Self-Portrait Challenge ~ On the Street

This month's theme at Self-Portrait Challenge is "on the street." I was thinking street, urban when I decided to snap this shot of myself at the subway. It totally cracked me up to see the content of the ad behind me. I hadn't noticed it at all before. A little bit of graphic urban natural on the street. And that combo of cityscape and natural beauty showed up for me a bit later in the day as I was out at IKEA, near a construction site and saw this spectacular sky ~

As well as SPC I'm participating in Michelle's Month of Me, doing something on each day in May to nurture my self and my soul. Today I there were definitely a couple of highlights. My planned treat today was to go out at lunch and buy the new edition of my new favourite mag, Motto. I can't to see what great ideas and inspiration are between the covers, especially since I saw the word "coaches" on the cover!

And then some spontaneous soul-nurturing came at the invitation of my husband today. We were at IKEA. Now, if you've ever had the IKEA experience, you know that it isn't always exactly nuturing! But we had put a few things on their big dolly carts and were heading out when Justin looked at me mischeivously and said, "Climb on!" And I did. I stood on that cart and he wheeled me up to the cash. We laughed the entire way. Man, I love my husband! It's wonderful to experience soul-nuturing in a relationship too!

How are you going to nuture yourself today?

Updates

Well, I have a shocking update on the cat situation. Apparently they won't be returning to our garden because the poor little things have been abandoned. Their owners have moved out and left them stranded inside the apartment. Luckily one of our other neighbours heard their all-night meowing and contacted the Humane Society to come and take them. This is doubly positive because apparently the landlord thought the best solution was to poison them and dispose of them!

As much as I'm thrilled the little tykes won't be peeing in my tomatoes, I am so sad for all that they've been through. I can't understand letting cats, especially young ones, out right where we are. We live on a very busy street in a neighbourhood filled with racoons. One of the cats had managed to get themself stuck on a roof at least twice that I witnessed. And one of them was caught up in a tree for days! And still, they let them out. I sincerely hope these little ones find a loving and safe home where they will be nurtured and cared for.

And speaking of nurturing, yesterday my Month of Me treat came from the wonderful Sabine. Sabine came over to interview me for her series of Leaving Academia podcasts. When the results are up, I will let you know so you can hear my story of leaving my doctoral studies, if you're interested. The interview itself was so much fun to do. I had a blast participating. But the M.o.M. treat was Sabine brought popsicles and we sat on our deck chatting and enjoying. I told Sabine I felt like I was a kid who was having a friend over to play. It was great.

Is your spirit feeling more like these abandoned kitties than nurtured? Join Michelle's Month of Me and do something to nurture your spirit every day in May.

Self-Portrait Challenge & M.O.M.

This month's topic at SPC is "On the Street." I've been sick the past couple of days, so haven't been out much. So this is a picture from last year of me on my street. I pass by this mirrored window every day, and one day decided to snap a shot of my reflection.

This month Michelle is also encouraging people to join her in the Month of Me (M.O.M.) where each day we do something to nourish our spirit. When I was reading about her doing it I was like, "Great idea! Wonderful!" and then when I read the invitation to join her, I thought, "I'm just too busy." Silly me. When I'm working hard is when I need nourishment the most! So I'm joining in. How about you?

Yesterday's soul nourisment came from two sources. The first was the 2nd Annual Shyne Like a Star Virtual Dance Party. Thank you so much to everyone who participated. I hope you all enjoyed having some time to dance up a storm! And the second was from my dear husband. May 1 is our dating anniversary and we continue to celebrate it. He bought me these glorious orchids.

And today's nourishment was taking the time to read some of The Alchemist, which I have been reading and putting on hold since Christmas! I was inspired to take the time to read for pleasure by Sunny's recent newsletter article in which she talks about her own relationship with books and also from an organizational perspective, how we might deal with them in our space.

I wonder what will nourish me tomorrow? What will you nourish your spirit with?