Living the High Life

IMG_9307  I am delighted to rendezvous with a little feathered visitor in the mornings. Her chirps are so sweet you cannot help but smile. I can only wonder what she sings about. Is she lovingly whispering to her little chick, is she seducing her sweetheart, or is she simply happy to see another remarkable sunrise? IMG_9290

Whatever her reasons may be, her morning melody is infectious and launches my day with a bit of a buzz. It makes me forget about the coffee I am trying to cut back on and puts a zip in my step.

IMG_9161  These days I have a shorter commute to the heavens (I am quite a few stories above ground.) Eye-to-eye with my new morning buddy who is perched on my balcony rail while I am sitting by my desk for a few daily minutes of tap, tap, tap on the keyboards. IMG_9107Her sounds resonate more devoutly than mine do and I am thankful to be living the high life along side of her.

Discovering nature and incorporating it into your life and your nest maybe a challenge, however, the restorative powers of nature make the effort more than worthy.

IMG_9325 Incorporating ART (Attention Restorative Theory) into your nest is crucial for mental restoration according to an article in The Atlantic,   How Nature Resets Our Minds and Bodies  by Adam Alter.  IMG_9494

Man-made environments bombard us with stimulation and force us to direct our attention to specific tasks while Mother Nature craves very little from us. We can think as little or as much as we’d like while she offers us the opportunity to replenish our exhausted mental resources with her beauty.

IMG_9450 Many of us do not have the time or budget for a resort getaway but we can seek a nearby park, walk along a soothing stream, climb a majestic mountain, hike some rolling hills, or simply sit in silence and take in the natural landscape nearby.  Ayia Marina

Natural landscapes, even if viewed from inside of your nest, are beneficial. Natural views aren’t visually demanding and instead soothe and rejuvenate.IMG_9364

Fortunately I’m living the high life these days and my uplifting view of the mountains in the distance reassures me with strength and serenity while I work at my desk in my nest.  My potted fruit and vegetables on my balcony attract feathered friends to frolic about.  IMG_9153  Sure, there is the constant noise of the daily commuters below, however, if I close my eyes the sound mimics rolling waves of the Pacific. What more can I ask for surrounded by magnificent mountains and the welcoming breeze of the Pacific?

Hop, skip or jump to your calming natural landscape and ease your mind. If you are fortunate to peek at even a glimpse of nature from your nest, take a load off and enjoy the view.  IMG_9437  IMG_9458  A. Marina at Dusk 4

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Bring holiday cheer into your nest with a cozy comfort feeling of casual and shabby chic aesthetic. Sun bleach white reminds me of white sand beaches—simple and soft yet opulent in beauty. White can also brighten up your nest with … Continue reading

Thankful for…

  Thankful for the bread we break, thankful for the feast we ate. Thankful for the juice we drank. Thankful for the sweet and savory scents that perfumed our nest. Thankful for the adventurous expressions that resonated throughout our day, … Continue reading

When Your System Fails You

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Things happen and I follow with a trailer of belongings in tow again and some need of  soul searching.  I will vow to grant things to happen instead of the overwhelming feeling of the world upon my shoulders, my courage … Continue reading

Oh Won’t You Stay Just a Little Bit Longer

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I cannot get enough of that sweet sunshine and soon it will be time for her to retire way before bedtime. Even though she adores us with her brilliant rays most days of the year here in the American Riviera, … Continue reading

Here Comes The Sun

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It’s here folks, the official summer solstice–the day where we frolic in the longest daylight of the year. Where I live this means we can enjoy dinner outdoors until the sun retreats leisurely beyond the horizon of the Pacific just … Continue reading

And the Lord planted a garden eastward in Eden (Genesis)

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A tale of rich complexity…where and if indeed it existed is not the issue at hand. Why it existed is what’s intriguing and did mankind live happily in this so-called Garden of Eden. Why not experiment for yourself! If you … Continue reading

What’s In Your Bottle?

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Think twice before you toss your empty bottles into the recycling bin. You may save yourself a trip to the store and some cash if you rinse out the bottle and easily stash it away for future uses. Be mindful. … Continue reading

Is Your Clock Ticking?

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Not your biological one, your clock in your nest. If it’s not ticking even with a battery change, it is time to furlough the neglected clock for some tinkering. If your local clock repair person could not revive it, consider … Continue reading

Succulent Hoarder

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Hi, my name is Cristina and I’m a succulent hoarder. I didn’t even know what a succulent was until my first visit to the Golden State. These tiny plants instantly mesmerized me and upon further examination, I noticed occasional fractured … Continue reading