Day by Day

On the lookout for the good life

I’ve decided to do something different today. Since the last couple of weeks have been packed full and my brain hasn’t had time to process it all, I just want to share some of the things I’ve been doing and give you a peek into a more personal side of my life. So, here are a few pieces and photos of my living quilt that add up to the good life.

At this time of year, we use our outdoor woodfired oven frequently. We hosted 24 people for a pizza bash, a beautiful time of connecting with others in our backyard.

Magical

And then there’s the often weekly pizza meal shared with my sister and brother-in-law. We make pizza. Tim brings the salad. And it’s always the best pizza ever. We’ve had perfect weather for eating outdoors and spending time around our table.

Time for slow food

We took two short trips. One south to visit a pottery show where a friend was exhibiting and selling. Another to connect with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We spent two days together, including attending two Pirates baseball games. It was a good time to talk, enjoy being together and root for our team. Even in the city, it’s possible to live at a relaxed pace for a few days.

I was the sleep whisperer

I continue to bake twice a week for our local farmers’ market, an easy thing for me since I love to bake. I also baked for a wedding rehearsal dinner this month. And two days a week, I’m selling cheese at my cheese booth. It’s one way for me to connect with customers and friends. And I often get to use my French and Spanish. This month, I also put away a big (40 boxes) cheese delivery.

I don’t have a deck garden this year but still have flowers, a couple of tomato plants, herbs and a pepper plant growing. I try to get out every day to see how plants are growing. And, yes, sometimes I talk to my plants.

Elephant ears

Through it all, there is always daily yoga and daily walks: a morning walk with Sadie,the dog, and an afternoon walk at OxBow Park. On Sundays, we add a walk at Fidler’s Pond or Abshire Park. It’s a time to renew, reflect, get out in nature, collect wildlife sightings and keep ourselves moving.

I’ve seen the first firefly of the season, cooked and baked some favorite foods, tried to keep in touch with friends/customers who have experienced loss, connected with other breast cancer friends, started a new knitting project, worked on a new linocut, wrote, sent out a daily nudge to those who signed up for it and read some good books.

All these pieces put together made up my month of June. Full but rich. And amidst it all, I take the time to breathe, do a crossword puzzle, enjoy each moment I’m given, laugh at the good, cry at the bad and truly soak in this life. That’s where “La Bonne Vie” comes in. Each day, I’m looking for the goodness and beauty that is around me. And, from what I can see, it abounds and gives me hope. Thanks for coming along with me!