That’s what I learned again in New York City last week. There were deadlines and to-dos (as ever) but I closed up my Pink Elephant email account and hopped a plane so that I could see the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Almost three years ago, I was going through wedding magazines while planning our wedding and I tore out one of the most beautiful pictures I’d ever seen. Blush linen tablecloths were draped over tables set beneath the cherry blossom boughs. White chairs circled them. Prettiness on top of prettiness. I thought, “I want to go to there.” So I pinned it to the vision board above my desk and waited for the opportunity.

The invitation came, indirectly, through one Ms. Danielle LaPorte. She was launching her book, The Fire Starter Sessions, last Wednesday. I bought two tickets and then the rest fell into place. (The JetBlue flight out of Buffalo was ridiculously cheap and I used my HotelTonight app to score a $159 hotel downtown!!)

But back to selfishness. There was no true practical need for this trip. And there were lots of other things I SHOULD have been doing (like, say, my taxes). When I got there, though, I realized, those shoulds were (as ever) lies.

We spent the first morning in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I soaked up earth energies. I felt my spirit soar first seeing the cherry blossoms, and it somersaulted to smell the lilac grove (dear me, that was a religious experience). The azaleas looked like campfires – so red and orange and lit up in the sunlight. And the Japanese peonies were the size of my head. Ruffled petals in the thousands. To get to them, we walked under trellises of wisteria. I am a flower person (clearly) so this, this was my idea of heaven.

If there is a thing I love nearly as much as spring flowers, it would be modern art, so the next day, we hit MoMA, another of my spiritual homes. For me, seeing a Chagall is what it must feel like for some to bump into George Clooney. Every time I go to MoMA, there is a new piece to steal my heart. (I’ll tell you which did me in in another post.)

I left there, feeling lighter. And fuller. And that is the point. To be of service, we have to be full. We have to be. And you know this, dear entrepreneurs. This isn’t some secret wisdom I’m sharing. But in case no one has given you permission today to seek pleasure, let this be it. You MUST find your garden and your gallery if you’re to be successful.

You must, you must, you must. Because YOU are your cup. And you must runneth over. When you are joy, you spill over your life and all the people in it, and they’re better for it.

And everyone feels like they’ve skipped through a pink-treed pathway, grateful grateful grateful.

You MUST find your garden and your gallery if you’re to be successful.

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Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, novelist-in-progress, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a website writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.

What is your garden and gallery, dear readers?

This gorgeous recipe comes to you from Elixir Organic Spa. They’re a healthful, boutique spa in Toronto but even if you’re not from around these parts, I think they’re worth following on Facebook just for the great posts.

• 1 cup dried organic rose petals (available in most health food stores)
• 1/2 cup fine pink Himalayan salt
• 1/4 cup Grapeseed oil
• 2-5 drops of essential oil of either Rose or less expensive Rose Geranium

Directions: In a blender or food processor grind the rose petals into a fine power. Transfer into a bowl and add the salt, oil and essential oils. Store in a beautiful glass jar and exfoliate in the shower. Add a silk ribbon and you’ve got a beautiful gift!

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Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, novelist-in-progress, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a website writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.

Isn’t the world so full of delight? You can follow the links for more happy elephant photos.

Pachyderm Beauty Pageant of the Day: An elephant gets a pedi-makeover, courtesy of her keeper, ahead of an elephant beauty pageant that took place in a village near Kathmandu, Nepal. Sauraha’s three-day elephant festival, which aimed to raise conservation awareness, also included a round of elephant soccer.

Source: Pachyderm Beauty Pageant of the Day – The Daily What

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Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, novelist-in-progress, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a website writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.

While my first wish would be that we get to design your business cards for you, if you’d like to try your hand at your own design, this lovely infographic provides some great guidelines and inspiration for do-it-yourself designers. (I especially love the cookies idea, all you bakers out there!)

Ultimate Guide to Business Cards

via coolinfographics.com

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Writer Carrie Klassen is a green tea enthusiast, novelist-in-progress, fine point pen aficionado, INFJ Scorpio, and president of Pink Elephant Creative, a website writing and design boutique for inspired entrepreneurs. She also writes workbooks and teaches workshops at Pink Elephant Academy for Entrepreneurs.