#slowliving — Public Fediverse posts

We live in a culture obsessed with optimizing every minute—turning hobbies into side hustles and rest into "recovery."

When did we stop doing things just for the simple joy of doing them?

What is one activity you still do purely for fun, with zero pressure to be productive or monetize it?

#Mindfulness #Productivity #SlowLiving #Hobbies #Life #Discussion

We live in a culture obsessed with optimizing every minute—turning hobbies into side hustles and rest into "recovery."

When did we stop doing things just for the simple joy of doing them?

What is one activity you still do purely for fun, with zero pressure to be productive or monetize it?

#Mindfulness #Productivity #SlowLiving #Hobbies #Life #Discussion

We live in a culture obsessed with optimizing every minute—turning hobbies into side hustles and rest into "recovery."

When did we stop doing things just for the simple joy of doing them?

What is one activity you still do purely for fun, with zero pressure to be productive or monetize it?

#Mindfulness #Productivity #SlowLiving #Hobbies #Life #Discussion

We live in a culture obsessed with optimizing every minute—turning hobbies into side hustles and rest into "recovery."

When did we stop doing things just for the simple joy of doing them?

What is one activity you still do purely for fun, with zero pressure to be productive or monetize it?

#Mindfulness #Productivity #SlowLiving #Hobbies #Life #Discussion

We live in a culture obsessed with optimizing every minute—turning hobbies into side hustles and rest into "recovery."

When did we stop doing things just for the simple joy of doing them?

What is one activity you still do purely for fun, with zero pressure to be productive or monetize it?

#Mindfulness #Productivity #SlowLiving #Hobbies #Life #Discussion

A quiet life is underrated

#SlowLiving #Photography

A quiet life is underrated

#SlowLiving #Photography

A quiet life is underrated

#SlowLiving #Photography

A quiet life is underrated

#SlowLiving #Photography

A quiet life is underrated

#SlowLiving #Photography

És akkor zárjuk a napot!

#Sunset #SunsetVibes #GoldenHour #EveningVibes #Relax #Chill #ChillVibes #Peaceful #PeacefulMoments #Serenity #Calm #SlowLiving #Nature #NatureLovers #NaturePhotography #Countryside #CountryLife #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #SkyLovers #BeautifulSky #SummerEvening #EveningSky #QuietMoments #PeaceOfMind #GoodVibes #Unwind #SimpleMoments #IntoTheNature #SunsetLovers #photo #photooftheday

Waffles, Netflix, and Junk Journaling

This morning, I made the kids scrambled eggs and homemade buttermilk waffles for breakfast.

Which reminds me—I desperately need to make a farmers market trip to stock up on black tea blends and herbal teas.

I only buy my teas from one woman who locals fondly call “The Tea Lady.”

She makes the best tea blends I have ever tasted, and she only sells them once a week at the farmers market.

So, I’m putting it on my calendar to go to the farmers market the beginning of September!

I started watching the new Netflix series Little House on the Prairie. I was skeptical about if it would be any good, but so far, I like it.

I love historical fiction books, films, and TV shows, especially westerns, so this show is right up my alley.

I’m only four episodes in, but I’m hoping we’ll get a little more character development for some of the side characters as the season continues. There are already a few I’d love to know more about.

I just realized I have never actually read the Little House on the Prairie book series. Maybe I should add that to my fall reading list.

Finally booked my follow-up doctor’s appointment for my second skin biopsy. My doctor wants to make sure he removed all of the cells of the mole I had on my finger.

Lastly, I got to spend a lot of time on creating in my junk journal. I did this in between cooking dinner, doing laundry, and other household tasks. 😄

Since we are on our break from homeschooling lessons, it’s freed up some time for me to focus on my creative hobbies. 😊

💜 XO

Post to blog : Smartphonography Club :
Whispers of the Glaze

#Xiaomi #Xiaomi15TPro #smartphonography #photography #streetphotography #Tokyo #Japan #Tokyomaxxing #RainySeason #QuietMoments #TexturePhotography #UrbanDetails #MonsoonVibes #EverydayAesthetics #SlowLiving

https://www.smartphonography.club/2026/08/whispers-of-the-glaze/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Today is a gift 🎁

The other day, when we were on our way to the grocery store, the kids were watching Kung Fu Panda on DVD in the van.

