And it all melts away.

AH! the sun came out.

Today was wonderful, in so many ways.

The playgrounds are still too soggy and the snow on our sledding hill has melted but the sun was out and we just HAD to get the munchkins out... so we chalked.

Sidewalk chalk is one of the simplest best things ever created. I had my kids out there for 45 minutes and the only reason we came in was because we were late for lunch. It was wonderful.

It is unbelievable the difference in emotional well being the sun can bring. I saw nothing but smiles as parents picked up their kids this afternoon. They seemed to have patience and no matter how rough the day might have been, they couldn't wait to get home and be outside with their little ones.

I also felt motivated and excited.

Most things I had to get done this afternoon were inside things, but I just couldnt bare it. I took my guat blanket sat out on my front lawn and did some sewing, essay writing, and reading. This weather makes me feel creative and inspired.

I felt refreshed.

I urge youuuu. GET OUTSIDE. Its such medicine, get yourself out of your slump! Breathe the air, breathe it deep, and know that no matter how long your winter may have been, growing season is near and we need to ready.

so much more coming-

until then,

j

Look ma the sun is shining on me.

Like my new banner? My boy made it for me:)

He went through the trouble of getting photoshop for my computer so I could do that sort of thing myself, for me to complain that its to hard, and give up. haha.

I'm just so used to crafting where everything is tangible and physically movable. Leaving everything up to just clicking around is something I just cant handle. Well not yet, hopefully I'll get the courage to try again soon because I just want to make beautiful things. I can see it all in my head I just can't translate it to my screen.

Is anyone else done with winter?

Don't get me wrong, I love bundling, scarves, mittens, sparkling snow, cute boots.

But then comes a point in Rochester winter when I decide I'm just done. So much overcast makes me quite miserable and unproductive. I should be used to it seeing as I've been living in the same town the past.. mm.. twenty-two years but no.

I'm longing for green grass, sundresses, flowers everywhere, driving with my windows down, and bare feet.

I just need sunshine.

I feel as though this need makes me super motivated when the sun IS out, even though there is snow still.

A few weekends ago on a Sunday, the sun was out and there was no way we all could sit inside all day. So, we went out adventuring. I took some photos, just thought I would share.

Get outside!

j

When I hear beautiful music, its always from another time.

Today was super productive, but relaxed. I love those kind of days.

I'm in love with vintage treasures and everything antique. I'm always on the hunt. I have an antique store I go to every Friday, just to look. And even though I see the same things every week, can tell if something was bought or moved, notice any new items, it calms me down to be there. The woman who owns it is so sweet. She's such a mom, she plays old music, and is always in the mood to talk. And she knows my name, notices my new glasses and always give me a discount- Love her.

Anyway. This week I found this amazing old sewing box, I sat on the floor of the store to dissect it a little bit and decided it was a must have in my collection of nonsense.

I brought it with me for my weekend adventures. Half to actually use and half because I knew my friend Melinda would melt over it and love to organize it.

The colors were phenomenal so I decided to play around with it. Then my boy joined me and we were both photographing this little treasure chest and I just loved it. So simple.

Here's a few I liked..

I know I'm nothing special at this, I do it for my own enjoyment. I just find all these beautiful things I figured I should start sharing them. My love for them is out of control, my Nan always says I was born in the wrong decade.

Here's me creppin on boy..

hehehe. he's cute.

Until my next beautiful find. Or other random story.

-j

oh tie me to the end of a kite.

I love adventure.

I loving being busy and feeling useful and being around people.

BUT, no matter what I do I love coming home to my couch, my guat blanket, the tv in the background, and fam.

I cant stop being happy that I enjoy this so much, mostly because I dont care what anyone says about broken family, or unpredictable family, it doesnt mean there isnt love.

I'm so glad I'm not cookie cutter.

Anyway, so much for writing "the next day" as my last post insisted I would. ha! so I'll just talk about the recent, which was this weekend.

I loved this weekend. It wasnt extra different from other weekends. but this weekend I was reminded of how big God is.

God is really big.

Just how He orchestrates situations and uses so many things to teach us. Just seeing God in everything He created, and conversation with people, and even tears that needed to be cried. He is so powerful and I am in awe. its good:)

Love wins. I truly believe it.

goodnight world,

j

second christmas.

So here I am home after a beautiful, beautiful week away.

I wish I was sleeping but my family just had our second christmas because our new edition (rachael belle) is home. Cant complain, so glad to have another sister. Shes pretty great, glad my brother has her.

My thoughts are sort of like mush at this hour, but I just wanted to say that new jersey took me by surprise. I love to see other places where God is moving in such big ways, and I am really thankful my boy is from such a real place, where I feel people are really thriving. I met so many people, with soft beautiful spirits, who I felt are just like me in the way that they want to show love to so many. And I think its truly beautiful how God can move to bring people together in a real way and His love is really what we end up seeing.

mmmm:)

but I will write more of my adventure tomorrow. when my eyes are not heavy.

ps. I'm pretty sure I'm in love.