January has been such a big, full month of so many really good things. I feel myself stepping into February fully inspired and ready for the beginnings of the new season ahead.
We've had a real winter (with more to come) this year and it feels so nice and so right. It's true isn't it, there is something so intangible and necessary to our sense of self that natural seasons help to provide. A cycle. Beginnings. Endings. And everything in between. A heightened sense of appreciation for time. That all of this is fleeting. We are all miniscule particles of the great big everything.
This month has been spent focusing inward. Reminding myself to sift out what is not nourishing to myself or our family. Remembering to pay more attention to all that brings joy. It's a constant but ever important task.
These days, bits of joy find themselves in a variety of moments...
A backyard of birds attracted to our feeders. Learning to finger knit with my girl. Reading in bed. Making bread again (and a batch or two of brownies). Winter sunrises and sunset (mercy me). Warm drinks of every sort. Morning smoothies. My wooly, wonderful, donated grandpa sweater complete with leather buttons and elbow pads. Our DIY bookshelves in the morning light. A cleared out corner in the living room that maybe, just maybe might one day be home to a sweet, little woodstove. Organizing and simplifying. Bills. Toys. Photos. Clothes. And realizing that nothing feels better than a life free and clear from distactions. I need space -- mind space, living space -- it's all connected.
I've been finding myself reinspired as I've thought more about homeschooling Bea and how it is all interwoven into the life we see ourselves living. To be honest, it feels like the greatest priviledge and honor to even be able to think about the idea of currating a learning life together. Parenthood and being present in the process of a little one growing up can be full to the brim with delight. I'm so grateful I get to ride along side with her on this part of her life journey.
And to end, here's a few links of interest and inspiration.
Her scarves. Oh my. Have me itching to experiment with natural textile dyeing.
On a similar topic, isn't what she's cooking up so devine. I love her aesthetic.
I'm hooked on this series, thanks to two good ladies with impeccable taste.
Truth and good, solid advice.
I bought my first ever fabric bundle. It's even better in person.
In the spirit of mindfulness and all that is lovely and useful, I must mention a note about my incredible friend Amanda who is organizing a blogger swap in the upcoming weeks. She's got this this whole notion of swapping out useful, beautiful, handmade goods down to a science. If you want to participate, I think there might still be time to connect with her.
I'm so glad you're enjoying Larkrise! I think I'm a few episodes in to season 2 and I am enjoying it immensely. I think Brian may actually like it too ;)
Posted by: Noelle | January 31, 2014 at 08:02 AM
oh Nichole- I just can't get enough of your photos lately! they are so vivid and lovely. make me want to come to Texas and walk around the fields with you and yours. that Karen Maezen Miller, she's a wise, wise woman. and I adore that twilight fabric collection. I bought myself a sewing machine for Christmas, now I just have to learn to use it ;)
thanks, also, for the very generous and kind mention. we are up to 50 swappers (holy cow!) and counting. I'll 'close' it Monday and get things rolling~
xoxo
Posted by: amanda (sweetpotatoclaire) | January 31, 2014 at 09:35 PM
Love it! Though, I've noticed I've slacked on bedtime reading. :)
Posted by: Nichole | February 02, 2014 at 06:29 PM
Oh! Come to Texas any old time. Come in April! Peak wildflower season! I'll walk you all around town. Along the river. To the library. The swimming hole. Our little town square. :) Truth be told, a lot of these photos are taken in ordinary places. Here and there. Around the house. Those wide open fields are gorgeous, but sadly, I don't get out to them as much as I should.
Posted by: Nichole | February 02, 2014 at 06:33 PM
truth be told, I'm quite sure I'd be just as happy looking at grasses in your yard with you as I'd be out in a big meadow ;)
xo
Posted by: amanda (sweetpotatoclaire) | February 02, 2014 at 07:25 PM