Sunday Inspiration: Possibility

 

Thankful Thursday: June 11, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

An easy travel day

Relaxing by the lake

Watching the ducks

Sunshine

Dogs swimming

A walk through the woods

Tomato plants

A multitude of blossoms on my strawberry plants

A chaotic meal plan to clean out the freezer

Book Club

Time spent working in my greenhouse

Waking up with the sunrise

Sunday Inspiration: Success and Happiness

Thankful Thursday: June 4, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A day pursuing and planning for a new opportunity

Family

Celebrating my son's birthday

Ice cream cake

Prepping for our next trip

The blue moon

Feeling pretty

Waking up just before the alarm

Rainy mornings

A step closer

When one of the dogs does something unexpected and adorable

Little lavender moths fluttering around my front door

Watching the hummingbirds at the feeder

Simple summer dinners

Living June Out Loud

June is that magical feeling month that swings between the breezy days of Spring and the full heat of summer. The days stretch to their fullest length, the sun seems to shine a little brighter, and there's an unmistakable energy in the air. 

Whether you’re looking for ways to get outdoors, bring the outdoors inside, or recapture some of the childhood magic of summers gone by, there's no shortage of ideas to fill your days with fun.  If you’re ready to make the most of it, here are some activities to inspire a June you won’t forget. 

Pick up a beach read.  Even if you're not heading to the beach, enjoy a fun summer page-turner.  Think of it as a pool read, a park read, a patio read, or a hide-inside-with-the-AC-running read.

And while looking for that summer read - Visit your local library! Remember the fun of the summer reading program when you were a kid?  Lots of libraries also have summer reading programs available for adults. 

Whether it’s glazed, frosted, jelly, or cream-filled, enjoy your favorite doughnut on National Doughnut Day, June 5th.

Create a wildflower bouquet. See what's growing in your own backyard or that empty lot down the street and bring the beauty of the outdoors into your indoors.

Celebrate National Best Friends Day on June 8th. Get together for coffee, a meal, or drinks. Send your long-distance friend a lovely card or handwritten note letting them know you love and appreciate them.

Make some cold brew tea. Or sun tea. Incredibly easy and so refreshing on a hot afternoon. And a fun way to observe Iced Tea Day on June 10th

Cook outside. Everything tastes better when prepared on the grill. And there's the added bonus of not having to heat up the house by turning on the stove or oven

Juneteenth observes the day when enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom... almost 3 years after the Emancipation Proclamation! Attend a Juneteenth event in your community, familiarize yourself with the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution, or take some time to learn more about the history of slavery throughout the world and the struggle to end it. 

Attend a fair or festival. Summer is the prime season for everything from craft fairs to music festivals. Check your local community calendars for events near you. 

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st. Celebrate the dads or father-figures in your life! 

June 21st is also the Summer Solstice for those in the northern hemisphere.  Enjoy the longest day of the year! Wake up and greet the sunrise or spend some time outside enjoying the extra-long evening.

Usually, the phrase is "On Wednesdays we wear pink". But we'll make an exception when National Pink Day falls on Tuesday, June 23!  Wear your favorite pink outfit, some pink nail polish, or lipstick. Buy yourself some pink flowers. Enjoy your favorite pink food or drink.

Create some Chalk Art on your driveway or the sidewalk outside your home!

Do some stargazing.  See how many constellations you can find. Watch for falling stars. Just ponder the beauty and mystery of the night sky. 

Take a road trip.  It doesn't have to be far, or even days away.  Pick a location within an hour or two of where you live that you've always wanted to visit. Or spend a day cruising the backroads, stopping to check out any sites that catch your eye.

Let June be a reminder to lean into joy, try something different, and savor the longer days while they last. Here's to making the most of the season one sunny, carefree moment at a time. 

Sunday Inspiration:

 

Thankful Thursday: May 28, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A text from a friend checking in on me

Moving on to the next phase of the hiring process

The first iris bloom

Some much-needed rain

A slight break in the heat

Overnight thunderstorms

Hard work

Neapolitan ice cream

When my hair behaves itself

Rainy days at the library

A cold drink of water

An afternoon nap

When the internet comes back on

Some good news

A change of plans

Aging Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

Aging is a deeply personal experience. We each journey through life with our own experiences, values, and beliefs. These shape how we think and feel about the aging process.  Instead of critiquing how others navigate it, what if we chose respect, support, and allowing every woman the freedom to age on her own terms?

