Simple Joys of the Week, October 21st Edition

As another week draws to a close, I'm utterly shocked that we're nearing the end of October. Where, oh where, did this month go?

Although this week has been a tough one for me (with a wrist injury and now a yucky cough and sinus infection!), I'm happy to say that I've still been able to enjoy a number of simple, sensory joys throughout the week :) Read on for the details!

Hear: "Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois" by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens has always been one of my favorite artists to listen to while painting, and yesterday I had Illinoise (from 2005!) on repeat. This particular song, "Concerning the UFO Sighting...," has always been one of my favorites because I think that it truly captures Sufjan's unique voice--he sounds completely pure, vulnerable, and beautiful on this track. Listen below!

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Taste: Throat Comfort Tea with Honey

My team of doctors this week? Throat Comfort Yogi Tea, honey, cough drops, and my neti pot. Last night my pal Nyquil joined us for a bit, but I've been trying to work with my holistic doctors as much as possible ;) This week I was reminded that there's nothing better than tea with honey when you have a cough or sore throat, and sometimes if you just keep putting it back, you forget that you're even sick! P.S. Check out my favorite mug to the right--a Centre mug! I tried to go buy another this past weekend, but the bookstore was closed. Sigh.

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Close-up of "The Palm" by Pierre Bonnard, 1926

See: Paintings at The Phillips Collection

As I already shared on Wednesday, I had an absolute blast at The Phillips Collection on Tuesday. Although we were mostly there to check out the Degas Exhibition, we did get to peak into the permanent collection, too, and took some  time looking at the painting on the left by Pierre Bonnard--I loved it! I took a detail picture of the part of the painting that I liked best (I adore the palm frond!), but the entire painting was very magical.

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Smell: Pumpkin Muffins Baking

I baked yesterday! I know, it's crazy! But, before you get too excited and proud of me, I have to admit that it was a Trader Joes Pumpkin Bread mix. However, I did add eggs, oil, and water, mixed it all together, and spooned the batter into each little muffin tin, so that's a start! And it was still hard!! But, although I'm slightly embarrassed about using a mix, I have to say that they taste wonderful and the smell of them baking in the oven was heavenly. I love anything and everything pumpkin, and am excited to munch on these muffins for the next week or so. Yum!

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Touch: Paintbrush

After what felt like a super-long hiatus, it was great to get back to painting yesterday. Yes, I was popping cough drops and sipping tea for the entire 5 hours that I sat painting, but it was still completely wonderful--and the time just flew by without my even realizing it! I have another 1-2 days worth of painting for the book that I've been illustrating for the past few months, and then I can start on a fun new acrylic painting commission of a gorgeous landscape! There's just nothing like getting back to creating after taking time away...

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See? Even busy, sick, injured weeks can be filled with many joyous moments :)

What brought a smile to your face this past week?

Have a gorgeous fall weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine