Last Week

Today marks the last Monday I will be solo parenting. Andrew has been taking an intense four week course related to work down in Maryland--this is the last week. He's been able to come home on the weekends--which has been an extraordinary relief--but, I assure you, during the week, time moves slowly. Like sludge. It would be a completely different situation if I weren't 6 months pregnant with diminishing view of my feet. I'm learning all different sorts of coping mechanisms, mostly related to chocolate, along with a huge appreciation for mothers who do this regularly. I'm not going to lie, there have been tears, hyper-ventilation, and complete, utter exhaustion, to the point that I can't get off the couch. But, there have also been moments of true inspiration. My neighbors, friends, and family have literally swooped in and rescued the day with their time, their generosity and kindness. Amazingly, I haven't felt as alone as I would have thought. I'm still tired and achy and can't quite figure out how to manage William's outbursts of crankiness, but I'm here. We've survived!

So, sorry if I've been a little absent over here. I know you'll understand!

XOXO,
Jewels

Image by Jackie Rueda

Snow

It's been a mild winter, to say the least. We had snow back in October and a few fluffy flakes here and there, but the first real snow fall of the winter came last weekend! It was gorgeous, the perfect wintery day. Everything turned white. I love snow. I'm a rare bird in these parts--most people look at me like I'm deranged when I saw that I like winter. I like the "S" word. Ha!

be kind to yourself

This means being generous with your shortcomings, mindful of what you can't control, forgiving of the person you were and gentle with the person you will be.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,
Jewels

PS It can also mean, yes, you should eat that bar of chocolate sans guilt!

Pink

I was awash in pink last week. After my last blog post Andrew came home with pink roses. Then on Friday my mum and dad sent me pink tulips. Yes, I am one of those woman who's whole day can be transformed by a single blossom. Whether I buy them for myself or they are generously given to me, I love them.

Side note: Madeleine has grown so much this past week that she is now tickling my ribs. I can't tell you how weird it feels. Kind of uncomfortable, too, but it's a happy sort of experience. I seem to make wiggle worms, dancers, bouncers and movers. William couldn't help but jig around in there. Madeleine isn't about to be outdone by her older brother.

XOXO,
Jewels

Today will be beautiful

My therapist recommended finding one thing of beauty, one thing marvelous, soul-inspiring, or simply sweet, each day. It feeds the passion of the heart and soul. Like kindling to a smouldering fire, these little things can flame up and send warmth and light into your day. Yes, my therapist is wise. Of course, such good advice is embroidered on pillows, letterpressed on cards and posters, and is a general theme amongst almost all creative environments. But, golly, why do I forget to do it? I sit here at my computer, awe-struck by the fact that it's the first of February--already February--and I feel like the winter blues have crippled me, so much so that I find that it actually takes energy to look for these things of beauty, when in the past it was like breathing. Depression does that--if you didn't know. You mentally know what you need to do to pull yourself out of the slump, but, the very thought of getting off your butt to do so is overwhelming, so you stay right there. On your butt. You add a few other hard-to-negotiate factors (like pregnancy, for instance) and I feel undone. Picture me with my hands on my hips now (well, at least where my hips are supposed to be)--it's time to do something! Baby steps, of course, but something. Today I'm going to find something pink, because the color makes me happy. Today I'm going to go outside and for a second I'm going to actually stand still and lift my face to the sunshine. Today I'm going to look at my little boy and see him as an adventurer not the goon he can be. Today is going to be beautiful. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but today will be beautiful.

Image found here on Dream Love Cure