Recently, I saw SO many social media posts criticizing Madonna for dressing and behaving in what some people feel is inappropriate for her age while appearing onstage at Glastonbury. Within days of that wave of criticism, there was an article that came out ridiculing Cameron Diaz because she has apparently forgone cosmetic procedures and is choosing to age "naturally".  

Aging for women seems to be a no‑win situation. We’re expected to look youthful but ridiculed if we try too hard. If we choose to age "naturally" with no cosmetic procedures or dying our hair to hide the grays, then we're letting ourselves go. We're made to feel invisible yet still judged for everything from our appearance to how we act. All this keeps us constantly second‑guessing ourselves and feeling as though we're never getting it right.

The worst part is how, all too often, the harshest critics of how older women act, look, or dress are OTHER women. Ladies, we have to do and be better! 

If someone else is choosing to age in a way you wouldn't consider for yourself, that's her prerogative. We should each be allowed to age in whatever way is comfortable for us. Whether that's dying our hair or letting our silvers shine. Having a few procedures or deciding to age naturally. Staying active and taking risks or choosing to settle into a quieter lifestyle. Wearing fun, colorful, or  offbeat outfits or dressing in a more modest and subdued way.  

How another woman chooses to live her own midlife and beyond has no bearing or effect on your own. And if it does, maybe we need to examine that on a personal level instead of being so openly judgemental about it.

Rather than criticizing, let's support and lift each other up for expressing our individuaity and being our authentic selves. Or at the very least, remember the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say; don't say anything."

Sunday Inspiration: Dreams

 

Thankful Thursday: May 21, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Road trips

An evening by the campfire

Smores

Time with my oldest grandson

Good news

Seeing something new 

The sounds of nature

Slow mornings

A safe trip home

Fresh cherries

Learning something new

A productive day

My own cheering squad

Summery pasta dishes

Interview done

Sunday Inspiration: Wishes

 

Thankful Thursday: May 14, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Blueberries

I got the interview!

A decent night's sleep

Wildflower seed

A heating pad for my aching back

French toast

Coffee and a bookstore with my daughter

A new book

My husband

Cheesecake

A mistake that makes me laugh at myself

Feeling positive

Blue skies

Sunshine

A delicious coffee drink made at home 

Sunday Inspiration: Yesterday and Today

 

Thankful Thursday: May 7, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A crowd of birds at the feeder

The first strawberry of the season from my plants

The full moon

Blackberry brambles in bloom

Clean puppy dogs

Planning for a new endeavor

Seeing progress

Waking up to a new day

The peonies are blooming

Banana pudding

Taking a chance

The smell of peonies

A rainy afternoon

The sound of thunder in the distance

Sunday Inspiration: Unseen Beauty

 

Beauty exists all around us. Slow down and soak in the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed. When you pay attention, even ordinary days reveal something extraordinary.

Make It A Memorable May

Hello, May! The flowers are blooming, the days are brighter, and your calendar is practically begging to be filled with fun. Longer days, warmer sunshine, and a fresh sense of energy make it the perfect time to step out of routine and create moments that stick with you. This list of activities is here to help you make the most of May and turn it into a month you’ll actually remember.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take care of yourself by incorporating one self-care habit into your day.  A short meditation, prayer, gratitude journaling, or simple breath work can help relieve stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. 

Kentucky Derby Day is May 2.  Put on a big hat, your favorite summer dress, make a batch of mint julips or lemonade and watch the race.

May the Fourth be with you! Watch your favorite Star Wars movie(s) or binge them all in chronological order for a mega movie marathon. 

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. (As if we needed an excuse to enjoy some tacos and margaritas)

Reset your morning routine. If your mornings are feeling stressful or stagnant, May is a good time to shake things up and create a new morning routine that works with the season of life you're living now.

Celebrate the mothers (or motherly-like) people in your life. Mother's Day in the US and Canada is Sunday, May 10th. 

Enjoy longer evening hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures with a Backyard Happy Hour.  Grab a glass of rosé, a summer cocktail or mocktail, or some iced tea and unwind after a long day.

Visit a Zoo or Petting Farm. May means baby animals, and who doesn't love seeing all cute little fuzzy creatures? 

Go berry picking!  Many areas have local "pick your own" berry farms. Select your own berries for snacking or a delicious Spring dessert 

Refresh your skincare routine. Summer heat, humidity, air quality, and UV levels can leave our skin with some very different needs than rhe winter months we just left behind. Stock up on sunscreen, consider swapping out your moisturizer for something lighter, and/or adding a vitamin C serum for a boost of antioxidants.

