::inspiring Mondays::

This is the first Monday of a different life. As with most new things, it takes some getting used to but I think we’ll get there. Slowly, perhaps, but we'll get there. I’m working on a post about this recent change in my life and I’m looking forward to sharing it here.

As seems to be the trend recently, I had a really busy Saturday and a very chilled Sunday. This has been working for me and makes me feel relaxed and ready for the week. That and the Call the Midwife DVDs in the company of ice cream, my knitting and Michael. I guess cold Springs have their perks after all.

:: Michael is in Oxford

:: texting with my brother. It warms my heart every time.

:: a dear friend is visiting. Hugs go such a long way to make us happy!

:: house sitting in a lovely setting. How I love the British green.

:: hearing nothing but the silence. What an experience.

:: preparing posts. An interesting concept I’m enjoying more and more.

How was your Monday? I hope filled with hugs and sunshine :)

::inspiring Mondays::

Any day is inspiring when one can spend it at the park enjoying the sunshine. In bare feet. Bank holiday Mondays rock!

Writing this post on a bank holiday is cheating. What's not to like about a long weekend, especially one with amazing weather? I had a busy Saturday morning, with a very yummy lunch cooked by Nicky, followed by a Star Wars Marathon, the first (old) films. Master Yoda is brilliant and I still don't see what is the fuss with Princess Leia, but what an awesome afternoon/evening it was. Sunday was all about chilling and Monday, well, the photo speaks for itself.

:: freshly washed bed linen dried in the sun. just perfect!

:: sunshine, the warm kind.

:: laying in the grass at the park. I do love East Oxford!

:: Pimm's. it does taste of summer.

:: my friends. what an awesome bunch of people!

Hope you had an amazing Monday, filled with sunshine and bare feet on the grass :)

notes on a Sunday

Freshly washed bed linen drying in the sunshine... or the story of how I love this house's back garden. I'm looking for a new place and whilst it's for a good reason, I've fallen in love with this old house, its quirky period features and this back garden. I'm also quite smitten with the area. I know I will know when I find the next right place; for now, I'll just make the most of my current house love.

Enjoying the garden while producing freckles. 

May goals

A major life change and two bank holidays are May’s gifts to me. I like gifts and I do my best to appreciate every single one I get. With a bit of luck, May would also give me a good place to enjoy said life change, but that may be pushing it.

It’s now the fifth month for which I write goals and I’m still loving it. In fact, I love it more now, because on top of the excitement for the idea I can see the positive results of monthly goals [LINK] and having one little word [LINK] to work with.

In January I embraced change. In February I created change. In March I somewhat learned to deal with change. In April I accepted change. In May, I want to enjoy change.

:: be sweet

:: run 8k

:: finish a new product design

....................................................................................................... 

You can read all my monthly goals posts here and my change :: one little word posts here.

change :: April update

A lot has changed in April. Other than the late arrival of Spring, these were mainly invisible changes, those which take place within us and show themselves in how we see things and deal with them. I did cook one recipe from a cookbook, but not three. I will prepare a post on it sometime in May. I did run the 6.5K I wanted to run, even if I didn’t run as often as I would have liked. I photographed more with my beloved Nikon, but it could have been better. Overall, it’s a positive balance.

Most of all, I have accepted change, my main aim for April. This makes me happy.

::inspiring Mondays::

There is a good chance this Monday is the last one of an era which is about to end. I am fearful of the change yet I know it’s needed. I am accepting that maybe I am also excited. Talking to my aunts about it this weekend was great; it’s so good to hear their perspective on things and know of their unconditional support and gentle nudge for me to take a leap of faith.

:: awesome aunts. Mine!

:: mojitos with the aunties. Oh yeah!

:: my aunt’s brigadeiros. Pure heaven ♥

:: a good family. Also mine!

:: excellent housemates.

:: a beautiful drive to work.

:: lazy Sundays.

:: knitting.

:: things to look forward to ♥

How was your Monday? I hope the end of April is nice to you :)
It is now 19:47 and it is still light... I ♥ UK.

it's auntie time

Brigadeiros by my aunt

My aunts were in town and it was brilliant. We chatted and we did all the usual touristy things one

does in Oxford. We had long dinners at cool places and we explored the pubs the best we could. We

had lots of fun and we giggled and reminisced over things past. Most of all, we became even closer

as family and as friends. It was truly amazing to be able to share so much with them and open up and  really enjoy their company. There is such a warm feeling about close extended feeling, and a certainty

that you can never be alone. Ever.

I showed them my Project Life album and as photo lovers they really liked it. I’m proud of it and

I’m so happy I’m doing it, but so far I hadn’t realised what a great sharing tool it can be. I told

them the stories around the photos and how they came to be the chosen ones and they’ve gained a

different insight into my life here, which we so rarely cover when I’m there.

I made bread for them. Aww… you shouldn’t have, they tell me as they take a full grocery shop for

me from their suitcases!

I prepared a little snack pack for them to take on their trip to London. Aww… you’re so sweet, you

shouldn’t have, they tell me as they slice the Folar de Valpaços for my lunch that day.

I guess I know just after who I take after ;)

I miss them already!