I want my words to feel like poetry but sometimes they feel like a prison instead. Or like carefully stepping on ice, trying not to slip and fall. I write one blog post in my head and sit down to type it in real life and suddenly this thought bumped into that thought and I'm left over-thinking my words because I still haven't mastered how to share just enough. I remember someone once feeling like they truly knew me because they faithfully read my blog. I admit, it made me pull back a lot in how much I was willing to share. Most of you know that you're getting a sneak peek at my life when you're peering through the computer or phone screen into my rosy days.
All that to say, it's been hard for this introverted/highly-sensitive/dreamer to write sometimes. If I only show you my favorite photos and moments captured, will you know I'm also dealing with a handful of real-life things just aren't pretty or beautiful right now? I hope.
So how's your summer? Too fast? Too slow?
Packed to the brim or alarmingly empty?
Our past week or two have been quite busy, but by our own doing of course. That's what I like about the summertime. We can choose our days! It's like a giant "Choose your own adventure" book over here and we are loving it before the rhythm of the school year starts back up.
I got a job by the way! It's tickled me how many people don't realize I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, was a teacher for five years, and dream of teaching again. Next year I will be an instructional assistant in an elementary school and I am just so excited!
In the meantime I've been starting and ending my days outside. My journal has seen more of me than it has in a long time too, seeing as it is the perfect companion to my morning cup of coffee. The sun keeps me company in the morning, along with the fuzzy caterpillars, the butterflies, lizards, toads, and crickets. And oh how the birds love to sing! It's a beautiful feeling to be outside alone but not feel alone at all.
Every year the garden reminds my perfectionist side to pipe down. I imagine a garden with minimal weeds, everything mulched and in tip-top shape. Honestly though, we just don't have the time for it! We are doing enough to take care of our own yard and garden, the cows and farm, and still have some down time every now and then. Guess what? The garden doesn't care it's not perfect and it still keeps on producing.
There's a lesson there. Perhaps we should stop waiting until things feel perfect and just jump into life with both feet.
Little moments of baking, creating, painting, and learning have found their way into our days. The week we moved our Little One into their new home I came across a donut pan at the Goodwill. It's sad really how much time I put into the purchase of the pan, but it kept my tears at bay at least for that particular morning. I pulled it out a couple of weeks ago and made these donuts from the Sweet Laurel cookbook. They were divine!
The girls have really enjoyed the play dough, painting and drawing, and playing outside. Although their most favorite thing EVER is still Legos.
We visited Grandma and Papaw one day and I captured this gem. Next week Papaw turns 85.
Well, this about sums up the girls. Betsy with her eyes closed and a smile plastered on anyway, probably somewhere really fun in her mind. Anna looking quite serious. These girls are so opposite! I get asked all the time if they're twins and if they play with each other. They play together constantly. I have them do "quiet time" where they have to play in their rooms alone a few times a week. I keep telling the girls that I want them to learn to be alone and be ok with it. I don't mean that in a negative way, I just mean I want them to be fully comfortable in their own skin and able to entertain themselves for bits at a time.
The girls have been super cuddly with me this summer and want to talk to me all the time. One of our favorite things to do is sit down on the couch together and read through a stack of books.
Now that Anna can read she often takes a turn reading aloud to us! I am still blown away each time she begins. Elephant and Piggie have become two favorites in our house.
A couple of weeks ago Anna Ruth turned seven! We celebrated by having a Ninja party and family over. Seven-year old Anna is smart, into history and science, very loving and patient with her sister, very to the point, serious at times, silly, and still a Daddy's girl.
This book is our fave! It has helped us identity so many things on the porch and in the yard this summer. I highly recommend!
There are a few things in my life that just don't get old. The beach is obviously one, but so is this morning light. It just screams hope to me. The way it moves in around the shadows and its warmth. I look at it and I'm instantly feeling calmed and hopeful.
And the winner of our most favorite summer time activity goes to lightning bug catching! Or at least chasing. At night the whole yard and pasture fills up with the glow of these and there just isn't a single thing like it.
Other mind/heart thoughts:
My books, flowers, America's Got Talent, Ben Rector's new album, photography, painting, yard and garden work, Zevia soda, journaling, FRIENDS (so many friends), and time with family are making my world go 'round this summer.
DREAMS:
Photograph families in all their true glory, whether that be in their home or on the farm.
Teach a photography class this fall.
Write and self-publish a book.
Your turn.
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