Create a summer bucket list or vision board.

Like Yoda talk you must on May 21. (Talk like Yoda Day)

Revisit your childhood by Catching Fireflies.  It's like having some magic little fairy lights in a jar. Just be sure to release them after a short time and before going to bed. (How many of us made that mistake as kids?)

And speaking of revisiting childhood... why not make (and enjoy) some popsicles! 

Host, or attend, a Memorial Day cookout or picnic.

As you move through May, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down, try something new, and enjoy the moments that feel good to you. Just a few intentional choices can make this month feel special.

Thankful Thursday: April 30, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

The ability to learn new things

Doing a craft with my daughter

A hot cup of tea

Rain

A break from the sinus headaches

A shower at the end of the day

Falling asleep with the love of my life beside me

A delicious grilled steak dinner

A quiet house

Crossing things off my to-do list

Early morning thunderstorms

Greek yogurt with blueberries and walnuts

Clean laundry put away

Sunday Inspiration: What You Might Have Been

Right now is the perfect time to become the truest version of yourself. It’s never too late. 

Thankful Thursday: April 23, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Spending the day with my daughter

Independent Bookstores

Takeout for dinner

Excedrin migraine

Trips to the garden center

My husband digging holes for my new plants 

The smell of fresh rosemary

Making travel reservations

No damage to home or cars from fallen tree

Ice cream

Simple dinners

The first hummingbird of the season

My plants survived the cold snap

Sunday Inspiration: Flowers

 

Thankful Thursday: April 16, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Dogwoods in bloom

New notecards gifted to me by a dear friend

The first weekend trip in our new camper

Watching the geese and ducks

Dinner cooked on the grill

Mornings

Flower seedlings

Snuggling up on the couch to watch TV

An afternoon nap

Iced coffee

The music of Stevie Nicks

Feeling a little better

Deer in the yard

Everything is suddenly green

Sunday Inspiration: Around You

 

Thankful Thursday: April 9, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

My daughter's dental surgery went well

Planning for a short getaway

A good cup of coffee

Fresh flowers

Cinnamon bread

New leaves on the trees

Easter Sunday

The rain stopped

Sitting out in on my deck

A spectacular sunset

My silly grandsons

My sinus headache went away

Another healthy dog check-up

Sunday Inspiration: Bloom

Thankful Thursday: April 2, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Our new camper

Sunny days

Blossoms on my strawberry plants

The grand kid is feeling better

Phone conversations with my sister

Jelly beans

Warm showers

Glasses and contacts so I can see

Cute spring crochet project

Honey for my tea

Having two of the cutest little dogs ever

The pear tree in bloom 

The full moon peeking at me through the clouds

Activities for April

April arrives with longer days, lighter moods, and the feeling that something new is possible. But this month doesn’t require big plans or dramatic changes to feel meaningful. Sometimes it’s the smaller, more intentional moments that make April feel, well... like April. Things like a vase of Spring flowers, taking a moment to enjoy a cool morning, or a simple activity that fits into the life you already.

The ideas below are gentle, realistic April activities. Nothing here requires a big time commitment, breaking the budget, or a complete lifestyle change - just small ways to notice the season, savor it, and make space for a little more ease and enjoyment as spring unfolds.

Capture the month in photos. Challenge yourself to take one photo each day in April.

Buy yourself fresh flowers just because. Tulips, daffodils, or whatever’s on sale. Treat yourself.

Host an Easter egg hunt for your kids, nieces and nephews, or your friends!

April is National Poetry Month.  Read a book of poetry.  Attend a poetry reading. Or try your hand at writing your own verses.

Create a spring playlist to give every day routines a lift.

Enjoy a delicious baked cinnamon treat on National Coffee Cake Day (April 7)

Refresh your space.  Add a few spring touches to your porch. Declutter your desk or nightstand. Or go even smaller and clear out one drawer or your purse.

Start an April reading stack. A couple books you might get to — or not.

Sit outside with your morning coffee. A warm mug and slightly chilly morning air is such a refreshing combination!

Visit a weekend farmers’ market. Stroll, sample, and leave with a farm fresh treat or two.

Start a Gratitude Journal. Each day make a list of a couple of things you're thankful for or write a few sentences about something that brings you joy.  Need some inspiration?  Check out my Thankful Thursday posts! 

Make a simple spring dessert. Lemon loaf, strawberry shortcake, or anything that tastes like sunshine.

Donate clothes you no longer wear.  As you switch to your warm weather clothing, take those winter items that never saw the light of day to your local donation center, thrift store, or charity shop. 

