Saturday, June 2, 2012

Shhhh!

Wow! I've been invited to another blogging party. Never one to refuse a call to have some fun, I gladly accepted. Come along.

What's the celebration all about?

Barbara Conelli has released her book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore. She's celebrating by blasting the blogosphere with posts about, "The Art of Loving Your Life." Those attending the party have to answer one of three questions. I choose:

How do you find beauty in every day?

My answer:  Quiet



Each day when I get out of bed, before brewing my coffee; before firing up my computer; before checking my e-mail, I take a few minutes to focus on the sounds of morning.

What do I hear?

The humming of nothing. It really does have a sound, like what you hear when you put a conch seashell to your ear.

The cawing, tweeting, crying, warbling of the bird's magical morning symphony.

The kicking on of the refrigerator doing its incessant job of keeping food crisp and cold.

An occasional car passing by.

Sometimes the patter of rain on the sidewalk.

Sometimes a boom of thunder.

Sometimes a gust of wind.

Sometimes I even eavesdrop on the leaves as they chatter.

Always, I hear the start of a new day.

I hear hope.

I hear gratitude.

I hear courage.

No matter what happened yesterday,

the quiet of the morning whispers:

"Begin."

   

What do you hear in the morning?


KICK BACK BOOK OF THE WEEK:





I wrote today’s post as part of the WOW-Women on Writing’s “The Art of Loving Your Life” Blanket Tour celebrating the release of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore by Barbara Conelli (www.barbaraconelli.com)


Barbara Conelli is an internationally published bestselling author, seasoned travel writer specializing in Italy. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their own Dolce Vita no matter where they are in the world.


Her latest book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore offers an intimate view into the unpredictable and extravagant city of Milan, its glamorous feminine secrets, the everyday magic of its dreamy streets, the passionate romance of its elegant hideaways, and the sweet Italian art of delightfully falling in love with your life wherever you go.


If you comment on today’s post on this blog or any of the others participating in The Art of Loving Your Life tour, you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore!


To read Barbara’s post about loving life and view a list of other blogs participating in The Art of Loving Your Life tour please visit The Muffin.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2012/05/art-of-loving-your-life-blanket-tour.html


KICK BACK SONG OF THE DAY:

Beautiful Day by U2 - Bono sings,  "It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away," A powerful reminder to get up and make the most of the day. 


Love Bono!!!

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA:



20 comments:

  1. Good Morning Peggy,
    Thanks for sharing yet again. You are so inspiring and I am having a better day thanks to your post and Bono song.
    Have a great day yourself. Listeing to the sounds of the day are a grand gift from God that are so peaceful to inhale.
    Many Blessings,
    Rosemaryy "Mamie" Adkins

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  2. I love quiet and Bono too! Loved the last part especially:
    Always, I hear the start of a new day. I hear hope. I hear gratitude.
    I hear courage. No matter what happened yesterday,
    the quiet of the morning whispers:
    "Begin."
    Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Linnea. When my sons were early rising toddlers I used to get up 5:00 a.m. just to experience the quiet before they woke up. If I don't have this time I feel out of sorts all day. And Bono is something else!

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  3. "No matter what happened yesterday, the quiet of the morning whispers: "Begin." I really needed those words today...and a little bit of chair dancin'! Thank you :)

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    1. Ohh--chair dancing? It sounds like something I could write a post about. And each day we really do have an opportunity to start over.

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  4. A beautiful post, and what a lovely way to start each day. I usually start by stretching, before I even throw back the covers. Now I'm going to add listening to that routine.

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    1. Soon you'll be waking up earlier just to listen. Quiet is addictive.

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  5. Peggy, thank you very much for participating in my blog tour and for your inspiring post. Just like you, I love listening to the sounds of the morning - it's very grounding and it makes you feel grateful for the amazing and Chique life that you have!

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    1. Hi Barbara ~ Glad to participate in your blog tour and can't wait to take a trip to Italy through your book. ~ Peggy

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  6. What a beautiful post and I begin each day with a thank you for the gift of a brand new day. My morning begins with my devotional time and I love the total quiet as our dogs relax at my feet waiting patiently for their breakfast. Once the day officially begins, the "quiet" goes with it! Thanks for a great post!

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    1. Hi Sandra ~ It is amazing how a few minutes of quiet in the morning stays with you all day. I have a busy job and home life. If I don't take 15 or 20 minutes in the morning just to sit, I feel a bit (sometimes more than a bit) edgy all day. Solitude works wonders. Have a great week. ~ Peggy

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  7. Great blog and such a beautiful site...so glad you commented on my site so I could find you! Inspiring content in these pages and good to connect with another kindred spirit! M from yourtruework.com

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    1. Thanks! Glad you stopped by. I really enjoyed your site too.

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  8. I love quiet, but since I live on a very busy street I seldom experience it unless I go somewhere to a park. I used to dog sit out in the country and loved my time there, but unfortunately all three dogs have gone on to the next world.

    But, like Sandra, my morning begins with my time with the Lord and sometimes, depending on the day of the week, it lasts into the afternoon. It's by far the best way to start my day and I am better prepared to meet the rest of the day.

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    1. Hi Diane ~ No wonder you are at such peace with yourself and the world. What a beautiful way to start the day. ~ Peggy

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  9. On my favorite mornings I hear birds, cars passing by, the sound of the coffee finishing up its brewing cycle, the cadence of words in the book I'm reading. On my less favorite mornings, the rumble of lawn mowers gets in the way. Thank you for reminding me so poetically that every day really is a new one. Great choice of Kick Back music, too. :-)

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    1. Hi Deborah ~ Yes--the sound of coffee brewing. Love it! Thumbs down for lawnmowers. ~ Peggy

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  10. Peggy, great post, as usual:>) You have a wonderful flair for writing. Therefore, here is an award to add to your site. Go to catnipoflife (http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/illuminating-blogger-award/) where you have been nominated for the Illuminating Blogger Award (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/). Please leave a comment so I will know you have received the notification.

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  11. Wow--an award. Thank you! Can't wait to check it out.

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