Self Discovery Through Writing

First off, thanks everyone for your kind comments, Amens! and responses to my last blog post. Actually thank you dear readers for all your support throughout my pregnancy and postpartum too. I rarely respond but I appreciate every one of you who shared a similar story or just sent a hug my way.

I saw this beautiful image on Pinterest and the quote really hit home. Not only did the quote totally sum up how I have been feeling of late but I am a sucker for peacock feathers.

Lately I have been so grateful for this outlet here to share my thoughts and feelings. Its not just the sharing but the time and effort I take to gather my thoughts and really delve into why I feel the way I do. Once I type it up, edit it and send it out into the world, I have a huge weight off my back. Its done. That last post I have been running through my mind for weeks. I am glad that I waited a little bit to type it up but now that it is out there, I haven't thought about it since.

I have processed the event and now can move past it. When I go back and read what I have written I am proud of the declarations I have made. I love hearing my voice as I read whether I am trying to be entertaining or sort things out.

Right now I have terrible new mommy insomnia. What is that, you ask? Well its something I made up but it has been happening for weeks. Vivian has started sleeping for longer stretches sometimes 6-8 hours once she is down for the night. If I can get a good chunk of rest (meaning I don't stay up too late partying) then when I wake up to feed her I have a hard time getting back to sleep. Its frustrating because I am exhausted but my mind is wide awake. What is it wide awake doing from 3:20-4:30 am? Composing all that is happening in my life into blog posts. I kid you not. Or dreaming up new pillow cover designs. Or planning a new approach to my business. Or mentally creating never ending to-do lists.

Since I don't have a personal journal, I have found that all my energy in capturing my life is being funneled into making blog posts. Even in the middle of the night. But as big of a drag it is to be mentally blogging in the wee small hours of the morning, I guess that is how I am getting the therapy I need. Writing down my thoughts makes them real. Its a valid way for me to face life head on. So my words of advice would be to find a way to write out what you are going through. Start a journal, type up a blog, send an email to a friend or even to yourself. Even if you don't share it with anyone, it will truly improve your life. But for your sanity, avoid middle of the night blogging...

Picture courtesy of here, check out the others from this chalkboard art project.

being awesome

So this is my 1000th post. Didn't even know I was that close. Wow. I kind of can't believe its been almost 7 years and 1000 posts. That's a lot of my ramblings out there in the world wide web. 

I read my email first thing in the morning. At 6:00 am as I am mentally awakening to go to seminary, I check all my social media and gmail. It helps my brain to start functioning. The other day I was happy to see an email from my friend Andrea who recently moved to Washington. Among the fun updates of her life she mentioned that she had recently recommited to being awesome. It put a smile on my face and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I hope she doesn't mind but I made a free printable quoting her wise words and spirited pursuit. You can download it here.

In thinking about this I have come to the following conclusions. Everyone is awesome. I am awesome but how much effort am I really putting into being my best. There is a balance in life. Sometimes I am super awesome at doing one thing while others get neglected. I am awesome at creating balanced and varied meals but I have been wearing the same over-sized cardigan everyday for the past week. I am awesome at going to the gym but my house cleaning is meh. I am awesome at being a mom but I haven't put on makeup or done my hair in days.

So today I am going to recommit to being awesome. I'm going to find something I have been neglecting and be AWESOME. Thanks Andrea for inspiring me to always be improving. 

how are you going to be awesome today?

Savannah: Details

One of the best things about traveling to a new place is seeing new things and being inspired by all the details around me.

Bright toys against sand

Detail of building downtown

Gate at Wells Fargo building

Church window

Chandelier in church foyer

Mint fading algae on pier

Detail on monument at Bonaventure

Pixelated Steve at Jepson

Hanging sculpture against blue sky

Staircase at Jepson, lines and curves

Seafoam light through glass walkway

Art Copy Cat

I would love to copy this copy of an original. Huh? This is from here by way of here. Strike that, reverse it.

