On the Art of Influence — Donna Hopkins

My friend Cathy Sly is working her way through a project, 100 Days of Summer, where she takes a photo a day for this season. I’ve been following along and eagerly anticipating her daily posts. By coincidence, I took a few pictures on June 20th, summer solstice, and posted them here. And then I shared pictures from the farmer’s market yesterday, June 21st. And so it seems, I have been influenced by my friend. To take a picture-a-day this summer. This is not a thing that needs announcing. It is a thing to notice and embrace. Something so fragile as a glimmer of light.

If I were to try to influence you, dear friend, I would begin in this way.

Do not wait to have tea and toast—as the sun rises and the heat of the is still at bay. This small ritual requires a special tea (a blend of bergamot, vanilla and lavender), a shiny red Bee House teapot, a vintage corning ware cherry mug. Fresh sourdough bread for the toast, soft butter, and blackberry jam. A little tray of some sort. A favorite book. A small light source—in this case an old camping lantern rescued from a leftover yard sale pile. All of these things may be substituted or replaced with whatever makes sense for you and your life. All that is required is that you place your hand to your heart and allow for rest.

No links provided. No need to spend any money at all.