Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 102
June 10, 2016
Week in Review {Pics + Links}
Week in Review
Bonjour from the City of Light. Earlier today the Penning in Paris group said warm goodbyes over green juice, tea, and cappuccinos at Shakespeare and Company cafe. As I walked into the bookstore next door after our final hugs, I already missed them.
After arriving a week ago, it took a few days to adjust to the six-hour time difference and settle into the Parisian pace. We hit the outdoor market and picked up the essentials—peonies, baguettes, strawberries, melon, and greens. I packed the retreaters’ goody bags and dropped them at their hotel to await their arrival. Sunday we headed to Normandy to visit friends and spent time near the water admiring the cliffs Monet used to paint.
The retreat began Monday afternoon with an opening circle, writing prompts, and champagne tasting. Throughout the week we wrote and practiced yoga in Luxembourg Garden, talked social media in the Tuileries, dined at Ladurée, and meditated in Paris’ oldest church. We also learned from Ariana of Paris to Go, Janice of Paris Letters, and Jasmine (a former Disney princess) who offered creative prompts and savored champagne while watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle among a pink-hued sunset.
I’ve missed sweet Mookie terribly and harass Tim’s parents for regular photo updates. In each photo he’s snuggled up right next to them or sleeping on his stuffed cow. God bless him.
Oh, and the Oklahoma foster who previously had Mookie has a black female and I’ve got my eye on her. Her name is Belle Star and if I have my way, is Mookie’s new sister. Still trying to convince Tim. I told my mom Mookie needed a sister. She texted back that he needed a psychiatrist. Good point, but the dog psychiatrist we were referred to is booked through December. I vote for a sister!
I’m still processing all the nuggets from the week and will do a wrap up shortly. As we move into the weekend, let’s do so with an eye for details and permission to listen to what is percolating deep inside. Bisous. x
Pics in Review
Treasures: rosé, peonies, Bella Grace, and macarons
Luxembourg Garden
Yoga in Luxembourg Garden
Dessert at Ladurée
Post-call with Janice of Paris Letters
Sparkly Eiffel Tower at sunset
Final writing workshop at Shakespeare and Company cafe
Striking a pose
Savvy Sources
Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing
7 Ways to Do More Travel Writing
To Brock Turner’s Victim: We Are With You
Travel Tips for HSPs
The Painful Practice of Putting Your Art Out There
Clear Your Mind in 10 Minutes
Benefits of Writing By Hand
Illustrated Celebration of Jane Austen
What the Death of a Gorilla Tells Us About Us
How To Ditch Imposter Syndrome
Weekend Wish List
Savor final moments in Paris
Sip tea in sidewalk cafes
Read
Write
Safe travels back to DC
The post Week in Review {Pics + Links} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 9, 2016
Details du Jour
Henry David Thoreau famously wrote that “life is frittered away by details. Simplify, simplify, simplify.” While I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Thoreau about simplification, I am also smitten by details.
When I started Tranquil Space in 1999, I wove details into everything—lavender aromatherapy spray, tea and cookies, scented candles, inspiring readings, playful music. My love of details has only grown over the years. Especially as I discovered Paris.
Here’s an assortment of details that delight: A plate of colorful macarons displayed on a paper doily. Ambient lamps to light the space (versus overhead fluorescent). Fresh flowers. Living (never plastic) plants. Fresh produce (not canned). Mismatched vintage serving platters, glassware, and plates (hello thrift stores). Glass pitcher with floating slivers of cucumber. An assortment of tea displayed in a Mason jar. Lavender oil at the ready. Sweet almond oil added to bath water. Lipstick and mascara. Rose candles scattered throughout the room. A pile of books next to the bed. A few staples to wear over and over again (capsule wardrobe). Dark chocolate. French cafe tunes in the background. Gifts packaged with great love and never without a bow.
I resonate deeply with the idea of simplifying down to essentials that add value and beauty to my life. Nothing pricey, yet sweet touches that make a moment memorable. Can’t we have both—simplification and details—dear Thoreau? I’d like to think so. Bisous. x
The post Details du Jour appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
June 8, 2016
What You Have to Say Matters
A few summers ago I had finished my master’s in social work program and was in Paris to exhale while simultaneously editing a book and hosting two retreats. During a late night jaunt to Shakespeare and Company (also known as editing avoidance), I found a flier promoting an upcoming five-day writing workshop stuck on a community board.
