bookcase

On my "to do" list is to finish our office space.  It's more of an office alcove --- just a corner of a room.  It's off the kitchen and generally out of eye-sight.   The good news is because it's out of sight I haven't felt any rush to finish it.  The bad news is because it's out of sight I haven't felt any rush to finish it.  :)   

Anyways, there needs to be book storage.   Check out this very simple inspiration photo.  I think all I'd need is some white Ikea shelves and some organization.

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Gratitude

Just a post holiday weekend note of gratitude.  

Grateful for my sweet baby --- his chubby little legs and perfectly pudgy little fingers.  His giggles, his smiles, his kind and gentle demeanor.  He is growing so fast, playing with toys now....so excited to hold his feet while we get him dressed on the changing table or he plays in his crib.  My boy, perfection.

Grateful for lovely Boston seasons.  I love the change.  It goes from bitter cold to stifling heat but the inbetween, ahhh...the in-between.   Spring and Fall.  A little crispness in the air, an easy breeze.  Luscious green.  Good stuff.

Grateful for my relationship.  Not always easy but always worth the work.  My heart is full and my soul is happy.

Life is good. and I am grateful. 

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Pacific Northwest

Three years ago, on Memorial Day weekend I met with my college roommate and ventured to the Pacific Northwest for 9 days.  We explored Seattle, Portand and Vancouver with many stops along the way.   It was a trip I desperately needed at that moment in life.  It's value will never be something I can quantify.   I think of it often....  especially on these grey, foggy, drizzley, cool New England spring days. 

One of the last moments of the trip we were driving down from Vancouver to Seattle.  We stopped at the side of the road to get coffee.  I'm not even sure either of us spoke.  There was no breathtaking nature to inhale.  But I was just so full.  so content. so at peace.  I didn't need a single thing.  I didn't have a single worry.    ....then I think we started laughing.  Because what were we doing on the side of the road?!!!!   Ahhh, good times.  Thank you.

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Women

Short on time but... To all the women: the mamas, the caretakers, the peacemakers, the breadwinners, the daughters, the sisters, the girlfriends, the wives --- we are in this together.  Let us be gentle on ourselves and each other.

"Right now in this moment there are women just like you loving their children as you are. frustrated as you are. praying for peace as you are." - Seane Corn

Peace in our inner experience and peace in our outer experience.  To you.... 

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A long walk....

I've got troubles.  Chances are, you do too.   We are human - flawed, difficult, imperfect.   I don't think anyone is without worry or trouble, some people are just better trained, biologically programmed, or a combination of both, to handle crisis.   The other day friends and I were talking about the adjustments needed in the first year of a baby's life.  It's no shocker that the change, together with lack of sleep, is major.  People were chiming in the usual tidbits --- try to streamline household tasks, utilize diapers.com, outsource wherever possible.   All helpful and true.   But one new mama said something profound --- she reminded us to stay away from the treadmill analogy.  That we are, in fact, getting somewhere.  We are moving through space and time and raising these little people.   Instead of a treadmill, let's think of it as a very long walk.   

Isn't that lovely.

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ps - Speaking of trouble, hearts out to the people of Oklahoma.  If you want to help, check out one of my very favorite blogs Sweet Fine Day's Team Rubicon page.  Although my contribution was small, I reminded myself that the slightest good deed is better than the grandest intention.  Thoughts and prayers to those people. 

Red Cottage Inc

Do you guys know about this site - Red Cottage Inc.   It is a perfectly curated collection of reasonably priced, but beautiful, vacation rentals.   The locations are a bit random --- mostly the Catskills and greater NYC but then a few miscellaneous places - Ireland, the Bahamas, Nantucket.

Anyways, I'll be keeping it in my back pocket.   Also, a fun resource for design inspiration! 

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Desiderata

I've probably posted this before, but I'm going to post it again.  Some of the most beautiful words I've read and a bit of a prayer for me....

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1927.

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