Simple Joys of the Week, December 14th Edition

Simply loving all the unique holiday decorations that are everywhere right now! Image via Pinterest.

What I want to do this weekend: wear snuggly socks + eat jam on the floor. Magical. Image via Pinterest.

What a week! We're another step closer to Christmas & 2013 (and my birthday!), and I found out that I have a "dessicated disc" AND that for the first time in my entire life, I have a cavity. And let me be clear--I don't have just one cavity--I have three (three!). And I have to get a root canal during the first week of 2013. Woohoo, right? Nothing like turning a year older and finding out that your body is falling apart! 

But luckily, my week wasn't only filled with negative health news (thank goodness!), it was also filled with a bunch of wonderful simple, sensory pleasures that added a lot of joy to even frustrating days. What were those joys? Lets take a look...

Image via accessfashion.com

Hear: "Wherever You Will Go" by Charlene Soraia

I don't remember where I first heard this song, or where I found it, but I'm really loving it these days. Because of this love, I've added it to my December class playlist, so I've been hearing  it a lot this month, and every time that it comes on, it makes me happy. I'm a huge fan of covers that completely change a song for the listener, and this cover definitely lives up to the challenge, thanks to her raw yet beautiful vocals. Soraia is a London-based singer-songwriter, and I'm definitely a new fan. Listen to her gorgeous rendition of "Wherever You Will Go" below:

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See: My dear friend's baby, Marshall!

Last night, for the first time since I was like 13, I babysat! And by babysat, I mean that I went over to my friend's house to spend some time with her baby so that she and her husband could go on their first date in 8 months (and she paid me in cupcakes ;). But please, look at who I got to hang out with!? As someone who doesn't spend much time with babies, I was *slightly* nervous about being solely responsible for him, but I had an absolute blast and got to see a tiny (I mean, tiny and totally unrealistic!) snippet of what life would be like with a baby. Crazy. Anyways, I'm totally in love with this little guy and spending time with him was one of my favorite parts of this past week. I also really loved rocking + singing him to sleep. Such a special litte moment to be a part of...

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Taste: This cupcake (+ lots of other holiday treats!)

You know how I said I was paid in cupcakes for "babysitting"? Yep, this is the cupcake. Ben and I split it at 10:30 last night (because why not eat a cupcake late at night on a Thursday night!?) and it was such a fun treat. Thanks, Sara! Speaking of treats, has anyone else been indulging like a crazy person these past few weeks? I've enjoyed so many homemade holiday delicacies thus far this season that it's getting kind of ridiculous (but they've  all been absolutely amazing so I just couldn't say no!). I mean, what else are you supposed to do at holiday parties? Just this past week I enjoyed homemade cookies, homemade  bon-bons, sea salt fudge, a piece of cinnamon cake, and a cupcake. Wow, huh!? I love the holidays, but phew, will my body thank me when they're over...

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Smell: Sharpee

When I finish a painting (or in this case, a set or series of paintings), I get out a sharpee to sign the back of each painting before adding the hooks & wire for hanging. Thus, the smell of a sharpee (which I have to admit, I kind of like), has become symbolic to me, it means that I've finished a project--that I'm done (!)--and so it's become quite an exciting smell by association. As you can see in the little sneak peek image to the right, I just finished a series of five paintings for a friend's nursery (the baby is coming soon!), and I couldn't be more excited to deliver them to her this weekend. I promise to do a post breaking down the process and showing these paintings in various stages (and in better light!) soon, but hopefully you can tell from this pic that they're very fun + whimsical ;)

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Image via shorpy.com

Touch: Dentist

I know, totally weird that this is a SJOTW since most people hate the dentist AND I found out that I have my first cavity (or first three cavities, that is!) during my visit this week, but I've always loved how my teeth feel after going to the dentist, so I'm sticking with it. And here's the thing: I blame the tea. One of the hygienists who works at my dentist's office, who also works at Tranquil Space, heard me lamenting about my cavities yesterday and came out to tell me that "it's all of the tea you drink." She knows how much I enjoy a cup of tea, and explained that it has a lot of acid that can eat away the enamel on your teeth. Um, what!?!? Here I am, no soft drinks, very little sugary candy, brush my teeth 5-6 times per day, floss every day, and come to find out this doesn't matter, because I drink buckets-full of tea every week. Sigh. But I've gotten off topic again! I love getting my teeth cleaned and am so glad I went to the dentist this week ;) Just watch out for that evil tea!

So, as you can see, when looking back at this past week, there was a lot to be happy about. I was also able to enjoy 3 fun holiday get-togethers and lots of yoga, which always brings joy to my life. What brought a smile to your face over the past seven days? I hope that you, too, have lots to be grateful for this holiday season.

This weekend we'll be having a dog sleepover (I know, weird week!?), enjoying a craft night with some friends, indulging in more much-needed yoga, wrapping + sending presents, and co-hosting the Tranquil Space holiday party. Phew!

Here's to a weekend full of simple, sensory joys...

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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