,
During this past weekend, I gazed out my window of my home which peered upon my two now de-leafed cherry trees where my bird feeder hangs and saw not one, not four, not even just six, but eight and sometimes 10 birds dancing about my bird feeder waiting to enjoy a nibble. To say I was giddy would be to underscore my exuberance. The smile you would have seen on my face stretched from ear to ear and
eventually Norman was gazing at the birds' soiree outside our window and appeared to be delighted as well, or at least mildly curious.
In the past four or five years, I have come to realize with great clarity that I find much joy is toodling about my home, whether working on projects, tending to the yard, planning a decor project or simply sitting and relaxing while the world happens just outside my window especially if it involves nature. Even when I travel, I find I simply enjoy settling into my vacation rental, exploring the immediate neighborhood and then cozying back into my
temporary sanctuary to be extremely exhilarating.
Perhaps it is the gift of the internet, and thus technology, but I never feel disconnected if I do not want to be even when I do stay at home because there are means to communicate with others, whether it is for work or with family should they not be in proximity physically. Now of course, what makes staying home and investing in my home much like an artist would a blank canvas is that I do travel and I do leave town
regularly and I do explore my town of Bend on a regular basis, but knowing I also find great joy in just being home is a calm that has become more and more priceless (is that possible?) especially during these past few years.
Each of us will find our happy place to be unique to us. I recognize that not everyone enjoys spending so much time at home. I have no doubt that part of my comfort comes from my childhood as we could easily entertain ourselves on the twenty-acre property out in the country. Knowing how to pluck ideas from one's imagination and to also set it free to explore was a skill I learned largely from my parents in their
creative pursuits either in the garden in the woodshop or in the house we called home. Finding a balance of engagement with the world and home time needs to work for each of us, and thus will strike a different balance for each individual, but once you find your bliss point, make no apology and savor, savor, savor.
In this week's newsletter, you will find it full of ideas for the upcoming holidays (without it being all about the holidays - have a look at the post to find out what I am talking about), as well as a bursting at the seams This & That. Thank you for subscribing to TSLL's weekly newsletter and may your weekend be lovely, warm in just the right way and just long enough to rejuvenate you for the week that
awaits.
Until next Friday, I will see you on the blog. Bonne journée.
