afternoon. The house is quiet and I'm loving it. </p>
<p></p><p></p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-69927257364955203732022-08-28T17:13:00.001+03:002022-12-17T19:11:49.115+02:00Late Summer Musings<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwpPimjBL_auJnZ8obTAgrhRWrq8CX32CCIh5XUDPgs34iX7AlfujSBq7QMi0a0NmC8qwXeZynUFmG0hH55c6dreWEcJGmfbF_6IjscnkZJ3rx_vcDuUsCZCNAzQBDOy3PNFhIOmp9ADFrLuStc6WOiask32PnlTYF4iX7QXCX27Jxl58vLMFZMD5/s3024/IMG_0750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwpPimjBL_auJnZ8obTAgrhRWrq8CX32CCIh5XUDPgs34iX7AlfujSBq7QMi0a0NmC8qwXeZynUFmG0hH55c6dreWEcJGmfbF_6IjscnkZJ3rx_vcDuUsCZCNAzQBDOy3PNFhIOmp9ADFrLuStc6WOiask32PnlTYF4iX7QXCX27Jxl58vLMFZMD5/w640-h640/IMG_0750.JPG" width="640" /></a>
</p>
<div>Entertainment, education, mindless scrolling, they are all intertwined. Their boundaries blurry, our control very much inexistent. I find myself consuming more video content lately and YouTube is my first stop. There's also the never-ending Insta Stories which I am less and less interested in. With all the noise within the virtual space, you
never know when the metaverse feeds you with content that is meaningful and nurturing. Here below are 4 people who inspired me this summer, if you'd like:</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><b><span style="color: #073763;">The meaning of life</span></b> - Guy Ritchie</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
He's handsome, he's British and he's deep - that's all I need to know. I was sold from the very beginning when he said: <span><a name='more'></a></span><i>"If you don't <b>own</b> something you are not <b>the boss</b>.". </i>Also, the importance of introspection:</div>
<div>
<i>"There needs to be some period in your day when you remember that there's a
world out there trying to tell you who you are and there's a world in here
that's trying to tell you who you are. Now, where do you wanna put your
x?"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>
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<div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Simplify, eliminate</span></b> - Rick Owens</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I am transitioning from my fascination with clothes and bags to another one
for interior design. It comes with the age, I am sure. Rick Owens calls himself an
eliminator and the end result, his apartment in Italy, is pure joy and beauty. 3 minutes into the visit, he opens his closet and I can assure you ain't seen nothing like it before. It makes me think about personal style and why it is so hard to nail it. It also makes me think about all the things that I aimlessly bring into my life.</div>
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<div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Give yourself permission to be creative</span></b> - Ethan Hawke</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Ethan is Finn, the main character of <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2013/10/great-expectations.html?q=great+expectations" target="_blank">my favorite movie</a> ever since I was 19. Ethan was not my type back then, seeing him now I am beginning to change my mind. His video made me reconsider
the way I create, in more ways than I realized. </div>
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<div><b><span style="color: #073763;">Soothing storytelling</span></b> - The Cottage Fairy</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Paola is my most recent find, she is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/thecottagefairy" target="_blank">The Cottage Fairy</a>. I find her content
very soothing and I enjoy the calmness of her storytelling. I use these short videos at the end of exhausting days. Below is the one that started my fascination. Although things are a bit better now, I am still looking for a slower paced life:</div>
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<div>I like sharing a bit of my inner world with you. Also I am gathering all 4 here to be able to quickly revisit when looking for drive and dreams. </div><div><br /></div><div>Who do you follow these days? What are they bringing to your life?</div>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-6651430482862599272022-08-04T23:15:00.001+03:002022-08-04T23:16:43.073+03:00My Favorite Summer Recipe<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AoLOKr4K7ea5j2FHlXR3Iq6WRfbSua_1tglkGOSCNDydFvOQfXVTafyuXeG2_K-yWd5A_6VBAvPitOue31UO2sdE63yI-xonMY5DqS63W-aRK7UStgwAR6nOug4Urz5PKrwJd8EWYM4oiAuZPzqg3LHH_aLxuN8hd6AapRjbY1Qaf0ba_nAy4IOK/s4032/IMG_0968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AoLOKr4K7ea5j2FHlXR3Iq6WRfbSua_1tglkGOSCNDydFvOQfXVTafyuXeG2_K-yWd5A_6VBAvPitOue31UO2sdE63yI-xonMY5DqS63W-aRK7UStgwAR6nOug4Urz5PKrwJd8EWYM4oiAuZPzqg3LHH_aLxuN8hd6AapRjbY1Qaf0ba_nAy4IOK/w640-h480/IMG_0968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>What are you eating this summer? Anything else besides fruits, ice creams and iced coffees? Of course you do. These are only my favorites together with a new entry on the list. It came to me via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aura.joyacoustics/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and its aggressive feed that serves a lot of content outside of the accounts you follow. Sometimes, this turns into a blessing. That's how this easy breezy recipe got my attention. </p><p>My boys are big fans of flat brad and I am a big fan of getting them to eat more vegetables. I made my first one with yellow squash alone without any other toppings from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfqXcpHD-db/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">the recipe</a>. You can call it a squash omelette with flatbread and top it with whatever you want to. This was my very first try:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3FqP8r2Le6XKHpqTfsuNEPJbDBIZuwseM3-hVZFWzuXTbIXGMoEC9_G4roURMTuAdSg1Vz012Cxn2w7Lcoi46rA7Eba3cBF2LhHq_9rlS0mjiuXvy3ArozUwdY70DbK5CJ1mpgNrzpK-wa-Un4UIkIN71PnBbU4E5Ha71Nz3VIWZIbwJ4wv6Uazn/s4032/IMG_0960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3FqP8r2Le6XKHpqTfsuNEPJbDBIZuwseM3-hVZFWzuXTbIXGMoEC9_G4roURMTuAdSg1Vz012Cxn2w7Lcoi46rA7Eba3cBF2LhHq_9rlS0mjiuXvy3ArozUwdY70DbK5CJ1mpgNrzpK-wa-Un4UIkIN71PnBbU4E5Ha71Nz3VIWZIbwJ4wv6Uazn/w640-h480/IMG_0960.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I use 2 eggs and a lot of grated cheese, any kind I have in the fridge. The only difficulty is the flipping, after you put the flat bread. I place a plate the size of the pan on top, flip, than slide everything back in the pan. Easy! Our recipe has been adjusted to include salami, because boys. Tudor doesn't like it that much so his pro tip is: add ketchup, because "everything tastes better with ketchup".</p><p>What recipes have you enjoyed this summer?</p>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-34302649105370952172022-05-31T11:06:00.007+03:002023-06-01T17:31:23.456+03:00The Interview: 2022 Edition<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcnzJgsf28NBO3zQGGV0TyxYmc8NBnzvbEYYPhIB4DC9zjv44lifeCZd7elx9E_RqV7XdEluTL0SJE86LQQCcTTqgFsyCLK8eT_0xN852YO0MTFNy5ADQXyLxBAYnVnE_Txjq_rNW2PSl8m3ABtTEIhCkUbpICVCgTB38wAk1J2D0Qqp8ik2dB77D/s4032/IMG_8251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcnzJgsf28NBO3zQGGV0TyxYmc8NBnzvbEYYPhIB4DC9zjv44lifeCZd7elx9E_RqV7XdEluTL0SJE86LQQCcTTqgFsyCLK8eT_0xN852YO0MTFNy5ADQXyLxBAYnVnE_Txjq_rNW2PSl8m3ABtTEIhCkUbpICVCgTB38wAk1J2D0Qqp8ik2dB77D/w640-h480/IMG_8251.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>They let me do it again, the questions game. We started with 3, 5 years ago. In 2020 it was my desperate attempt to calm them down after the biggest fight they ever had. We were 2 months into the lockdown and things were difficult. Next year, I wanted to learn how they felt about the strange year they had. Now, it's a tradition. I took them away from their screens and there was no objection. I had prepared only 9 questions and when I finished them, I asked Cristian if he wanted more. He said yes. Here it is, our annual interview, if you'd like:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What is the most wanderful thing that happened to you in the past year?