Water thoughts...

There is something about being completely imersed in water. Feeling completely weightless. You can't hear anything but the distinct sounds of the water moving around you. I love to swim laps in the gym. I get lost and for the time spent at the pool, I am completely checked out. At my job I am required to be completely aware and in the moment. It takes more energy than one might realize. To remain completely in tune with all that is going on around you. To be physically, mentally, and emotionally present.

When I swim laps, I develop a rhythm, albeit slow, it is so methodical that my body can go through the motions but my mind gets to move on to a place I cannot physically be. I am taken back to the summer I spent in the south of France. My mind goes here a lot when I swim. I can almost taste the air again. The dry almost floral scent along with the sound of the cicadas chirping in the distance. Every morning I had the pleasure of going jogging through the vineyards and wheat fields that surrounded our summer villa. The rolling hills were unbelievable. The colors so vibrant and views breathtaking. My words fail me here.

Perhaps what I recall best were the feelings I felt there. The early morning heat beat down on me but I felt so free! My jog was slow but I felt on top of the world. Here I was in country with a culture and language to which I was not accustomed. The land welcomed me and graced me with feelings I haven't felt since. Here in this new land, I found myself again. Perhaps the best version of myself I had ever seen.

When I returned to our villa, I jumped straight into the pool. The cool water removing any resemblence of sweat or heat from my body. The difference in those laps and the ones I swim today were that I wanted to stay in that moment forever. I didn't swim to escape. Those laps were different...an embrace.

My time in France was my first time leaving the country. Perhaps this explains why those memories from over 8 years ago remain so vivid. Since then I have been able to add more memories and experiences. When I dive off the edge of the pool though, the memories of France and who I was there are among my most frequent "water thoughts". At times I have tinges of regret that haunt me in the pool when I think of how far I am today. Thankfulness eventually steps in to remind me that I am lucky that I could have a small taste of these feelings and mindset I may spend the rest of my life pursuing. I believe that someday I will return to that place.

Thoughts...

“Cherish your visions.

Cherish your ideals.

Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts.

For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment, of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”

― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

Today has been full of "delightful conditions". In the spirit of attempting to increase my expressions of gratitude:

 I am grateful for good music that inspires and uplifts me, fall scented candles, thrift store finds that bring simple beauty to my home, farmer's markets, good friends new and old, opportunities to experience new things, roasted fall vegetables, family, down slippers, the magazine Whole Living (my new fave), couches made for cuddling, good books, bubble baths, Fall season.

...

I have never been much of  liar.To a fault. I am always THAT GIRL that frequently has my foot in my mouth because I skip over the "think before you SPEAK" part.  Even with small things. Like feelings. I wear them on my sleeve. Anyone who knows me never has to ask "what are you thinking?" or "how are you today?". They just KNOW.

I wish I could be better. Perhaps if I practice LYING about other things, these truths about myself wouldn't be so blinding. Some say that TRUTH is overrated. I disagree. A lost ART.

You have been chopped....

Last Friday night the Mr. and I had date night. It has been difficult with both of us working to fit this in every week. Our fridge was full of single serving, random items that needed to be used and we have been trying to save money and reduce waste. We decided to create our own version of the television show "Chopped" in which contestants are given mystery ingredients and asked to make a delicious dish with these items. We took turns selecting one ingredient out of five from our fridge and attempted to create a culinary masterpiece. The Mr. made a chicken enchilada salad (leftovers used: White bean/sausage/swiss chard soup, lettuce, cabbage, hotwings, salsa, sour cream). I came up with some Italian style potato pancakes with basil tatziki dipping sauce (Leftovers used: Fresh mozzarella, potato logs, bread crumbs, cucumbers, basil) and a creamed brocolli/apple/leek soup. It actually ended up being delicious and food that we had become tired of was reinvented. I enjoy things like this where we can be creative. I should have taken a picture, reading this post back to myself hardly makes it sound good. But it was. ;)

Good things...

Things have been busy around here. My parents came and went. It was so great to have them here to see a glimpse of my life here in WI and to experience some new things with them. Our time was full of The Domes (fabulous indoor gardens in Milwaukee), Dim Sum, gourmet chocolate and hiking. I couldn't believe how quickly time passed while they were here. I was so thankful to have them visit.
Today I canned salsa with the peppers and tomatoes from our garden. My first time solo although it brought back a lot of memories of growing up in a home where summers were for weeding gardens and preserving food. It was tricky trying to do such a large project in my small/humble kitchen but I enjoyed myself. 
On Monday we are planting our Fall garden. Our cucumbers continue to produce along with our zucchini, swiss chard, jalapenos, carrots, and of course tomatoes. But the rest of our garden space will be filled with squash, lettuce, peas and beets. Yum! Today I made this delicious cream of zucchini soup. Some warm whole wheat crusty bread made the perfect addition. This along with the huge thunderstorm outside my window hinted at the beginning of Fall. My most favorite season.
Today marks the 2nd wedding anniversary for my Mr. and I. Time certainly does fly. I am so thankful for him along with the other blessings in my life.

Anticipation.

My parents are coming to visit. They haven't  been here in nearly 2 years. These will be my first visitors since the move. The next three days are going to be long ones.
Life has been interesting lately. I have spent hours looking at old pictures, home videos, scrapbooks. I read over "the list" a few times...it's been a while.
I suppose I get caught up in the normal day to day. I forget what makes life fabulous for me. I am so thankful for the pictures, ticket stubs, videos, memories that remind me.
The summer is almost over and we are quickly approaching Fall here in Wisconsin. It is my favorite season. Always has been. The changing of the leaves, the wool sweaters, cool breezes. I made pumpkin pancakes today. It seemed slightly premature but the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg put a smile on my face.

Some old pics I came across....I can't begin to be grateful enough when I look at my  friends and family and remember all of our great experiences. Humbled.

The best calling in the world...

....has to be anything that gets you to girls camp.

I remember my mom literally had to bribe me to go when I was younger. I didn't care much for the idea of it. By the time the last day came around though, I was sold. I didn't want to leave.

I have become smarter in my old age.

Eagerly anticipating...

PS-Anyone have any great craft ideas and/or sites they want to share?