If you've read the previous post you'll see my my guiding word this year is SHINE. Just a few baby steps within the year, it's already proven to be a beacon.

Today was a bit rough in places. I felt the urge to move out some excess, intense, heavy, dense energies and so I power walked. It was blistering cold air but something strong was drawing me out of my cozy little cottage and into nature. When I trudged up the big hill, questioning my decision and praying my eyeballs weren't going to turn into frozen marbles, I realized what I'd been missing today *the sunSHINE*. It was warm, golden, and delicious. I let the skin of my face drink it in. I asked my body to absorb it through the layers of clothes that I'd piled on. I opened my heart wide and let the rays melt what ailed me. 

I returned home with inspiration and ideas galore. And before they disappeared into the ethers of my creative waves and I wanted to invite your input. One of my gifts is teaching. I love to share and inspire others. I feel this is often when my light shines most brilliantly. I would love to know what you are into and what you might enjoy learning through me?

 I have selected not to teach at MPCC this semester. I feel very called to teach though, to cheer, to encourage to connect, to bring insight and awareness, to offer experiences that help you uncover, discover and recover your amazing talents and gifts.

I'm in the creation and design process of considering what I can offer and really, the best way to do this is to ask for your ideas. What are you "into" right now? What do you feel called to learn and excited to explore? I am looking into on-line as well as in-person experiences for those of you who would like me as a "tour guide." I don't necessarily consider myself an expert because I  love to explore, right along beside my students. Right now smaller groups and individuals feel appropriate. I have space so I can host a night class or a weekend PLAYshop {because, really, who wants to work?!?} I'm also willing to travel, so for my sweet, far and away friends....let's chat! 

Please share your suggestions in the comment section or on Facebook. If you are new to the blog and would like to follow along, the Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/robynjohnston. I am very interested in hearing your responses. This will serve as a worthy guide and a channel for my creative energies (that seem to be in overdrive right about now.) 

Swoot tip #2 ~Gifting Continued

Attention last minute gifters.....here's  the second part of yesterday's Swoot Tip and a supportive way to reduce the amount of waste generated this holiday. I gathered up some super cool latte mugs this summer. I confess, I did think about keeping a couple for myself.....and decided that I have plenty of mugs to suit our needs. As a result of having fewer dishes there's less to clean and my children have now followed my lead in the idea of multipurpose dishes. For example, tea cups are perfect for a little scoop of ice cream, coffee mugs work brilliantly for soups and cereal containers and water does taste better out of mason jars!

That's not what this post is about though. I wanted to share this fancy and fast gift idea. This would make a great hostess gift as well so consider this for New Year's Celebrations, birthdays, or just to be a thoughtful friend. 

I placed three different kinds of teas in the bowl, added a fancy little tissue pack and tied up with ribbon. The cup is the package so the only throw-away are the tea bags and tissues. (To amend the waste factor, fetch loose tea and put in into a delightful jelly jar and/or give cloth hankies instead.)A jar of flavored honey or even home crafted soup mix could be added in lieu of tea. And what of the ribbon? It could be used for a future gift, tied into smaller ribbons on a wreath, used as a book mark, added to art journals or card making projects.

And the best gift of all is really YOU! Your love, presence, support, and joy! Thanks for you sharing yours with me, thanks for taking the time to read the  Swoot Blog! Merry Christmast

Swoot Tip #2~Gifting

I'd mentioned in an earlier post that this holiday would be significantly different from those in the past. The look, feel/texture, energy, elements, people, surroundings/environment, and gifts would reflect the different vibrations of where I'm at right now.

One of those aspects involves gifting. I didn't go all out this year, in fact of the few gifts I am giving, all reflected my values of less, simplicity, authenticity, and consumable. I bypassed packaging and used what I had on hand, paper sacks decorated with leftover ribbon. 

A few of our friends received these air plants. Pryce and I ordered them in October and she's been caring for them each week. They are named after characters in the Magic Tree House Book Series; Jack, Annie, Morgan Le Fey.......and the little one is named Peanut. He's not a character but he's so cute and tiny the name just fit!

All they require is a little soak time in pure water. No soil, no fertilizer and they can reside just about anywhere. We found little tea cups make adorable containers, as do inexpensive glass jars. We added decorative rocks and then popped in this piece of blue tinsel that feel off of my tree. We bypassed the $20 dollar terrariums and created our own versions.

What I most enjoyed was time spend with my daughter as we tended the "gifts". She was a little sad to see them go though her excitement was tangible when she gave her teacher "Jack" and shared his care instructions. (We'd also crafted gift tags with candy cane stripped washi tape and silver marker.) 

