struggling + burnt out

Dear friends...the truth is these past many weeks I have been struggling + burnt out. I just keep going + going until...finally it all catches up to me. Exhaustion (mental and physical) has been rising up to meet me every morning but, like all of us moms, we just keep on keepin' on. Sometimes..I feel like this beautiful dandelion right here...pushing up through the rocks to seek the sun. With Tara and I being down with the flu, painting + blogging + getting settled into our home...it has all caught up to me. I need to rest and replenish and...rest some more!! I need to fuel my fires and drink hot tea, read magazines + watch reruns of Friends. I need to go on morning walks everyday and snuggle up with my girl. I need to take a computer break and laugh and...just be. So...that's exactly what I am going to do these next many days...will be back here soon. xxx

replenish, renew, rejoice...filling up our souls

(painting in progess)

Lately I have been replenishing  mySELF and ... filling up my soul. For instance...

* I have been in major project mode lately...I don't know what's going on!!! I am decoupaging a cabinet, breathing new life into an old bulletin board and  planning on sewing patchwork curtains for my studio. I can't sew very well so I really hope I can pull the last one off:)

* I am following these journal prompts over here. This is just so amazing and freeing and wonderful. Please just take look and I think you will agree. I am on day 3...I picked an elephant armor and am having the most fun filling up my page. It's really opening up my heart and soul...pretty powerful stuff!

* I signed up for Blogging Your Way and am sooooo excited. My blog is in dire need of a make-over. Nothing drastic...maybe a more subtle change?

* I started a semi Atkins diet (no bread people!!). I seriously need to lose 10 lbs and ...well, I'll see how long I can keep it up. Also started a walking program...it's pretty steep and hilly over here so ...lots of muscles working hard. Ouch!

*I have been drawing  a lot more lately...which I really really love. The whole process is challenging and meditative all at once...whole hours can just slip away. 

* I am working on a few interviews with ...amazing, extraordinary, over the top wonderful women. I plan on doing a series...it's all still hatching in my mind and...I have a really good feeling about it. So excited!

* lately I am in the moment...rejoicing in gratitude for all the small and grand blessings in my life. You know the things we normally take for granted...good health, sunshine and flowers...a great book, hugs and smiles. Those kinds of things.

* loving up my little girl...enough to slowly slowly slowly...let her go. Tara is little Miss Independent these days. She wants to do everything herself from picking out her clothing to combing her hair. She want to wear her rain boots all the time...even on the sunniest of days. It makes her so happy happy. A sundress and rain boots...I think she can pull it off:) What do you think???

What are some of the things you do to replenish yourSELVES? Please share it with me and, as long as they don't involve eating chocolates, I will certainly try it!!

**EEEK!! I wrote this post earlier today but since then...Holly wrote a really sweet comment on my humble blog!!! Yes! THE Holly from decor8!!! I mean...it really happened right? I didn't just dream it up??!!!!