Spanista &raquo; Self Care Rituals, Reflections &amp; Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

03 • 12 • 15

Tampa Reflection Walk Discovery: Little Free Library

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Tampa Reflection Walk Discovery: Little Free Library is one of the simple moments you come upon that stops you in your tracks to reinforce the belief – “It is the little things in life that can bring you happiness.” This morning was truly a pleasant one for a Reflection Walk with temps around 70 degrees. Some clouds that blew away to reveal glorious golden sunlight.

After mindfully setting my heartfelt intentions for the day, I took a walking a route I have not returned to yet since arriving back to Tampa. I was deep thought mode while listening to Pandora, when I came upon a surprise at the sidewalk, along the rows of eclectic homes on Bayshore Drive.

Was it a baby blue and white oversized mailbox? Or a bird house? No wait, there are books inside not birds! Plus other delightful goodies. Pens, and such. On the outside of adorable little structure were these words: “Little Free Library”.

I was smitten by the idea but could see that this was an offering of tender loving care by someone. So I was compelled to take a couple of pics to share with you.

When I returned home, I took some time Goggle it, to see what surfaced. Low and behold it appears the Little Free Library is a Movement! Maybe I am the last to discover it? As a book lover it breaks my heart to know I missed this little mark of genius! Maybe the movement started when I was out of the country working. Any way I digress…

The Story: What is the Little Free Library? It is a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its basic form the Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book and bring back another book to share.

It appears they are created and maintained by self motivated people who cherish books – as I do. The idea is to encourage share and meeting around the Little Library.

Tampa Reflection Walk Discovery: Little Free Library is an idea to be celebrated and shared. So interesting that in a world of such accessible digit means including online books, that the world would embrace the notion of an intimate neighborhood sharing of beloved books. Who could not love this? Feels a bit like an outdoor Barnes & Noble – maybe we miss the bookstore experience more than we know? Please feel free to share with fellow book lovers.

Next walk I will borrow a book for certain. Who knows who I will meet there. Stay tuned!

Do you have a Little Free Library in your neighborhood – Won’t you share your story?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

03 • 11 • 15

Spanista Happiness Journal Update Delivers Surprising Blessings

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista Happiness Journal Update Delivers Surprising Blessings is an update on what is resulting thus far from my simple yet focused daily journal entry. Thought you might enjoy hearing the personal discoveries that have unfolded thus far..

As a refresher, I thought it would be a productive Self Care Practice to focus in on one thing that made me happy everyday. The thought stemming from the mantra – ‘What you focus on most multiplies and manifests in your life”. So in January, I set out to capture in writing one daily thing – a thought, feeling, experience or otherwise.

Here’s learnings on Spanista Happiness Journal exercise so far:

~ Taking a moment to reflect on the happy moment of the day is truly therapeutic in a good way by creating emotional wellness.

~ It is particularly beneficial to capture the thought before bedtime. Funny thing is I seem to be resting better as I have tried to center my brain on this happy thought as I slip into sleep.

~ The act of writing the happiness memory helps you crystallize the goodness of it – the source, the experience, the benefit.

~ And then comes the natural flow of gratitude for it all. You realize the scales are balanced in your favor.

Spanista Takeaway: Spanista Happiness Journal Update Delivers Surprising Blessings has been worth the time and energy. The outcomes have been fun to watch. So far here is what I want to share: The day unfolds in search of joy so therefore I seem to attract more of it. Somedays I argue with myself about which one gets to the to be in the journal. Funny. The form of happiness can change drastically from day-to-day. Right now I am resisting seeking any patterns. I am letting the journey carry me.

Here is one example: Recently I stopped by a deli in our Hyde Park neighborhood for a quick lunch. While I was waiting for the yummy hand crafted sandwich, I walked into the wine boutique which is small but well curated. Some one has both taste and a sense of humor. Of course I had a good laugh when I read the sign but was also inspired to buy a bottle to make a fresh salmon dish with pasta that night. That message set me in a good mood, to cook and that brought about a fun. lovely dinner at home with my hubby and me. The highlight of the day for many reasons that will go unmentioned.

I am not sure where the effort will take me over 365 days but all I know so far is fun, really enriching and pretty easy to do. Who knew such a simple idea could bring about such insightful realization. Promise I will not forget to circle back with Spanista Lovers.

Want to read more about how to define happiness? Try greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/happiness/definition.