Have a Spring picnic. It doesn't need to be Pinterest-worthy, just grab a sandwich and head outside to a local garden, park, or your own backyard. Maybe a PB&J for Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (April 2) or observe Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)

Find Your Joy in a book during National Library Week (April 19 - 25) 

Whether you try one activity or a handful, let them serve as small invitations to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate the parts of spring that fit naturally into your life right now. Midlife is full, yes — but it’s also full of possibility. And April is the perfect reminder that even in busy seasons, ease and joy still have room to grow.

Sunday Inspiration: Forward

 

Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Even small steps taken with intention can eventually lead to big transformations.

Thankful Thursday: March 26, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Watching the hawks soar over the ridge

Vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce

Falling asleep next to the man I love

A day trip to the other side of the mountains

More seedlings sprouting

A beautiful afternoon spent out on the deck

Tulips in bloom

That moment when the kitchen is completely clean

Waking up

A healthy breakfast 

Our new camper

A delicious Bolognese

Sunday Inspiration: Spring

 

Thankful Thursday: March 19, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A sunny day

Time with my grandsons

Margaritas

Laughter

Pepper plants have sprouted

Thunderstorms at night

Fog lifting off the mountains like smoke

When my dogs get the zoomies

A dusting of snow

Beef and Guinness stew

Holds available at library

Heated car seats

Music

When my son makes me laugh

Clean laundry

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

 

May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain,

tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you,

those you love near you,

and all your heart might desire.

~Irish Blessing

Give Yourself Permission

Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to wait.

We waited for approval.

For the “right time.”

For someone to tell us it was okay to do what we wanted to do.

We became experts at meeting expectations. At being dependable, capable, accommodating. We showed up for everyone else. And while that strength carried us far, it also quietly taught us that our own needs could wait.

We became the dependable ones. The helpers. The glue. We learned early how to be responsible, agreeable, and self-sacrificing. We learned that being "good" meant being quiet and keeping the peace.

Midlife has a way of challenging that belief.

It shows up as restlessness you can’t quite name. A sense that the life you built no longer fits the way it once did. A gentle but persistent feeling that something needs to shift.

And still, we hesitate.

We ask ourselves, Am I allowed?

Is it too late?

What will they think?

So let me say this with love: Give yourself permission.

You have been carrying a lot, and you no longer have to carry what isn’t yours. You are allowed to evolve. What made sense at 30 doesn’t have to define you at 50.

Choosing yourself doesn’t mean abandoning others. It means showing up whole instead of depleted. It means modeling what it looks like to honor your needs, your boundaries, your truth.

And yes, it may feel uncomfortable at first. Growth usually does. But something remarkable begins to unfold when you stop waiting for someone else’s permission.

This season of life isn’t asking you to become someone new—it’s inviting you to finally come home to yourself. You don’t need a dramatic overhaul. One small, brave step is enough.

So give yourself permission. To pause. To change. To choose yourself

You are allowed.

You are ready.

Give yourself permission.

Sunday Inspiration: Nature

 

Nature never hurries itself, and it never apologizes for the season it’s in. Midlife asks the same of us—to stop measuring, stop comparing, and simply be where we are. It’s a season of gathering what we’ve learned and letting something new begin. A time to trust that new growth is still quietly taking shape, even if it’s subtle. 

Thankful Thursday: March 12, 2026

I Am Thankful For:

Sunshine

Smiles shared between strangers

Helping someone find a library book

Phone calls with my daughter

A day trip with my husband

Perogi and kielbasa from the Polish market

My cucumber and tomato seeds starting to sprout

Polish candies

A warm breeze

Iris bulbs

A great book club meeting

Handwritten letters

Puttering  in my greenhouse

Reading in bed

The sound of rainfall

Sunday Inspiration: A Voice

Midlife opens us to the freedom of thinking independently, speaking our truth, and contributing original ideas rather than simply repeating what others say or believe.  In a world full of noise and imitation, stand for your values, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trust that your perspective matters. 

Thankful Thursday: March 5, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

A lovely afternoon at craft group

Foggy mornings

Camper shopping

Starting seeds for spring planting

A beautiful first day of March

A morning walk with the dogs at Biltmore Estate

Geese on the river

Daffodils

Cherry float Coke Zero Sugar

New information

A morning with the grandkid

Afternoons on the deck

Wildflowers appearing in the grass

The glimmer of a plan

Love

Making the Most of March

March is the month where winter starts to loosen its grip and the first hints of spring begin to appear. Longer days, fresh air, and a renewed sense of energy make March the perfect time to get out of hibernation mode and try something new. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up some activities to help you enjoy everything March has to offer.

