Writing and Cozy Comforts

Happy Birthday To Me

I just celebrated the coziest birthday ever this past month.  I usually designate May my selfish "Me!" month where I continuously treat myself to whatever it is my heart desires because the iconic,  L'Oreal advertising slogan,  "because I am worth it," convinced me I deserved it. It emboldened me. Made me fierce and fearless. It told me it was okay for me to follow my whims, even if it was for that month only! And, it was not like I was breaking the bank...I was purchasing stuff like books, jewelery, bath products, my favorite makeup and creams from Estee Lauder. My little arsenal of feel goods for my body and mind brought me a lot of comfort.  Treating myself well has always been important to me because I always believed you must take care of yourself, treat your mind and body like a temple for if you cannot be good to yourself... how can you possibly be good to others?

This past May birthday, my whimsical traditions became watered down.  During a global pandemic, I was simply grateful to see another birthday. I was grateful for my family and friends remaining untouched by Covid-19.  I just wanted a humble birthday and that is what I happily received. The world has changed for everyone and all I want is to see humanity stand up again and flourish without fear.  I did not want to receive any birthday presents but I did receive one from my parents which touched my heart and made it cry.  It's a beautiful solar light with a young lady resembling me purchased atop a tree house. Her hair is long, like mine, and she is wearing my favorite color- pink.  I instantly connected with it. It means so much to me. It became a part of my 'cozy comforts' and more times than not, I put it near me when I write as it inspires me.  When my eyes take a break and wander away from the computer, there it is, keeping me grounded and calm, representing how much I am loved.  Yes, it may be whimsical, but it feeds my need for 'cozy comforts.'

The Soothing Power Of Coloring Books

Nothing screams relaxation like adult coloring books.  When my mind has been raked over the coals trying to find the right words to formulate the perfect sentence, I step away from my desk, pick up my box of pencil crayons, grab a coloring book (yes, I have an arsenal), and get ready to bring a picture to life.  It is very soothing and takes me away from the mental grind.  My favorite coloring book in my arsenal is the Disney Dreams Collection featuring Thomas Kinkade Studios. One page is pre-colored and the other one next to it requires coloring.  You get to see this wonderful, colorful picture you can aspire to as you are coloring. You can purchase this coloring book by clicking HERE.

The Power Of Music & Writing

I usually play some music in the background and lose myself in the moment when I write. I listen to such poetic tunes like  La Vie En Rose .  Edith Piaf's rendition is exquisite, her voice full of poetry, taking the listener on an emotional ride straight into the realm of imagination.  The walls around me fall away when I listen to this song and my fingers come alive, flowing upon my keyboard, my mind and heart soaring. 

I am currently writing romantic poetry so of course, one of the vocalists who makes my heart soar is singer, songwriter, musician and record producer, Damian Rice.  Since the first time I heard Damian sing, I was instantly captivated, every part of my senses alive, electrical, floating on a rush of emotions. Have you ever listened to his hauntingly beautiful songs The Blower's Daughter and Elephant? These are prime examples how music and poetry merge together to create moving art.  I had the opportunity to see him life at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Canada and his performance brought me to tears. The music he creates inspires me to write and in doing so, places me in a comfort zone, paving the way for my imagination to take the lead.  For me, music and writing go hand-in-hand, a winning combination. 

It is my opinion that the best writing is born when your mind and body are ensconced in a setting that brings out the best in your thought process.  What fuels your imagination and opens your mind matters... greatly.

As always, wishing you and your loved ones the best! I am always happy to hear from you at [email protected].

Mary-Lisa Russo
www.marylisarusso.ca

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate h​aving majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups.

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May 2021