Other gifts this year included consumables, like steaks (our local grocer makes up delicious flat irons). I also found some great latte mugs this summer and knew they'd be the perfect package for tea and honey. I purchased a peppermint pig from Sarasota Sweets (it's become a favorite holiday tradition!) a movie pass, bulk chewing gum and.........me. I've giving the gift of my peaceful, calm, joyful, supportive, full of gratitude, in the moment presence, which to me is the most important gift anyone of us can share with those around us. 

I've overridden my tendency to shop excessively, to buy gifts just because I am supposed to or I have to. Any gift I've given, large or small comes straight from my heart. I truly feel that we are a society that consumes and buys way more than what we ever need. We buy for the sake of buying and though I pass no judgement, I know it is not right for me. In the past, I've bought gifts because I felt that it was what I should do and sure, I did it from the goodness of my heart but I have to say that I noticed it completely distracted me from people that I love to be around. I was more worried about the mess being made than about the people who were making the mess :(  

I'm not saying that I am opposed to giving and receiving, it certainly goes both ways. I've been supported and blessed my many people throughout the year. I've been received wonderful gifts and these exceed monetary worth. The gifts I've given have hopefully done the same for others around me. What I most wish for this Christmas season is to focus on the things that truly matter, the people I love, those who bless our lives, lift us up, support us, make us feel feel warm and snuggly, help us know we are unconditionally loved and appreciated. Those really are the best gifts aren't they? No material object can really convey how it feels to HAVE THAT in our hearts!

Though I'm posting this just before Christmas and it's likely that most everyone already has their shopping done, save those last minute procrastinators (like I used to be!), perhaps this is an idea that can take hold and anchor itself in the year to come? My revised gifting plan is really a reflection of redesigning my life and listening very closely to that inner voice within me. I'll be writing about we can realign our inner vibrations to create a more supportive outward manifestation and thus begin creating our ideal experiences every day....AND during the holidays! 

Where is your heart focused on this Christmas? What are your favorite gifts to give and receive? Feel free to share in the comment box below.

Swoot Tip #1---use what you have Christmas tree decorating

I have a confession: I'm not all that into tree timing. I loathe hauling in a live tree and I even more loathe hauling the darned thing out! {I do look forward to the bonfire and shots in January but that's really about it when it comes Christmas trees.} Don't get me wrong here, I LOVE trees. I am happy to be called a "tree hugger" by friends and family because there's nothing I enjoy more than to smell pine trees, first thing in the morning. That's heaven to me. I just want them outside….not in my dwelling.

I enjoy the spirit of Christmas. This is the only time of year that I welcome the cold and pray for soft, sparkly snow. After the 31st, I'm done with winter. DONE.

I found this little blue jewel last year and though it goes against my "buy less" vibe, I knew I loved it and I knew I'd use it for many years to come. Alright, here is another confession; I bought the red one too…….I just couldn't decide! My justification is that they were both little and fit in one box. I keep the blue one up during January and place my Snow Baby pieces given to me by my Aunt Audrey and Grandma Ruth.  The red tinsel tree comes has hearts on it for Valentine's day.

 I've had a "champagne" colored one that I fell in louvre with a couple of years ago. It stands in a corner in my living room.  The decorations for it include a bright purple ribbon and pheasant feathers stashed about the branches. I wrap a turquoise scarf around the bottom,  and upon a vintage wooden sled I sit a teddy bear crafted by my Grandma Ruth.

Tonight I had a {strange} burst of energy and decided that the blue tree should go in my bedroom. My colors are blue and green, as in peacock. I'd thought about waiting until ornaments go on sale after the holiday and then…..I had a stoke of genius (it happens sometimes when I least expect it and usually when I need to be sleeping). I had the insight to use earrings! I've been a long time "feather fan" and use them to decorate packages, fill mason jars, mark book pages and paint with. Tonight, I remembered I had some great earrings AND the wires were already there! I also added a hair clip, seen in the center, as well as found acorns. I also added two long feathers that Pryce and I grabbed this summer and then wrapped a couple of big scarves around the bottom and on the table. I think it turned out pretty neat!

Consequently my bedroom is my "lair". I spend more time in here with my faux fire place (Sunheat heater) reading materials, tea and Smart Wool socks. So now, when I look up, I see my cute little blue tree.  What I'm most excited about is the dual use of materials, not spending any hard earned dough and perhaps best of all, I don't have to find extra storage for ornaments that I really don't need and only use one time of year.

Okay, well I'm no Martha Stewart and this isn't likely going to be put on the cover of Country Living or even make a Pintrest pin but hey, you get the idea! For those uber-crafy people out there that can take an idea and make it look awesome……….use what you have and earrings make great ornaments! 

Happy Decorating!