enticing the senses

If I were ever asked to list the top three influences on my happiness in life, it would definitely be these three...

Food. Music. And Relationships.

This is particularly noticeable to me when I am travelling and visiting new places around the world. I will feel as though I have experienced a sound taste for a new place if I have immersed myself in conversation with the locals, shared a meal (and some drinks...), and I find it extraordinarily special when I am also exposed to the local sounds and flavours through some live music.

Needless to say, too, that when I choose to create the perfect day for myself when I am at home, it will usually lead to the search for a tasty meal and drinks, with some local live music, in a social setting filled with similar-minded people to me, where I can share thoughts, ideas, and smiles with others. After a day of such events, I would continue through my week excited, inspired, and intrigued, which I absolutely love...

So I thought that I would share with you my three latest experiences involving these three influences of mine.

Food.

 I absolutely love food, but - more importantly - I find joy in the experiences that can evolve from sitting down to a meal. Being able to find somewhere outside of home where the food is locally-sourced, traded fairly, made with love and passion, and topped with a beautiful setting, always sparks happiness within me.

By being part of a situation such as this, I see this radiant, positive energy growing around me and the people I am with, which always leads to laughter and inspiring conversations. Cushions, fairy lights, candles, and the opportunity to drop by for some live music throughout the week is always a positive, too... ;-)

I recently experienced such a situation at The Thali Cafe, just around the corner from me in Montpelier, Bristol. And from my home-area in Australia, I will always find myself making time for Luffley Cafe in Murwillumbah, especially for live music outside on a Friday evening, and The Cardamom Pod in Byron Bay for freshly-made, authentic Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern recipes...

Music.

As you would know very well now - and I have mentioned throughout SL&L - I cannot go a day without music. Music entices my senses and helps me in creating the perfect energy that I would like to surround myself with at any particular time, be that motivation, inspiration, love, relaxation, or happiness.

I have always found myself drawn to World music - Latin, African, Puerto Rico, Memphis, Louisiana, Cuba, Lounge - anything with a sexy-twist and filled with amazing sounds ;-)

For easy-access to amazing sounds of World music, I'm listening to the sounds from Putumayo World Music.

A quick story, illustrating my addiction to music and the energy it creates... As the Summer warmth and hours began to creep in over Bristol, my friend and I used to spend our time wandering up and down Gloucester Road, which one of the main roads that lead out of the centre of Bristol, filled with art, music, and spiritually-enlightened others.

One evening, we wandered past this little bar-front known as 'Leftbank' and heard these beautiful, sexy sounds pushing their way out through the entrance. We followed these sounds inside, sitting down for a drink. Needless to say, the evening evolved into dancing, smiles, candles, amazing music, and beautiful energy. x

And finally...

Relationships.

This is perhaps the inspiration behind me sharing this post with you... I am part of an online community - Just For The Love Of It - which is currently a project based in Bristol and is used to share ideas, events, skills, and ask and offer for help and advice.

Only this morning, I used this community to ask if anyone knew of anywhere where I could find some local live music for my Sunday afternoon...

I am inspired by how willing the people involved in this community are to create a community fuelled by sharing skills, thoughts, ideas, love, and light just for the love of it. Something so simple, that we can all contribute to.

... I  wonder what creates happiness for you... ?
love, love, love and light to you all xxx