if you’re new to my blog, welcome! here is an explanation of the tater tot post.
mismatched shoes
many years ago, my grandma and her sister-in-law minnie spent a day shopping, back when women dressed in their finest for an outing. as hardworking farm wives, they treated themselves to a well-earned day in the city—wandering through department stores, grabbing lunch, and taking it all in.
at some point during the day, my aunt happened to glance down at my grandmother’s feet. through laughter, she said, “lucille! look at your shoes!”
my grandmother had been walking all over town wearing one black pump and one brown pump.
i can still hear their laughter in my head.
oh gosh, i didn’t realize how much i missed them until i wrote this.
this past christmas night, as we were getting ready to leave after spending the day at my mom’s house, i glanced down near her chair—and saw her shoes.
she’d had on two different color shoes all day!
we all laughed and said that grandma, aunt minnie were together laughing with us.
one thing i read
a new earth: awakening to your life’s purpose by eckhart tolle
one thing i listened to
(7) THE WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST, BRO! – YouTube (my favorite sound byte)
Guided Somatic Meditation for Emotional Release – YouTube
one thing i watched
and this always makes ella and me laugh:
(2) Real Housewives of NYC – Countess LuAnn on a camel – YouTube
links i clicked on last month
Dr Rangan Chatterjee: Seven low-effort ways to feel happier in 2025
This L.A. Home Explodes With Crafts and Hobbies | Cup of Jo
Letter to the Others in the Dark | A Hundred Falling Veils
7 Daily Habits That Are Causing 90% Of Your Pain – Be More with Less
quotes that had me thinking last month
“hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch, feeling lucky…it is an ax you break down doors with in an emergency.” – rebecca solnit
“we’re all just trying to warm our hands by the fire.” – scott nolan
“our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” – thomas merton
big. deep. breaths. how are you? some days, i’m not so sure. but i’m here if you want to talk about it. 💕
here’s to february…
Discover more from A Grace Full Life
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
A Grace Full Life 
This is a lovely uplifting post to start the month, I’m smiling about the shoe situation and with the somatic meditation. I like the idea of working toward being something, not necessarily doing something. That resonates.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, friend. I’m so glad I could make you smile, and that you feel like this resonates with you too. 😘❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those aren’t even close! AWESOME!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I KNOW! 🤣🤣
LikeLike
I noticed just the other day that a bunch of NFL players at the Pro Bowl games were wearing mismatched shoes…presumably on purpose. Guess that means your grandma was a fashion trendsetter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
WHAT?? That is so cool! She totally was. ❤️🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the mismatched shoes stories.
And the ego passage. That book was very significant to me years ago when he and Oprah did the world wide webinar on it. I had half the book underlined. I especially resonated w the “pain body” explanations. But honestly, I read the page you posted and didn’t know it was from that book but really liked it so checked out the source and smiled when I saw.😊 Maybe it’s time for me to read it again. Thanks Kari!♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you underlined this book so much—it makes sense why you did. It’s really interesting to me too. I just started reading about the “pain body” this morning and emotional pain, and it’s all starting to click. Maybe it IS time for you to revisit it.😘❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have done the mismatched shoe thing at work! One black and one navy, but the same pump. When I realized it, I don’t think I got up from my desk the entire day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG! I love it! 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m new to your blog, and I have to say I really enjoyed your post! Admittedly, the non-existence of upper-case letters brought me close to a quick exit, but I was intrigued and kept reading. Needless to say, I’m glad I did. Love the unique writing style :)
New subscriber, right here :) Wishing you all the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Manny! I’m really glad you’re here, and it means a lot that you enjoyed it. I appreciate you giving me a chance despite my capitalization faux pas! 😂 Truly, I’m grateful to have you as a new subscriber—it means a lot. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are WILDLY different coloured shoes! I’ve never had that happen myself since my shoes all feel very different, and I’m sure I’d notice them by feel. But it looks like those shoes are the same but different colours?
How am I? I’m okay. Things feel a bit weird right now but we are going to Mexico on holiday soon and that is always a balm to the soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re the exact same shoes, just different colors! My grandmother used to do the same—she had really bad feet, so she’d buy multiple colors of the same shoe. That probably would’ve been an important detail in telling that story. I’m not always the best at storytelling… 😊
Things feel really weird here right now. I’m so glad you have a vacation planned—I’ll be living vicariously through you!
LikeLike
LOL about the shoes! But I have to also say that at least those two different colors go brilliantly together! BTW, I love Sketchers. I have several pairs.
I read that Eckert Tolle book years ago and really enjoyed it. I’ve read several of his books.
“the universe is asking us to BE something” I totally agree! That’s why for me, I have to keep reminding myself to live in the MOMENT. Live NOW.
You bowl of gemstones just keep getting more and more beautiful!