I overheard Master Oogway 🐢, one of the characters in the movie, say to Po (the panda 🐼):

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called a present.”

This quote made me smile because Master Oogway is right—today is truly a gift. Each new day we are given is a great blessing.

When I wake up in the morning, I thank God for blessing me with a new day of life, drawing me back to Him, and keeping me connected to my loved ones.

So, Master Oogway’s wise words in the children’s animated film Kung Fu Panda is my outlook on life. 🐼🙏🏽

💜 XO

Drawing with the kids 👩🏽‍🎨

Today, I enjoyed a calming activity with the kids—sketching and coloring flowers. 🌸 The flower activity was part of a science lesson for the kids to draw, color, and label a flower with pollen.

I turned on a jazz playlist to help us focus on our artwork, and as we were creating our sketches, it started to rain.

Perfect timing! 🌧☺️

We discussed shapes we could see in the image of the flower.

One shape that stood out to Zaya (5) and Zephaniah (8) was the middle of the flower reminded them of a hexagon.

So, together we sketched a hexagon shape onto our sketch pads.

Surprisingly, drawing a hexagon is not as easy as I thought it would be! It took me several tries to finally get the six sides connected to form the shape. 😆

Next, we discussed the vibrant yellow color of the pollen and its purpose. We also made connections to the flowers and vegetables growing in our garden.

There was something unexpectedly joyful sitting at the kitchen table with Zaya and Zephaniah, drawing and coloring together.

Keep in mind I am not an artist 😅.

However, the children told me they thought my purple flower looked amazing, and really, that’s all the recognition I needed. 🥰

💜 XO

Somewhat clear skies

It feels good to be back outside now that the air quality is improving.

An unexpected visitor 🐣

A summer storm left our patio garden with one unexpected little visitor. 🐥

A front porch garden harvest 🫑

Enjoying a small garden harvest right from our front porch! 🫑🥬

Cultivating Calm with Sunday Softening Practices

Last year’s unpredictability led my focus to waver; my essays, meditations, and Instagram feed transitioned from careful curation to something more spontaneous and less intentional. Despite the time constraints that challenged my efforts, my desire to maintain a presence remains strong, as I aim to share creations that, in turn, provide others with glimpses of the peace I have discovered through various mindfulness practices.

Finding Stillness

I am shifting back towards more deliberate, niche-centered posts that enable not only myself, but readers and viewers as well, to find that still point amidst the unpredictability of life. Although this unpredictability remains unchanged, my experiences over the past year have taught me patience and provided the wisdom to accept life’s inherent uncertainty.

Allowing Flow

We often hold assumptions and expectations without justification, which can cloud our judgment and hinder personal growth. This journey leads us to realize the significance of flow—not just as a concept but as a transformative experience that allows us to engage deeply with the present moment.

Reflection

It is a topic I’ve explored extensively in my essay, Open Awareness: The Gift of Gracious Acceptance, where I delve into the nuances of being open to life’s unpredictable nature. Embracing this mindset can lead to profound insights and inner peace. To complement these reflections, I invite you to explore the meditation below, which serves as a practical guide to cultivating this sense of flow and serenity in your daily life.

Gentle Reminders

I often revisit my own writings and meditations as life becomes overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a sense of peace. We need gentle reminders and practices that we can slip into during hectic moments. Over the past few weeks, I’ve actively engaged with the basics of meditation, yoga, and lymphatic flow movement, aligning my mind, body, and spirit energetically to a state of calm amid the chaos. From this still point, I aim for my work to feel deeper, more genuine, and authentic.