Enjoy some spring produce. Strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, and peas are a few of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during March. Head to your local produce stand or farmers market and pick up some of your favorites.

International Women’s Day is March 8th. Enjoy a book or documentary about women leaders or changemakers. (Bonus points if it was written or directed by a woman) Support a woman owned business.  Let the women who inspire you know just how much you appreciate them with a letter, phone call, or message. March is also Women's History Month, so don't limit your appreciation, support, and learning to just one day!

Embrace play as exercise. Getting your daily exercise doesn’t have mean going to the gym. Reconnect with the things that bring you joy! Try roller skating, jumping rope, a game of kickball, throwing a frisbee, or dancing. Play as exercise can boost your cardio and strength, improve coordination, and reduce stress.

Go for a drive.  Roll down the windows, crank up the volume on your favorite tunes and enjoy the open road.

Pi day (March 14) Observe the day dedicated to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter of the same circle by enjoying your favorite circular foods. Pie is the obvious choice. But what about Pi-zza? Or some cookies or a cake decorated with the Pi symbol?  See who among your family or friends has the most digits of Pi memorized.  Or try your hand at writing "pi-ku" - a piece with a 3-1-4 syllable structure. 

Go for a spring hike. Head out on your favorite trail or explore a new one.  Look for signs of spring - buds on the trees, the first hints of green, or spring wildflowers - along the way.

Read a book outside.  Enjoy these first warm days of spring by taking your book outside to read while soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.  

Celebrate St. Patrick Day on March 17th. Everyone can be a little Irish one day a year.  Wear your favorite green. Have some Irish stew, Dublin coddle, or Colcannon. Pour your favorite Irish drink - whether that's an Irish coffee, Irish whiskey, or a pint of Guiness.  Listen to some Irish tunes.  Watch an Irish movie or tv show.  I recommend "Rebellion" or "House of Guiness" - both can be found on Netflix.

Hang a birdfeeder. Give the birds that have winter edition in your area a reliable food source and prepare for the ones that will soon be making their spring migration.  Watching birds is a peaceful, relaxing activity and having a bird feeder helps maintain a healthy, diverse bird population - especially in more urban areas.

Stop scrolling.  For one day, turn off the phone or leave it behind. Give yourself a break from the information overload. Try one of the other activities on this list to distract you.

Celebrate the first day of Spring (March 20).  You did it! You made it through another long, cold winter. Wake up early and welcome the sunrise.  Set your intentions or goals for the season.  Or enjoy one of the other activities on this list to welcome in Spring.

Spring cleaning.  It doesn't have to be your whole house. Do one room or clean out your closet or dresser. Spring cleaning reduces indoor allergens, reduces stress, and can improve focus and productivity. 

Plant something. Start some seeds for your summer vegetable garden or sprinkle some wildflower seeds outside. If you're short on outdoor space, try creating a windowsill herb garden or a small container garden. 

Spend some quality time with your furry family member on National Puppy Day (March 23rd). If you don't have a canine companion of your own, visit the dogs at your local shelter or make a donation to help out a dog rescue. Take a walk and pet every puppy you see (always ask first!)

Lighten Up.  Add some pastels to your life. I'm thinking of a new (or better yet - thrifted) top or dress, a ready-for-spring nail polish, or some spring candles.

After months of cold and stillness, March is your cue to step outside a little more, breathe a little deeper, and make space for small joys. Whether you try one thing on this list or weave a few of them into your month, I hope March brings you moments of light, playfulness, and renewal. Winter did its thing—but now it’s time to gently wake up and welcome what’s next.

Sunday Inspiration: March

 

March is here, bringing a fresh vibe and a hint of spring in the air. The days start getting longer, the weather slowly warms, and everything feels like it’s waking up again. It’s a good time to shake off winter, try something new, and enjoy the little signs that brighter days are on the way.

Thankful Thursday: February 26, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Spring-like February days

A letter from a dear friend

My husband's new truck

Starting seeds in my little greenhouse

My grandson's birthday 

Grocery run with my husband

Cozy socks

A friendly wager with my cousin

Waking up to a dusting of snow

Cute earrings

A bowl of Greek yogurt with berries

Books that make me want to learn more

A good check-up for my dog

Sunday Inspiration: Your Time

 

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Thankful Thursday: February 19, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

My hair 

Car rides with my husband

A beautiful bouquet of roses

A valentine from my grandson

My grandson's laugh

Brownie sundaes

French toast

Morning meditation

Sunny days

Learning something new

Immediately feeling connected to a book

Playing with my dogs

A productive day

My order finally shipped

Sunday Inspiration: Cultivate

 

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Thankful Thursday: February 12, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Spending time with my daughter 

My morning tea

When my grandson hears my voice on the phone and yells "Oma!"

Pulled pork

Hearing a song I used to love and had almost forgot about

Pancakes

Super Bowl Sunday

A weekend without snow or ice

Book Club day

A warm bowl of oatmeal

When the library is busy

Warm February days

Fresh blackberries

Pretty pastel sunsets

Sunday Inspiration: Never Enough

 

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Thankful Thursday: February 5, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For:

Having everything prepared for the next storm 

The snow holding off long enough that I could go to my weekly craft group

My library hold became available just before the storm

A cozy snow day

Homemade chili

The power stayed on again

The snowy landscape

A warm house on a cold night

When the temperatures finally reached above freezing

Feeling pretty

Planning for spring planting

Finally getting out of the house

Celebrating my grandson's birthday

15 Ways to Make the Most of February

February doesn’t always get much love. It’s short, usually pretty cold (at least where I live), and by this point most of us are a little tired of winter. But honestly? It can be a really good month—especially in midlife.

This is the perfect month for saying yes to the small joys. Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy, something creative, or something that gets you out of the house just enough to feel refreshed - you can find that in February. Consider this list a collection of gentle ideas. Nothing overwhelming or requiring a lot of elaborate planning. Just inspiration to help you enjoy this month in a way that feels right for you

Get Out of the House

1) Take a winter walk through a nearby park, botanical garden, nature preserve, or your own neighborhood.

2) Visit a local restaurant or coffee shop. .

3) Visit a museum or art gallery

Celebrate Valentine’s Day 

4) Schedule a romantic date night with your partner in honor of Valentine’s Day. It doesn't have to be fancy, do takeout at home or make a meal together.

5) Plan a Galentine’s dinner or party with your bestie(s)

6) Have a self love day. (Get your head out of the gutter!) Turn off your notifications. Pour your favorite warm beverage, snuggle under a blanket and read a book or binge your favorite series. Treat yourself to your favorite meal or snack. Have a nice bath. Go to bed early. Treat yourself like the goddess you are!

Observe Black History Month 

7) Visit a local African-American history museum, exhibit, or landmark  

8) Shop at a black-owned business

9) Read a book by a black author

Hibernate at Home

10) At home movie night

11) Take up a hobby, or dedicate time to an existing one - reading, knitting or crochet, drawing or painting, puzzles are perfect for cold February evenings.

Enjoy A Lesser-Known February "Holiday" 

12) Make something with Nutella (National Nutella day is Feb 5)

13) Make a homemade pizza (February 9 is National Pizza Day)

14) Treat yourself (or someone else) to some donuts on Pączki Day ( Tlusty Czwartek February 12)

15) Make a big pot of homemade chili (National Chili Day is February 27)

You don’t need to do all the things on this list. Pick what sounds fun, skip what doesn’t, and let the rest go. This month has a way of rewarding small efforts and gentle intentions, so however you choose to spend it, trust that it counts.

Sunday Inspiration: Opportunities

 

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Thankful Thursday: January 29, 2026

 

I Am Thankful For: 

Joining a new craft group

Clean laundry

A couple of mild days before the winter storm

Homemade potato soup

British panel shows

A warm home

The power stayed on

A gorgeous sunset at the end of the storm

A sunny, but frigid day

Sunshine making the ice covered grass sparkle 

The "drip drip drip" of melting ice

A little bit of a warm-up

Getting out of the house for a little while

The Frozen Weekend

How is everyone affected by the weekend storm managing? I have seen some pictures involving crazy amounts of snow!

We didn't have any snow accumulation here. It was an all ice event for us. 

Fortunately, our power remained in the entire time. We had several flickers throughout the day.  A few that had us convinced that the electricity was going out at any moment. 

There are lots and lots of people in the area who weren't so fortunate. I'm hoping they have a source for heat or have electricity restored before tonight when it is supposed to get even more dangerously cold.

Today is windy and bitter cold. Keeping our fingers crossed that the wind doesn't start bringing down trees weakened by the layers of ice.  

Stay safe and warm out there!  And be sure to check on family and neighbors who are elderly or otherwise vulnerable to the cold.