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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Whatever Floats Your Boat


As I took this photo yesterday,


 the term, "whatever floats your boat" came to mind.


I love this definition from The Urban Dictionary and the phrase, whatever "soothes your soul".


Sitting in the garden lazily looking at decorating books, I was reflecting on what "soothes my soul" when Steve dropped some mail onto the table.


Reading letters from former students, despite the tears that flowed, definitely soothed my soul.


This beautiful young lady who played on my volleyball team and was in my AVID class wrote to let me know that she had graduated from high school and is off to UC Santa Cruz in fall.


Nini remembered my blog and said she included the card for me to display in the house.


Decorating is always something I "feel like doing", 


but I am not doing much lately because I am knee deep in wedding decorations.


Creating for this wedding brings me more pleasure than I could imagine.


The guest book is finished - except for flowers that the florist will add to the card catalogue.


I love the quote Aylin chose for the papier mache books I painted - it sums up the "Love Story" of the two English majors.


Lately, taking photographs is a daily activity that "floats my boat".


Every single day, I take one photo to post on Instagram.


And now I'm wondering, what "floats your boat"?

.. ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  .. 

Join me at 

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

64 comments:

  1. Yesterday, a good long nap floated my boat. Today, I really want to go to yoga, but I don't have time. I need to ride the bike a couple of hours. I guess I could honestly say exercising, relaxing later with my book and perhaps drifting off to sleep floats my boat, today. Love all your photos! Things are looking great for the wedding.

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  2. Being near the water floats my boat. Loving the wedding decor.Charming, unique artistic. All the words that I think of when I think of you and your blog. Best wishes to the happy couple. Angels to you.

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  3. Well...reading your blog floats my boat! I use this line a lot and love the defitnition...soothes your soul. I have many activities that soothe my soul. One, like you, is decorating, tweaking, fluffing, organizing, & rearranging. Of course I love to read books, blogs, go walking, travel, and a host of other things to soothe my soul as well. Lovely post Carol. The decor for the wedding is simply beautiful. I know you are having fun with it! And, what a sweet letter from your former student. You must be very proud of her! Have a delightful day doing whatever floats your boat!

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  4. Oh Carol, I am sitting here early, enjoying every thought that has landed on your page.

    I can't tell you how much I can relate to that student letter. Over the last 12 years of my teaching, I have been blessed with heaps of student letters and dedications and honors. But to me, we teachers just unlock the doors where these kids stand at a threshold. They open it once we teach them how.

    Like you, I am ENJOYING INSTAGRAM!!!!!!!! And you know how I feel about the ocean. My time in Carmel was so special, and I achieved my goal: I wanted to document it in photos much better than I did when we first went there. AND we have decided that we are going there every summer!

    Like you, what floats my boat is decorating. I love to sit and contemplate my next move in getting the mood ready in my home. The the writing begins. What floats my boat is the calm quiet, the sun (must write about that again) and friendships.

    I so get you. I DO. Enjoy this day, as I am also, and today our third of four oils is being delivered by UPS!!!!!!!! I will share them all in their designated spots when we get them all. Much love and have fun, Anita

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  5. The letter from your former student is the most precious thing! She timed that so perfectly for you too. I hope she has great success in the future and writes to you again.

    Floating my boat lately is air conditioning, Zumba, and reading. :)

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    Replies
    1. The air conditioning comment cracked me up! We are fortunate to always have the ocean breeze so very few people who live in our little beach community have air conditioning.

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  6. What a lovely post and I can imagine how neat it is to be planning this wedding. You are doing a wonderful job!

    I love the photo of your 'post' box/tin. The box/tin is absolutely beautiful!

    Have a lovely day ~ FlowerLady

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    Replies
    1. I replied via my email, but it bounced back so I hope you get this message.

      The post box was purchased to use for cards at the wedding, but we have since found a 12" square tin envelope to use. So, the post box will become our mailbox.

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  7. Love the post. I have a typewriter just like yours in the attic. I must get it down after seeing yours.

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  8. Love the card catalog, what a great idea for the wedding. So glad you're having fun preparing for the wedding, what an exciting time. The card from a former student must have encouraged you so much, and good for this girl making great choices.

    Mary

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  9. I love what floats your boat. I need to get going on what "floats my boat"...seems I have been in limbo for a long time because of all that is going on. Happy Wedding decorations!! That is SOOO much fun- love the books! xo Diana

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  10. What a great post! I must say my Grands float my boat right now! They just bring me such joy! I also am enjoying the flowers in my yard and reading during these very hot summer days. I love the wedding theme and can't wait to see all the photos from the big event! I need to start taking more photos and using my new Instagram account!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  11. So sweet Carol all the wedding plans. So unique and so personal for your son and soon to be DIL. Love that your students remember you and let you know how they are doing. Teachers as special as you touch their lives in so many ways. So happy you get that reminder from them. Have a great rest of the week.
    Kris

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  12. We just returned from our trip to Europe which was wonderful but returning to the place we call "home" most assuredly "floats my boat"! I can only imagine how it must feel to receive a letter from a former student and to know the impact you made on her life - it says so much about the wonderful person you are, Carol! I love all of the quotes too!