Happy Monday, dear friend! Have a faaaaaabulous week!
X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right?? My mom loves Skechers too!
This is the second time I’m reading one of his books, and I just love the way he writes. I’m already looking up his other books to read once I’m done with this one.
Yes—living in the moment is so important.
I hope you’re having a good week, my friend. 😘💕
LikeLike
The seven low-effort ways won’t let me read it because I’m not a subscriber. I guess that eneded up being a really low effort read on my part. Ha. I did read the 7 things that are causing your pain. The universe is not asking us to be more busy. Resonate city over here.
I’m confused how the show thing happened. I did go to the store today with workout pants that were inside out, so what do I know? I think my shoes are all too different to not notice. I don’t own two pairs in different colors.
I’m doing fine. A little tired. Curly has invited me into her watch a movie at night before bed party. I don’t want to be a member of this party, I want sleep. But yet? I do want to watch something . . . we watched 16 Candles last week and last night I suggested Pretty in Pink. I swore we were only watching 15 minutes and then BED. We watched the whole thing. So fun. I thought of my John Hughes fan friend. ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure why it said it was only for subscribers… I’m not one, and I’ve been reading it over and over. 😔
She actually had two different colors of the same shoe—I guess I should’ve explained that better!
I love watching old movies with my kids too! Ella’s current favorite is Stand By Me. We just watched it the other night!
LikeLike
I love the mismatched shoe story — and your mother’s mismatched shoes are awesome! I love that they are perfect complements to one another!
The excerpt about peace vs drama is making me feel uncomfortable, which means that it’s touching on something very relatable!
I am 100% here for the idea of hope as an ax. Wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really are perfect complements to each other!
It made me uncomfortable too! That’s why I love this book—it’s pushing me to challenge myself. I was talking to Mike about it the other day and told him my soul homework is making me not like myself too much, but I think that’s a good thing. 🤣
Me too. 🖤
LikeLike
Hey there, nice job picking up the Scott Nolan quote. He’d be pleased! I liked the hope/lottery ticket one a lot, too, and of course the third is so timely.
The peace/drama item is relatable.
I am doing pretty well thanks, and hope you are, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate the inspiration, my friend! Isn’t it so timely? Sigh.
I’m doing the best I can—there have been a few bumps in the road, but I’m still moving forward! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Timely indeed.
Moving forward is good. 🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
The mismatched shoe stories are so funny! My sister did that one time, putting on shoes to go to work. One black, one brown. It was a dark morning and the shoes looked the same in the closet. She didn’t realize it until she got to work.
Great links – thanks. I love Dr. Chatterjee.
How am I? Well, the husband has been off work for hmm, about a week now, I think. And he still has another week off. With mainly no plans. It’s been OK, but I’m desperately needing my alone time! And Tim’s on his way home now; will be here by tomorrow night. I know it’ll take us awhile to all get settled into this new routine of him living here again. I also have a hard time dealing with these cold, gray days and my osteoarthritis pain has been flaring in my knee and shoulder, sooo…other than all that, I’m hanging in there. I know that life has been a little rough for you, too lately. Sending my love and a big hug.
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that others have done this too! I can’t believe it hasn’t become a fashion trend yet!
I’d never heard of him before, but his tips are really solid—practical, actionable, and realistic. I’ve been practicing the three-questions-a-day approach ever since I read that article, and it’s been so helpful.
Oh nooo… I totally get the need for alone time, especially the kind where you’re home alone. It’s just not the same when you have to go out to get it. 🤣
February is definitely February-ing. Thank you for the love—I’m sending it right back to you! 😘
LikeLike
I love the mismatched shoes. It could be a fashion statement! They look like really comfortable shoes and I want some purple ones! As always, you have some really cool links here. I’m doing well! Things are quiet and I’m happy about that. I’m resting a lot. I’m enjoying this season of hibernation to the fullest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I said the same thing to my mom! She could totally start a trend. They’re so comfortable, and the fact that they’re slip-ons makes them even better! I love that she chose purple. It reminds me of the 80s when my best friend got purple Nikes—they were the coolest.
I love that you’re getting plenty of rest. This time of year is my favorite for that reason too—since I don’t usually want to be outside, I actually let myself slow down and rest fully. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your jar is getting so full! I remember watching the RHONY camel episode when it first aired. Too bad it wasn’t Jill or Ramona!
Kari, I loved the Daily Habits Causing Pain link. So much good advice in that article. I think if more people stopped doomscrolling, there’d be less mental health problems. It cannot be a coincidence that the rise in mental health disorders began with the advent of the internet/social media. Disengaging from drama is so important. I remember when my husband had to tell his sister (the one he gets along with) that she couldn’t call him anymore to talk about the other sisters or their parents. It was just too stressful for him, even though he totally empathized with her. Projecting fears on my kids is something I’m trying to not do, but that one is difficult for me to stop.