</i><br />C: Not being on-line, going to school. I hated on-line school.<br />T: The graduation excursion, the rest was all school lately. I liked it because we had fun, we didn't sleep at all and we played video games all night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What do you think your life will be like in the future?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: I have no idea. I don't know what high school I would like to go to. I don't even know what I will do tomorrow. I don't know a thing.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I don't know, I can't predict the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you? When did you last laugh out laud?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Quite hard to remember. At school, I guess. I think boys were throwing stuff at each other.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I can't remember.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What's the coolest thing you saw someone do recently?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: That <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cdndm5rIkUm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">magic trick with the tattoo</a>, from Romania's Got Talent. I liked it, it was super trippy.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I saw someone on youtube, not very cool but impressive. He can lick his forehead. Or somebody who was born without something and now he can bring his shoulders to touch. Or people who throw cards in bananas and watermelons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What do you know how to do that you can teach others?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Lock picking</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: Hm... I can't think of anything. What did Cris say? Oh, lock picking for me too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What you should do if you are not in a good mood?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Watch youtube videos. It helps me when I watch my favorite content creators. It cheers me up, it makes me laugh. Any favorite? MatPat of Food/Film/Game theory.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: Usually I stay in bed to rest or go on the balcony. Or I open the window. The next day you can't really remember why (you were upset), anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>If you were invisible, what would you do?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: I'd travel the world, I could just pass security. Also get in the house of strangers and observe their routine.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I'd stay in a Noriel toy store after closing time, I would disable all cameras and open all the toy boxes. It's kind of evil, but nobody sees you and what proof do they have?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>How would you change the world if you could? (that was the hardest question for both, we had to go to the next one and come back later)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: I would make school fun so that you can learn anything super easily. Not only in Romania, everywhere. If you think about it that's where it all starts. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, I would get rid of all the bullies of the world. Not sure how. I would find somebody to bully them so they see how it feels. I hate bullies.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I really don't know, too many things...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What do you like most about yourself?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: I don't want to sound like I'm bragging. It's ok know what parts do you like most about yourself, I say to him. I am pretty outgoing (ro: sociabil si prietenos) unlike other kids. I am also well-bred (ro: educat) and respectful. There are some kids who really don't realize when they are being disrespectful with teachers, they really don't know.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I am pretty good at a lot of stuff: at school, at games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Oy7sWyh4UnFGVlBiItg-5mxH7BbL3vJcHNyFvmAZennHQh4-52kqqFNzj0Q1g0t2A97I-hpkRtKrF_fckXO4BpaQ_G0NZbWZvtnPgUR23bSnWcQaS-K5P2QFH8oPIYBV0yoIqyqXsz6MBm-MCrwFM8dvKn2y-IEN9K0ajTtojxMlsdK0yOjbBLR/s4032/IMG_0385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Oy7sWyh4UnFGVlBiItg-5mxH7BbL3vJcHNyFvmAZennHQh4-52kqqFNzj0Q1g0t2A97I-hpkRtKrF_fckXO4BpaQ_G0NZbWZvtnPgUR23bSnWcQaS-K5P2QFH8oPIYBV0yoIqyqXsz6MBm-MCrwFM8dvKn2y-IEN9K0ajTtojxMlsdK0yOjbBLR/w640-h480/IMG_0385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Best breakfast?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: I haven't eaten English muffin with eggs lately. The way I do it: with melted cheese and vegetables.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: American pancakes with tea. What topping? Caramel and strawberry topping and butter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Favorite video game?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Lately I play only CS GO and GTA V.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: Roadblocks, nothing else.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Favorite movie or TV series?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Lie to Me, James Bond.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: Locke & Key TV series. The movie Jumper, I haven't seen it in one go but I saw all parts on youtube. It's a world where there are people who can teleport to any place they've seen already. And there is a special force who chases the jumpers. The protagonist sees part of a vault and then he teleports himself there...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What grade are you aiming for in your exam next year?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: 9.80, set the bar high... remains to be seen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>What do you think the 5th grade will be like?</i></div><div>T: Busy (ro: incarcat), because you have to study. Do you think it will be more fun? No... or, it could be.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Is there something you would like to improve about yourself?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: To learn way faster, retain everything from school and to have a better memory.</div><div style="text-align: left;">T: I could improve what I already know now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>What do you appreciate about people?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">C: Everybody's different. I say to him: "Yeah but we all have our own flavor that one can appreciate. Like honesty". He continues: "Oh, no, I wouldn't like that, it would be brutal. Lies do have a reason. I would like people to be understanding. </div><div style="text-align: left;">T: Some of them are creative, friendly and funny.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I finished:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cristian said "Tudi, you are summoned to the annual interview". </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tudor said "You need to call daddy now and you should call yourself to an interview, too."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDdn2mKeDMCbt07iX0bvchAXp9dcV60hdLKVhuMKbalEQ-YnhXHasv7n9zKHo5paah_ykqeldZp2Y_iWuWojtnV_GVP6RKAg2jt7C6Rvun22M-pomAAPQF0I_MRq0PZM3QEFq81oqiAqzsL0iB9_LBWS3FPgdKhCLOYW0tq5lxxuT55HWcxJ4I5Ap/s4032/IMG_9750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDdn2mKeDMCbt07iX0bvchAXp9dcV60hdLKVhuMKbalEQ-YnhXHasv7n9zKHo5paah_ykqeldZp2Y_iWuWojtnV_GVP6RKAg2jt7C6Rvun22M-pomAAPQF0I_MRq0PZM3QEFq81oqiAqzsL0iB9_LBWS3FPgdKhCLOYW0tq5lxxuT55HWcxJ4I5Ap/w640-h480/IMG_9750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I kept their answers row, exactly how they phrased them. Cristian answered mostly in English, so it is very much what he said. The one question they had a hard time answering was the one about changing the world. How would you answer? <i>How would you change the world if you could?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>A question a day keeps the doctor away!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>P.S. <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/questions%20for%20kids" target="_blank">previous editions</a>: 2020 and 2021</i></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-85980026765320106482022-04-16T23:07:00.001+03:002022-04-17T12:20:55.870+03:00Now And Then: The Cereal Bar<p><br /></p>
