scenic route

Earlier this week I had to do a wee bit of traveling on my own.   A quick trip, not too far from home, but far enough that it felt like a trip.

And when headed back home I found myself with the choice of either taking the quicker-but-bland-highway route or the not-much-longer-but-much-more-scenic route.

At home waited the opportunity for a few uninterrupted hours and some sewing, and laundry and quite a to-do list to do.

On the scenic route waited small towns, interesting signs, places to see that I had never seen before.  Oh what a choice to make.

I took the scenic route.

And for four hours felt a bit unlike myself.

Unhurried.

Quiet.

On my own.

I embraced some of my summer daydreams.
:: collecting rocks
:: digging my toes in the sand
:: turning my face towards the sun

I surprised myself.  I stopped at Goodwill and bought a sundress I wore out of there.  Because, after all, I simply didn't want to wear khaki pants to the beach.

I listened to music.  Perfect for summer, with the windows down.  Despite the humidity.

I ate ice cream.

Said a prayer.

Held my camera with one hand, steering wheel with the other, and snapped photos along the way.

Kept telling myself, "Slow down, for you are taking the scenic route today."

And when I finally returned home the laundry and to-do list were still there.  And that was fine.

Absolutely, wonderfully fine.

happiness

Design and photo by my sweet niece.

This is a busy week here.  I have more work than usual, and tasks that need to be done, and lists and lists to keep me organized.

So I am trying to breath deeply and remember that this is all good.  That I don't need to always be thinking three hours, and three days ahead.  No, not even three minutes ahead.  I need to be in the moment.

Being happy where I am.  Doing what I am doing.  Knowing that three hours, and three days, and even three minutes from now will be even more moments of happy that I can enjoy.

So, these are some moments of happy that I have been savoring.

:: popsicles with Papa
:: a full swing set on a sunny day
:: an artist with her markers
:: getting out the Atlantis costume from Halloween past to watch the final launch
:: a well-played ukelele
:: rolling down a hill
:: a tire swing ride with cousins

Happy indeed.

this moment

Joining SouleMama, and many others, in this weekly ritual of pausing to savor a moment from the week.

A single picture with no words.  Beautifully simple.  Extraordinarily lovely.

I love to see your moments too, so leave a link in the comments!

Wishing you a weekend, full of sunshine and relaxation!

gardening

This summer I have a gardening apprentice.  Not that I am such a great gardener that I actually should be apprenticing anyone.  It is just that I have a wee bit more experience than Lovey does, so I guess that makes her the apprentice.

While I futz around pulling weeds, dead-heading plants, doing a bit of watering.  She is usually pretty close by.  Sometimes with a bucket, sometimes with a watering can.  Sometimes pulling on anything growing and green, definitely her version of weeding and dead-heading.

Then there are times when she simply takes the responsibility for a very special gardening task of her own creation:  the dirt relocation program.

See, she takes fistfuls of dirt from one of my potted plants.

And sprinkles the dirt on top of another plant, on the other side of the house.

Thus, dirt relocation.

Important work, that one does.

holidaying

Our extra-long weekend was extra-full with good things.

:: homemade blueberry pancakes
:: sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine

:: local, organic cherries
:: refilling the sandbox (finally!)
:: popsicles
:: corn on the cob
:: reading outside
:: resting outside
:: eating outside
:: playing outside
:: spending every possible minute outside (you notice the theme here...)
:: and possibly the most beautiful apple pie ever baked

Despite the almost constant mess in the house, I allowed myself to be drawn outside for hours on end to soak up all of the goodness the fresh air and sunshine could provide.  I'm not worried, the mess will still be here the next rainy day.

Hope your weekend was full of wonderful holidaying too!

holiday

Our weekend is lingering wonderfully into this holiday today.  Sun, family, adventures abound!

First fireworks for Lovey and Munchkin!

Wishing you joy and celebration this Independence Day!  I will see you back here tomorrow.

this moment

Joining SouleMama, and many others, in this weekly ritual of pausing to savor a moment from the week.

A single picture with no words.  Beautifully simple.  Extraordinarily lovely.

{Photo taken by Nonnie}

I love to see your moments too, so leave a link in the comments!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, full of fresh air and happiness!