Mid Summer Being

I'm feeling a bit tender today. On this mid summer day i'm reflecting
and contemplating many thoughts. It is rather difficult to try and
process all of them. So instead I'm embracing this welcomed tenderness by
allowing myself to be. My inner gypsy is lingering and trying to
surface. I can feel her and it is important I listen to what wisdom
she wants to share.

Last weekend we loaded up the Disco and took the girls on a road trip
to Durango,CO. It was a 6 hour drive and we had plenty of time to
laugh,sing and chat. In honor of father's day Jason went Mt. Biking and
got his fix. The girls and I enjoyed exploring the town. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the humming birds. So many of them humming their sweet melodies. I often found myself naturally humming along with them. This much needed getaway
validated that Colorado is truly where I belong. It is were my roots are grounded and settled. It's the place that allows me to feel closest to Mother Earth and grateful for her beauty and nurture.

Sometimes we need to mindful of our feelings and allow them to be.

Link love:

Are you looking for yummy soap? This is the place. My favorite is Portuguese Breakfast.
Addicted to these yummy snacks.
I want one of these.
Listening to this song over and over and over.
Loving Jack's new CD. It was on our road trip compilation. Particularly groovin to this!
Wow...dreaming of this home!

Happy Summer!

Off To The Mountains

Photo Credit: Angie Stopperan

The family and I are off to the mountains. We are making it an extra long weekend and getting away. We are excited for our adventure! I am delighted to get my mountain fix! Enjoy your weekend!

Puddle Wonderful

Photo Credit To D. Sharon Pruitt

After a week of hot summer temperatures, a rainy weekend was welcomed! WHEW! Temperatures here dropped from 90 degrees into the low 50's. There was something invigorating about feeling the chill of cold rain drops on my warm skin. As the rain fell softly, I felt as if it was purifying a new beginning. So when Amelie put on her rain boots to jump in puddles outside, I didn't try to distract her... instead I understood and joined her. So much fun! Soon, I hope to share some great news that involves our favorite unique town in the mountains! Keep your fingers crossed. Here's to an evening that involves socks, warm tea with honey, a knitted throw wrapped around me and a movie with just the husband. Shhh both girls are asleep!

I want this cozy to decorate a mug of my favorite chai.

Oh and this song has been in my head all weekend. Helped motivate the puddle jumping.

Amelie loves this song!

Wish I had these on my bed!

Good night!

Everyday Special

My Mother, Alsuira age 15



My mother a widow in her early thirties made a courageous decision to uproot the only life she knew in São Miguel,Açores and traveled on a jet plane across the Atlantic ocean with her three young children and immigrated to America. I always viewed this as such a bold and courageous act. I often reflect on what that journey must of been like for my mother, sister and brothers.

When she came to America, she celebrated her new lifr by purchasing a Polish China set. She later met my father, remarried and surprise I came along! Believe it or not this china sat in my mothers china cabinet for 32 years! When my parents decided to move back to Portugal, my mother said that she wanted me to have the china set. I was elated because I was getting married that same year and it was the perfect gift. I would now possess the beautiful Polish China set. I have used it a couple times but now it is sitting in my china cabinet and I've realized I need to use it more. No need to wait for a special occasion because every day is special. So in honor of my mother's brave journey 38 years ago; I will use the Polish China set more. So if you ever come to visit, I'll be sure to bring out the china.




The Polish China


And these photos... oh how I love reusing, reducing and recycling. I've added these to my virtual vision board:


theletteredcottage.net

urbanlifestyledecorblog.com
myhomeideas.com

Tiny People

This evening I spent some time examining some of the poetry I wrote 12 years ago. My words then described uncertainty, escape and fear of the unknown. As I reflected on those raw feelings of so long ago, I found myself sighing with relief, grateful for my present. It was 12 years ago today that I began my self discovery journey. The one where I packed everything I owned into my little white Mazda and drove for days until I reached Colorado. I had $500.00 to my name and one friend to crash with. It was Colorado's beauty that healed this little girls fear and opened my eyes to welcome the unknown. I remember when I arrived, I hiked my very first trail in Boulder (The Royal Arch) and when I reached the top l gasped at the beauty that surrounded me. At that moment I opened my heart and the healing began. Over the years, I have learned how to fall to my knees with grace, get up quickly and smile (even if it hurts). After everything, I have been blessed with the greatest gift... motherhood. A journey with many fresh wounds and jubilant victories. It took everything to get here, the mistakes, the joys, the tears, the hopes.... all worth it. Because now, I have the pleasure of spending my time with these tiny people. Every moment possible I am by there side laughing, singing, dancing,snuggling and being.

Pitter Patter

I am still in quite a fancy over how jovial the long holiday weekend was. It all started with a carousel ride. I thought that opening day at the new carousel in Nederland (our favorite town ever) would be such a fun adventure for Amelie (my 3 year old) but it turns out it lit a fire of giddiness inside of me. The music, the sounds of laughter, the smell of popcorn awakend me to memories of being a child! I haven't felt child-like in a long time. I found myself whispering "It's okay to feel this way enjoy it". And that I did. For the rest of the weekend many little things made my heart pitter patter a bit faster than it normally tends too. Everyone needs to let their inner child shine a bit more. I have rediscovered mine and promise myself to keep her around and pay more attention to her. What makes your heart pitter patter?

Here are some of the things that fed the giddiness:

I bounced around the house all weekend listening to this song!

Oh and these would look scrumptious on Penelope's feet!

This outfit made me want to travel so I booked a mini vacation here.

I just got this and can't wait until the mailman drops it off.

My inner child says I should treat myself to this because it sure is pretty.