Little Things

This time of year it is easy to get a little down with all of the polar vortexes and flu season and whatever. Everybody has something that isn't right in their life. When I talk to people I often find that small talk tends to veer toward the negative. That's lame. I mean, there's no reason to hide away the cruddy parts of your life....it is an important way we connect with fellow humans, but why not find a little balance there?

I started a little personal exercise while recovering from  depression last year and it has become something of a habit at this point. I list off things that are good, little things that make my life worth living. I have always done this at times, but I now try to do it every single day.  For today's post I am going to share some of my little things with you.

• Sitting on the couch for a morning cuddle with the girls. Even though it was ridiculously early it was so sweet that it didn't seem to matter.
• Betty Sprinkles snuggling up to the space heater, which we turn on just for her.
• Finishing up work for my show which will open on the 21st!!!
• Planning several big art events for the next year, onward and upward!
• This...

• Elise insisting on wearing her snowboots, which she calls "No Boots" all day long.
• Listening the the sqeauls and songs that Cordelia makes as she plays with her My Little Ponies
• The daily interruptions to my yoga routine: dogs, kids, phone calls, mailed packages. All of those things that are reminders that I am at a very specific time in my life. One that I will probably spend the rest of my life missing once it has passed.
• Talking on the phone with my mother after a long day.
• Meeting with my dad after Cordelia is done with preschool.
• Face time with my brother Ben who lives so far away. Makes him feel closer.
• Coffee and a drive with Sam.
• Sitting and chatting or watching a show with Eric after the girls are asleep and the house is quiet.
• Exercising and talking with my bestie on Saturday mornings.
• Baking.
• Laughing until I cry. 
•  Paint on my hands and clothes.
• Old friends.
• New friends.
• Old Ophelia sleeping on my feet at night.

What's on your list?

Little Things Today

I think it is probably because I am spending a lot more time at home lately, but I keep noticing the little things--the details. For some reason all of those tiny bits and pieces seem to carry more weight lately. Perhaps there is nothing to it, but I am something of a daydreamer (*shh don't tell) at heart and I always can't help but feel like there is a greater significance to all of the little things that I notice. Do you ever feel that way? Like everything was arranged in a certain way just for you to notice and appreciate....maybe it is just unbridled narcissism, but let's pretend it isn't and just review my list of little things.

I am gonna bullet point this list because I love a good bullet point.


Apples fresh picked from our yard

• Eric gathered the apples from our tree out front. The apples happen to be sweet with just a hint of tart and sooo good.  There is something so amazing about eating the food that grew on your land with your own hands. OK so we did little to earn these apples beyond watering the lawn and gathering them, but still.
• Cordelia has resumed her afternoon napping for now and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have two sleeping beauties so I can get stuff done. A nap is just an hour, but you have no idea how much I can pack into an hour. I have even tried to do nothing with some success...as long as you count crocheting while watching Netflix nothing.
• We have gotten rid of all of our excess art. The art has gone to the homes of friends, family and patrons! For most of last week the living room was buried in art, but now it is clear. We have a little organization of supplies yet, but our art collection is finally under control. Wooo!

 
Pressure canner and other canning supplies

• I was looking out the window wondering how I was going to buy all of the stuff needed for canning when we have a lot of pricier priorities when some dear friends showed up with everything I was missing to start my own canning operation. Seriously, it was weird how well it was timed and how it seemed as though they had read my mind.
• Waking up this morning I was wishing I had 1 more hour to sleep as Cordelia climbed into bed and began to chatter away (let me tell you this girl is a chatterbox) and at the same time Elise started to fuss. Then I made eye contact with Eric, we both just smiled knowing that we were on the same page. A bit tired, but ready to deal with all of the nonsense and joy that come with parenthood. We each took a girl and started our day as a team.

• Earlier this spring I was given a mystery bulb from a friend. I dutifully buried it and promptly forgot about it. Imagine my surprise when I was reminded not only of the bulb which was blooming a beautiful crimson flower, but of my lovely friend Charlotte.
• Cordelia has insisted on wearing a big green crocheted hat in spite of the heat. She looks pretty hip I gotta say.
• Yesterday, as Elise napped on the back patio in the shade, Cordelia and I played with bubbles, chased and jumped rope (with a long vine). I was so happy to be able to resume a normal level of activity that late pregnancy didn't allow. I hated telling Cordelia that I couldn't do certain things(like see my feet), now we are back to normal and I can just play.
• Final prep is underway. I begin teaching again next week. Just a night class and an online course so I am still with my girls for 99% of the time and get the luxury of being a working mom/stay at home mom. I am so thankful for that.

• The Virginia creeper is so beautiful in our backyard. I wish I could let the vines just cover every inch of our house...
• Eating peach cobbler in the evening. 
• Snuggling a smiling baby.

What are the little things in your life?

Little Things

Today I thought I'd share a few of the little things that are big in my life right now.

LITTLE THINGS
A few nights that were a bit cooler.

Speaking of nights....the splendor of a baby that is a great sleeper!


Bumblebee laying like this...

Talking about nothing in particular with my husband late at night


A newly born baby who is just starting to chub up.

 Cordelia asking me, "When Elise gets bigger can she bring sauerkraut to our picnic?" No idea what picnic she is referencing, but the girl does love sauerkraut.

 Visits from friends that are supposed to last just a few minutes, but end up as a very pleasant 2 hour visit.


Making this girl laugh until she cries.

My first solo parent outing with 2 girls...successful!


Chalk that has been "organized" by Cordelia

What little things are big in your life?

Simple Pleasures

The sweetness of summer strawberries


Stomping on bubble wrap



Coloring with chalk on the back patio


Wearing a party dress for no reason


Laughing at a basset hound with chalk all over her ears...and then hosing her down.

Little Things

I thought I might just give you a taste of some of the little things that are big for me today.


Moss found on a hike with a friend, now living in a chipped teacup.


A little girl using her imagination.


Out my front window, the mountain through the trees.


Evidence of a tea party.


Flowers from my husband, just because.


Toddler art.


Paintbrushes and spools waiting to be put to use.


Light through the window


Building a tower.


Shadows of stars on my living room wall.


What are your little things today?

Little Things

Sometimes it is all about the little things (isn't that the title of this blog?) and today I thought I'd wander about and find a few of the little things that are making me happy.

Snow out the window, remnants of yesterday's storm.

Here are some dresses, made by my mother, to go in the shop at the end of the month. We are waiting for our little dress model to drop by!

Cordelia, playing.


Bumblebee and some stuffed animals (carefully watched) warming in front of the floor heater.


Messy curls

Here are several of my sculptures in varying degrees of completion...prep for our show in March.

What are some of your little things today?