My "Real" To-Do List

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon in the park watching my hubby play a game of volleyball. Afterward, we all went out for some ice cream, and as I waited for my chocolate sundae, a colorful ceramic plaque behind the counter caught my eye. It read...

The “Real” To-Do List
Sing
Smile at strangers
Keep learning
Notice kindness
Eat ice cream
Hope
Count your blessings
Laugh
Love
Love some more

This plaque makes me happy. Maybe because it reminds me of all the little things in life that really matter. In just three short months the summer will be over, the weather will be turning cooler, and the trees will be changing to the colors of Autumn.

I want to savor every last drop of summertime this year. I want to eat ice cream, go for long bike rides, and enjoy all of life's little blessings. So here's my own "real" to-do list this summer...

Go swimming
Pick a flower
Lay in the grass and look up at the clouds
Dance
Cuddle with my pet rabbit
Spend quality time with my family
Count the stars in the sky
Run my toes through the sand at the beach
Catch a firefly
Try something new
Read a book that I've always been curious about

What are some of the "real" things on your own to-do list this summer?

Happy organizing, saving & eating ice cream,


Cathy

Photo courtesy of pet shed.

Organizing is like Dancing

This beautiful young lady is my niece, Jianna. Last weekend, I helped her get ready for her end of the year dance recital. Jianna did a wonderful job and had lots of fun dancing with her friends!

She was so happy! And her Auntie Cathy is so proud of her!

If you like to dance just as much as Jianna and I do, you’ve probably heard of the term “muscle memory.” This is when our muscles remember movements even after our brains forget them (and why I can remember so many of the dances that I learned when I was Jianna's age...and all of the songs that go with them!) The more I practiced, the better I knew the steps, and so my muscles "remembered" the dances.

We all use our muscle memory for various daily living activities. While brushing our teeth, walking down the street, or driving a car, we are using our muscle memories. This is because when we do something repeatedly, pretty soon it becomes a natural reflex.

The same principal holds true for organizing. The more times we repeat a motion, the more likely we are to remember it. So lets pretend that every time I come home, I put my keys exactly where they belong (in the little yellow basket next to the back door.) If I do this on a regular basis, pretty soon I’m forming a new habit (or muscle memory) and the motion will become a part of my daily routine. But best of all, my keys will always be there, exactly where I hoped they would be.

Just like learning new dancing steps, we can practice new organizing steps, too. Is there one item in particular that you are consistently prone to losing? Like keys, a wallet or a cell phone? If so, exercise your memory muscles! Practice putting that one item away in the same location every single day. By doing this, you will be engaged in the process of creating a brand new daily habit. Eventually it will become second nature to you. And then guess what??? No more lost keys! Now that's really something to dance about! : )

Happy organizing, saving & dancing!

Cathy

Three Generations of Handwritten Recipes

Is there such a thing as organized handwriting? If so, my mom has it! Her handwriting is so pretty that it should be turned into a computer font. The interesting thing is, my own handwriting is very similar to my mom’s handwriting. Is it because I have the shape of her hands? Or is it because I've always wanted to have handwriting just as beautiful as hers? Maybe its a little bit of both. :)

Here is a recipe written by me. My handwriting resembles my mom’s, but the strokes are larger and a little bit rounder. I've always loved my mom’s handwriting...and I think that I have nice handwriting, too.

Below is a recipe written by my Grandma. The three of us have similar handwriting styles that all slant gently to the right. I feel so blessed to have my Grandma's recipes...like this one for apple jelly.

I recently got to wondering how my mom has been able to perfect her handwriting over the years. After thinking about this for a while, I realized that she always takes her time when she writes. Even when she makes her to-do lists, she always writes very slowly and intentionally. Each and every time she writes its as if she’s practicing the art of calligraphy.

Calligraphy seems to be such a lost art these days, and having nice handwriting comes in very "hand-y." From writing thank you notes and birthday cards, to labeling presents and pictures in a scrapbook - it seems like there is always a good reason for having pretty handwriting and for jotting something down.

We all have the potential to have nice handwriting. Ask yourself what you would like you’re handwriting to look like. Is there someone who has handwriting that you admire? Maybe you could check out a calligraphy book from the local library, or print out a computer font that you like. The key is to practice and take your time...even when writing checks and making to-do lists. Be patient and kind to yourself while you are practicing. And remember mistakes can always be erased.

There is a Japanese term called “kira-kira” that translates into “something that glitters." To me, my mom’s handwriting is kira-kira. And so are her hands. They are very graceful and her fingers are long and elegant. But what I love even more than the way they look, is all the good they have done throughout the years.

It would be fun for someone to analyze my handwriting someday. Is anybody a handwriting expert out there? :)

Happy organizing, saving, & writing by hand,

Cathy