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Somebody asked me once how do I do it. Where do I get the strength, how do I get
recharged? It was the easiest question for me. The time spent with my kids,
having fun: walking, playing, going on little adventures. Most times it's in Bucharest, sometimes far away. I treasure all so much so that I want to mark them here, on my private space. Something to turn to when I need an extra pinch of gratitude to spice up my life. Times change, places change, few things remain the same: the joy of sharing my life with these two, as long as they let me.</p>
<p><b>Camden Market, London, June 2019</b></p><p>I first visited London when I was 6 months pregnant with Cristian. My first time being a mom. Maybe this is why London become my favorite town away from home. My dream life includes a trip to London every year. So far I was lucky to visit twice with the boys. In the summer of 2019, we had the Cereal Killer Cafe experience in Camden Market. It was a first for us, a very sweet memory.</p>
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<p><b>South Bucharest, April 2022</b></p>
<p>3 years later, the cereal bar experience is close to us. Further from the city center, in our neighborhood. A 20 minute walk from our house and a sweet breakfast on a Saturday morning. The boys played mini pool and I read through a novel I found in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/5togometalurgiei/" target="_blank">the cafe</a>. </p>
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<p><i>"Appreciating small pleasures means trusting our own responses a little more. We canโt wait for everything that is lovely and charming to be approved by others before we allow ourselves to be enchanted. We need to follow the muted signals of our own brains and allow that we are onto something important, even though others may not yet be in agreement." </i><a href="https://www.theschooloflife.com/article/small-pleasures/" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank">Why small pleasures are a big deal</a><span style="text-align: right;">, The School Of Life</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To cereals and life's little pleasures!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. more from the <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/Now%20and%20Then">Now and Then series</a></div>
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-37662150573664565622022-03-30T15:19:00.003+03:002022-08-20T13:44:57.200+03:00Away From Home, Close To Myself<p></p>
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My spring started with an extravaganza: a week solo, away from home. In my
favorite city, visiting my favorite cousin. It was the first time I travelled
alone, for pleasure, not for business. I didn't have much on my to-do list: a
<a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/14834-and-juliet" target="_blank">West End show</a>, a new pair of sunglasses, and a visit to the newly opened
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cedricgrolet/" target="_blank">Cedric Grolet</a> patisserie at the Berkeley. That was all for 7 days. Undoubtedly, no
agenda is the most luxurious thing for a working mom.
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I had time to walk the streets of London, a lot. Sometimes for more than the 8
hours of a standard work day. I also had time to pause and reflect on how I
can take bits and pieces of my travel experience and mingle them in my
everyday life. Starting with the littlest things like applying body lotion
every day; my legs looked shiny and healthy, a pleasure to see and touch.
Next, I thought of changes with a bigger impact:
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>๐ <i>How can I curate my wardrobe even further?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<div>
I love living out of a suitcase. The limited options carefully selected
before the trip make putting on clothes easy and creative. I don't spend
much time thinking about what I am wearing, nor trying on things, in my day
to day life. But I enjoy clothes very much. I want fewer options, better
curated ones. So that anything I pick from my closet would instantly spark
joy. Add value to my day, esthetically and psychologically. I do sort and
give away clothes regularly. There is room for less. Buy 1, donate 2 is my
new rule.
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>๐ <i>How can I structure my days so that they are richer?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>
I had chunks of work done in vacation. How can I do the reverse? Have chunks
of fun during a work week? More walks, more evenings out.
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>๐งโโ๏ธ <i>How can I meet new people face to face?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
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<div>
Loved the variety of people I saw in London. Especially on the tube. I am
fascinated with people watching. I normally make up stories about their lives. Sometimes I simply
pay attention to what they are wearing and how they present themselves to
my secret scrutiny.
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๐<i> How can I take myself out of the routine?</i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>
Stuff like feeling in my travelling documents or the simple task of opening
the tap in the house I lived. Navigating a big city without internet. All
these took me out of my comfort zone. They reminded me I can. It's all good
even when it's not comfy.
</div>
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<i><br /></i>
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๐ก<i> How can I improve the design of my house?</i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div>
My cousin and I didn't miss a chance to glance into the houses we passed by
and discuss their design. I would love to bring a bit of the British style
in our apartment.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
One pair of mittens, sunglasses, a cream
<a href="https://eu.meadows-store.com/collections/womens-view-all/products/hawthorn-top-velvet-cream" target="_blank">velvet top</a> and 5 questions. These are my souvenirs from a week spent on my
own. I returned home feeling fresh and enthusiastic. Ready to consider
options for life to be more like a vacation and less like a rut.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The first week of spring I went to London and revisited my life. Seasons
change and so do we.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
P.S. 8 years ago, around this time I was also thinking about
<a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2014/03/5-tips-on-how-to-blossom-in-spring.html" target="_blank">how to blossom in spring</a> โจ
</div>
</div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-80642799294903201742022-02-28T18:47:00.004+02:002022-03-01T10:38:25.273+02:00Snow Scenes, Winter Of 21/22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUs4grSxS5-ZtG4Fks1xGKFe562PjUzGDTVoKrhdSHEF71h9OtKG_H2j3oxnvusmUZFetWCkzdpsi3y7_EsYuEMCr1XvJ56UsxwCha0T58oKfRuN0K-c_E_Hfu5Nrl5r9AFdcaZTXNMWoQcSXCoGxlhkx81SNYR-tlHaa-QHd_fQHLpBdPIWjbUy3o=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUs4grSxS5-ZtG4Fks1xGKFe562PjUzGDTVoKrhdSHEF71h9OtKG_H2j3oxnvusmUZFetWCkzdpsi3y7_EsYuEMCr1XvJ56UsxwCha0T58oKfRuN0K-c_E_Hfu5Nrl5r9AFdcaZTXNMWoQcSXCoGxlhkx81SNYR-tlHaa-QHd_fQHLpBdPIWjbUy3o=w640-h480" width="640" /></a>
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<p>It's almost the end of winter and I miss snow. In a world full of
distractions, screens and dopamine highs, snow is like a clean slate.
Starting all over again. Being a child again. Playing, sliding, snowman
building.
