A Very Merry Christmas Indeed

It's late in the evening and every one is nestled in bed. I am taking the time to reflect on today. I've added some more pine logs to the fire so that it continues to burn a bit longer in the wood stove. The loud crackles of the burning wood ease me and I sit in my cozy chair and stare at the Christmas tree lights.
I chuckle at the new tradition we started this year and how we strongly agreed to ensure it would become a tradition. It was wearing our Christmas pajamas all day! I must admit it felt comforting and somewhat festive for each of us to fashion our holiday specific pajamas all day. I grab an old knit throw blanket and throw it over me. I find myself drawn to the light shining in through the window. It's a glow from the stars and at that moment I am overwhelmed with relief and joy. Everything I have ever wanted and wished for I have.
My little family. These three people who are my whole world are upstairs sleeping peacefully.
When they laugh, dream, believe I am adoringly engaged and find myself dreaming of how to

ensure that they continue to laugh, dream and believe. Their pure love heals me. It is the gift of all gifts and my favorite one.

I hope that this Christmas you were surrounded by those who give you pure love! And as we embark on a new year, may you write down all of your dreams and find ways to make them happen. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Where I've been...

When you know where you belong, you just have to get there. Right? Well, we are there. It took 3 years of living in the front range to realize that we left our hearts here. This iconic town (mostly known for the frozen dead guy in a tuff shed) has always been home. We rented a 100 year old cabin years ago in Old Town and we actually bought our first home here too!

And now we've found the perfect love nest to raise our girls and just be. We came to the realization that modern conveniences have nothing over living smack in the middle of the national forest and having the biggest playground ever in your own back yard! Only made sense that this is where we should raise our children.. And boy are we All happier, relieved, de-stressed, smiling more, giggling more and breathing deeper. Sometimes you just have to listen to your gut and make things happen. I'm feeling more connected to the desires of my heart. I think we all are. Even Amelie who is only 3 years old repeatedly announces how she loves her home in the mountains.

Because this finally feels like our home, I've named our property. It's called Quinta da Saudade. Of course it's portuguese and I have my father to thank for this name. You see my father always had a way of romanticizing the Portuguese language. My father would argue that there is no english words that could possibly do justice to describing the word Saudade. Well, I'm going to try. In a common way it translates as longing for, something your passionate about. Quinta means a villa. And so officially welcome to Quinta Da Saudade. It's where wonderful things happen! May our paths connect soon and may we be blessed with visits from old friends and new!

I am playing with some new looks to gypsybeing. I have this lovely to thank for the AMAZING banner photo.
I also have to thank my dear friend Angie, for helping me create the banner.
Oh and I can't forget this code guru too!

A few of my favorite things

Oh how I love the weekends! And oh how I love spending it with my family. We started off with a yummy breakfast here. It's one of my favorite places to eat. Next was a stroll down Pearl Street. It was a delicious summer morning. It was a brisk 70 degree morning and the slight chill made me anxious for the upcoming Fall season. The Fall is my favorite season and I am looking forward to putting on a sweater soon. Until then I will enjoy the remainder of the summer bidding it a good farewell.

Reflection

Photo Credit: Filipa Vaz

How can the unknown define you? Is it true that the older you get the less you want to take chances, take risks? Taking a week off from a hectic work schedule has allowed time for reflection. I found myself concluding that only I can determine what is right for me. I've spent most of my life allowing society to tell me what direction to take, worrying about perceptions, expectations. And for what? Well...I've learned that I don't want to live and be and have what everyone else has. My heart won't let it be that way. I don't want to pass judgement on those that are different. Instead I admire and respect the differences. I want to define my happiness. And sometimes getting what you want is hard work but the kind of work worth doing. I am committed to chasing what makes my heart pitter patter and the number one item on my list is finding a way to work less and spend more time with my family. If you have the same item on your list, please do share how you plan to make it possible. Is there something you have been wanting for a long time? Have you thought about acting on it?

Enjoy your weekend and find time for reflection. It helps heal the soul!

Staycation

Last Monday, as I was rushing out the door to work, Amelie said to me "Mom, please stay home with me, don't go to work". My heart was crushed. As soon as I arrived to work, I requested time off and now I am off from work this week enjoying my girls and some summer sunshine. My heart has been telling me that I have been focusing to much on all of the other things in life instead of what matters! We are enjoying every moment!

I think this would be a fun vacation WWOOFING with my family!
Love Woody's version of this!
Enjoyed a yummy new creation of mine for dinner- Butternutsquash Enchiladas!

Maybe you should think about taking some time off. ;]

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!