These past few weeks have rich and full, but in a slow and gentle kind of way. I’ve been…

.:. Resting

.:. Sitting

.:. Napping

.:. Puttering

.:. Painting

morning mark making from earlier this week - I love the soft palette, we'll see if it stays

.:. Embracing the sun and the spring

.:. Snapping photographs

.:. Birdwatching

.:. Reading

.:. Dipping my toes into entrepreneurial thoughts again

.:. Journalling

.:. Trying to eat well

.:. Listening to birdsong, silence, my intuition

.:. Fluctuating between action and rest

.:. Walking in the woods, a lot

this woodland trail is one of my happy places

.:. Exploring possibility

.:. Dreaming of a trip to Spain and a new car

.:. Thinking of ways to create revenue so I can go to Spain, and buy a new car

.:. Worrying

.:. Acknowledging

.:. Fearing

.:. Letting go (practicing!)

.:. Saying no, saying yes

.:. Celebrating a two-year-old’s birthday

.:. Waxing nostalgic over last year’s trip to Paris, we left one year ago this weekend

.:. Discovering a new season in our home

we have Scilla naturalized in our backyard, it's so delicate

.:. Toying with the idea of rekindling some of my consulting & mentoring offerings

.:. Shifting expectations

.:. Plugging away not-so-patiently at my financial goals

.:. Cheering those who are taking baby steps and leaps toward their dreams and goals

.:. Envying those who are taking baby steps and leaps toward their dreams and goals

.:. Wondering why the envy, what it means, and what I could differently to address it

.:. Anticipating this e-course focused on painting expressive landscapes

.:. Lingering in moments, days, afternoons

The take-away from this story?

Because even when things seem slow there's a lot going on. Slowing the pace simply allows us to notice it all.

But don't take my word for it, try it and come up with your own list. I bet it'll be longer than you think.

candle cozy on the windowsill

Life is full – not always easy, but full. I am grateful.

~~~

During these past few months I've felt the familiar yet unwelcome pull of the downward spiral and kicked into self-care mode, grateful for the tools I've picked up along the years to ride the wave back up. The tide has turned and I feel much lighter than I have in weeks.

~~~

I've been making art, a lot of art. I am 11 weeks into a Monday-Friday studio practice and four weeks into an online art class that continues to stimulate and overwhelm all at once. Through all of this I discover, learn, and expand my artistic comfort zone.

~~~

Without really setting out to do so, this Monday-Friday studio practice seems to have spurred a secondary practice of dedicating weekends to home, hearth and rest. It feels nice, and peaceful.

~~~

birch, spruce and the first snow of the season

More and more I find solace in nature. Moving to our new home in June has renewed my connection to nature in a way that is taking me by surprise. We are close to nature trails and walk them often. I feel an especially strong connection to trees and birds.

~~~

I am experimenting with food that leaves me feeling good and energetic vs. sluggish and stuffed. I am trying many new-to-me recipes that are delicious and leave me feeling how I want to feel. I cultivate awareness around what I eat.

~~~

I feel as solid as ever in my wanting to create work that aligns with my values, despite taking what felt like a giant step backward in my journey by adding another day to my office work week. Ironically, this extra day in the office is what prompted me to start my regular studio practice. Perhaps it was a step forward after all.

~~~

I feel a shift in direction or approach to my journey to meaningful work, something subtle that I can't quite yet pinpoint. I am increasingly turning to my intuition for clarity. It feels like a standstill, but I trust that it will lead me where I am supposed to go. It may just not be on my schedule, that's all.

~~~

Cassie, couch, cozy

I am falling deeply for our new home. Bit by bit I create nurturing spaces for us and for those who visit. I sometimes forget that we've been here less than five months, it feels like a lot longer.

~~~

I continue to sink into Slow and approach life with intention. I feel an urge to soften, whatever that means.

~~~

Though on some days it's more obvious than others, I navigate it all – the highs, the lows and the in-betweens – knowing that I get to choose my response and co-create my experience. This comforts me.

~~~

Yes, life is full and I am grateful.

Because in my book, full trumps empty any day.

Slow down, live fully.

Life is Full (or, Where I'm At These Days)