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  13. Oh Carol, this is a beautiful post. It is so delightful that a student took the time to sit down send you a hand-written letter in this day and age. That is a real treasure!!
    I adore all the quotes and the wedding decor.
    I don't think it will come as any surprise to you that hunting junk is what soothes my soul!

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  14. What a delightful post! Reading a blog like yours which is so uplifting definitely "floats my boat". Yours is always so cheerful and uplifting and colorful. I don't think good teachers ever realize how many lives they affect. It's great that one of your students took the time to write and let you know what an influence you were on their life. That is very special.

    Wedding décor is coming along nicely. Gorgeous - all of it.

    Judy

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  15. Hi,
    I am so pleased to meet you! I was a teacher too and how special you must be to receive a thank you letter like that! I taught kindergarten for my last 10 years and retired two years ago. I think that decorating my home and playing with my pretty china floats my boat or babysitting my new little grand daughter would be my favourite things to do now. Before I used to love colouring Big Books and decorating my classroom. Such a thoughtful and lovely post! Have a Wonderful Week! Karen

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  16. What a beautiful letter and so thoughtful of her to remember you this way. Love seeing the card catalog in its trial run, and all your pretty treasures too.

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  17. I love the letter from your student ~ what a sweet thing for her to do!

    Right now, anything cold or cool floats my boat ~ we are supposed to hit 110* here Sunday!!! Could you please send me some of that wonderful marine layer? :)

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  18. I loved reading the things that float your boat. It was s lovely to receive letters from your former students and to hear what they are now achieving. Your wedding preparations sound so wonderful too.
    Sarah x

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  19. Reading Art and Sand floats my boat!
    The wedding preparations look like fun, Carol. I love the uniqueness of it all, and the quotes definitely "float my boat."
    The letter from you former student thrills my heart too. I taught lower elementary, so the letters I've received through the years are not the same. I'm continually touched that former students remember me and when to stay in touch. I love hearing about their adult lives, marriages, and babies. Teaching is so much more than most realize. ;-)

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  20. How sweet of your student! I guess what floats my boat is reading and gardening.
    Brenda

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  21. As many of the bloggers have stated - "Your posts float my boat" Love your posts they are always so up lifting.
    How wonderful that your students take the time to tell you how you have touched their lives.
    The wedding plans look so good and I know you are enjoying all the preparations.
    Mary

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  22. That is just the sweetest letter to receive! You obviously made a lasting impression on her and are partly responsible for her success. That is wonderful! What would we do without teachers?! My grandmother was a teacher. I love some of the things you've made for the wedding so far. They're so unique and have so much personality. I can tell you put a lot of thought into it.

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  23. Carol,
    Whatever floats your boat was my son's favorite saying... What floats my boat is my Grands, John, my cats, writing poetry and my art, cooking, my spiritual journey and all the delightful connections in friendship. Guess you might say I have joy to float my boat.

    I'm loving all the creativity that's pouring out of you for the wedding. Everything looks fun and unique. Although I never was a teacher I have received letters of appreciation from design clients I've helped. Just the act of someone thanking you fills your heart with pride. For you to be thanked for seeing the potential in a student and encouraging them to strive in excellence is priceless.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  24. Your post has brought back memories of when I was planning my oldest daughter's wedding 12 years ago. I loved every minute of it. What a wonderful letter you received from a former student. I taught preschool for many years and often wonder about the wee little ones that were once in my classroom.
    ~Cindy

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    Replies
    1. I taught preschool before I moved to middle school. Our town is small enough that I run into many of my former students in so many sites around town. The worst place though to run into them is in the locker room of our tennis club when I am getting into my bathing suit!

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  25. Watching plants grow and bloom in my garden definitely floats my boat at the moment. I check out the garden every morning before work and get excited to see new stuff doing well.
    I love your wedding decorations, they're so individual, especially the quote on the papier mache books, what a lovely idea.

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  26. Hi Carol, such a special letter to receive from a former student and especially knowing they are going off to college and you helped them reach their dream. Yes creating and home decorating always flloats my boat too but it's also letters I've received from art students and clients that truly make that sail special.
    Love the books. Have fun with the wedding decor. I know it will be awesome!!
    Happy Weekebd! cm

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    Replies
    1. We teachers love to hear from our students don't we!

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  27. I always liked the saying of whatever floats your boat and the sweet saying on the books touches my heart. Taking wallpaper off the walls in the hallway this week and making our own interior doors and installing them last week has been floating our boat.

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  28. Sweet post, Carol….Hmmm……Books, art, and flowers float my boat!

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  29. Your blog floats my boat! I've been reading it for what seems like forever...even though haven't commented before now, I've always look forwarded to your posts. Such inspiration, so many beautiful words and images. But my boat practically levitated this morning, when I saw the quote in your typewriter from Lisa Schroeder. It's a beautiful sentiment, all on its own, but it holds special significance because she's a special friend. I've already posted the blog link to Lisa's Facebook page...can't wait to see her reaction when she discovers it for herself.

