Week 3.21: I Recommend...

Week 3.21: I Recommend...is a photo I took in a town I Recommend: beautiful Ouray, Colorado, the Swiss Alps of the United States.

I took this picture because I don't think I could afford this art. And even if I could, what would I do with a gilt framed menagerie of mini Adirondack chairs? Weeelll, actually, I COULD put that....nevermind.

I Recommend...taking a summer afternoon to wander through a tourist town and lingering over lunch with friends.

I Recommend...allowing yourself to take a while to do something...and not calling it failure.

I Recommend...honesty.

I Recommend...blogging at least once a month....more is better, of course. But it isn't required.

I Recommend...anticipating greatness and acknowledging it comes in many forms.

I Recommend...laughing. Often.

I Recommend...calling a friend...even if you don't think you have enough time. Three minutes is enough. Just seeing your name on caller-ID can brighten someone's day.

I Recommend...forgiveness.

I Recommend...owning your corner of the world...fiercely.

I Recommend...reading. Something. Anything. Everything.

I Recommend...watching documentaries. Even if it makes you feel sad or scared or squirmy. It's a good challenge to the mind and heart to watch a "real" story play out.

I Recommend...choosing love. It IS a choice, you know.

I Recommend...music. Dancy music. And quiet music. And music with perspective.

I Recommend...holding yourself to a standard. But not comparing yourself to others. Those ARE two different things.

I Recommend...trying. And then trying again tomorrow. Even if today didn't turn out like you thought it might've.

I Recommend...helping another person out. And sometimes that means saying: "No. You need to try now. I can't do it for you."

I Recommend...fresh air.

I Recommend...art. Your own. And someone else's.

I Recommend...going to the pottery painting joint in town and allowing yourself to paint an inchworm (literally) for two hours. Without guilt. Just enjoying the paint and the brush and the people nearby.

I Recommend...getting up earlier than you want to so you can do something you DO want to do.

I Recommend...admitting the jelly you made was a disaster. And finding a way to use it anyway. Turns out apple jalapeno jelly disasters make great pork roast glazes.

I Recommend...second chances. On people. Movies. Dates. Life. Clothes...Not "do-overs." Second chances.

I Recommend...being friendly even when you're pretty sure the reception is going to be lukewarm at best.

I Recommend...taking it easy when you're sick. Sometimes our bodies are the first ones to cry "uncle." Pay attention.

I Recommend...telling the truth about shortcomings. Don't try to pretty them up. Everyone has weaknesses. And strengths. Know who you are. Not who you wish you were.

I Recommend...posting your blog even if it's not what you wish it was.