When I lived in Devon I knew no matter what happened in my life I could always find a place to breathe. Of course I breathe thousands of times each day, but purposeful breathing is rare and beautiful and filled with grace. As of late, I’ve felt it a bit harder to live to the art in which I so strongly believe, partly because I’m in the midst of a big city, partly because I’m working an incredible amount of hours, partly because it is minus one hundred 
. But instead of feeling like I’m walking further and further away from the water’s edge, I’m going to admit what I need more of {obviously walking among wild ponies & visiting the seaside are out } and find a way to carve out little pieces of goodness into each day.
I need more knitting time because my own personal therapy is hearing those needles click, ever so gently, ever so beautifully, making a divine creation right before your eyes {and yes for a moment I’m going to think my creations are divine even though they are most certainly the work of a beginner…!}
And there will be lots of snuggles while curled up with a kitty or two, hot water bottle behind the back and some beautiful music playing softly in the background. Music which speaks to the soul, warms the heart and let’s the imagination soar…
There will be more time with friends, even if the to do list reaches the floor, even if I can think of a hundred reasons why I should work instead!
I need to gaze more at the sky & take more photographs. I need to imagine a day when the leaves will be blooming instead of bare and be thankful for the beauty of seasons.
I will find the time to cherish my body a little bit more, to care about it enough to make that little bit more of a committment needed each day; I will remind myself it is OK to give yourself this gift of nourishment.
And I will nourish my soul through praise & prayer and thanksgiving, even if the building isn’t like something on a postcard.
I need more:
:: Knitting
:: Reading
:: Outdoors
:: Photo taking
:: Music
:: Praise Giving
:: Time to see the beauty that exists everywhere
The to do lists can wait for a love of beauty is calling – do you hear it too?
We need more of almost all of the same stuff.
Yes it is good to carve out little moments in each day or it can be very overwhelming at times. It is especially important to carve out moments when you are the busiest. That is how I came to take on the “quilt project” even though it seemed a huge job for most people. I found it helped to keep me relaxed in the recent moving project to move my mom and clear out her home. By the way, the photos of the fireplace, knitting and dining table are lovely. Is this your new home in Canada? I know it isn’t your last home in England because the dining table is different.
Wow such pretty pictures!! I bet you miss England a lot!! I hope you have a great weekend, I should fess up, I’ve never really thought about finding beauty in everyday places, I need to get on that!!!! LOL
I love the bit about “more time with friends even if the to-do list reaches the floor”
Such a lovely picture I see in my head–and so wish I was there sitting with you sipping tea and knitting the days away!
Just think – your time in Devon equipped you to remember what’s important now, to do what God has for you in this moment even amidst the mayhem with mindfulness. I think that’s wonderful.
Well I really needed that reminder, thank you SO much, it is just so fitting!
Photos for me are the key, they remind me of what ive achieved when I’ve focused only on the to do list, they remind me of the beauty when I only see normality and they remind me of fun happy times even on samey normal days. Stacey x
your words hit me very hard after a very stressfull week and a month of non enough sleep. It is time I learn to take care of myself and find moment of relaxation. Thank you for reminding me.
Thanks for a lovely inspirational post and for sharing another beautiful you tube clip. This was an introduction for me to the music of Sufjan Stevens. It left me wanting more so thank you.
Your photos are gorgeous. I especially love seeing pics of your little fur people.
I agree with what Kris said above- I’m so glad you had rest and peace in Devon (and hopefully some stolen moments here and there now!) to bank as an extremely busy time is coming up (or has already started, I should say!).
You’ll still find those peaceful moments everyday. I pray that they will be beautiful enough to fuel you for the rest of the crazy, hectic day!
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I see I didn’t get an answer about the cosy fireplace, knitting and dining area. It is okay if you aren’t comfortable answering that.
So sorry Joyful, I didn’t see your question! No it’s the dining room of a friend’s place in England, it just always makes me feel social and at home when I look at that picture. I think I’ve already posted a pic of my dining table – it has a red table cloth! I’ll post again when I have the chance
I can see why your friend’s place makes you feel social and at home. The photos show how cosy and comforting her home is. xx
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