remember our sacred heart

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -  A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.
Lately I have been filling up my well and returning to what I know to be true...simplicity...nature, outdoors, love, homemade goodness, reading...sitting in the sun and ...breathing.  I realize that this past year has been all too difficult for our family and we haven't given ourSELVES the time + space to cocoon, regenerate and rest. Day after day was filled with all too much hustle + bustle. Also...I have been doing a lot of deep journaling work that has been healing...but also exhausting and depleting. So...every single day now I am carving out the time, space + intention of remembering our sacred hearts.

*we've been spending a ton of time sitting in the sun whenever she cares to show herself! The past week has been rainy and gloomy but this morning...we were bathed in glorious golden rays and took full advantage of it.

*I am (slowly...slowly) finding my way back to meditation. I used to practice it many years ago but...it's always been such a struggle for me. But now, more than ever, trying to watch my thoughts...tame monkey mind and...simply be present. It's carrying over through my day...reminding me to fully embrace the w(holy) now.

*And Tara has been cooking + baking up a storm. She really wants her independence and has started making her own (very delicious) pancake creations. Her last one was...blueberry, chocolate chip, coconut goodness. She is so proud of her talents in the kitchen...it makes mamma just beam with happiness to see her bask in her own sweet self.

*And this 5 ingredient homemade ice-cream was deeeeeee-licious!!! Raspberries, blackberries, chocolate, fresh cream and sugar...

*spending lots of time outdoors...feeling the sun against our skin 

 

*feeding the ducks at dusk...watching sunsets ...

Been reading Dr. Angelou's poems...silently + out loud...listening to her rich and glorious voice with Tara...here's to the phenomenal women herself...Dr. Maya Angelou...you fill up my sacred heart...you do.

smitten!!!

A few things that make my heart go pitter-patter...
*creative inspiration, art journaling and storytelling. This pic. above is one of my latest art journal pages using the mixed media kit from Invincible Heart Co. Loving all the goodness emerging!
*spring!!! It's in the air...I can feel her coming! I simply can't wait to get out my flowery, lacy, printed skirts and dresses +  witness all the trees and flowers come into bloom. Not to mention the warmer weather...it's been a long winter, friends!

*fresh flowers!!! I always try to keep a vase (or two) of flowers in our home year round. Whether they are gorgeous roses or a sprig of something or other...they make our house come alive! I simply feel happier around flowers!
*this amazing blog right here! I stumbled upon it many years ago and immediately fell head over heels in love...her writing, photography and take on food (mixing up recipes with storytelling) had me hooked! So when I recently came upon this delicious breakfast (or anytime else!!) recipe...I decided to try it out because I love creamy, adore figs + when you add honey...well, what can I say???

*date night with my husband!!! It's been ages since Tim and I could sit and chat over a glass of wine...just relax and enjoy each other. So when it happens...I totally don't take it for granted. I am so very grateful...after all these years...I still think he's the most handsome, charming, interesting man...+ my best friend. He makes my heart go pitter-patter! Love.

*started a brand new journal last week...loving this one from Papaya! Filling up pages + pages with stories + dreams, hopes + ideas...it's the simple things, right??
*this word  right here...la cantadora. I first came across it many, many years ago in Women Who Run with the Wolves...but right now, at this time in my life...it just sends my heart racing! It means...keeper of the old stories...and Dr. Estes talks at length about the layers + layers of stories we all have hidden inside of us that need a voice, that simply have to come from a place of truth + vulnerability so we can connect...soul to soul. How amazing is this woman???? So very grateful for her presence, her works and her gracious spirit!!

*I had 3 hours alone in a coffee store with some fave. inspirational mags...heaven! Love paging through endless pics. + articles about everything creative...mixed media, studio spaces, art journaling, home decorating...colors + prints + paints...swoon.
*Lupita Nyongo!!!! She broke my heart and laid me bare in 12 years a Slave! Her beauty + brilliance is breathtaking; I can't take my eyes of this talented lady. Total girl crush!

*loving the wide open spaces here in Colorado...surrounded by mountains and endless skies...I can breathe! A lot of times as I go about my day...I am taken aback by the sheer rugged beauty of this place. It gives me pause...and makes everything right in the world.

*And my gorgeous, growing up waaaaay too fast girl...here she is just brimming with happiness...which makes mamma happy:) Mothering her has transformed me, has taken every single part of me and turned it upside down. Where I used to be closed off...now I am open. Where I used to be filled with trepidation...I now jump in with eyes closed! She has my heart, this sweet girl!

filling up my well

It's the last day of my Be Your Own Beloved class with Vivienne McMaster...and I can't believe how much I've grown (creatively and otherwise), how sad I am that it's over and how much I recommend this photography class to anyone looking to expand their hearts. I had some trepidation about taking the class...and I don't know why because I blog, FB, Tweet etc ...but I am ever so grateful I did!!! I feel a new confidence and ...am completely inspired. I even started taking photo self care walks (you can read about them on Vivienne's blog) and...she's absolutely right!!!! It's an adventure in the making and I feel so invigorated and refreshed afterwards!!! Try it out!!

We just had a long weekend over here (Memorial Day) and...since it's always a very difficult time for Tim due to all the many friends and comrades he's lost...we decided to take it very easy. Full of slowing down, breathing, appreciating our many blessings and giving thanks; self care. 

Tara had her very first horseback ride and took to it like a pro!!! Not only did she love it...she started giving the horse orders:) I think we're going to be doing quite a lot more of this:)

And of course...spending family time. My girl is all smiles and mischief...can you tell???I heart her so.

Happy + refreshed and practicing self care. Lots of reading, tea drinking, breathing, cloud watching and talking to trees. I feel like a whole new person!!! More soon!