Apartment Favorites: Black Wall

As we've been packing up the place, I have been reminiscing about all the fun we've had here and some of the funky and cool things we did decor-wise. You might be seeing them on the blog over the next few weeks as we box it all up.

#1. The Black Wall. People often look at me like I'm either crazy or a genius when I explain that we have a black wall in our living room. Oddly enough, no one seems to notice it when they come over. It works that well. I don't think we're going to repeat it in the next place because I am going for a different feel so I will miss it.



On second thought, maybe I'll squeeze it in somewhere...

Design: Summer Thornton

I don't know about you guys but I can look at interior design portfolios and blogs for hours especially late at night when I don't want to sleep quite yet.

This one is amazing, Summer Thornton. I love the color of these walls
And the awesome fabric/wallpaper panel. There is a cool tutorial I found where you turn fabric into temporary wallpaper-perfect for renters or non-commiters. See tutorial here.
And the cool twist on a window seat.

++++++++++++++++++++

Art of Display

This is something I am constantly trying to improve and change up in my own home as my style comes into its own: the art of display.
Over at Poppytalk she has a fun label about the art of display. Here is the link and here are some favorite inspirations by Alicia Bock, Pistachio Press, yumiyumi, kate banazi.
Another cool thing about these posts is they link all the buyable art so you check it our for your own home.

++++++++++++++++++++

It is human to hope, it is human to love, it is human to want peace. We are only human.
Gigi Levangie Grazer

All Things Alice #4: Cherry Blossom Girl Shoot

Melinda (thanks!) tipped me off to this photospread over at Cherry Blossom Girl, a cool fashion blog that was also a new find for me.

++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++

All Things Alice #3: Tim Walker

When I think of Alice in Wonderland, immediately I think of Tim Walker. Even though we hasn't done a specific wonderland spread that I could find, his works are definitly curious and enchanting. He takes you into another world, a beautiful fantasy with a witty play on size that echoes Alice's transformations.

Loving: Simple French Inspired Artwork

I think there is something so charming about these prints. I have always been a sucker for french stuff though. From Blanca Gomez, cosas minimas

++++++++++++++++++++

All Things Alice #2: The Black Apple

Years ago I fell in love with this print set by the Black Apple on etsy. If we had had a girl, an Alice themed room would have been lurking in the shadows of my mind.

Colored ChalkBoard Paint

I know this is everywhere in the blog-o-sphere but I think it is so cool and am trying to mentally squeeze it into the baby's room. I love the colors that are available, there are 24, click here to see them. How fun!

Picture from designsponge

Oh and the next few days I will be posting lots of completed projects and pictures so stay tuned.

Life is Good

I keep coming back to this picture in my mind. Its from the sartorialist (whose book is coming out soon and I am so excited I might just pre-order through amazon) and this girl is so happy and confident and beautiful in Paris wearing a feathered hat. It seems like when life is best and things are happening we have the least amount of time for things like facebook and blogging. I love that. I have been absent of late and its not because I'm doing anything particularly grand I'm just living the good life. I love being busy and my weeks have been full: projects, crafts, cooking, eating pie, hanging out with Steve, admiring and protecting the garden from thieves, reading lots and lots of books, developing new friendships, going to YW and watching WAY too much reality tv. I have barely touched my camera since Peru and I feel good about it. Yes, I have things I've been meaning to post and yes, this blog could be very dull for the next little bit until I get to my to-do list but I don't even really care. Just know that I'm still here and my mind is racing (in a good way).

I think life should have more feathered hats.

Oh and a funny little conversation Steve and I had the other day which I think describes my life beautifully.
Steve (coming home from ward council at 11:00 am): So what have you been up to?
Me: Well, I was just going to watch tv but then I decided to make a skirt instead
Steve: Don't you ever just sit around and be lazy like me and watch tv or play video games?
Me: No