</p>
<p>
We only had a couple of hours of snowing in Bucharest, with no snow left on
the pavement. And a very warm winter. Our only chance was to go out of
Bucharest in the quest for snow. This meant driving on the
<a href="https://rolandia.eu/en/blog/discover-romania/9-stunning-roads-in-romania-that-you-should-drive-on" target="_blank">best roads in Romania</a>: Transfagarasan and Transalpina. So both the journey and the destination
were worth it.
</p>
<p>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Conacul Ursului, Fagaras Mountains, 1285 m</span></b>
</p>
<p>
Right before New Year's Eve, we drove 68 kilometers from <a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/Curtea%20de%20Arges" target="_blank">Curtea de Arges</a> to
find a place where kids could make snowballs and finally take their sleighs out. It was in the woods right in front of
<a href="http://www.conacul-ursului.ro/" target="_blank">Conacul Ursului</a>,
at 1285 altitude. Tudor brought his snowball maker clip and that's what he did
for hours. Cristian is a builder. He spent most of the time making a new trail
for his sleigh. I went back and forth between the 2, enjoying my
first hours in the snow, in the last days of 2021.
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<p><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Ranca, Parang Mountains, 1600 m</span></b></p>
<p>It was a last minute decision to drive for 4 hours from Bucharest to a slope in Ranca. It was the first time for us on Transalpina and now we
are determined to cross it all next summer. The roadtrip even gave us ideas on what to visit next time we'll go to Curtea de Arges. </p><p>Ranca had a lot of snow and wind
too. I had a lot of rounds of sleigh rides with Tudor while Cristian was,
again, mostly building in the snow. It was too windy to get my hands out of the gloves much and take more pictures. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you ever go there try Tara restaurant. We were impressed even
before our food arrived, when the boys got their hot chocolate. A Belgian
chocolate bar on a wooden spoon, so you can melt it yourself in the hot milk. It was yummy on top of an already wonderful day.</span></div>
<div><div><br /></div><div>Did you get any fun in the snow this winter?</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. snow scenes from <a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2016/01/now-and-then-on-top-of-hill.html" target="_blank">2016</a> or <a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2014/02/playground-at-1800m.html" target="_blank">2014</a></div>
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-82436939422644458092022-01-07T09:21:00.004+02:002022-01-07T12:56:12.902+02:00My 3 Words for 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDZnx6fE1hMCYc_1AnLWBeLFiY6DXlDPk7BjWjkz9XGAINnvJqbZ12-4fMx7OuN4-eIBBkUf8NgE4kWAnzhtbqwiPoGhncj2vvM6_KVT-bgZ9Fxq6XzLLsGqGBerWucB2VLKZfQiRQNhKY2NOXm4jBOxtfk1cM2HK3pwh8wuVVRC_zDoZ1b5aN6hAP=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDZnx6fE1hMCYc_1AnLWBeLFiY6DXlDPk7BjWjkz9XGAINnvJqbZ12-4fMx7OuN4-eIBBkUf8NgE4kWAnzhtbqwiPoGhncj2vvM6_KVT-bgZ9Fxq6XzLLsGqGBerWucB2VLKZfQiRQNhKY2NOXm4jBOxtfk1cM2HK3pwh8wuVVRC_zDoZ1b5aN6hAP=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>In an effort to switch from frustrating new year resolutions to new year guiding "lights", this is my tenth <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/my3words" target="_blank">"3 words"</a> exercise. I find some quiet time in my head and think about my life. I ask questions and try to find out what I need to be more of myself. Every year, resistance is cornering me: "Shall I do something else this time? Maybe use Daniel's Pink <a href="https://www.danpink.com/pinkcast/pinkcast-4-17-this-is-how-to-make-new-years-resolutions-like-a-pro/" target="_blank">How to make a new year resolution like a pro</a>? Or <a href="https://do.yogawithadriene.com/move?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MOVE%20-%20Day%200%20%28RPCpnw%29&_kx=QXKahX_57Ye-jjDWysprP79keRVwIQWSTbiCHFYn1UU%3D.RJFGiv" target="_blank">Adriene's</a> question: What do I want to move towards?". Not yet. Setting intentions on the first days of January is powerful. It casts a spell that will veil me throughout the new year. So, here I am again. My 3 words for 2022 are: </p><p><b style="color: #990000;">POWER </b><span>is making wise choices, acting towards my vision. Building each day with care, intent and consideration. The past 2 years have been extraordinary for giving me the context to recharge. Now I am ready for some action instead of reaction. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">PLAY </span><span>"This year's resolutions start with last year's regrets". In 2021, I found myself consuming more content instead of creating it. The first step is taken, as stupid as it may sound: I haven't brought my phone to the bathroom with me for the past weeks. I don't need a new year to start new habits. And I certainly don't need to multitask. It's a trap. I want to create, play with my friends, explore the world around me. I want to feel very much alive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span><span><b style="color: #990000;">PUSH </b>to increase my tolerance for minor discomfort. It will be my <b>superpower</b>. "Itโs shocking to realize how readily we set aside even our greatest ambitions in life, merely to avoid easily tolerable levels of unpleasantness" I use screens for escaping and food to decompress. In 2022 I want an improved control over both my screen and my food intake. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i>"When stumped by a life choice, choose โenlargementโ over happiness." </i>says O. Burkman in his last column: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/sep/04/oliver-burkemans-last-column-the-eight-secrets-to-a-fairly-fulfilled-life" target="_blank">the eight secrets to a (fairly) fulfilled life</a> . </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>What are you moving towards in 2022? Since I am listening to Adele's 30 album on repeat my wish to you and to me:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><div style="font-style: italic;">Cry your heart out, it'll clean your face</div><div style="font-style: italic;">When you're in doubt, go at your own pace</div><div style="font-style: italic;"><br /></div><div><i>P.S. </i>Chris Brogan is the father of #my3words and you can find more about it <a href="https://chrisbrogan.com/stories/community/3words2022/" target="_blank">here</a></div></span></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-8159109338366478502021-12-22T21:36:00.001+02:002022-01-03T20:49:17.762+02:002021 In Review - A Gallery of 49 Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ4INgcottutquI4gMbx-ivTMJtZnSWSR9I1URcxdMYQTBuYWhVw_H-fQTBjCpTH8SD5PpdeEaQcZ5VHyZajfqe23HT2ApDGTX_8iR3VJtvInEQ_2VQ4XilCmDganCR9AF7h7RIuQQzxQxKmedl0SLz7d2wmninDNoXc3dwv1zuw96eLvfbxx95xU0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ4INgcottutquI4gMbx-ivTMJtZnSWSR9I1URcxdMYQTBuYWhVw_H-fQTBjCpTH8SD5PpdeEaQcZ5VHyZajfqe23HT2ApDGTX_8iR3VJtvInEQ_2VQ4XilCmDganCR9AF7h7RIuQQzxQxKmedl0SLz7d2wmninDNoXc3dwv1zuw96eLvfbxx95xU0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p>
It's the first snow of the winter. Everywhere I go in the house I see the
dance of the snowflakes just outside our 7th floor apartment windows. I can't
keep my eyes on the computer screen and I can hardly sit in my desk chair. I hear drum rolls outside as the carolers do their daily noisy rounds
through the neighborhood. I even ask Tudor for a short walk outside in the
snow. He's not nearly as excited as I am. This year, I want snow
more than ever before. We have a new sled and are all prepared for our noses
and cheeks to be frozen red. Until then I can't focus on work and my mind
keeps dragging me back to 2021. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a>
<p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">WINTER</span>
</h4>
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<div>
I originally thought of writing down a gratitude list. The first thing that
came to mind was the night when Tudor fell asleep on my tummy while I was
reading in bed. The fact that he still did that at 10 is a victory to me.
