Every day I count my blessings that our path has led us to our quiet life on this rock.
I have the rare opportunity to spend these years doing things on my own terms without the scrutiny of a boss dictating my nine to five.
That is, unless you count my six month old as the supreme jefe, because she certainly has the biggest say in how my hours will be spent each day.
I've made it my mission to use my time in Newfoundland for personal growth, so there is some heavy-handed symbolism in the photos this week.
The first picture is of a violet my mother bought for me in January when she came for the birth of my daughter. She brought it home from Sobeys, but when she reached into the grocery bag to pull it out, she accidentally crushed all the flowers on it.
I identified with that crushed and mangled plant during the first few days of motherhood. My body was broken, and I wasn't sure how I would survive raising my baby so far away from my family.
It is six months later. The violet has exploded with healthy new blossoms. I feel like my spirit is blossoming too.
The second picture is of an art journal I'm working on thanks to an e-course I found at A Beautiful Mess. It is just one of many ways I'm working on growing the artistic side of myself that has lain dormant for the past six years.
I'm also taking a sewing class, writing for the local paper, and trying to expand my perspective of the world by learning Spanish. I'm using Pinterest as a tool to learn how to cook, make things, and do things. I feel the synapses constantly firing in my head and it is exhilarating!
If I hadn't moved to Newfoundland with my husband, I'd still be working with no time for all of these activities.
The third picture represents the intellectual, physical, and emotional growth I'm trying to foster in my baby girl.
It is a picture of Eric Carle's The Grouchy Lady Bug, which I read to my daughter for the first time today.
I find it incredible to watch her grab the pages of the book, to listen to her imitate my inflections and my chuckle, and to see the intensity of her stare as she tries to understand the intricacies of the world around her.
This season of my life is one of constant, glorious growth.
Whew.
Is anyone still reading?
I'm sorry. The English major in me is rearing it's (long-winded) head.
To see the inspiration for this project head over to Styleberry Blog.
2 comments:
Always a faithful follower of your blog. Love it! I toally relate, too. I don't have a baby, but I've been going through a healthy growth period being unemployed and working on my flower business. I absolutely love it. :)
I absolutely love you for reading, Starr. If I ever write a book, remind me to dedicate it to you.
Please keep me posted on the flower business. In my mind it sounds so idyllic. I'd love to spend the day with flowers, but I know there is a ton of thankless labor, cramped fingers, and client scrounging as well! So happy for you that you are doing what you love and I hope your business grows and flourishes.
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