With visions of English-speaking writers seated around a farmhouse table in a light-filled room embellished with crown molding and chandeliers, I snapped a photo of the website. I scurried back to my shoebox-sized AirBnB apartment to log on—eager to learn more. After making a cuppa tea, I logged into the website and saw there was one spot left. With a couple weeks of free time set aside to write and edit after leading the last retreat, this felt synchronistic.
I clicked “purchase” and eagerly awaited the first day of school. Since learning is up there on my list of favorite activities (next to sleeping and petting pigs), I arrived with sharpened pencils, a fresh pink legal pad, and a croissant for sustenance.
After working my way through Paris’ maze-like streets in unsteady clogs, I made it at the stroke of 9am. Unfortunately the workshop began with the teacher proclaiming, “Nothing you have to say is important.” It felt as if someone had popped my pretty pink balloon or told me Paris was out of peonies. While I know she was trying to make some cockeyed subtle point, it was hard to move beyond the class’ kickoff statement.
As I emotionally ate my croissant, the flakes fell to the floor and I looked down at the material I’d brought to share with the class. My mind wandered: Is a DIY guide to everyday tranquility necessary? and Maybe she’s right, what do I have to say that’s new?
Though the experience didn’t improve over the next few days, this comment left me with a blend of deep-seated insecurity and desire to prove her wrong. I believe we all have something important to say and there are readers out there who will resonate. It may be a tiny bunch, but they’re out there.
Monday night Ariana of the blog Paris-to-Go came to speak with our Penning in Paris group about her writing experience. Her well-read blog focuses on gluten-free, zero-waste living in Paris. Talk about niche! And yet oh-so-popular. She said, “Let your personality shine through your blog. If I have these questions or ideas, others will too.”
I agree. While leading writing workshops and retreats I do my best to emphasize this point. There’s an inspiring passage in The Mindful Writer where the author, Dinty W. Moore, quotes Martha Graham:
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy . . . that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it.”
Moore goes on to highlight “honoring your individuality, your specificity, and the essence of who your are.” Sure there may be heaps of book, articles, or essays on a particular topic, but no two people can possibly bring the same experiences or perspective to it.
The above photo was snapped at the newly opened Shakespeare and Company cafe on Saturday that sits adjacent to the bookstore—a spot I visit at least a few times each time I’m in Paris. As I reread the passage quoting Martha Graham, I remembered the teacher’s comment and smirked.
Dear teacher, I disagree. What we have to say matters and is important. And how apropos to have this experience where I found that workshop flier. Bisous. x
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June 7, 2016
Paris, I Love You
And these are a few of my favorite things: candles, cups of tea, peonies, macarons, champagne, notebooks, books, fresh berries from the market, multi-grain baguette, donut peaches, melon, roses growing on balconies, lavender oil, gold paperclips, pink pens, balconies, views of Hausmannian buildings, Parisian apartments, white shutters, crown molding, blue doors, floor to ceiling windows. Bisous. x
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May 31, 2016
Home On the Road
As mentioned in yesterday’s podcast introduction, I’ve been on the road the past five weekends visiting family, going to trainings, and hosting retreats and this will continue into early July. While I love traveling, there’s always something so comforting about returning to the scents and pleasures of home.
My mornings typically begin like the photo above (although my hair rarely looks like that). Sitting at my desk with a cuppa tea in hand, Mookie snuggled close, and writing materials within reach.
When traveling I continue this tradition by packing creature comforts such as bags of tea, writing supplies, yoga mat, candles, and numerous books. Yes, even when we’re in our vintage camper! Especially then.
Living in a vehicle even allows me to go a few steps further with twinkle lights and aromatherapy plug-ins. The photo below shows the camper’s homey set up from our time in the Smokies.
I’m heading to Paris on Thursday to lead next week’s Penning in Paris retreat and have begun packing “essentials”—books, gifts, Jetstream pens, lavender oil. My wish is to design an environment for creativity and grounding while traveling.
As an INFJ (1% of the population) and HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), being out of routine can be discombobulating. I’ve learned to cope by toting comforts of home and maintaining morning rituals. They serve as a sort of big girl comfort blanket where I feel swaddled—even in another country.
What routines help ground you? What are your go-to comfort tools? Wishing you grounding practices on the road and at home. Bisous. x
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May 30, 2016
Tranquility du Jour #371: Creating an Animal Sanctuary
Creating an Animal Sanctuary with Dr. Lisa Davis. Hear the story behind her creation of a nonprofit animal sanctuary outside of DC, the best and hardest parts, and how you can meet the animals.
