A quiet moment, a gentle sway, and the soft whispers of nature—sometimes, peace is found in the simplest places.
Somewhere between the rush of the morning and the quiet settling of evening, I find a moment that is just mine. Not a grand gesture, not an escape—just a small, peaceful pause.
Lately, it’s been this: stepping outside, sinking into the swing by the pool, and letting the air wrap around me like a familiar comfort. The gentle sway, the sounds of birds in the trees, the soft rustling of the breeze—nature’s quiet conversation unfolding around me.
There’s something about these moments beneath the open sky that resets me. The simple act of slowing down, of listening—really listening—to the world moving at its own unhurried pace. The way the sunlight flickers across the water, how the wind carries the scent of something faintly sweet, the grounding presence of the earth beneath my feet.
These small luxuries—these quiet moments of peace—remind me that stillness is a gift. It doesn’t ask for anything in return. It simply invites me to be.
I think we often overlook the beauty in these everyday pauses. But when I pay attention, I realize they are everywhere—in the warmth of my coffee mug in the morning, the hush of dusk settling in, the feeling of soft grass beneath bare feet.
Peace isn’t always found in the extraordinary. Sometimes, it’s in the way the wind stirs the trees, the warmth of the sun on my skin, the steady back-and-forth of the swing beneath me.
Maybe today is a good day to notice the simple joys waiting for you.
Happy Friday, friends! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m thrilled to invite you into this new tradition here on Birdsong & Blessings. Every Friday, we’ll pause together for a moment of joy and gratitude. This space will be a place to savor simple pleasures, share what’s been filling my heart, and reflect on the grace we can find in the little things of life. Whether it’s a book I’m reading, a dish I’ve cooked, a show that’s lifted my spirits, a nurturing touch that’s become a favorite, or a home piece that’s adding peace to my space, I hope this weekly post gives you a little boost of positivity as we head into the weekend. Let’s take a moment to gather, reflect, and find grace in the ordinary.
A Moment to Savor This week, I took an extra moment to enjoy my morning coffee, letting the warmth wrap around me like a hug. In the stillness, I found peace. Life moves fast, but there’s something about a quiet cup that reminds me to slow down and just be.
What I’m Reading Lately, I’ve been revisiting The Road to Le Papillon by Shannon Ables. I’ve read all three of her books and loved them so much that I’m diving back in. This one is structured as a day-to-day guide, and I often find myself reading several days at once. It’s filled with gentle wisdom and reminders that joy can be found in life’s simplest moments. If you’re looking for something to bring a little light to your day, I highly recommend it! I typically read a mix of books—for both wisdom and enjoyment. Next on my list is Liberation by Imogen Kealey, inspired by the true story of World War II’s greatest heroine. I’m excited to start this one, as I’ve always been drawn to stories set during this time period. I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you soon!
Nature’s Blessing Spring is gently making its presence known. This week, I spotted fresh buds on the trees and heard the sweet songs of birds returning, adding their joyful melody to the warm breeze. I’ve also been enjoying a peaceful moment watching the birds dining at the Birdsong Café—what I affectionately call the bird feeder outside my window. It’s such a simple pleasure to see them flitting about, a reminder of nature’s gentle rhythm. I find peace in these little moments, as if nature is reminding me to pause and take in the beauty around me. Nature, in its own way, teaches us the beauty of renewal and patience.
Something to Enjoy Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching a couple of shows that really lifted my spirits. The return of Sweet Magnolias for its 5th season was such a treat. It’s a light-hearted series that, while it doesn’t shy away from the characters’ struggles, it presents them in a way that doesn’t feel heavy. The people of Serenity feel like old friends! I’ve also been watching The Chosen, which has been deeply moving and impactful. While it’s an uplifting portrayal of Jesus and His journey with the Apostles, it doesn’t shy away from the immense sacrifice and the challenging moments of His story. It’s an incredibly powerful show that has opened my heart to a deeper understanding of His life, and each episode leaves me reflecting on both His love and the very real suffering He endured. It’s a beautiful mix of inspiration and reverence, and I can’t wait for the next season! Some stories just have a way of deepening our understanding and lifting our spirits, don’t they? What have you been watching lately?
A Taste of Comfort Living in Florida, I usually skip the warm comfort foods like soups and stews, but when we had a brief cool spell, I couldn’t resist making Taco Soup. It was the perfect cozy dish for that rare chilly day, and just what my soul needed. Since my daughter sticks to her chicken nuggets and pizza, this is a solo treat for me, but it’s super simple and comforting if you’re in the mood for something hearty. Here’s the recipe if you’d like to try it! Taco Soup Recipe Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
1 can chili beans (optional)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion until fully cooked.
Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili beans (if using), and broth.
Stir everything together, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nurturing Touches As I’m embracing the changes in my skin at 47, I’ve been enjoying a rich face cream that feels like it’s giving my skin just what it needs. With the way my skin keeps evolving, I find myself reaching for more of the good stuff, and this cream is definitely a favorite. It’s amazing how nurturing the right products can feel at different points in life—especially when our skin changes and asks for more care and attention. I’m also trying a new skincare line, but I haven’t started using it yet, so I’ll have to update you soon!
Home & Heart I’ve been adding a few new touches to my space lately. One of my recent additions is a cozy throw blanket for my couch, which is perfect for bringing a little extra warmth and texture to the room. I also introduced a beautiful glass oil diffuser with a refreshing mix of orange, lemon, and mint essential oils. This is new for me, as I’ve always been a candle girl, but I’m really enjoying how this diffuser fills the air with such an energizing, uplifting scent. It’s a lovely change, and the mix of citrus and mint is so recharging.
Grace & Gratitude This week, I was reminded of the beauty in everyday connections. A kind word, a shared laugh, a moment of stillness—these are the real gifts. As we step into the weekend, may we carry grace in our hearts and gratitude in our steps.
I’d love to hear what has brought you joy and gratitude this week—let’s share in these simple joys together.
Thank you for being here!
Love & Gratitude, Jenny
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