Because it's summer <3

photo link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202521314488315074/

"I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I have never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do." - Georgia O' keefe

Well, it's been a less ideal week in terms of how I'd to spend my time but then again changes can be made in the smallest ways. I've accidentally slept in late most mornings this week but I did manage to knock out quite a bit of digging in the backyard garden. The goal is to try a three-sisters approach but with sunflowers, watermelons, cantaloupes and beans. It was really hard work- really I am just very out of shape and it was very hot and humid. Despite this though I managed to really make some decent progress! So I am excited to see what might grow here in the next few months. The front garden needs a bit more infrastructure and soil but in good time it'll all be as it should.

I've also been researching what a good beginner sewing machine might be for me. It's a big purchase but I think I've locked onto a good make and model. I'd really like to make a quilt this year, even if it is a bit more primitive looking.

I'm repurposing some old t-shirts into cleaning rags with some simple running stitches and more elaborate designs on other cloths. I've been really inspired by sashiko. It has been a nice way for me to come back to my hobby of embroidery as a lot of my supplies are still unorganized from the move here. I have an idea in mind of doing a southwestern themed one with either a singular saguaro or a bouquet of cactus. Maybe every time I use it I can think of home<3

A short post with not much deep introspection but sometimes life is just lived moment by moment. I wanted to post something before the week passed me by.

photo link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202521314488309813/

"It's June after all & you're young until September." - Ocean Vuong, Because It's Summer

                                                      

                                                Summer is on the doorstep

  photo cred: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422281211610141/

  "It is Spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart" -Rainer Maria Wilke

It is nearing the summer solstice which means spring is coming to an end. It has been a very busy spring with surviving my first winter, on my own, with snow and actual hazardous conditions, to Isaac returning from Rhode Island and then moving to North Carolina. I like that we got to move here during springtime. The weather has been nice and it still allows time to grow food and flowers!!

I've been thinking about how I'd like to spend my summer. Ever since I stopped working it feels as if every season has to be productive and busy for it to be a good one. This time around I'd like to incorporate rest or leisure as a goal. Maybe a more balanced approach will lead to a more fulfilling summer- where memories are allowed to be made and savored.

I wrote in my journal some guidelines or goals on how I'd like my summer to be:

1. Don't go on phone first thing in the morning
2. I want to have a really cool garden. (and its ok if it starts small)
3. I want to have a craft/office/space where I can do all my hobbies (both online and offline)
4. I want to hike and explore nature.
5. If I feel difficult emotions and have a strong desire to use social media/internet as a way to numb I have to close my eyes and take some deep breaths.
6. I should try to read 5 books.
7. I should make 2 playlists
8. I should write 1 blog post a week
9. I need to write! in my journal! stories! memories! moments! poems! dreams! letters!
10.  I should try one new cooking recipe and one new baking recipe

The only goal with this list is that summer feels fun, carefree, and enjoyable. There's a lot of suggestive word choice in here because I think coming back and finding a list of suggestions rather than rules will feel more inspiring when I'm bored or stressed.

Anyways, just wanted to start small and innocently on this blog <3

Photo cred: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202521314488236195/

"Then the heart of Eowyn changed, or else at last she understood it. And suddenly her winter has passed and the sun shone on her." -J.R.R Tolkien