Because I always think: "Girl, that's the last time!".
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<div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><b>SPRING</b></span>
</h4>
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<p>
There's a lot to be grateful for: big moments and little ones. Some with
stories attached and some with seconds of joy. All bringing me in a better
mood than the one before they happened. And for this I am deeply grateful.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><b>SUMMER</b></span>
</p>
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We measure weight, shoe size, coffee cups, TV screens, noise, pollution. How
about a year? Do we measure how good a year has been to us? Should we try?
Should we stop and think about it?<br />
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><b>AUTUMN</b></span>
</p>
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Is it about the house, the trees, the kids? Or more about punctuated moments
of pleasure and joy? A walk in the park with my mom and my boys, a date night at the theatre, a book, a painting, visiting a new country. A car in the parking lot with lashes big as its headlights. Chats with dear friends.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">BACK TO WINTER</b>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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I recently learnt the differences between pleasure and joy.
<b>Joy arises within you whereas pleasure is derived from something
outside</b>. So we continue in our effort to become independent. We make such good
progress as kids then we kind of forget about this in adulthood.
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<p>
As we wrap up 2021, I wish you joy! May you grow in your
independence faster than ever before!
</p></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-70861684869990066032021-12-16T16:58:00.001+02:002022-01-03T20:50:06.066+02:00What Books Have You Read Lately?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Thatโs the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your
feet."</i></div></i><div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>
<div>
Books let me travel without moving my feet. Sometimes I return the favor. The latest book by Lisa Taddeo (of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Women-SUNDAY-TIMES-BESTSELLER/dp/1526611643/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=three+women&qid=1639664559&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Three women</a> fame) was my beach read this summer. It was later a gift to be
taken away to London. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Animal-first-novel-author-Three/dp/152663094X" target="_blank">Animal</a></b> is not a breezy read. But it is definitely rich. Joan unfolds
powerfully and tragically because her past is traumatic and her present
haunted by the past. It was one of my favorites this year.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paper-Palace-Miranda-Cowley-Heller/dp/0241470714/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Paper+Palace&qid=1639662959&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Paper Palace</a></b> is a real page turner as recommended by <a href="https://cupofjo.com/" target="_blank">Joanna</a>. <span><a name='more'></a></span>When I got to another abuse scene I was almost ready to give it
up. I took a break and come back for more. Because it's the kind of book you
can't forget about. I find the synopsis on the back a bit misleading and the
end ambiguous, letting you want for more. There are some very vivid
pictures I made in my mind around the beach house where this happens. I am really
looking forward to the movie. The writer, Miranda Cowley Heller, was the
head of drama series at HBO and this is her debut novel.
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<div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Authenticity-Project-feel-good-novel-2020/dp/1784164690/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Authenticity+Project&qid=1639663012&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Authenticity Project</a></b> by Clare Pooley is just what I needed after
the 2. It was an impulse buy from a newsagent. As Sophie Kinsella
puts it: "A clever, uplifting book that entertains and makes you think." It
makes for a perfect Christmas gift.
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<br />
<div><b>Other books I enjoyed</b> this past year and, as always, I read authors:</div>
<div>Lily King: "Euforia", "Writers and Lovers"</div>
<div>
Frederik Backman: "Us against you" , "Britt-Marie was here", "Anxious
people"<br />
Dolly Alderton: "Everything I Know About Love"<br /><i>
โLove is a quiet, reassuring, relaxing, pottering, pedantic, harmonious
hum of a thing; something you can easily forget is there, even though its
palms are outstretched beneath you in case you fall.โ </i><br />
<br /><b>Self help</b>: <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/10/amanda-palmer-teaches-art-of-asking.html" target="_blank">The art of asking</a>, The Choice, The courage to be
disliked, You can heal your life. </div><div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What I didn't enjoy as much - s</b>ome books, although highly recommended, didn't match my taste : An
American Marriage, Olive Kitteridge, The Lying Life of Adults byElena Ferrante; ( Copiii de pe Volga, Prietenul ). </div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I read some <b>classics</b> like: Cards on the table by Agatha Christie and the Romanian "Scrisoare de Dragoste" by Drumes. I was really pleasantly surprised by
<b>Once Upon a River </b>by<b> </b>Diane Setterfield, available in Romanian <a href="https://carturesti.ro/carte/a-fost-odata-un-rau-563449439?p=16" target="_blank">here</a>. A dark midwinterโs
night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The regulars are entertaining
themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured
stranger. n his arms is the drowned corpse of a little child. Hours later
the dead girl stirs. Is it a miracle? Is it magic?</div></div>
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<b><a href="https://carturesti.ro/carte/a-gentleman-in-moscow-2324734?p=1" target="_blank">A gentleman in Moscow</a> </b>was highly
recommended from various sources during lockdown. It is a confinement
story but it's more about elegance for me than anything else. Which makes it my number 1 together with the
Paper Palace.
</div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For Romanian book readers: I loved poetry by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fata_arbore/" target="_blank">Fata Arbore</a>, the debut fiction of <a href="https://ivcelnaiv.ro/carti/" target="_blank">Iv cel Naiv</a>, and <a href="https://carturesti.ro/carte/sora-lume-930631720?p=3" target="_blank">Soro lume</a> by Ana Blandiana. </div>
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<b><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div>Next on my list - </b>I am back to a Christams gift from last year: <b>The shadow of the wind</b> by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, available in Romanian <a href="https://carturesti.ro/carte/umbra-vantului-206435?p=1" target="_blank">here</a>. It will be shortly followed by Sally Rooney
(of Normal People fame) latest book: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-World-Where-Are-internationally/dp/0571365426/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Beautiful+worlds%2C+where+are+you&qid=1639664494&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Beautiful world, where are you</a>. </b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><i>"Books are a uniquely portable magic" Stephen King</i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Are you into book magic? What was the book you enjoyed the most in the past months?