Work Week Flow

I am on an inviting journey that embraces the comforting essence of Sunday softening. For many, including me, Sunday is that cherished interlude before the hustle of the workweek kicks in. It’s a day infused with serenity and anticipation. While meditation and writing ignite my creative spirit, I work full-time as a professional in chemistry and geology. This unique mix allows me to relish my Sundays as the slow day before diving back into a more technical workflow. This path not only enriches my experience but also offers you a touch of softness and warmth as you prepare to face the new week ahead.

Sunday Softening

Sunday softening invites you to take a moment to feel your breath and your body, actively noticing tension and where emotions reside in your body, and allowing for a gentle release. As you breathe in deeply, envision the air filling your lungs and nurturing your spirit, while you exhale, let go of the burdens of the week behind you. It serves as a small reminder of who you are beneath the labels, revealing the essence of your true self, which gets overlooked in the busyness of life. In this sacred time, allow yourself to reconnect with your inner being, appreciating the stillness and presence that is always available to you. Recognize that you can return to this mindful space at any moment, embracing the peace and grounding it offers, cultivating a sense of calm that can guide you through the challenges ahead.

These posts will be shared each Sunday on Instagram, Facebook, and right here. I warmly invite you to share your word in the comments, and together, we can create a safe space to hold those thoughts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝖪. 𝖬. 𝖲𝖨𝖬𝖮𝖭𝖣𝖲 – Meditation Teacher || Reiki Master (@dandelion.doorways)

Post to blog : Smartphonography Club : Sunlight, Stories, and Ice
#Xiaomi #Xiaomi15TPro #smartphonography #photography #streetphotography #Tokyo #Japan #Tokyomaxxing #readingnook #summervibes #slowliving #relaxandread #icecold #contentment #personaltime #everydaymagic #capturethemoment #booklove

https://www.smartphonography.club/2026/05/sunlight-stories-and-ice/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Steps to Cultivate a Mindful, Intentional Life

The benefits of intentional living are numerous and can significantly improve one’s overall well-being. By slowing down and appreciating the present moment, we reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve our relationships with others. Additionally, slow living can lead to greater purpose and fulfillment as we learn to prioritize what truly matters and let go of society’s unnecessary distractions and pressures. Embracing slow living can lead to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.

Slowing Down My Mornings

I’ve been starting some of my mornings sitting in my backyard, gazing off into the woods

Listening to the birds, crickets, and other insects is a symphony of nature’s silence in its splendor

The gentle breeze stirs the leaves on the tree, as sunlight infuses them with a golden light, slowly shifting towards verdant green hues

I feel the soft breeze on my skin; a hint of coolness, subtleties of spring

My awareness rests upon delicate spiderwebs that shimmer as the sun catches and reflects minuscule worlds in each droplet of dew

I hear a hawk, more near now, searching for prey, as it glides silently above

There is so much promise in the morning light

Intentional Living

Living intentionally is a lifestyle that requires purposeful actions, thoughts, and feelings. It is a conscious effort to make choices that align with your values and goals. When you practice intentional or mindful living, you can significantly reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve relationships. To achieve this balance, you must set clear intentions, develop a holistic daily routine, practice mindfulness, and reflect on your actions and decisions. By doing so, you can create a more meaningful and satisfying life. Intentional living is a powerful tool that can help you attain balance and fulfillment in all aspects of your life.

Steps to Begin Living an Intentional Life

1. Define Your Values
   Identify what truly matters to you in life. Consider areas such as family, health, career, and personal growth.
2. Set Clear Intentions
   Establish specific, meaningful goals that align with your core values. Write them down to solidify your commitment.
3. Prioritize Your Time
   Focus on activities that support your intentions. Create a schedule that dedicates time to these priority tasks while eliminating distractions.
4. Practice Mindfulness
   Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine to enhance self-awareness.
5. Reflect Regularly
   Take time each week to reflect on your actions and decisions. Assess whether they align with your intentions and values, and make necessary adjustments.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
   Maintain a gratitude journal where you acknowledge positive aspects of your life. This practice helps you stay motivated and engaged.
7. Embrace Flexibility
   Understand that living intentionally is a journey. Be open to adapting your goals and routines as needed to stay aligned with your evolving self.
8. Seek Support
   Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and encourage your intentional living journey. Engage in communities that share your values.

By following these steps, you can start to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Personal Experience

I have been practicing intentional living on and off for decades; however, it is in the last 4.5 years that this practice has truly become an integral part of my daily life. The major shift that prompted this transformation occurred when I made the life-changing decision to stop drinking. Since then, I have embraced a way of being that is both deliberate yet yielding, allowing me to navigate life with a newfound sense of flexibility. There has been a softening in my approach to life that I’ve come to cherish deeply. I am more centered in my values, having gained a clearer understanding of the importance of setting healthy boundaries while also being open to new experiences. This has fostered a more lighthearted attitude, enabling me to fully live in the moment without the weight of past habits. I find renewed joy in the little things and an appreciation for the journey rather than just the destination.

Embracing Intentionality

I tend to reevaluate my values and intentions seasonally. The natural shift blends seamlessly with how I need to view life as an ever-changing flow of experiences and lessons. This past season, I carefully examined the time I spent on various tasks and habits throughout the day. How much time I was spending on my phone was disquieting, as it became a barrier to deeper interactions and meaningful activities.

A shift towards intentionality was required to regain focus on what truly matters. I decided to read more instead of scrolling or playing mindless games on the phone. To accomplish this, I installed the app Opal on my phone, which allows me to limit the time I spend on the phone or certain apps, transforming my relationship with technology. I went from an average of 7 hours a day on the phone down to 3.3 hours a day on average, gaining back years of my life. Now I have reclaimed time for hobbies, self-improvement, and spending quality moments with loved ones.

Naturalness

These small shifts can have a significant impact over time. When we practice intentional living, we align with our true nature. We begin to remember that we are a part of the Earth and her cycles, and we learn to flow with the pace of nature: patience.

What small steps can you take to move towards a more deliberate life, one open to experience, yet focused by healthy boundaries?

Meditation for Slowing Down

Try a delightful Morning Meditation. It cultivates a sense of calm and tranquility, helping you to gently ease into your day.

Additionally, if you wish to delve deeper into your meditation journey, you might find the Body Scan Meditation incredibly helpful for harmonizing your mind, body, and spirit. I hope this guides you toward peace and mindfulness throughout your day!

The Crochet Market Bag I Actually Use

There’s a funny thing that happens when you design crochet patterns for years.

You make beautiful things.
You photograph them.
You admire them.
You fold them carefully.

…and sometimes they quietly disappear into a closet.

But every once in a while, a project becomes part of your actual life.

This market bag became one of those projects for me.

It started simply enough — cotton yarn, a crochet hook, and an idea I couldn’t quite let go of. I wanted something lightweight but sturdy. Something soft, stretchy, practical, and beautiful at the same time. A bag that could hold fresh fruit from the market one day and yarn the next.

Living in Morocco has changed the way I think about handmade things.

There are colors everywhere here. Crates of oranges stacked in the sun. Worn terracotta walls. Olive trees. Market baskets. Fabric textures. Blue tiles. Dusty pink flower pots. Life feels layered and handmade in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it.

I think this bag quietly absorbed some of that feeling.

The mesh stretches naturally when you use it, and instead of fighting that characteristic, I decided to design around it. I wanted the bag to drape beautifully when empty but expand when filled. I wanted it to feel lived-in instead of stiff and over-engineered.

And honestly?
It became the bag I kept reaching for.

Not because it was perfect.
Not because it photographed well.
But because it worked.

It followed me into grocery stores, outdoor markets, quick errands, and quiet afternoons. At one point, it even became the temporary storage location for yarn, oranges, receipts, and a crochet hook all at the same time — which feels like the most realistic crochet bag review possible.

And of course, no crochet project in this house is ever completed without cat involvement.

At some point during filming, a cat fell asleep directly on top of the yarn skein I was using. Production immediately stopped because apparently the yarn no longer belonged to me.

Honestly, that moment perfectly captured the spirit of this project:
slow afternoons,
sunlight,
soft cotton yarn,
and making something useful with your own hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXHOoyHqpHw

That’s what I love most about crochet.

