Thursday, December 13, 2012

orchestrating moments of bliss














Bliss is a beautiful word defined as "complete happiness" and so I tread lightly when using it because I don't want to diminish its power the way I do when casually dropping similarly strong terms like "awesome" or even "love" -- as in "I love that awesome dress!" I believe that bliss is fleeting, it's momentary -- but it can be created and experienced and that it's important to orchestrate moments of bliss when you can.



















This post was meant to be about muffins. How on days set aside to write or create I will often bake muffins or scramble eggs to have with hot coffee served in my favorite mug, all to set the stage for moments of complete happiness.
















Today I have the morning and early afternoon reserved for writing a magazine tutorial. Having my work published is something that still dazzles me like a waking dream and I want to revel in even the smallest moments of the process. Muffin, coffee, writing, quiet. Sigh.















When I am working on new projects, coffee is switched out for flavored seltzer: fresh, lightly flavored and effervescent or "crispy" as I like to call it, and quiet is replaced with favorite music on repeat (my crafting go-to is the band Luna which is familiar-to-me, energizing but not at all distracting) as tidy rooms become gloriously disheveled messes and I dart from idea to idea. {Cleaning up afterwards is the "crash" -- what goes up, must come down!}














Short blissful experiences can happen in many ways. Sometimes for me it can be driving in the car on the way home from an errand after-dark while listening to more favorite music (The Lemonheads or The Strokes) with the windows down (this can be done in cold weather, too -- just crank up the heat), sharing a great big laugh with family and friends, being outdoors in the fall with the fire pit going, seeing a city lit-up at night, being near the ocean, smelling a nectarine, dancing, being silly with my boys, night-blogging with a glass of wine, and much more. Not so complicated or time-consuming but still wonderful. I will often pause to realize the moment and close my eyes, even for a second or two ... to be. in. it.















Okay, well the seltzer is poured so I'd better get working on my tutorial. Do you set-the stage to make activities enjoyable? Maybe you'll orchestrate some bliss for yourself today. {Hope so!}

xo
elyse


14 comments:

Prudence said...

the muffins look yummy! I just made blueberry muffins too!

Lucille said...

I know what you mean about those moments. I think we all love them when they grace our life. But, they are so fleeting! Just little moments of heavenly bliss, I suppose! I agree with you that the word "bliss" is special. Because "bliss" is not often felt. Not often enough. That's why it's so special when it does appear!

NanaDiana said...

You know it is funny. I am cleaning up my basement "work area" (as I fondly like to call it) today...and I plug in really good old movies-which provide just a kind of mindless background. When I am "working" (or playing) I love to listen to all kinds of music...from classical to New Age. Hope you are having a wonderful, productive day- xo Diana

I seek moments of Bliss~

Theresa said...

Sounds like you are a busy lady! Hope all will be HAPPY around your home this Christmas:) Have a blessed day, HUGS!

SLR said...

I try to find and revel in blissful moments when I can... Usually a scented candle lit and some quiet time reading or crafting. I find joyfully blissful moments in the giggles and sweet innocent nature of my daughter too. Luna! Lemonheads! Twinsies ;)

Kit said...

I just loved this post! It tickled me that you do what I do. Set the stage. Yesterday, my hubby left to shop. On went the movie, The Holiday, and out came the large candy bars I had to wrap. All the lites were on and I was sipping a Ginger Ale. So perfect! Today, I will bake to the tunes of A Charlie Brown Christmas and sample and sip coffee. :) Kit

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post Elyse!

I am still trying to get my 500 Christmas ministry letters out- plus 70 donor ornaments - taking a little break to come visit as stuffing envelopes gets very boring! I think I need to orchestrate a bit of bliss right now to get this job done as I am already so far behind!

Merry Christmas
mary

koralee said...

Just reading and visiting you gives me bliss my friend...sending you oodles of love for this prechristmas week. xo

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Yummy! Thinking of you sweet Elyse! Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays and hope Hanukah was wonderful for you!

Love,
Maryjane
xox

Jen Kershner said...

I do that same thing in my studio but never really thought about it. I love watching making dreams come true.

boomerang jane said...

Love these words. Bliss :-)

Rebecca @ Belle Blog said...

Hi Elyse,

I definitely set the stage for bliss... when I can. Glad to have a moment now with my cup of hot tea reading some of my favorite blogs and seeing the snow out my library window. Happy New Year!!

Rebecca♥

koralee said...

Sending you PEACE mixed with oodles of joy for 2013! Thank you for being such a blessing to me.xoxoxo

Linda Ruthie said...

I try to start each morning with a bit of peace and quiet along with a cup of coffee and whatever mystery is sitting on the kitchen table.
Best wishes to you for a very Happy New Year!