What so your think of keeping a Spanista Happiness Journal?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

03 • 10 • 15

Tampa Love Boats: Royal Carnival Cruise Lines Inspires Wonderlust

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Tampa Love Boats: Royal Carnival Cruise Lines Inspires Wonderlust no matter what your age. Early this evening, I took a ride in my Audi convertible just because the weather is spectacular here. Low 80’s – blue skies with powder puff clouds floating through the sky playfully tickled by a light breeze. There is nothing like a late day ride along nine miles of beautiful Bayshore Boulevard then over the bridge onto quaint Davis Island. This place is so close to the city yet has hardly changed in past 10 years, with the exception of Derek Jeter now calling it home during winter months. That has attracted some very well-heeled people who have taken their water front properties to the next level. Their homes make for a lovely sight along the water front.

Cruising the island, I drove around the bend to Port Tampa Bay where I came face to face with a big cruise ship coming at me absolutely bigger than life! I stopped by the side of the road – shut the engine off and just sat back for a few moments to watch the massive structure shadow me as it quietly inched by – faster than I expected. Suddenly, a wave of wonderlust washed over me. Now I have never taken a cruise – but this opened my heart to the possibility of exploring this as a Spanista Travel Diary Adventure. But this moment I wanted to be in the staterooms of that boat overlooking the port waving goodbye to Tampa with a glass of pink champagne in my hand – waving at anyone who would wave back. Of course I indulged the crowds along the rails waving back with romantic swager.

I watched it slide out into the bay so poetically – thinking of all the excited, joyful people looking forward to getting out of the winter cold elsewhere and having a relaxing time to get in touch again.

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Once I returned home, I did some homework to share with you. Tampa has become a favorite port of departure for a growing number of cruise passengers who want to enhance the cruise experience with a day or two at either the front end or on the back end of any of a variety of Caribbean itineraries. In close proximity to the top-rated airport in the United States, cruise passengers can take a little more time sightseeing, shopping and taking in the cultural faire of the city of Tampa. World-class shopping, a unique assortment of museums and top zoos, Busch Gardens, and the allure of Ybor City (the historic Latin Quarter) are just a few of the colorful characteristics that make Tampa one of the premier cruise port destinations in the South.

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Tampa now homeports six vessels from three cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, offering the variety of 4, 5, 7, and 14-day cruise itineraries.

Wow! Who new?

For the complete cruise vacation, give Tampa a try and see what the area has for you! Check out our new cruise brochure, Tampa Homeport and Beyond, jointly created by Port Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay and Company.

Tampa Love Boats: Royal Carnival Cruise Lines Inspires Wonderlust – what do you think? Would you like to hear more about the Spa Experience on a cruise? Let me know, ok?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

03 • 06 • 15

Friday Wellness Tip: Bring Home Yellow Tulip Bouquets

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Friday Wellness Tip: Bring Home Yellow Tulip Bouquets. Last Saturday the weather was cold, wet and grey here in Tampa – unseasonably so. I have never felt chilled to the bone here but this winter the frigid cold fronts from Canada pushed deep into Florida. When it is cold here, I know it is sub zero wind chills where my friends and family live. I feel for them.

So I set out to change my state of mind by bringing home some fresh flowers – specifically yellow tulips.

Why yellow tulips? If I can find them in the local Fresh Market, spring is just around the corner. Indeed, I set out to find then and was rewarded handsomely. They are priced affordably so this little treat was a wonderful gesture of Self Care. Immediately upon arriving home I gave them a home them in the appropriate clear glass vases. A Beautiful. Pure. Simple Ritual. They are just the perfect pick me up when winter seeps into your soul and will not let go. My heart smiles just seeing then about my home. If the weather prohibits order them online – Proflowers.com is my go to site.

Did you know, there was a time that yellow tulips or tulips in general became more valuable than a human life. This happened in the 1500’s when the so-called Tulipomania happened in Turkey. It is said that when you buy bulbs or sell the tulip bulbs outside of their capital, you will be punished through exile.

The Victorian Interpretation of Yellow Tulips is happier- there’s sunshine in your smile.  It is believed yellow tulips will bring warmth and luck for the family.  Generally the color yellow in flowers signifies friendship but with yellow tulips, it means happiness on the horizon.

I discovered according to legend, it is believed that happiness can be found in the buds of a yellow tulip. Since almost everybody wants to achieve happiness, many wanted to get that happiness but the yellow tulip bud won’t open. Several people and several methods were done to make the yellow buds open but to no avail. Until one day, a little boy with a radiant and bright smile approached the yellow tulip bud that magically opened and brought happiness to the people. The little boy’s smile depicted sunshine in his smile so the yellow tulip responded to him.  Since the yellow tulip is associated with sunshine, it’s often used as a thanksgiving for the return of warmth as well as abundance after a long winter season.

To learn more about the origin and meaning of tulips go to proflowers.com. It is fun to play with the various colors by mood.

Friday Wellness Tip: Bring Home Yellow Tulip Bouquets. Hope you fill your house with the sunshine and happiness of yellow tulips this weekend. Tell me how they make you feel, if you like. Enjoy!

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny