​It snowed about 8 inches this week. Luckily, I work for the education system and didn't have to go to work due to the weather. 
I fully embraced the day like a bohemian. Lounging with the flow of influence. Drinking coffee and journaling while listening to bands like the Dum Dum girls.  This music led me to read poetry by Arthur Rimbaud and read about female surrealist artists which then inspired me to spend the rest of the day painting.

​This week was Valentine's Day.
I am a hopeful romantic but I must say, I don't care for the holiday. Almost every social media post is a declaration for the love of a spouse, significant other or pet. Rightfully so!
Why are there so few posts declaring our love for ourselves? Is that too sappy for Valentine's Day? I mean, the love you save my be your own.

To truly enjoy one's own company is the greatest love of all. Spiritually, mentally, and physically, to be in love, you have to be happy that you exist in this world. Humans spend so much time searching and longing for acceptance that most often we don't accept our own beating hearts. Our hearts that fuel us to stay on the road of wanting and hoping.
What does the heart have to be lonely about when there are so many things to love?

This reminds me of the one-man Broadway show, Every Brilliant Thing. A story about a child who makes a list of his favorite things to help his mother as she struggles with mental illness. A tear jerker tale but worth watching.

Speaking of brilliant things, one of my favorite brilliant things is discovering a new song that is moving and sentimental. In consideration of the holiday, I re-watched the 1995 film, Before Sunrise.
​A reminder that in a disconnected and technological world we can still find connection amongst strangers in real life.  There's a scene in a record store where Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's characters listen to the song, Come Here by Kath Bloom. The soundtrack is subtle but that particular tune that's getting some serious rotation on my playlist.

​I tend to overthink. So much that it wakes me up in the middle of the night. It could be hours before I feel sleepy again and I often debate whether it's worth going back to sleep. 
Counting sheep. Drinking a glass of warm milk. Yoga stretches before bed. Aromotherapy. CBD.
All the insominia remedies you can think of I've tried. 
The latest remedy I came across was to journal when you can't sleep.
I have pages and pages of journals filled. I do believe in the power of self-reflection and that gratitude can ease an overactive mind....just not a 2 am.
I thought an overthinking thought, what's the harm in trying?
I'm just lying here thinking about not sleeping.
These last few sleepless nights I gave it a whirl. I wrote and wrote and wrote with no signs of tired eyes.
My journal, nearly full.
Maybe now is a good time to start that novel?
Perhaps I should watch videos on YouTube of people solving math equations? I always struggled to stay awake in high school algebra class.
Besides looking forward to a good night's rest, I recently have been looking forward to Sunday evenings to watch the series, The Last of Us. My brother, a fan of the video game,  is very enthusiastic about the series.  I am not a fan of the films, books, or music            (besides the band White Zombie) themed around the apocalypse, gore, horror, zombies or any dead scary things. Something about this series has gotten ahold of me. Maybe it's the dialogue, the premise of the show or Pedro Pascal's voice? It remains a mystery. I guess in the end it's best to not judge a series by it's genre.

​While I enjoy the comfort of my own home, a fortune cookie tells me otherwise.
This past weekend I went to a couple of art shows, a dive bar for a birthday party and Sunday brunch with friends. Based off my previous plans, one would think I should be staying home more. As winter continues, I think it's good to get out of the house. I suppose all my weekly trips to Target and Trader Joe's probably doesn't count.  

I've been inspired to be inspired.
I recently saw a post about motivation and inspiration. (I post I did not keep to properly cite here) The post said something along the lines of "Motivation is a force and inspiration is effortless". 
Are there projects that I want to do? Yes, but not now. I have them in a little idea filing cabinet in my brain under "Something, Definitely that needs to be done."
I notice that when I am trying to motivate myself to work, it comes out salt-less. Lacking immense flavor.
But when I'm inspired, the work moves fluidly. If I come across a problem, the challenge becomes fun rather frustration.
I've been inspired to write on this blog. Thank you to all who are reading all my little words right now.

Step One: Surround yourself with inspiring things.
I venture to the local art gallery to see the latest sculpture exhibit by Chicago Artist, Richard Hunt. I love the reflection of the metals. They glimmer almost like ornamental pieces of jewelry from ancient ruins. I'm interested in how this 80 year old artist continues to mold and bend scraps into such shapely fountains of metals. 

Step Two: Take yourself out to dinner on the most blustery winter evening.
On one of the most disgusting winter days in the Midwest, everyone seemed to out on the town.  In a very crowded, tiny restaurant, my sister and I waited for 30 minutes for a great table, a glass of wine and plenty of conversation. While it was easy for me to complain about not finding parking, I enjoyed the crowded coziness of the restaurant and amiable patrons and waitstaff. Good company in a small room of strangers.

Step Three: Couch time is very much needed.
When the Oscar nominations are posted, I can't help but check out the who's who of cinema.
I've heard mixed reviews about Blonde, the film about Marilyn Monroe.
I'm an old soul and have been an admirer of Marilyn's fashion and film career since I was little. The film is truly nauseating and heartbreaking. Anything you can think of that pertains to abuse, abandonment and adoration, Marilyn Monroe experienced in her short life and the film depicts every single detail of that. It is a beautiful film.
But I must say, it will be difficult for me to enjoy re-watching my favorite Marilyn films again as it shows the reality behind the scenes. Ana De Armas, I tip my hat to you. Your acting is worth the gold!