Each month I’ve been listing ten small things that are making my life better. I do this because I want to pay more attention to my life.

One symptom of languishing is letting life pass by us, without paying any attention.

Making a Tiny Flourishes list each month helps me pause, pay attention and be grateful for the good things and simple pleasures.

I hope my list inspires you to make your own.

Gatlinburg trip with my parents

We took my parents on a short, one-night trip to Gatlinburg a couple weeks ago. Everyone had a great time. I’m really glad we got to go.

Seeing bears

While on our way down the mountain from the rental condo we stayed in, we saw two bears wrestling and tussling in the front yard of another home. That was a fun sighting!

Asheville trip with Jim

Back in January, we went to South Carolina and made a stop in Asheville. While browsing the artist studios, I found an artist and fell in love with his work. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

On this trip, we went back to that studio and purchased a piece. I love it!

We also visited Biltmore house and gardens. It was a short trip, but very good!

Paper chain for NYC trip

In an effort to teach myself to anticipate good things again, I made a paper chain to count down the days until our NYC trip. Every morning I remove a link from the chain and write a wish for our trip. I’m saving them all and will read through them after the trip to see how many come to pass. I

n the meantime, the chain is helping me look forward to the trip. Sometimes it’s good to cater to our child-like self.

Organizing my office/art space

My office and art space had gotten a bit out of hand recently. I decided organize the closet and also bought a craft cart, similar to this one. 

I organized things by substrates (papers, sketchbooks, etc), collage materials, tools, and supplies. Now things have a home and my space stays neater.

Book launch party

One of the women in my writer’s group published a book around the time the world shut down. She finally got to do a reading and book signing party. She inspires me to keep writing and actually finish something!

Books read and listened to

I started and quit a bunch of books this month, but here are two I finished and enjoyed.

The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks

Small packets of Himalayan salt for travel

I’ve been increasing my salt intake to help with migraines. For traveling, I found these little packets that I can stash in my purse.  

Climbing roses

I finally bought two climbing rose bushes for the front of my flower garden. I’ve been meaning to add roses for over a year, so it’s good to finally get it done. I went with a rose called America, which is bright coral pink, and another called Garden Sun with pinkish yellow blooms.

Naps and reading on the back porch

It is summertime, after all 😉

What are your Tiny Flourishes?

I’d love to hear what’s working for you lately. Share in the comments!