::inspiring Mondays::

The sun was shining this morning and Michael and I had a long slow breakfast sipping coffee and chatting away. Such pleasure, usually reserved for the weekend, could only happen on a Monday... the week is just starting, we're bright and fresh, and filled with that sweet touch of promise that a new week brings.

We had a good weekend. We had long slow breakfasts, which are a mark of good weekends. We had gardening and curling up on the sofa under a blankie and a long run and cheese platter for Saturday dinner, with my favourite Portuguese wine (Planalto, if you're interested; available at Majestic Wine in the UK).

The #nomakeup selfie* above is to raise awareness for cancer. The initiative has already raised a fair bit of money, but the more the better when beating such a horrid disease is the end goal. Text BEAT to 70099 if you're in the UK and join the movement.

:: my friends. I cannot begin to explain how much better my life is to have such supportive and true friends.
:: crisp early spring mornings in our cute cottage.
:: my running buddy, Nicky.
:: our garden, ivy and all.
:: yellow roses. I so want yellow roses!

I hope you had a lovely sunny Monday, filled with good news. And yellow roses, if possible :)

*as my dear brother pointed out, I very rarely wear make up anyway, so I should add the disclaimer that this is a normal face day for me.

::inspiring Mondays::

(for Elke)

Last week, my dear friend Elke wrote to say she missed my inspiring Mondays. My heart was warm instantly, even before I realised how much I missed it too. That time in my week where I would focus on all the good in and around my life. That time of the week where time would stand still as I smiled at all the little things that made my life great, often seeing them for the first time. That time of the week where I would go against the trend and embrace the beginning of a new week with the same joy as the new year.

Life has been good around here. And life has been overwhelming and stressful too. As I struggled for time and found myself irritated and irritating, I also smiled and laughed more. Way more. As if I was just living more intensely... And I was. The good news are that things are settling now. The other good news is that my laughter is now lighter. The bad news is that I'm now obsessed with gardening and I know as much about it as most people know about quantum theory. Yep, not much at all!

:: good friends that remind you of the little things that make you happy.

:: having a garden and loving it. 

:: spring weather when it's still winter... Oh the joys of being a rebel!

:: fabric. I LOVE good fabric.

:: running. And having the best running buddy ever!

How was your start to the week? I hope filled with sunlight and smiles.

choose :: February update

It's now mid-March and whilst I'm behind on my blogging, I'm not behind on my goals and goal setting.

In February, I became a godmother and love it. As I held that baby girl and kissed her sweet cheeks, life was good and time sat still for just a moment. For the first time ever, I wasn't scared of breaking the baby; it felt natural and easy and perfect!

I achieved all my goals for February and that makes me happy. I made a baby quilt which I'm proud of (more on that to come), as well as the most adorable and cutest baby tunic (much thanks to the fabric choice!). And I accepted the greyness; that really was key to making the most of February.

I find myself more and more thinking about my choices; the daily power of my choices and their consequences. Who I want to be in my choices. It's a good feeling and I like how it's helping me become a better person.