HI FRIENDS! Do you have snow where you live? (Or maybe the right question is, could it snow where you live?) We had a few inches of fresh snowfall recently and my kids are going bananas over it. The field behind our home is white in color, no longer golden, though the gold is sure to return. The four of them have teamed up to make snow bricks, thus creating a beautiful figure-eight-shaped home. They have quite the hideout built under an evergreen… Every time I see it I smile.
I remember decades ago, when I was about 10 years old, when I would use one of my dad’s bungee cords to strap my tan tape player to the back of my bicycle seat. I wanted a little music to listen to as I rode around the neighborhood (and occasionally a little farther than I thought I should ride, whoops). Hearing music as I pedaled my bike brought me so much joy. I felt so cool and carefree!
Oh, the chuckle this memory gives me ;)
Back to reality, I was thinking about the fullness of noise my mind operates on most days. Even without the added scratches of social media, the day can seem so noisy so quickly. Sometimes, we just have to step back from the scene and appreciate the small details that contribute to the fullness of life.
It’s always helpful for me to review the five senses and to take a break from trying to solve big and small problems.
Sometimes it’s not a solution that’s needed, but rather an appreciation and thanksgiving for the life we live. Sometimes, a little lightness is needed.
My ever-growing list of inspiration:
Homemade pesto, as a sauce or spread.
Handwritten cards in my mailbox.
Scalloped wood trim on a house.
Flannel bed sheets.
Knowing which child is awake by the specificity of their footsteps.
A stack of books nearby.
Warm mittens.
My husband’s generous smile.
The bin that collects our recycling.
Washing my face at night.
A lively dinner at home.
Praying over the fifth baby growing in my womb.
A weekend away with my Bible study girls.
Our nativity, still on display.
Notification from the library that my book request is in.
Conversations with Clementine, Max, and Zack on homeschooling and sensory overload.
Garlic butter made with fresh herbs.
The smell of a winter walk outside.
The sound of a river moving robustly.
The look of glossy black nail polish.
The feel of warm socks and slippers.
The taste of hot lavender & chamomile tea.
Snuggling children on the couch.
Holding Zack’s hand as I move toward dreamland.
Resting.
xx,
Maggie
PS. Share a few things that are inspiring you. Or, tell me a little story about the fun / unique things you did during your childhood.
WAIT — I totally missed the fifth baby announcement. Maggie – CONGRATULATIONS!
I love the list of things bringing you joy. Lavender and chamomile tea sounds amazing and I also love notifications from the library :)
I just wrote up a little list of daily rituals that help get me through the day, they include: early morning coffee and writing; dance parties with the kids in the evening; bedtime reading with the kids; and drinking green tea while planning our homeschooling day.
I hear you when you say how loud things are even without social media. AND it makes such a difference to focus on those little things, doesn’t it? I think blogging helps with that. It gives me an opportunity to slow down, think, prioritize, and focus.
Katie, hi!!!!! I discreetly shared about my pregnancy here ;) Thanks for sharing some of the things bringing you joy, those are fun things indeed! xx
Ooh I love this type of post! I’m so encouraged to read your blog….blogging is so different nowadays and yours is so refreshing and like the good ol’ days! I agree, there’s so much inspiration to be had….it’s so many colors and textures for me….a granny square blanket, moss, mushrooms, cactus plants, oriental rugs…. To name a few :)
Sara, thank you friend for the comment and kind words. Do you read any other blogs? Of the ones I used to read, I’m a little bummed that there aren’t many that still publish on their blog. It sounds like you crochet? Or did you receive a crocheted granny square blanket? xx, Maggie
I love the idea of engaging my five senses to slow down and live more present. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the noise and things to take action on/think about. We have long winters here and I love being able to get outside or stay inside with the cozy wood fire. =)
I really like getting out, too. The cold air resets many things within me. I love this saying by educator Charlotte Mason, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Amen.