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #371: Creating an Animal Sanctuary
Upcoming Events
Penning in Paris
: June 6-10 {2 spots}
TDJ Live {Seasonal Podcast}: June 16 at 8pmET
Yoga + the Animals at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary: June 18
Tranquility Virtual Retreat: July 9
Writing in the Woods: October 28-30 {6 spots}
Tranquility du Jour Guest
Dr. Lisa Davis is the Co-founder and President of the Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary and Eco-Retreat (BMASER). She and her husband, Dr. Lawrence Cheskin, founded the Sanctuary with Davis’ father, Edward Davis, Jr. in 2012 in honor of the late Margaret (Peggy) Davis, an avid animal lover and advocate. Having grown up caring for horses and numerous pets, Davis knew she had a calling to help animals. After conferring with her lifelong friends, Davis left her corporate job, where she was Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Medifast, Inc., moved to Ellicott City, Maryland, and established the nonprofit animal sanctuary.
Savvy Sources
Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary
Washington Post Article mentioned
Yoga + the Animals: June 18
My Books
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Podcast app: Tranquility du Jour iPhone and Android
Stay Connected
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse my FAQs.
Tranquility University E-courses.
Connect on Facebook.
Shop locally-sewn, eco-friendly TranquiliT.
Eye candy on Instagram.
Pin along on Pinterest.
Follow on Twitter.
Read along on Goodreads.
Browse my books.
Read about my passion for animals.
Pen a review on iTunes.
Techy
To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to get the podcast automagically on iOS or Android.
The post Tranquility du Jour #371: Creating an Animal Sanctuary appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 28, 2016
Happy Weekend: Being
Hello from the green, rolling hills of Pittsburgh. I’m still in bed as I gear up for day two of the Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference. Yesterday I studied with Lise Funderburg and Dinty Moore and discovered Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
As I approached the Conservatory, I was greeted by the big ornate glasshouse, green grass, and vibrant-colored flowers. I felt my body soften. After wandering 20 minutes in 88 degree heat just to grab a spring mix salad and green juice in their cafe, what a delightful surprise. This place is a dream in the heart of the city. I know where I’ll be hiding during our conference lunch breaks.
As we head into this holiday weekend, I’m writing to encourage a release of the get-everything-done button.
Instead, take time to piddle, sleep in, or head to the park for an impromptu picnic. Pull out your adult coloring book and get lost for hours. Head to a nearby winery, museum, or art gallery and play tourist. Hop on your bike and head for the nearest trail. Settle in on your favorite chair with a stack of books. Savor a Bed Day.
Take the opportunity to reset this weekend and watch inspiration grow.
I’m striving to practice this even while at a writers’ conference. Learning all I can while also playing in those moments in between—jaunts to the Conservatory, watching the sun set over the city, and reconnecting with friends. The yin and yang of doing and being.
May we grant ourselves the gift of basking in being this weekend (and beyond). Bisous. x
The post Happy Weekend: Being appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 23, 2016
Weekend Review: Pigs + Parents in TN
Weekend Review
I crawled out from under my faux down comforter Friday morning and peeked onto a big box parking lot in Jamestown, Tennessee. That morning we were headed to the Pig Preserve and I was like a little girl Christmas morning eager to unpack her stocking.
Tim, Mookie, and I headed south Thursday afternoon in the vintage camper that toted us around Northern America during the 2013 Tranquility Tour. After an eight-hour drive, we pulled into that parking lot to rest and await the next morning’s festivities.
Touring the Pig Preserve for three hours with the founder Rich Hoyle was an honor. We expected a downpour but the rain held out for our entire visit. He carried us along on his tractor to visit the various herds nesting like royalty on his picturesque 100-acre property. I snuggled up to a variety of farm and potbelly pigs, met a wild boar, and bonded with his rescue dogs. His female pit/lab mix insisted on riding up front in the tractor with us. She’d wrap her arms around me and begin humping my right side if I got in and took her place. I quickly learned to let her in first.
Next we headed to the University of Tennessee so I could get more scoop on their Veterinary Social Work certificate. When I found the flier for this program in the bottom of my swag bag at a recent therapy conference, my heart raced. I tucked the flier inside my Daybook and have carried it everywhere since finding it. Synchronicity.
Finally we headed to Gatlinburg to meet up with my parents for the next few days. My father was there to take a photography workshop so we spent hours exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Mom and , of course, Mookie. The dense forest, layered mountains, and smoke-like fog were mesmerizing and the perfect backdrop for numerous photos.
