Breathing

 There are moments when a scent can take you somewhere in your memory.

  I feel like I have not had a day off this Summer. I have really wanted one. I have had hours here and there of course (like right now as I write my husband has had the children out of the house for almost two hours) but I really want a whole day for some reason. Last night my nerves were on edge. It is really hot here. I don't handle heat well, I sunburned my legs quite badly on the trip and they have been very swollen, I just feel a bit crazy! So I went for a drive for a few minutes. 

  I grabbed my camera before I headed out because that felt right. I drove with my windows down and just took in all the beauty. I often complain about my town. Honestly, I just have a bad attitude that needs adjusting. Last night I felt so thankful for where I am gifted to live! Last night felt perfect.

  Many farmers were square bailing. I grew up on a small farm and one side of our long road was owned by one farm. They square baled every Summer. It has this wholesome sweet smell that brings me back to warm Summer nights full of light, of a sweet moment my now husband and I had before we were even dating, and also my 'initiation' into his family where I had to drive a tractor pulling a hay trailer while my fiancee and his father and brothers picked up square bales. 

It was really just a perfect few moments of getting away. 

I came home somewhat refreshed.

In The Garden

 This year I planted many flower seeds. More than I ever have actually. This year I had scant few flowers come up and blossom. The few that have come up have been such a triumph for me. However, on this trip, I just went on I visited three different people who had triumphant flower gardens. I took a few pictures in one of them that I wanted to share. 

Blessing Party

  My second daughter is turning twelve so soon. Childhood is marching away so quickly. With all the changes happening in our family dynamic lately, I have felt shaky and ill-prepared. What is the remedy for this? Celebration I suppose and as much of it as I can manage. So I planned a little afternoon blessing party for my daughter and some of her sweet friends and their mothers to take part in. It was so simple but so full of goodness. 

  During the party, we made flower crowns. I had never made a flower crown before especially for myself and it was a really special experience. I love the feeling of any sort of community or togetherness and this party provided that for me. I think my daughter was blessed. She was coming out of being very sick and so it was even more special to feel better AND to be with her dear friends. 

  Doing any sort of celebration takes energy. It takes planning and putting yourself out there. I was so thankful for the graciousness of these mothers willing to be a part of this plan. They blessed me far more than they will ever understand. 

Beautiful Moments

 Since taking the photography course by Joy Prouty if I have any energy at all I try to take pictures. I have always taken many photos but in the last few years, I have not taken as many as I might have. We just came back from a trip absolutely full of beauty, and much joy as well, that I did my best to capture. So I will share some moments.