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  30. Lovely post and the wedding plans are moving along. The thing that floats my boat is a day I feel good. My pups too. They make laugh out loud at some point every day

    Cindy

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  31. I see my students from kindergarten every now and again...the oldest ones are late 20's, living on their own. It's always a thrill when they remember me and share bits of their lives. Definitely floats my boat!

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  32. The wedding projects are amazing!!! I LOVE that quote that they chose and the guest list....what an adorable idea! As well as the card catalog! So amazing my friend! As was that letter from your former student! How sweet was that! Wishing you more joy as this wedding gets closer! I can't wait to see more Carol! Nicole xoxo

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  33. It is such a tribute to you that former students look you up. You must have had a great impact on her life. Good. Luck with the wedding preparations. You're off to a good start!

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  34. LOL it's raining here again...I might need a boat ! :) Glad that you are enjoying the wedding decorating so much and it says alot when those students want to look you up or keep in touch! :)

    Actually enjoying the cool rainy weather this early A.M...probably going to hit the front porch and quilt a bit after cleaning up breakfast.

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  35. LOL it's raining here again...I might need a boat ! :) Glad that you are enjoying the wedding decorating so much and it says alot when those students want to look you up or keep in touch! :)

    Actually enjoying the cool rainy weather this early A.M...probably going to hit the front porch and quilt a bit after cleaning up breakfast.

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  36. What a lovely post...and beautiful pictures! Love visiting your blog!
    Have a great weekend, take care...
    Titti

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  37. Carol, What a wonderful idea for the guest book. I love books too! Sylvia D.

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  38. What a sweet and wonderful post! What a precious note to get from an old student, I'm sure it warmed your heart. OH my, wedding planning is such a beautiful time and a stressful time too! Enjoy! What floats my boat...grandchildren running up and almost knocking me down with enthusiasm!

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  39. Hi Carol :)

    What a sweet thing for your former student to do! All the decor for the wedding is adorable :)

    What floats my boat... Old things ;)

    xo,
    rue

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  40. I say that saying all the time. I think my dad said it a lot and I picked it up. Have fun planning that wedding.

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  41. What a lovely letter from your former student....how touching. I loved seeing your beautiful pictures in this post.....the same things you like float my boat too :)
    Happy new week.
    Helen xox

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  42. What floats my boat ... family and spending time with them. The years pass too quickly and each moment should be cherished.

    Lovely post and that letter was so nice to receive and share on the blog, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  43. What floats my boat ... family and spending time with them. The years pass too quickly and each moment should be cherished.

    Lovely post and that letter was so nice to receive and share on the blog, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  44. I can't wait to see all the details of this wedding - I know it's going to be spectacular! I love the theme and the creative ideas you are coming up with. Re. you comment on my last blog post about the potatoes...I can't imagine anyone not liking potato salad, though it does need to be homemade in order to be good. My current way of making it (that I showed on my blog) is a much healthier version though, instead of the mayonnaise-laden one. I've also made potato salad using half mayo (I buy the Trader Joes kind that doesn't have hydrogenated oil in it), half Greek yogurt. That turns out well, too.

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  45. Lovely post and I am so happy you shared the letter.
    It is such an amazing feeling to know you made a difference. We had something similar happen to us. All the while we were just loving an elderly neighbor. A few years later, his son shared with us how our family made such a difference in his life.

    xx oo
    Carla

    Happy 4th of July

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  46. What floats my boat right now would be SUN! Since we haven't seen to much lately, cause it won't stopped raining. I enjoyed your post and it warm my heart you are having so much joy preparing for the wedding!

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  47. It was so nice from your former student to write you a letter!

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  48. Such a sweet girl. It is so nice that she remembered you and wrote you a letter. Evening nature walks with my dog really floats my boat this summer. I am looking forward to one today! Thanks for visiting my blog and I am quite pleased to meet you.

    Summer

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  49. Oh my cute friend, what you have created for the wedding so far is fabulous! I think a lot of the same things that float your boat, float mine! Love being in the garden, taking photos, and sharing on instagram! (Thanks to your encouragement to join with Have a Daily Cup). Love your Americana display with the polka dotted flip flops!! The letter from your former student is so sweet. I'm sure you were an amazing teacher! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  50. Carol, how special that your former student took the time to write you and thank you! You must have had quite an impact :)
    Keith and I got to vacation at the beach (Florida) a few weeks ago...that definitely floats my boat! I'm meant to live on the water...someday (sigh) You're so blessed to be able to take those gorgeous photos daily, if you want!
    Susan

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  51. Reading you blog post floats my boat! What wonderful decorations! What an exciting time!!

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  52. When one thing is reading your blog. I think it's really cool that your student wrote you. You made a lasting impressing on him. I also like taking pictures, reading and sewing/quilting. And being with family and friends.
    When I was in 8th grade I had a teacher who could have made my life difficult for various reasons but instead she became a life long pin pal. I moved from Kansas to Texas the end of the year and we continued to communicate. One summer I received a note from her son letting me know my teacher had passed away. It was a sad day but I still think of her. Teachers do make a difference in our lives and you obviously made a difference. Way to go.

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