Why yes, I am easily distracted by shiny things and getting back on track.

Monday was my birthday. And it was a great day with a great weekend leading up to it. I had a lovely birthday, and I’m so grateful for my family and friends who made me feel so celebrated and special. Seriously couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.

And now the rest of the week I am scrambling. I hadn’t realized how much having a Monday off would affect my week. I count on my Mondays to get back into my weekly routine. So without it, I was thrown off kilter. Do you ever have those days when your routine goes bust? Do you quickly get back on track or does it take you more time?

I’ve spent this week getting back on track and it only took until Thursday to do so. Still I wouldn’t change a thing because my birthday was worth it.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Oooh look at these shiny objects . . .

• “Because without the persistent heat, without the persistence of voters and Americans everywhere getting out to every election, democracy will not flourish.” 
• I seriously have heard conversations like this before. And not just in airports.
• My eternal creative struggle 
• How to email busy people. One hint: Be explicit.
• Lately I’ve been looking for more uplifting books. I’m not the only one. Why we are reading more “up-lit” 
• Because this is good news.
• Because this might be some good news and the start of even better news.

I’ve been reading . . . The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson still—it’s almost 600 pages so it will take me awhile.

I am also reading Into the Beautiful North by Luís Alberto Urrea for my book club’s April pick. After listening to the author’s interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, I was looking forward this book. I just started reading it, and while rated high on Amazon and Goodreads, I’m not quite into it yet. Reads like a YA book to me. I’m not that far so maybe it gets better.

I’ve been watching . . . nothing. Beginning to wonder if I should nix this part from my Friday posts.

I’ve been listening to . . . Glen Phillips, Madeline Peyroux, Kelly Clarkson, but mostly India.Arie again. I really love her Songversation: Medicine album. It truly feels like medicine for whatever ails me. In fact, India.Arie’s says this about the album:

SongVersation: Medicine was made to be listened to in a quiet time, prayer, meditation, Yoga. My wish is that these songs bring softness, clarity, calm, and inspiration.

And they do. “Life Is Good” is one of those songs that puts you in a good mood—perfect upbeat song for starting out your day. I listen to it as I am getting ready in the morning. “Just Let It Go” reminds me to let things go that I am holding onto. I swear it’s like she is talking to me, giving me loving support. The song “Soulbird Rise” is like a gentle and tender “pep talk” to yourself. Love the lyrics:

What did not demolish me

Simply polished me

Now the clearer I can see

(Image found here.)