Sunlight is shining through the window, but it is so cold. I had to put on my tights & wool socks this morning, and the wind stung my face as I rode my bicycle.
{I am dreaming of…}
-cookouts
-sandals & bare feet
-farmer’s markets
-& time spent on the front porch
what are in your dreams?
love,
Natalie
We removed the plastic, blankets, & thick curtains covering our windows, turned off the heater, & picked some flowers to brighten our home. Spring is coming, I can feel it.
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I would like to share with you one of my {inspirations}. Her photographs remind me of the sweetest dreams; she captures everyday life in simple, absolutely lovely ways. Visit Abby’s {photo shop}- it’s a favorite of mine. Her first harvest print & fresh eggs print are my favorites.
Enjoy what’s left of the weekend!
love,
Natalie
The most frustrating part of vacationing is coming back home. I enjoyed the trip so much, but the piles & piles of work & responsibilities I left here are so overwhelming. Actually, I haven’t felt like myself for a few days. I’m suffering financially, spiritually, & emotionally.
Digging into the dirt of our garden (pictures featured above) yesterday released a lot of tension from within, but my life still seems hectic & disorganized.
I need discipline & I need to find a routine. Some areas where I’ve been suffering include:
- school- I’ve been ignoring my studies & focusing on other parts of my life. How do I enjoy my studies when I’ve been putting very little effort into learning?
- myself- I haven’t given myself enough “me time.” I long for interactions from others, but I need need need alone time. I am full of ideas & inspirations. I want to begin watercolor, I want to make more photographs, I want to drink tea & read a book all afternoon.
- spiritually- This is so difficult for me. Most of the time, I go to God only when I’m suffering. I pray for things to be better, for things to go the way I want them to. I need to celebrate in his steadfast love for me at all times, not only the weakening periods of my life.
- my health- Lately, been eating terribly. I’ve been overeating, eating what’s easiest to cook, & finding comfort in what goes into my mouth.
So, I’ve decided to make changes in these areas:
- school- I will continuously make a check-list of things I need to do daily. Blogging, flickr, & email will become last priorities. By completing assignments first, I will not have the guilt hanging over me to finish an assignment.
- myself- I will set aside time each day for myself if at all possible. Even if it is the fifteen-minute walk to work, I will focus on what makes me happy, what keeps me going. I will continually carry around my journal to write down inspirations, scribble, & note things I appreciate.
- spiritually- I must start yoga. At least three days a week, I will meditate on God and His importance in my life. Seeking his word will be a priority each morning while I eat breakfast.
- health- Last night, Luke & I made a delicious meal of Asparagus Lemon Pasta with a nice salad. I’ve already bought groceries for the next two weeks so I know what will be going in my body. No more visits for ice cream, no more expensive espressos. I will eat slower & be thankful for each bite.
If you’re still reading, thank you. I’m finding that blogging, just writing out all of my thoughts can be so therapeutic, so humbling. So thank you again for reading. All of your comments are so uplifting & inspiring.
So, do you have any advice in any of these areas that would be helpful to make a change? I would love to know how you stay organized, healthy, & uplifted. When you’re feeling down, how do you get back up? finish the day? stay on top?
love,
Natalie