A Day in the Life

I know it's been a while since I  graced the pages of this space. And I know you will forgive me. At least, I am hoping you will.

These last weeks have been packed full of so many good, good, good things. Lot's of gardening, friends, some sunshine between the rain showers (finally) and lot's jumping in head first as we make new connections, contacts and friends in our new community.

I am anticipating another few busy weeks these next couple of months, so I hope you will bear with me. I have oh-so-much to share with you all, and I will slowly let it trickle onto these pages over upcoming weeks.

Until then, happy Spring and April!

XOXO,
Julia

In This Moment

On my mind today...

My head is somewhere up in the cloudless sky today. Oh, sure I should do some dishes. Maybe organize that pile on my desk. But is it so terrible that I would rather put on a cute dress and a pair of fancy shoes, and just go sit out in my backyard and dream?

I might just forego this nonsense of folding laundry and give into those daydreams about...

The plants I want to fill my new garden beds with (yes, we have garden beds this year!)...
What color I should paint my bathroom...
What to do for a certain special someone's 30th birthday (no, not mine)...
What do with all of this broken concrete all over my yard. Make more garden beds? Make a terraced herb garden?....
How to make that quilt out of those left-over swaddle blankets...
Actually allow myself to pause on those tender thoughts about the people whom I love...
And what really do I want to accomplish in this life...

Maybe I just will go give myself 10 minutes on those back steps...the laundry can wait.

Balance

Right now I hold up to three jobs. I know I have mentioned that here before, but it's true. And it's exhausting. I proof read and copy edit scientific papers, I write in this space, I work part time at a summer camp as a sales/marketing guru (oh yes, guru), I am a co-partner with a dear friend in our PeaceLove Swap Venture, and I am a mom...oh and I sort of have a shop on Etsy. Ok, that's like SIX jobs. No wonder I am tired.

The point is that lately I have hit a wall and need some more ME time. More than one gets during that  five minutes in the bathroom now and then during the day. I do look forward to those times, though...deep breath.

 Typically in this space I don't like to be a complainer. That's not what this blog is all about (oh, heavens no). This blog is about the happy, peaceful and inspiring moments from my daily life. Brief snapshots of what I have been exploring, working, or experiencing with myself and family.

Recently a coworker at the camp was talking about a bit of wisdom she received from a dance teacher when she was a child. The teacher was pregnant and had announced that she would be leaving her job to spend the time with her family. The little dancers wanted to know why, and this is what the teacher replied:

" If you drop your career life you will be able to pick it back up and start a new. If you drop your family life it will shatter, never to be put back together."

I paused and considered what my coworker had just shared. Her words lingered. I brought them home. I shared them with my husband. I shared them with one of my best friends from High School. And now I find myself sharing them in this space with you. Funny how the world presents you with little wake-up calls. If only I would listen more often. Clearly, this is my wake-up call to readjust my 3  6 jobs to bring my life back into balance.

Don't worry I won't be giving up on this space. It brings me far too much happiness, and reading all of your loving comments always makes me want to continue. No, I will be saying my farewells to some of my other occupations. In hopes to spend more time with those I love and doing those things that make my heart sing.

Do you find yourself struggling with finding that balance too? What has been occupying your time recently?

Solo Aqui: Eating Midnight Sunshine

Overwhelmed. Yes. Over...whelmed. That's how I have been feeling these last few weeks.Working too many jobs (3!), stressing about purchasing our new home (yay!), planning to move (uhg), just being a mom...shall I continue? And so, like with any overwhelming situation I decided to go for a walk.

 On our walk we encountered blackberry bushes that were loaded with ripe delicious berries. We stopped, popping those little deep purple clusters  into our mouths. Their reminiscent tang electrifying my senses; reminding me of hot summer days, rolled up jeans and that lusty summer breeze.

those berries who drink in sunshine and squeeze the ink out of midnight rejuvenated my soul. Giving me the sense of ease I had been longing for. I went home knowing I could continue no matter what "whelming" task presented itself.

I think I shall go back to those berry bushes again tomorrow...

Our Wandering Place

The rain has stopped. The sun is out. It is time to go and play! I am taking this weekend off to run through the woods, play in some sand (hopefully!), Sleep outside and just be.

We are headed out to our wandering place. A place those steps lead. See you all back in this space on Monday with a fabulously fun toddler activity. Until then, wishing you and your family a bright, happy, and refreshing weekend!

I need this

Yep, this is what I need...a day outdoors. I am going to play today and hopefully come back with some awesome outdoor adventures to share with you. Or in the very least, a little boost of inspiration. Life is busy, as usual, and I think I just need a little breather.

So, I am going to head outside. No more house hunting (more to come on that one!), beading, stamping, fretting, moaning, and so forth. Going outside. See you tomorrow in this space with a tasty stuffed pepper recipe.

Until then my friends. Have a lovely and relaxing Saturday.

XOXO,
Julia

PS: Congratulations to the winner of my beaded hoop earrings, Sara Montague Miller!