Not perfection.
Not trends.
Not constantly chasing the next project.

Just creating things that quietly become part of everyday life.

So if you decide to make this market bag too, I hope it becomes one of those projects for you — the kind that gets tossed over your shoulder on the way out the door, stretched with groceries, filled with yarn, carried to the beach, or used far more than you ever expected.

And if it ends up full of oranges at least once…
I feel like you’re using it correctly.

I Moved from America to Morocco and This Changed My Crochet Business

There are moments in life when everything changes so suddenly that you almost do not recognize your own life anymore.

For me, moving from America to Morocco was one of those moments.

When I first packed up my crochet hooks, yarn, cameras, computers, and the life I had spent decades building in the United States, I honestly did not know what would happen to my crochet business. I did not know if people would still follow my work. I did not know if I would still feel inspired to design. I did not know if I would even be able to find yarn I liked using.

What I did know was this:

I needed a change.

After spending most of my life in America, everything had started to feel rushed, loud, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Day after day felt like survival mode. Even creativity, the thing that once brought me peace, started feeling buried underneath stress, responsibilities, and constant pressure.

Crochet had always been more than yarn and stitches to me.

It was comfort.

It was therapy.

It was memory.

It was the one thing that stayed with me through every stage of life, going all the way back to childhood when I first learned how to crochet and make little outfits for Barbie dolls. Back then, I had no idea those tiny stitches would eventually become a business, a creative outlet, and a connection to thousands of people around the world.

Then came Morocco.

And somehow, slowly, quietly, everything began to change.

Slowing Down Changed My Creativity

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Morocco was that life moved differently.

People sit longer.

Talk longer.

Drink coffee slower.

Families gather more.

Stores close in the afternoon.

The nights feel alive.

There is a rhythm here that is difficult to explain unless you experience it yourself.

For the first time in years, I felt my mind slowing down.

And strangely enough, that changed the way I designed crochet patterns.

In America, I often felt pressure to constantly produce:

• more patterns
• more content
• more videos
• more posts
• more engagement

Everything felt tied to algorithms, numbers, deadlines, and burnout.

But in Morocco, I started reconnecting with why I loved crochet in the first place.

I started paying attention to textures again.

Colors again.

Details again.

I began designing more intentionally instead of just trying to “keep up.”

And honestly, I think people noticed the difference.

Morocco Reignited My Inspiration

Morocco is full of texture, color, geometry, and artistry.

You see it everywhere:

• in the tile work
• in the architecture
• in the markets
• in the fabrics
• in the desert landscapes
• in the old doors
• in the handmade goods

Even ordinary things here often feel artistic.

As someone who designs crochet patterns, being surrounded by that kind of visual inspiration changes you creatively.

Some of my recent crochet ideas, color choices, and textures absolutely came from simply living here and observing everyday life around me.

Even the natural light feels different when I photograph my work now.

Warmer.

Softer.

More alive.

The Challenges Nobody Sees

Of course, moving overseas also came with challenges.

A lot of them.

Finding crochet supplies was not always easy at first. Yarn brands I used for years in America suddenly were not available anymore. Simple things became complicated. Shipping costs were shocking. Learning where to buy materials in a completely different country took time.

There were language barriers.

Cultural adjustments.

Moments of homesickness.

Moments where I questioned whether I had made the right decision at all.

Building a creative business while adjusting to life in another country is not glamorous the way social media sometimes makes it look.

There were days I felt completely overwhelmed.

But there was also something beautiful happening underneath all of that uncertainty.

I was rebuilding creatively from the ground up.

Crochet Became Personal Again

Somewhere along the way, crochet stopped feeling like a race again.

It became personal.

Peaceful.

Meaningful.

I started creating things because I genuinely loved them, not because I thought they would perform well online.

Ironically, I think that authenticity actually helped my business grow stronger.

People can feel when something is real.

They can feel when creativity comes from passion instead of pressure.

And I think moving to Morocco helped me rediscover that part of myself.

The Internet Made the World Feel Smaller

One of the most unexpected parts of this journey has been realizing how connected creativity really is.