</div></div></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-11081678490270297492021-11-28T20:34:00.003+02:002022-01-03T20:50:34.929+02:00Conversations with Cris and Tudi<p> </p>
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<p>
Thursday, the 4th of November was the first time my boys cooked lunch.
Garlic butter pan-fried salmon with mashed potatoes. All by themselves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtmxbQHEYWIhLfuZTAxbuNOHv4VXdFSKMGYw2oCier4J62948Pxl1uqk9SzUCx5N4OopFfvl87Y6-AZazjeQ7W5AntXaOZf8cp1aYQGWx9iydubZNFYTyU8v2LNyOWCYBES4tWP8UMvM/s3953/IMG_9337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3953" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtmxbQHEYWIhLfuZTAxbuNOHv4VXdFSKMGYw2oCier4J62948Pxl1uqk9SzUCx5N4OopFfvl87Y6-AZazjeQ7W5AntXaOZf8cp1aYQGWx9iydubZNFYTyU8v2LNyOWCYBES4tWP8UMvM/s320/IMG_9337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Something I don't want to forget along with some witty remarks:
</p>
<p><b>Cristian about superiority</b></p>I was just about to paint my nails with some color I picked from my collection, when Cris takes the one with glitter, and hands it to me: "Meghi, you have to establish superiority! That's why little kids go to bigger kids and ask them to be friends." "How do you recommend I do that?". Cristian is quick to answer: "By looking better than everybody else and by being wise. Wise like keeping it together: no to fights, yes to discipline." "Who do I need to show superiority to?" "Everybody. Like I do with brother. He's just a peasant and I am the king. Imagine a king playing cards with a clown. You have to have discipline in a family, too." <span><a name='more'></a></span>And that, my friends, is how the end of summer found me with glitter on my toes.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ppgRAakdHiwHMWpe6ZCEAz6Cxv5GeTcNTmayZza5bpNgDWQc0oVLY3rBWXRzPU2ciYbsmIDKloVstkNmjBeyRR4qPulkJrMx_nvhd_kyvqSCwdrgHAXGFxARrpg1iCAuZraWM39wkkw/s4032/IMG_8716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ppgRAakdHiwHMWpe6ZCEAz6Cxv5GeTcNTmayZza5bpNgDWQc0oVLY3rBWXRzPU2ciYbsmIDKloVstkNmjBeyRR4qPulkJrMx_nvhd_kyvqSCwdrgHAXGFxARrpg1iCAuZraWM39wkkw/s320/IMG_8716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><b>A movie and pizza night</b></div><div>
<p>
We are spending Saturday afternoon in the mall. Kids ask for pizza before the
movie, so we go to Pizza Hut. They order a cheesy bites large pizza to share. I
have a tomato cream soup, finished way before they did. I enjoy the moment and
watch them eat. Cristian turns to check on me with a wonderous look. I feel
some sort of unspoken question. He turns back to his slice of pizza. I must be
wrong about his look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMM-ajZD6D11C_RXJqZYs5y0KE8mLd3a5xuANgtjgPatfMXm2Fd37uUGuDxRRXKLoNrqyEhKX7bcfh0GoQ-PUQp9XcWe7KeINcF6MOOcOu45GSnAcdC2WjmAjfKg8Ink9dbLjl-OcB9Y/s4032/IMG_9347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMM-ajZD6D11C_RXJqZYs5y0KE8mLd3a5xuANgtjgPatfMXm2Fd37uUGuDxRRXKLoNrqyEhKX7bcfh0GoQ-PUQp9XcWe7KeINcF6MOOcOu45GSnAcdC2WjmAjfKg8Ink9dbLjl-OcB9Y/w640-h480/IMG_9347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>30 seconds later, after finishing his bite, he turns
again to face me: "Sometimes I am fascinated by your patience and calm." I take it as a compliment. " Why wouldn't I be calm? I am having a great time eating out with you, we
have plenty until the movie starts and there is nothing else I need to
do now. I like these outings with you a lot". He turns back to pizza and I linger in the joy of the compliment he paid me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc_9kVumuI75rwFK5FKzAWLEBtClK_ehgII1ERLmXE5V-HrnShD9wbK8RHGb0Hge1CCW-gTmPeyOkFOloXpppZF_EtVPUd5gpFX3RCGnrNF0nxCuX2XVRadrQMitQesRIbQm8t7kNrV0/s4032/IMG_9348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc_9kVumuI75rwFK5FKzAWLEBtClK_ehgII1ERLmXE5V-HrnShD9wbK8RHGb0Hge1CCW-gTmPeyOkFOloXpppZF_EtVPUd5gpFX3RCGnrNF0nxCuX2XVRadrQMitQesRIbQm8t7kNrV0/w640-h480/IMG_9348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>We go to the movie theatre to watch Eternals. At the beginning there is a biology lesson taking place in a museum. The class is interrupted
by an earthquake. Kids have to shield themselves under the tables. One of the
eternals saves a girl's life. The recess bell rings and the earthquake is
over. Tudor comments in the dark, 2 seats away from me: <i>"That's pretty much a regular day at school. Classes feel like earthquakes and
when recess comes it's all back to normal, all good."</i> </p><p><b>#thisishappiness</b></p><p>One Saturday afternoon I go to see <a href="https://www.galleriesnow.net/shows/codruta-cernea-an-invincible-summer/" target="_blank">"An invincible summer"</a> by Codruta Cernea. She is my favorite Romanian painter ever since I laid my eyes on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxnopFWHsWi/" target="_blank">"Complicity"</a> . The boys are waiting for me on a terrace having a nice cup of hot chocolate. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM5suG4NfwhQ5tqnyk1zaUZxXbGv649YsFLQazkPT_wBDcglzG4OnJMHhbaGEf5L0dygl72bffU5AKTeeDt2uA8NUbN6r1nZ2zXTVx33-ZREoQot44nGrX3kV5D5NF0bzsOubRrbJiiA/s4032/IMG_9306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM5suG4NfwhQ5tqnyk1zaUZxXbGv649YsFLQazkPT_wBDcglzG4OnJMHhbaGEf5L0dygl72bffU5AKTeeDt2uA8NUbN6r1nZ2zXTVx33-ZREoQot44nGrX3kV5D5NF0bzsOubRrbJiiA/w640-h480/IMG_9306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I join them, order myself a tea and slowly go through the <a href="https://www.mobius-gallery.com/publications/10-an-invincible-summer-codruta-cernea/" target="_blank">"An invincible summer"</a> artist book I bought from the gallery. One gaze up from the book and there it was, Cristian's "I am about to say something heavy" look. Followed by a pause while we stare at each other. "Mom, you are beautiful. You look happy... you don't normally are." I am perplexed so he offers a bit of context: "You are usually preoccupied and busy". Thunderstruck, I keep going back to his remark days later. He can't tell me more when I ask for details. He saw me at my best and it was clearly a difference from my day to day mood. Kids are <a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-award-for-best-life-advise-goes-to.html" target="_blank">our greatest teachers</a>, aren't they?!<br /><p>Lately the boys are into jazz, anything Google assistant plays when they ask for jazz. That's how I found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj05EY2aP7I" target="_blank">Nancy Wilson</a>, among others:</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I wish I was a poet, so that I could express</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What I, what I like to say,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I wish I was an artist, so that I could paint a picture</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Of how I feel, how I feel today, today</i></div><p>P.S. other <a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/search/label/kids%20say%20funny%20things" target="_blank">conversations with my 2</a>; btw Cris proof read this and it's very much ok with publishing.</p>
<p></p></div></div></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-43222529366755740692021-10-16T13:50:00.008+03:002022-01-03T20:50:54.515+02:00Life Was Beginning Over Again With The Summer<p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR4eF0oNR3XA1_nbvS9NQr3AJjsrCG3goJ02gJSAb5wN6jg3UgDtjIXuCYEnBupYeK1uu6mEEowxlmz_nsTUTQc3QUp31jxdlRDiCVloJylvLM3WVq3dTZtrcOreii_UPiNxE0AFqqlU/s4032/IMG_7919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR4eF0oNR3XA1_nbvS9NQr3AJjsrCG3goJ02gJSAb5wN6jg3UgDtjIXuCYEnBupYeK1uu6mEEowxlmz_nsTUTQc3QUp31jxdlRDiCVloJylvLM3WVq3dTZtrcOreii_UPiNxE0AFqqlU/w640-h480/IMG_7919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div><p>Summer of 21 started with a new haircut for Cris. He got an "at home" zero buzz
cut because a big vacation was the best time for a bold change. That's what he
said. #<a href="http://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2013/08/proud-mama.html" target="_blank">proud mama</a></p>
<p>
Summer also started with a lot of rainbows, some double, some not. It went on
with little adventures I am so grateful for, although not everything felt
pleasant at the time. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a>
<p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">1. Waiting in Line</span></i></b></h4>
<p>
On the very first day of summer, the 1st of June, we celebrate the
International Children's Day. It was also when the cinemas opened up after a
long pandemic hiatus. Cristian went out with his class, at the mall, so Tudor
wanted to go see a movie too. I ended up queueing for 90 minutes to buy tickets
to "Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway". And another 1 hour waiting for a
burger at McDonalds. Luckily, I got a little nap in between, at the cinema ๐ค๐ด.</p>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Night of the Museums followed 10 days after. Another queue at ArtMark
with all the family waiting for antiques and art. It was enough for Cris and
A. . Tudor chose to stay with me so we waited in line to visit the Central
University Library. He was a hero and made it through a 90 minute wait while
sizing the queue in front of us, making bets, reading fliers and listening
to the military band playing next to us. The library tour was impressive and
our guide, the nicest lady. She told us so many stories. The building,
designed by French architect Paul Gottereau, opened on 14 March
1895. During the Romanian Revolution of 1989, a fire was started in the
building and over 500,000 books, along with 3,700 manuscripts, were burnt.
Starting in April 1990, the building was repaired and modernized, being
reopened on 20 November 2001 ๐</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">2. Discovering New Territories</span></b></i></h4>
<p>
Vacaresti Delta is only a 10 minute walk from our home, yet we never went
there before. Until one weekday afternoon when I needed to take a long walk
after my work day. The kids and I, we rarely have any plans when we leave the
house. Sometimes we go on neighborhood walks or we take the metro to visit a
big park in the city. This time, I can't remember how we decided to go to the
Delta. I can only remember the surprise when I saw such a vast land unfolding
in front of my eyes ๐ฒ๐ณ๐.</p>
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<div><br /></div>
The kids went on exploring and I watched them from afar. We went back there
multiple times this summer and I am very excited about seeing such a big place
all covered in snow. Here below I captured a solemn moment when they were about
to offer the flowers they picked for me ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐.<div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">3. Revisited Old Favorites</span></i></b></h4>
<p>
Sometimes we take the metro and decide on the spot where to stop. Cristian
is the one choosing, most of the times, and Tudor is happy, most of the
times, to follow his lead. From time to time, Tudor makes a point that it's
his time to choose. And he is absolutely right. The choice is a bit like
shuffling through memories and deciding what they'd like to relive in the
day. It's so nice to hear them recall those happy days, the reason to want to go back there ๐.</p>
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<p>
On weekends, our little adventures are definitely longer. Like the time when
we stopped at Unirii, walked to Izvor parc, than to Cismigiu, where the
night found us. Eventually went back to Universitatii while strolling
though Victoriei Boulevard which was closed for cars ๐๐.</p>
<p></p>
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Cismigiu has been a favorite this summer and the one before. So much so that
we spent a Saturday evening there, then went back on Sunday to rent a boat and
a water bike too. Cristian insisted on hanldling the boat himself . He did a
great job with a bit of direction from my side. Tudor insisted on going with
the water bike and on passing under a big water fountain in the middle of the
lake. Hence the wet hair and happy looks ๐.<p></p>
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After all this water fun we had my favorite meal of the summer: Ravioli
salmone e gamberetti fiorentine, at Trattoria Don Vito. Mouth-watering even
when I write the name๐ฅ๐ฒ๐.</div>
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<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"><b><i>4. Date Nights</i></b></span></h4>
<p>
Going to our first garden concert was such a thrill this summer. We
miss the big crowds and the collective energy that makes it so much fun to
sing along one of your favorite bands. Ada Milea, in the Unteatru Garden, was
more quiet but very funny.๐๐ฉ๐</p>
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<p>
<a href="https://teatrulelisabeta.ro/" target="_blank">The Elisabeta Theatre</a>
has good comedies and yummy cheese plates in their restaurant on the ground
floor. Mixing dining and comedy in the same experience makes it double joy.
Although, I must admit that finally taking out my blue shoes and a dress was
peak moment for me ๐ ๐ฅฟ.</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXK8jBUU-9YOHAhwQVn3r7xFUd0Ng7gmOk-aiKk7tOAek-L6whkCag9lt96of5_iJIoslvr07aNJ8bvlpsnkWtgFyhJde_QRmjibM39pd-UZOdymNv7vh-o2Nxx5F3-34ScVb1QGK7Qg/s4032/IMG_8613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXK8jBUU-9YOHAhwQVn3r7xFUd0Ng7gmOk-aiKk7tOAek-L6whkCag9lt96of5_iJIoslvr07aNJ8bvlpsnkWtgFyhJde_QRmjibM39pd-UZOdymNv7vh-o2Nxx5F3-34ScVb1QGK7Qg/w640-h480/IMG_8613.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">5. Celebrations</span></i></b></h4>
<p>
Tudor celebrated his birthday early, before the end of the school year. He
had a lot of friends and a lot of fun in a laser tag arena. Cristian
postponed having a big party which led to a very nice night out for the 3 of
us. First we visited Miratopia, a National Geographic extra sensorial
exhibit where we got to interact with 7 realms. We went to see Cruella
afterwards, which I'm dying to see again ever since. The movie soundtrack
made us sing along and dance in our chairs. We ended up playing the songs on
my phone during our midnight walk back home. It was such a perfect night ๐๐ฅฎ๐.</p>
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<span style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"><b><i>6. Back to my roots </i></b></span>
</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The boys spent some days at my parents, in Pitesti, and I came to get
them back home. The stroll we had through the city center sparked such
warm feelings for me. I felt happy to finally be back home and wander
around with my boys. Although by now, I spent more time in Bucharest than I
did in Pitesti, the roots, my birthplace, will always hold a very special
bond๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
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<p>
Overall summer of 2021 was good to us. We had a big road trip that we will
surely remember. It is the little things that I want to hold on to as well.
The time when we got the screen all to ourselves while watching "Spirit
Untamed", when we got barefoot in the park, when we contemplated the
rainbows from our balcony or the nearby parks ๐๐ ๐ป.</p>
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<div><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." โF. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby</i></div></i><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrm_IriszNGO1fJxE5mcXqM9GK2FwKhY6h6n6vD0c-6QeO1GIxsvBGBSFd_3A_SR2SXGhdzsEL4OpgkQ2mBZvHdNIpwneCC6rYAehyphenhyphen_nirHKkPBp0LhMt2N2njWaGUJph_INBQnJAfZk/s3724/54019DCE-6896-493E-A9AF-D1034498B7E8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2096" data-original-width="3724" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrm_IriszNGO1fJxE5mcXqM9GK2FwKhY6h6n6vD0c-6QeO1GIxsvBGBSFd_3A_SR2SXGhdzsEL4OpgkQ2mBZvHdNIpwneCC6rYAehyphenhyphen_nirHKkPBp0LhMt2N2njWaGUJph_INBQnJAfZk/w640-h360/54019DCE-6896-493E-A9AF-D1034498B7E8.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter." โHenry David Thoreau (the one with <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/10/amanda-palmer-teaches-art-of-asking.html" target="_blank">the donuts</a>)</i></div>
<p>Thank you, Summer! Until we meet again. ๐โ ๐</p>
</div>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999514747913221494.post-80122794745761501312021-07-04T15:36:00.002+03:002022-01-03T20:51:13.490+02:00Summer Jewelry Edit: 7 Steps to 20 Pieces
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnOTHxOOnN__dv7-nGCqBWdTSzKZjILQUBsuxAm8_Gi7jL9DRL8e2BFiS17L8ZQcK1CBfqgTY3tOC_-9aVgx_PtjxngIT6UtF1VjKI_7-2nRfBzyJU8-0wFV84zDLdfGf3oTByar7x7g/s4032/IMG_7894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnOTHxOOnN__dv7-nGCqBWdTSzKZjILQUBsuxAm8_Gi7jL9DRL8e2BFiS17L8ZQcK1CBfqgTY3tOC_-9aVgx_PtjxngIT6UtF1VjKI_7-2nRfBzyJU8-0wFV84zDLdfGf3oTByar7x7g/w640-h480/IMG_7894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One rainy summer Saturday I found myself browsing the jewelry section of
Parfois website. I scrolled and scrolled and then I stopped.
What if I abandon the on-line and pick something out of what I already have?
In a whirlwind of inspiration from Mari Kondo,
<a href="Liana Popa" target="_blank">Liana Popa</a>, fashion magazines and
parenting advice, I came up with a process and 20 pieces to wear this summer.
</div>
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<b>1. Declutter and gift</b>
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Less time outside in the <a href="https://joyacoustics.blogspot.com/2020/12/what-i-am-thankful-for-in-2020.html" target="_blank">past year</a> meant more time to purge through my
possessions, jewelry included. Things I was emotionally attached to but, at
the same time, didn't fit my style anymore. I went trough my drawers and put
together little boxes to gift. I am now left with pieces that spark
joy. <a href="https://konmari.com/" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a> is a
sound inspiration to any decluttering effort. Yes, it is an effort. But it
is also time well spent.<span><a name='more'></a></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>2. Select, shop your own closet</b></div>
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This is a concept I couldn't grasp when I avidly read fashion magazines at 20.
Most probably because, at the time, I hadn't accumulated that much. 20 years
later things are different and numerous. Which makes it easier to forget about
what I have and harder to decide what to wear. I end up picking the newest
additions on repeat and when I am bored I feel an itch to buy. Which is not what I want. I
want less and I want better.
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You know how parents are advised to rotate toys and keep only a part in sight?
Together with #5each philosophy I picked from my favorite Romanian influencer,
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/avetisiperoz/?hl=en" target="_blank">Liana Popa</a> of
<a href="https://avetisiperoz.ro/" target="_blank">Aveti si pe roz</a> fame,
resulted into my personal jewelry edit, summer edition. I picked 5 of each:
earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Plus my engagement ring and wedding
band.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>3. Clean and display</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the silver I selected hadn't been worn in years so I cleaned
it. I also cleaned the tray where I store everything, below the hangers
section in my wardrobe. </div></div>
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<b>4. Put everything else away </b>so I am not distracted and I can enjoy them
even more when it's time for my next edit. I plan one every 3 months, when the
season changes.
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>5. Add new pieces if I really want to</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought 2 pieces: <a href="https://www.sezane.com/us/product/luna-earrings/mother-of-pearl#size-TU" target="_blank">Sezane</a> mother-of-pearl earrings and <a href="https://www.swarovski.com/en-RO/p-5563511/The-Elements-Necklace-Blue-Mixed-metal-finish/" target="_blank">Swarovski</a> elements necklace. Liana is always reminding me to aim for better
not more. The silver earrings are a birthday gift by <a href="https://monom.studio/ro/42-cercei-statement-din-argint?page=3" target="_blank">Monom</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<p><b>6. One in, one out</b></p><p><b> </b>With 3 new pieces, 3 needed to go to back in a box and out of sight. I also
couldn't find the colorful necklace I wore this week so I replaced it with an
old one I haven't worn in years.</p>
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<p><b>7. How's it going so far? What can I change next time?</b></p>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It feels great to wear pieces that were long forgotten .</li>
<li>I accessorize my summer outfits much easier.</li>
<li>
Having only 5 rings is a little less playful than what I like. Next time I
may cheat and select #5each for both my right and left hand. Or I can
definitely go with less bracelets.
</li>
<li>
20 pieces in total is a good number for me, so I might switch between
categories.
</li>
</ul>
<div>
September will find me ready for another edit. For now this is what I will
be wearing this summer.
</div>
<div>Are you passionate about accessories and jewelry, too?</div>
</div>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253384608197507111noreply@blogger.com