in the present / in the moment

L - iphone / T - Nikon

"Live each moment now. " - 54 precious keys to happiness

(part of the series)

I really needed to be working in my studio today but the weather was so so gorgeous, I just couldn't bring myself to stay indoors. So I enjoyed the day in the sun - on my hammock - listening to the birds and feeling the hot sun and cool breeze on my skin, reading every once in a while but mostly just closing my eyes and listening. It was near heaven. Every now and then I would get up and walk around the yard taking photos of new spring growth or photograph my work to post later. Free from deadlines, chores, obligations and such... in my mind, it's how Sunday's should be spent if at all possible. ...I worked in the studio when the sun went down. I hope you enjoyed some beautiful moments this glorious Sunday./ we all have our obligations- the schools and the works of the world frequently distract us from enjoying the beauty around us and usually make us think we have very few minutes to set aside for ourselves. but i think it's really important to read the books that you relish, the ones that you are sad to finish. enjoy the beautiful weather while it's here. don't let the pressures of everyday life prevent you from enjoying the seconds you won't be able to get back.

thankful / relieved

L - iphone / T - Nikon

This past week was crazy busy - two very late nights at work - working til midnight. But Wednesday night was especially bad. Not only were we having to work late but the weather was bad. We were hearing stories of how dangerous the roads were getting due to dropping temperatures on top of an earlier rain - the roadways were covered with black ice. So many accidents that the police had reported they would not respond unless there were injuries. But we stayed - we had to get the work done. When I went out after midnight to get in my car it was frozen solid and I couldn't get in no matter how I tried. My dad had to come pick me up. But I sure am thankful - I'm in my 50s and my dad is still watching out after me. There were a lot of stories the next day about the problems people had getting home - ending up in ditches and curbs; abandoned cars; having to ride marta; 2 hour drives; many detours, etc but at least everyone arrived safely. I like the winter but sometimes the weather can bring dangerous conditions. I hope you will all be safe out there this season. / "really, bunny? i go away for ten minutes to make coffee and you've already assumed your typical inconvenient position on top of whatever i'm doing? you look so proud of yourself too.." my finals are finally over and i'm so relieved. athens is so odd, but very peaceful, with everyone gone for the holidays. most people have skipped town the second their exams are over, but i'm taking some time to myself to get some christmas shopping finished and read at the very not-crowded coffee shops. but i won't lie- i'm excited to come home for the holidays.

Wishing You Peace in 2010

L - Nikon, collaborative with T

listening to: I Wish You Peace

transported

solo post - L
I took a sip of tea tonight and was instantly transported back to an adobe-style B&B in Cortez, CO in the middle of the McElmo Canyon. Isn't it wonderful how a taste or smell can take us back to another place and time? Several summers ago, my best friend and I traveled in New Mexico from Albuquerque up through Chaco Canyon up to the Four Corners across Colorado to Mesa Verde and back down through Taos to Santa Fe. What an amazing trip that was - so many new things to see out there. I can't quite describe the feeling I had the morning this photo was taken It was around 6:30 in the morning that I got up to hike, the air was cool and the sweet grass scent strong. I just felt a peace.
There was a black tea I had there at the B&B called Taste of Summer and I enjoyed it so much. I saved one of the tea bags so that I could remember the name in hopes of finding it at home. The tea, a blend of strawberries, oranges, and marigolds - now that's summer isn't it? I couldn't find the tea in the stores so I searched online. I ordered several boxes. T fell in love with it as well. For weeks after she got home this summer she reminded me, "mom order more of our taste of summer". Just this week my new shipment of tea came in. We're happy. She'll probably take it all back to school with her. I better hide myself a box.

contentment / peace

I found this quote tonight: “When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.” A state of happiness and satisfaction - to be at peace with our decisions, to know you're moving in the right direction, not wishing for something more or something different - in the end to be able to say "life is good" just the way it is - that's contentment, right? I want to always be able to say, "Life is Good" like the sticker I have on my car and T has on her car. / i miss my kirby. i don't really need a car at school so much but something about having him here gives me a sense of security. (the day i had to go back to school kirby wouldn't start). i hope he's being fixed.