Masterpieces Magazine #05

Welcome to the May edition of the monthly Masterpieces of my Life Magazine. This monthly newsletter reviews current trends, doings and happenings. The focus of the newsletter will give a peek behind the scenes around here, share curated content and provide digest communication.

As part of my Intentional one little word for the year, I am adding a monthly newsletter on the blog to bring mindful thoughts and purposeful information, including trending content, on-line inspiration and virtual love for my loyal readers.

Key Takeaways:

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Behind the Scenes

Where I share personal anecdotes, insider doings, and a peak behind the curtain of the Master”Pieces” of my Life blog. I hope information about me as a person will bring connection and a closer virtual relationship.

Life Lately

The month of May started with a bang! Our youngest, Miss Masterpieces, aka Lexi, graduated from CU-Boulder. She’s the baby of the family and completed our family almost 22 years ago and she always makes us whole.

It was beyond a proud momma moment. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for her, or should I say, what she has in store for the world. My heart grew three sizes that day (yes it’s my favorite Christmas story).

After coming home from Colorado we quickly sprinted into Mother’s Day. The family pampered me as always, and Mr. Masterpieces prepared some delicious Cornish game hens. I love to cook , but Mr. M is a sneaky chef with some fabulous dishes.

Later in the month we celebrated our 29th anniversary. We were married on May 23rd, 1997, but it happened to land on my son’s girlfriend’s Masters graduation from San Jose State. We focused on her that day and the next day we headed to Half Moon Bay, CA and spent the day together.

Wellness Journey

To stay strong through my MS journey, I’m being intentional about my wellness choices, including physical fitness routine, dietary mindfulness and mental health. Sometimes the mental aspects of a disease can overpower the physical. I totally believe in mind over matter. I try anyway.

Personal Note: I am very fortunate to have an amazing support system within my family, but at the end of the day MS sucks. The disease unfortunately is unpredictable with many unknowns. I simply keep reminding myself that in the big scheme of things, I am somewhat fortunate on how the disease has manifested in my body. I take it one day at a time.

My biggest symptom, challenge and frustration with how MS has manifested itself in my case, is walking stamina. I can’t walk very far or very well, BUT that being said, I still walk on my own. Somedays are better than others. My neurologist started me on a new medical protocol which apparently helps with walking in MS patients. It takes about 6 weeks for it to take effect and I’m only about 2 weeks in. Time will tell and I’ll keep you posted. Say a little prayer friends.

May Digest

May’s content included a mix of outdoor living, decor, crafting and tablescape inspiration plus much more. This is such a happy time of year and in case you missed anything…

DECORATE

CREATE

ENTERTAIN

GARDEN

June Forecasts

The month of June will officially kick-off the summer! Miss Masterpieces will come home and celebrate her birthday, while summer travel plans will develop. The garden will be in full stride and I’m looking forward to sharing details and recipes from our harvest.

Don’t forget Father’s Day and Flag day are in there too, quickly followed by Independence Day the following month. Celebrating 250 years is no joke. Fourth of July will be off the hook this year.

Trends & Insights

2026 Self Care Tips

As I get older and navigate the newish MS conditions I am living with self reflection is imperative. Although self care is really a necessity for everyone regardless of circumstances. Here are some tips, which might seem obvious but in this day and age I think we all need gentle reminders.

All these things are meant to help our minds, bodies and souls. In this fast paced, over consumption, digital era we live in, choose to do the opposite. Whether it’s news, social media, obligations, information, screen time, avoid the overload and take a step back. Boundaries are super important and necessary for happiness and stress reduction. So put your phone down, walk away from the computer or TV and go outside and look at the sky, listen to music and do absolutely nothing for a bit. Your system will reset, minimizing stress and improving mental health.

Inspiration around the Web

• I’ve been wanting a basic eucalyptus wreath for our front door for awhile now (can’t decide real or faux) and my friend Wendy from WM Design House knocks it out of the park- I’m loving all the seasonal stylings!
• Amber at Follow the Yellow Brick Home has some inspirational patriotic decor ideas.
• If you’re stumped for Father’s Day ideas this article has some unique and creative options you might consider.
• This timeless NYC apartment is full of charm and character – between the books and the artwork I could spend days…
• This Nantucket Captain’s Cottage brings maritime heritage to the next level, honoring history, architecture and the seafaring roots.
• Where is Edward Scissorhands when you need him? I find topiary gardens totally inspirational and there are some good pointers here. Sigh- something to aspire to.
• Do you need ideas to keep busy this summer? There’s a great list of options here. Some we’ve done already and some I just added to my list. Check it out- you’re sure to find something.

Masterpieces of My Life Spotlights

Favorite Summer Decor:

Favorite Summer Fruit Salad:

Communication 101 & Building Community

More Related Posts

We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up and you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.

I’m so glad you’re here today, truly appreciate you and can’t wait to see you next time. If there are any topics you are interested in discussing next month please drop me a note down below. See ya next time.

Au revoir!

Shop the Look ~ My Favorites Right Now

• 1. My favorite Preserved Boxwood Square Wreath
• 2. Lanterns create the perfect glow Square Wooden and Metal Lanterns – Set of Two
• 3. Nicole Miller Outdoor Medallion Rug Gray | Black – love the juxtaposition of traditional pattern in rustic setting
• 4. Faux Leather Outdoor Pillows – give me all the Ralph Lauren Vibes
• 5. Mini boxwood wreaths are fabulous quality and perfect accents for chairs or as shelf or mantel leaners.

For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.

Most Recent Posts

May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.” 

Emily Brontë

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sharing @ between naps on the porch