Familiar. Favorites. Exploration. Acceptance. Happiness. Comfort. Welcoming. Warm. Natural. Culture. Art. Nostalgia. Laughter. Hospitality. Gatherings. Friendships. Simple. Earthy. Soulful. Picturesque. Easygoing. Yesteryear. Energized. Music. Repose. Heritage. Family. Love.
Meeting up with my cousin on Main Street. Combing through boxes of free books setting on a table outside of her church. Free. Beautifully Illustrated. Most like new. A cook book filled with healthy meals, A poignant novel, a photography journal, and one on creating a beautiful life. Treasured finds tucked to my chest. A donation tucked in the box. Taking a walk along the railroad tracks & selfies to capture the moment. Exploring the quaint Vintage and Reloved shops along the way for hidden gems. Unearthing a comfy gray sweatshirt, a coffee mug with a red bird in a Swedish design, and an artsy box of matches. ❤️
A trip to Taft farms to visit the rescue animals. Always an essential stop. The old rabbit that reminds me of Ollie...the white horse whose 4O+, still grazing in the pasture. Crazy rooster friend fighting his way to take center stage for a photo, and the donkey's competing for a bit of attention.
Pausing to breathe it all in...a beautiful day, a wonderful breeze, white fluffy clouds and a John Deere tractor to complete the scene. Purching a melon handpicked by the owner, a 1/2 dozen white peaches and a sparkling water to go. ❤️
An old chicken coop being converted into a home. 20+ years of doing it themselves. Living in a small section. Holding off the move until completion. Repurposed original materials and other supplies. Master skills. Attention to details. Imagination and creativity. An aesthetic wonderland. My Stepdad's friends, that have become mine. An open invite to stop by any time. Gathering on their deck, family and friends. Stories and laughter. Catching up. Simple. Easygoing. Kindred spirits. ❤️
Sitting at the table with Dad, thumbing through old black & white photos.
Listening to stories of my Grandma and Grandpa & Dad's youth. His pets. His firsts. Serving in the Air Force. Munching on bites of fresh muskmelon cut in chunks. Seeing life through the eyes of my Grandma behind the lens of her camera. ❤️
The local farmers market on Saturday. Being welcomed back home by one of the vendors. Old folksy tunes being sang solo as she strums her guitar.
Later a trip to the top of the mountain to visit a child hood friend. More like a sister. Her Mom who was my babysitter, and her sister. My Dad capturing a moment. A clear view of the town below. Sharing some memories. Making more. ❤️
From my journal:
'Make sure you have a couple of people you can get super real with, who push you to be the best version of yourself, but don't try to take over. They won't tell you what to do, but will remind you of who you are becoming.'
Journey toward authenticity and fulfillment. Be willing to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.
Perspective matters.
"The inharminous situation comes from some inharmony within you."
'Greatness isn't rated on strength, wealth, or intelligence: it is about humility and childlike faith.'
Nourish your inner being.
Work with yourself rather than against. Stop using others opinions and improve your opinions of yourself.
"Everyone has an opinion; few have an experience they can directly tie to the opinion."
'You cannot force the external to be what you are not.'
"You can't see the stars without the darkness."
"Find out who you are and what you like, not trying to become what you think. Others would like best."
'Don't let fear call the shots in your life. Floor it with your faith!'
"When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different."
Be well....
xoxo
💝
"Your nervous system heals in stillness.
Your gut health heals in gentleness.
Your hormones heal in nourishment.
You can't heal a body you hate.
You can't obsess your way to health.
You can't shame your way to wellness.
Showing your body, some Grace and compassion is the deepest of medicines."
~Dr. Will Cole~
