Fish out of water...

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

Maya Angelou

As my search for my forever home continues, I've realized I'm feeling like a "fish out of water." I'm such a homebody and a home is a place of refuge and a place to recharge from the world for me. But I am forever grateful for the refuge I do have among people who have provided a safe and loving place to be while I turn the page of this new chapter in my and my children's lives. Today in this present moment I will breathe deeply and remember this quote...

"Home is where the heart is."

From where do you draw your energy...

 

 I draw my energy from many things, people and places...

 Being in my home surrounded by all the things I love

Having all my children together

Laughing and sharing with friends

A long walk along the beach

Walking in my backyard

Watching the sunset

Sitting under a tree

Finding quiet time 

Minimalist...

As my road to more simplicity moves on, my thoughts lean into becoming a minimalist. Someone asked me the other day if I had the money to have other people do all the things around my house etc. that I needed done, would I still want to down size and minimize? It took me a day or so to really think about it and the answer was yes ~ I would still like everything very simple and minimal. Just thinking about it brings me relief and anticipation. But also a little overwhelmed as all my "stuff" still lingers longing to  be given a new home.

Share...

"What I love most about my home is who I share it with."

Tad Carpenter

I love so many things about my home, but I would have to say the very best thing is "who I share it with" and all those that have passed through, for however long they were here! My home is where my heart is ~ always!

Refuge...

"The library had become her solace. Her refuge. Books did not question or judge. They made safe companions."

Inglath Cooper, Truth and Roses: A Love Story

We all need a place of refuge from life. I'm glad my children feel that way about their home and with friends and families homes. To find refuge to relax, to not have to feel like you have to be anything but your imperfect, perfect self is a time to gather strength to keep moving forward in each present moment.  When I'm not able to be with those people who provide solace, I find it in books, nature, food, art, quiet time, and animals.

Domestic...

I had a few hours ( after I took time to sleep in) before I went to work today and I just caught up on all the little domestic things that needed to get done. The laundry, dishes ( dishwasher finally stopped working), sweeping, organizing etc. And I found myself as I consciously stayed in the present moment with each task, I was enjoying them! I've always loved doing all those "domestic" things and some I love and some I like but generally it's a part of the life I want. I want to be married, take care of my home and love my children and family and friends. Sounds simple? Just need the husband part and I'll be "all good."

Heart...

Today I was feeling lost, alone, forgotten, and unclear about anything in my life, so I just emerged myself in my home. I washed, cooked many things, cleaned, and didn't get to my planting but hopefully tomorrow and I'm not sure anything got resolved within but it felt good to do what I love! My home is where my heart is and always will be...

My Body...

My body is telling me to slow down. I'm not feeling good and even though I have to work today, there are things I can do to take care of myself. I'm taking herbs, vitamins and teas to boost what my body is lacking. And I will rest as much as I can when I get home and on the days following when it's possible.  When my body speaks I'm learning to listen.

Pajama's...

Today I've decided to have a pajama party for one! I had a very very busy couple of weeks and today I don't have to do anything for anyone or go anywhere, so I slept in late, and will just stay in my PJ's all day. I'm such a home body, so hanging out and puttering around my house is an awesome day for me.

Heart...

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."

Mother Teresa

I always felt, taking care of the ones at home was where my heart ALWAYS belonged.

And I still do!

Blindfolded...

Right now in my life I feel like I am walking around with a blindfold on. It feels like EVERYTHING  is unknown ~ my health, my home, my car, my work, a relationship. Guess it's time to LOVE the unknown and flow with it. Resistance is useless...  Letting go is freeing!

House and Home...

I'd been watching shows lately of people looking, building or fixing up houses, and my only thought is how much work any one of those is. Right now in my life, my house seems like SO much work and SO much to keep up with that I can't keep up with. And the simplicity of simplifying sounds much more appealing. Maybe if I had someone that would help me, I don't know if I would feel different. I do love my house because it's my "home" but it's feeling more and more like more then I can handle.

Library...

My son and I went to the library yesterday and we each walked out with a huge stack of books. It was so much fun. When my kids where growing up, the library was like our second home. They had a limit of 100 books you could check out, and between the four of us we almost always reached that limit. Most days now I just run in and get my book on hold and run back out, so it was nice to just take the time with my son to browse the rows of books and hang out in an old familiar place, filled with good memories.

My Home...

Oh... It feels so good to be home!

I love getting away for awhile but one of my favorite parts of any trip is heading home, crawling in my bed and being surrounded by all things familiar. Home is where the heart is! I LOVE home!

Space...

I'm away from home, which always keeps me in the present moment. I don't have my household "to do" to keep me preoccupied. I can be more present and available when I'm out of my element. But it's a good reminder that when I am on my own territory to be more aware of my surrounding and really appreciate my own space. 

A Gift...

I've been in the kitchen most of the day cooking six meals and desserts to give as a gift to my oldest son. His birthday was Friday but he is coming up tomorrow to celebrate. Cooking meals is not easy for most people and Matt and his girlfriend are no exception. They get home from work ( no kids yet) and aren't really interested in cooking and they just go for the instant, easy stuff. So who wouldn't love a weeks work of meals to eat and freeze. I hope he does!!

Happy Birthday Matthew ~ you've been a joy for 31 years

Loving you All-ways

Dream...

Welcome to the entrance of my dream home!

Home...

It's good to be home.

When I am away on a trip or even away for a whole day I always look forward to coming home. It wasn't always like that, but now my home is a warm and welcoming place. A home that is filled with love and a safe place to "be". I love being able to have someone drop by and feel the freedom to entertain people knowing that it's more then a house, it's a home where memories are made. This house for two of my children has been the only home they have known. It's not perfect but neither are we. I try to live by a saying a dear friend said to me once... "If you want to come visit me feel free to stop by, if you want to see my house let me know two weeks ahead of time". This helps me keep the focus on what is important - my friendships and not if everything is in perfect order or in the condition I would like.

WELCOME HOME...

Secret...

As the sunshines starts the melting of snow and ice I have secretly enjoyed the forced captivity. I am such a home body. I could stay home for weeks and it wouldn't bother me. It was nice to know it wasn't a decision I was making to not go anywhere or do anything - I couldn't. The world as I knew it STOPPED. It was so quiet, no cars and business of the day, just blanketed in pure white snow and then ice. I relished in the thought of not having to make excuses to myself or others why I couldn't or didn't go anywhere. It was decided for me! That is my little secret I'll let you in on this new year - looks like I will be headed out today into the world once again.

Grateful...

Today as I was running the water to make breakfast I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to be able to have water just flow out of the pipes anytime I turn the handle on. To have heat on these very cold and windy days. A refrigerator full of comfort food, healthy food as well as the very unhealthy . To have a warm and comfortable bed to sleep in with soft pillows on which to rest my head and fluffy blankets providing warmth for my body. A house that gives my children and I a place to call "HOME". It is filled to the brim with laughter, love and memories. My list is endless of things to be grateful for. These are only a few but in this present moment they are BIG.

"I AM GRATEFUL"