After another overnight stay in a big box parking lot somewhere in Virginia last night, we made it back to DC this afternoon with a full heart. Hard to believe yesterday at this time we were deep in the Smokie mountains. It’s almost discombobulating to shift so quickly among settings.
May and June are overflowing with an assortment of travels: trainings, hosting retreats, going on retreat, visiting family, another Garth concert (I mean, it’s been nearly two months!), and attending conferences. The abundance of away time wasn’t intentional and once I realized that every weekend from late April to early July was filled, I shook my head. How can so many things of interest be happening in such a short amount of time?! Once this passes, I’ll be full of new information and (hopefully) inspiration and most eager to nest.
As I move into a three-day week before heading to Pittsburg for a Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference, I’m grateful to sleep in a non-moving enclosure, see clients, teach mindfulness at Tranquil Space, and brush my teeth with running water. Although falling asleep to the sound of rain pelting the camper’s metal roof and the stream outside our window at the campground is hard to beat. Bisous. x
Savvy Sources
Why New Yorkers Have Always Worn Black
Farm Sanctuary’s New York Hoe Down
7 Ways to Display Photos at Home
Beginner’s Body Scan Practice
New York Times: A Humane Revolution
Emilie Wapick Ted Talk: Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling
The Crossroads of Should and Must
The Richness of Everyday Life
The post Weekend Review: Pigs + Parents in TN appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 17, 2016
Make Beautiful Moments
This weekend I hosted the annual spring Art + Yoga retreat in the wild and wonderful woods of West Virginia. After weeks of rain, the leaves were a vibrant shade of lime green and moss covered the forest’s floor.
I spent 24 hours before the guests’ arrival setting the stage for beautiful moments: hanging handmade bunting, chalkboard signs, and twinkle lights; planting marigolds; decorating with pink peonies, purple petunias, and white candles; and stuffing their goody bags with sensory delights (candles, French soaps, lavender bath fizzies, lavender tea).
Throughout the weekend I encouraged the ladies to look for beautiful moments—everyday things that bring joy and can be missed while immersed in thought or rushing from A to B. One may be more attune to these simple pleasures while on retreat. But we don’t have to go away to appreciate them.
The above collage from my Instagram feed shares a glimpse into beautiful moments ranging from enjoying tea to yoga to books to flowers to embroidery to art supplies.
It’s easy to fall into the “who has time for that” mode when looking at our to-do lists. Yet the good news is that we often don’t have to go o
ut of our way to have beautiful moments. They surround us. It does, however, take slowing down and paying attention.
Why do we value putting all our energy into preparing for the future and missing the moments in front of us?
Let’s notice the smell of tea, the taste of dark chocolate, the purr of a cat, the well manicured lawn, the blooming rose bush, the laughter of a colleague, the feel of a book in your hands, the joy of an update from a loved one, the sound of rain.
When are days are over, will we remember that we knocked that one more thing off the list or that we slowed down to truly smell the roses? Bisous. x
The post Make Beautiful Moments appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
May 16, 2016
Tranquility du Jour #370: Sipping Tea
Sipping Tea with Andy Hayes. Hear the story behind his tea business’ mantra “making moments matter,” how we collaborated to create the tranquility tea blend, and how he bookends his day for tranquility.
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #370: Sipping Tea
Featured Guest: Andy Hayes is a tea aficionado and advocate for self care + first class living. He believes that to live a life you love, you have to focus on creating moments that matter. Based in Portland, Oregon, Andy is the founder and creator of Plum Deluxe Teas.
Savvy Sources
Plum Deluxe Tea
Organic Tea of the Month Club
Our special blend: tranquility tea
My Books
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Podcast app: Tranquility du Jour iPhone and Android
Upcoming Events
Penning in Paris: June 6-10 {2 spots}
TDJ Live {Seasonal Podcast}: June 16 at 8pmET
Yoga + the Animals at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary: June 18
Tranquility Virtual Retreat: July 9
Tranquility in Tuscany: October 8-15 {5 spots}
Writing in the Woods: October 28-30 {6 spots}
Stay Connected
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse my FAQs.
Tranquility University E-courses.
Broadcasts on Periscope.
Connect on Facebook.
Shop locally-sewn, eco-friendly TranquiliT.
Eye candy on Instagram.
Pin along on Pinterest.
Follow on Twitter.
Read along on Goodreads.
Browse my books.
Read about my passion for animals.
Pen a review on iTunes.
Techy
To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to get the podcast automagically on iOS or Android.
The post Tranquility du Jour #370: Sipping Tea appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
