Remember Waldo?
Remember Waldo?
Well, I finally found him. And guess what? This striped icon might be the key to solving many of our big and small dilemmas.
Happy Thursday!
I come to you today with Waldo and also something my sister Patty says when faced with a conundrum.
The answer is often hidden in plain sight.
Just like Waldo.
You remember him, right?
Waldo was a cartoon figure who came out in the 80s, created by a British illustrator named Martin Handford. The story goes that Handford had been drawing since childhood and loved drawing crowds - so much so that he pitched doing a book about crowd scenes. An art director liked the idea but suggested Handford add a character to be a focal point so that people would look at the picture more closely.
And the rest is cartoon history… Waldo came to life, complete with his signature glasses, hat, and striped shirt. Handford started creating 2-page spreads and later books, full of characters - sometimes as many as 4,000!
Regardless of the number of characters, one thing was consistent.
Waldo was always there.
The viewer just needs to search long enough.
This brings me nicely to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
No matter how big our problem or dilemma is, the answer is always there. Somewhere.
Just like Waldo.
Quite often, the answer we’re seeking is right in front of our faces…
hidden in plain sight.
We just need to learn to look past the 4000 or so things that might be distracting us.
With that, let me share a few things that were in my view this week.
Abbey
LISTEN
If wellness is something you’re looking for, you’re in luck. Listen to Jennifer Cohen of Habits & Hustle as she shares her Top 3 Self-Care Routines. (She’ll go over dry brushing, sound baths, & more.)
Speaking of self-care, I’m always up for new ideas and new podcasts. Read this Marie Claire piece for 13 self-care podcasts that promise to change your life. It clued me into two cool podcasts: Changes with Annie Macmanus - where guests reveal the changes they’ve recently overcome and Unwind with Poppy Jamie, the podcast if you want “to destress, relax, and allow your mind to untangle.” Yes, please.
STREAM
Maybe you really want to get to the beach this summer, but for one reason or another, it’s not possible. Well, then bring the beach to you with My Tranquilitee’s Healing Blue Sea Waves.
Are you looking to get things done? (I mean, really get things done.) If this is you, Amy Landino says you need a MAP - Massive Action Plan. Find out how to do that in this great productivity video.
Have you noticed a lot of pink in stores and online? That’s because the Barbie movie is premiering… tomorrow! (If you’re opening this on July 20, that is.) Yes, Barbie premieres July 21, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
EAT
Summer is a great time for entertaining, which is always fun… except when grocery prices are sky-high. Thanks, Penny Hoarder for these tips on summer cooking on a budget.
Tofu that’s not made of soy? Sign me up, please. One of my favorite vegans shows us how to make chickpea tofu in this video. For those who like their tofu hot (as in spicy), Bon Appetit has this spicy chickpea version. If you’re like thanks for the recipes, but that’s too much work, you can pick some up from Whole Foods.
Maybe tofu doesn’t float your boat, but a good Nicoise Salad does. Find out how to make (and pronounce) this French wonder in this video by Downshiftology.
I know, I know. I tell you guys this every week… but, really. You’ve got to try these awesome Focus Bites from For Wellness. I have one every day @ 9 a.m., not only to tide me over until lunch (because if you eat breakfast at 5 a.m. like me, you get hungry mid-morning), but also to help me focus, and fight inflammation. While you’re on the For Wellness site, check out their gummies, coffee, and Good Stuff Super Focus Powder. All amazing products! If you order something, use ABBEY25 at checkout for 25% off!
Another product I’m proud to be an ambassador for is ZYN, a refreshing anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting drink that comes in delicious flavors - in cans and handy powder packs. The secret is ZYN’s proprietary blend of Curmunin & Piperine that fights inflammation like crazy. There’s also 100% of Vitamin D, C, and Zinc, plus Magnesium and Potassium, making it nutritious AND delicious. Order some ZYN today and use code amaZYN for a 20% discount!
RANDOM TIPS
Since we’re on the topic of hidden in plain sight, here’s something that should stay hidden. Passwords - because, as we know, identity thieves and other hoodlums are lurking everywhere, so it’s always good to take extra steps to protect yourself. Find out where you could be in trouble in These Password Habits Are Leaving You Vulnerable.
I know we live in a digital world, but I’m old school in a couple of areas. One, I love journals, notebooks, and physical planners. (I’ve currently got my eye on this weekly to-do list notebook.)
I also love MOO business cards… they’re affordable, come in a million (give or take) designs, and can be ordered in fun sizes.
WANT TO WORK WITH ME?
Speaking of MOO cards… I’ve used them for years to promote my writing services. In addition, my website is another calling card. In fact, a fabulous creative named Jessica Murnane recently worked some magic on my website and created a beautiful space to let you know what I’ve been up to and what I can provide for you. I’d love it if you gave it a peek.
I’m currently accepting new clients and would love to work with some of my readers, or friends/colleagues of readers!
ON A SERIOUS NOTE
This whole idea of the answer being hidden in plain sight is actually one we need to examine closely.
Whether you’re looking for new digs, new love, a new job, or the keys to your car… the trick is not to get too worked up if you can’t find that thing right away. Hang in there and keep looking - past the noise, past the distractions, and past that voice in your head that’s saying you can’t find it.
Sooner or later, you’re bound to spot those round glasses, pom hat, and striped shirt.
I promise.
Here’s to our pal Waldo,
Abbey