I hope your February is full of peace and joy. XOXO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it?? And I even moved the bowl to a spot where I don’t always remember to add to it daily, so it should have even more by now. Another episode that always gets us is Ramona’s catwalk with her eyes—OMG, so funny.
YES. Social media is so bad for us. More music, less scrolling—sounds like a plan, don’t you think?
Wishing you a February filled with peace and joy too, my friend. 😘
LikeLike
I’ve been meaning to ask you if you found any good resources for somatic exercises! (Had not expected MOMA! Cool!)
Any other somatic goodies to recommend?
This weekend I time traveled! Figuratively 😊
Got seedlings from a Taxus I planted maybe 35 years ago?
The mama plant originally came from a horticulturist who would travel & come back with groovy stuff. Hoping I can find my notes on plantings to uncover the species….
Either way it was fantastic seeing what a little seedling I planted grew into & now to have seedlings from my seedling 😊
So wild to watch trees & shrubs you planted grow & age with you.
Some are sadly short lived. Others are brittle. They persevere but every storm changes them. A few stay strong and steady through the years.
Some sit for a decade or more before coming into their moment. That was my Taxus. Quiet patience. Strength in silence. Then blam-mo!
I never expected that Taxus seedling to take and now she is glorious. And under her canopy, the next generation ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I first saw that MOMA video on my friend Jill’s blog—it’s a good one. I’ve been on a quest to find effective somatic exercises, and my dear friend Jessie recently introduced me to a great yoga practitioner on YouTube who incorporates somatic practices. Her name is Caitlin K’eli. If you check out my YouTube channel under playlists, I’ve made the somatic exercises and trauma yoga playlists public so you can see what I’ve saved there. I’m not sure why they were private—maybe that was the original setting. I might go back and make all my playlists public.
I love your Taxus story! I had to look up what a Taxus was and realized we had them in our yard when I was growing up in Ohio. I remember putting the red berries on my fingers (never ate them, just played with them). It’s amazing to watch trees and plants grow alongside us. I never fully appreciated this until I moved into the home I live in now. This July marks 20 years here. The maples we planted that first fall, when Anna was in kindergarten, now tower over both our home and our neighbors’.
“..and now she is glorious. And under her canopy, the next generation ❤️”
I love that.
LikeLike
I found your playlists! Wonderful! Thank you (and your friend Jessica) 😊
Twenty years in one place is quite a feat. No wonder your house looks loved in your photos. It has been part of your family a long time.
Aw. You’re a Maple Mom! Shading your house & neighbors from their little sapling beginning…. You’re a good tree mum ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay!!
t’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere. 🩷🌈
Aww, I love that, Maddie! Thank you. I’m honored to be a tree mom! They bring me so much joy.🩷
LikeLike
Those mismatched shoe stories are fabulous! I think I remember my grandmother once doing that with navy and black and being absolutely mortified about it before she burst out laughing… but your mom’s mismatch is the best. I mean those aren’t even close to the same color. At least it gave you all a good laugh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! We laughed so much, and my mom laughed the hardest. This holiday season was tough without my dad, so that moment felt like such a needed release at the end of it. 💕
LikeLike
Oh my sweetness. The shoe story. I love this so much and the fact that your Mom is now part of the equation.
I believe I’ve had a black and brown flip flop on before since I wear them all the time, it’s bound to happen again. But hello, Your Mom wins because those are some bright kicks! Way to be a winner!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it, too!
Aren’t those shoes the best! She wore the purple shoes to a doctors appointment in the fall, and even her doctor complimented her on them. ❤️
LikeLike
Oh dear, different colour shoes… I’ve done that too. There was a time when I had a work uniform of my own making, and frequently had trouble distinguishing black from navy in the darker mornings. I’ve not only worn mis-matched shoes but mis-matched suits to work. I’ve learned that there has to be some other method of telling things apart other than their colour!
PS: I adore those purple shoes – your mother rocks <3
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you did this too! I’m going to tell my mom this story, and she will laugh. I really think you and my mom would get along so well.
Aren’t those purple shoes the best? I want to get some kind of purple shoe this year. Back in 2022, I had a pair of purple sandals I wanted to buy but never did—and I’ve thought about them ever since.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve long loved purple, but it’s always been the colour of choice of my younger sister and I didn’t want to tread on her toes. But I’ve since heard that purple is *the* colour for women of a certain age – and I am that certain age, so I intend to make it mine! :)
I hope your Mum enjoys hearing about my workplace embarrassment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve loved purple since I was a teenager, Deb! And I’ve definitely heard about it being a favorite among women of a certain age—I love that so much. It’s such a great color!
She will! I totally forgot to tell her—brain fog also comes with women of a certain age… 🤣🤣💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
:D :D <3 <3
LikeLiked by 1 person