Vacation to Hot Springs, AR

My husband and I took a few days vacation in Hot Springs. We highly recommend the trolley tour, taking your own water containers and filling up, plus enjoying all the beautiful artwork in the downtown area and parks. We did not swim in any of the pools but we did sight see and enjoy a slower paced vacation to just enjoy each other's company.

 Below are a few photos in random order. 

Breakfast Poetry Picnic

Over the weekend, the weather was exceptionally cool for May in Texas. This afforded me the chance to steal away for a poetry picnic. I've not done this since 2013! 

I grabbed a blanket and pillow to create a lounge in the back of my CX-5, bought some breakfast and coffee, took a few poetry books I've read and one I've been trying to finish, then headed off to find a quiet place to read and write verse. It was so refreshing that I ended up staying out for over 3 hours! 

At first I went to the lake but it was very windy and loud. So I drove to an overlook and relaxed. Then needing a little break, I drove to a restaurant and headed out again but this time to a local park.

I feel like I'm not taking enough time away from social media lately or getting enough silence in my schedule to think. Today I had the intrusive thought, "Facebook makes me hate people." I get so tired of the posts I'm seeing. I just need to break free and spend some time doing things in my life that are rewarding and fulfilling. Since Summer is right around the corner, and it's my least favorite time of year, I've decided to spend focused time away from technology each week and work on my summer hygge items. 

Here are some quick photos of my poetry picnic and a sample writing from the day: 

"Consider the Covenant of Light. The whispers of the dry rice weeds in the wind. A prayer silently cast onto the bird's wings to be carried to waters until it sinks into the depths of rest." - Silver Trumpets

 

 

 

Amanda Gorman, poet; excerpt from poem "What We Carry"

Breathing Space - quick weekend escape

 My hubby swept me away to a weekend in Electra-Wichita Falls. The rest was beyond needed. Here are a few pictures. 

Stunning Modern Farmhouse Studio Cottage! At this moment - here is a link to this AirBnb. Not sponsored, just wanted to recommend :)https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53385836?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=3e0e0ada-f731-4de4-bd53-1aee720599a2

 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53385836?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=3e0e0ada-f731-4de4-bd53-1aee720599a2https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53385836?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=3e0e0ada-f731-4de4-bd53-1aee720599a2
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53385836?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=3f0da249-8fb2-4f54-8836-1f523a426783https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53385836?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=3f0da249-8fb2-4f54-8836-1f523a426783

 

 

Love of a Lifetime

Six months ago, I married a wonderful man! It's been a whirlwind. We met during Covid in June 2020, dated for a year, were engaged the day after that 1 year anniversary, and wed only 5 months later! I'll post more soon to include planning tips and tricks for our little micro wedding but just wanted to post some beautiful wedding photos.

 

 

 

Romanticize Your Life

Have you heard the phrase "Romanticize Your Life?" It's a lifestyle aesthetic some people are embracing during the pandemic that has been popular for 10+ years. The focus is on a more rural (cottagecore) type of slow living, full of natural linens and creating meaningful days. Sometimes it embraces a more European lifestyle and temperament. There are youtubers with beautiful videos capturing it. I'll link them below. 

Similar to having "main character energy" in your own life story, this concept encourages people to view their life as special and live it richly by doing things that spark magical moments.

It's an avenue to make sure you are living every day of your life!

And when you mix them in a bowl of your day-to-day tasks, you get this plentiful, calmer day to notice the little moments and gain gratitude. I have some ideas for both women and men on ways you could romanticize your life today!

• arrange fresh flowers in a vase for your home or office
• eat your meal on fine china or by candlelight (yesterday I ate my poptart on a small, elegant plate I had thrifted...why eat it out of the foil bag?? :) 
• take a few minutes out in nature. go barefoot, if possible
• buy a luxurious scent for your body and don't rush when applying it
• simplify the area immediately around you
• disconnect from technology and breath in a quiet moment
• buy or pick some fruit and take 5 minutes to savor it
• light a candle, buy a glowing salt rock
• dine at the table instead of on your couch
• walk slower
• grab a camera and find something beautiful to capture. frame your work
• treat yourself to coffee at a quaint shop/or buy a smoothy and sip it under a shade tree
• if you have a pet relaxing on the floor, join them sometimes and cuddle
• wear silky PJs or a robe
• bake something from scratch, wrap it up pretty and gift it to a family member or close neighbor
• create a playlist of soft music that makes you peaceful or upbeat tunes to pump you up - just be intentional in the soundtrack of your life
• it's not all about purchases. lean into your gratitude and spend a minute being thankful for the people in your life or the items you have
• by hand, write out bucket list for the upcoming season and post it somewhere
• smell the roses, place your hand on the bark of a tree, stop to feel the sun on your face for a few seconds
• write a letter to someone you love or make a craft for them
• ask your loved ones for more hugs and linger in the embrace
• take your shaving routine slower
• widdle something for your sweetheart, or a child
• plant a small container garden
• wear clothes that make you feel amazing
• linger in a long shower 
• find the softest rug you can and put it outside your shower or bath. when you step out notice how wonderful it feels 

These are just a few small ideas. If you think of more please share them!

Youtubers: 
The Cottage Fairy
Simple Joys

Snow Journal - https://youtube.com/c/snow_journal

Covered an old hand-me-down book for my daughter

Enjoying a sweet moment with Queso boy relaxing