bloom

The pot is a beautiful turquoise...with a chalkboard spot with the word "bloom"

the blossoms are scattered, random and perfect.

Friends that give beautiful pots of flowers inspire me to be a better friend~

thank you M and B...

you made my day!

leaves in the backyard

The fall season has been calling and calling--- bidding for us to come out and enjoy.  The cooler air, warm sunny afternoons, and changing colors are all so inviting.  Unfortunately, I have been ignoring all of it and continuing on a busy course.

All three girls were enjoying play dates with friends this afternoon.  Instead of rounding them up in the car, Charlie and I headed out on foot, connected by his leash.  We walked around the neighborhood to gather each girl.  Danny came out to find us when he returned home from work.  We walked all together enjoying the fresh air and friendly neighbors outside.

The new pace was a wonderful treat.  I thought of the words of President Dieter F Uchtdorf,

"One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles.  Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.
It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Over-scheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks."

Fall is a great season to reflect and simplify.  I am trying to eliminate unnecessary stresses.  I am taking more time to sit and read on the couch.  I am saying "no" to some busy work.  I hope to say "yes" to more evenings like tonight, taking walks together.

goodbye summer

This summer has taught me so much.  It was a summer of reorganization...literally and also mentally and spiritually.  In the literal sense, we redid the flooring in our home.  That project drew within it new trim, doors and paint.  Most of our belongings were packed and we were all displaced within our home for most of the summer. 

I am not drawn to chaos.  So to be living in chaos for these past few months was quite a challenge.  It is amazing how much we packed up that I didn't miss at all.  In fact, there were many boxes that once unpacked I realized I hadn't thought about or needed their contents once through out the summer.  How much of what I have around me is really unnecessary?

Although I will miss the warm summer days and fun at the pool, I am looking forward to September.  I am anxious for schedules and organization.  I am enjoying the process of finding a home for each object I unpack...and the reevaluation process to decide if we really want to keep it.  The summer has inspired the desire to simplify, organize and put in order my home, my schedule and our lives.  Goodbye summer...thank you for what you have taught me :)