Even while living thousands of miles away from America, I still wake up every day connected to crocheters from all over the world through:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• my blog
• pattern sales
• messages and comments

It reminds me that creativity has no borders.

A crochet pattern designed in Morocco can end up being stitched together in Texas, Canada, Australia, Germany, or South Africa by someone I may never meet.

That still amazes me.

This Move Changed More Than My Business

At the end of the day, moving from America to Morocco changed far more than just my crochet business.

It changed my pace.

My perspective.

My priorities.

My creativity.

And maybe most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes we need to step completely outside of our old environment to rediscover who we are.

Crochet followed me across an ocean.

And somehow, through all the uncertainty and change, it became home again.

Create a front yard that feels warm and welcoming #garden #gardendesign #frontyard https://www.allforgardening.com/1765782/create-a-front-yard-that-feels-warm-and-welcoming-garden-gardendesign-frontyard/ #BackyardGardenTransformation #CountrysideAsmr #CountrysideLife #DiyVegetableGarden #FrontYardGarden #FrontYardLandscape #FrontYardLandscapes #FrontYardLandscapingIdeas #FrontYard? #GardenBefore&After #GardenDesign #gardening #GrowFoodAtHome #NatureRelaxation #RaisedBedVegetableGarden #RuralLife #SlowLiving #Welcoming

#Austria #Burgenland #BadTatzmannsdorf #Avita #AvitaResort #SpaLife #Wellness #Sauna #SaunaWorld #Relaxation #ChillVibes #ThermalSpa #SpaTime #LuxurySpa #WellnessRetreat #TravelAustria #VisitAustria #HiddenGems #Architecture #ModernDesign #CozyPlaces #SlowLiving #Mindfulness #DigitalDetox #CalmPlaces
#Österreich #Burgenland #BadTatzmannsdorf #Avita #AvitaTherme #Wellness #Sauna #Saunawelt #Entspannung #Erholung #Therme #Wellnessurlaub #LuxusWellness #Ruheraum #ReiseÖsterreich #UrlaubÖsterreich #Architektur #ModernesDesign #Gemütlich #Achtsamkeit #Auszeit #DigitalDetox #Ruhe #Wohlfühlen

Rest is not a luxury; it’s how you remember who you are.

Some weeks take more out of us than we realize.

Today is the pause that restores perspective, steadies the heart, and reminds us of what truly matters.

This is just a reminder to take time to slow down, pause, and simply rest.

#Rest #Restoration #Sabbath #SlowLiving #PurposefulPresence #Leadership

so i learned that the nalbinding stitch that i use worked flat gives me a very similar space as garter stitch, but wider? and with one row instead of two.

the sample here is increased 2 stitches at the pink markers and decreased 2 stitches at the blue markers without a "knit all"　row in between as the single needle knotted stitch seems to incorporate it.

when i tried it with the extra full row, the mitered bits were not as sharply defined, so i'm going to see what happens by making an EZ Surprise Scarf with this method and seeing how the stripes work out. then it's casting on a Surprise Jacket time!

#FiberArts #FibreArts #Nalbinding #NeedleKnitting #AdultSurpriseJacket #Planning #NewProject #Today #SlowLiving

What does your golden hour smell like?

#NaturalPerfume #NicheFragrance #SummerScent #Ffern #ScentMemory #Nostalgia #PerfumePoetry #FfernSummer25 #FfernSociety #GoldenHour #SlowLiving #ArtisticPerfumery #Sensory #Botanical

Want To Live Without Money? 🏞️

Accommodation + Food for volunteering in community = Free Living !

Find such communities on this webpage :
https://tradelessearth.wordpress.com/communities/

*Information listed is based on website data,
If you want to find more communities you can contact us for help.☮️

#communityliving #antiwork #gifteconomy #selfsufficientcommunities #selfsufficiency #diylife #selfreliance #offgrid #ecovillages #ecovillage #antijob #antimoney #volunteering #communityvolunteering #simpleliving #slowliving #sustainableliving