I was coming here to post about the recent happenings in our parts: purging of clutter, a new washer and dryer, the arrival of Autumn here in Texas, mama trotting on a horse and feeling ridiculously happy about those five or so seconds, the anticipation for the lovely Thanksgiving week ahead. All that good stuff.
I feel the need to emphasize: it's golden and gorgeous out there right.
And then I downloaded some photos to IPhoto and somehow moved my mouse which took me to my archives from a couple of years back at this time, when Bea was just 3 years old. And now, I'm struck with nostalgia wondering how, just how, it all goes by so fast and missing the days when I could scoop her up so easily into my arms.
This past week was trying. After a nice long run of loveliness, we hit a wall, and it all came crumbling down. Now, I'm in the place where I am constantly reminding myself to dig up enough patience and deep breaths. And that when little ones push us away the hardest, that's when we need to return to them with the most love and empathy. If only I could be the kind of mother that remembers that simple advice as often I need to.
Oh well, we can't beat ourselves up about what is or isn't. We must accept these challenges as the natural flow of growth. This too shall pass. I can't let it bring me too far down. Autumn is knocking on my front door and is begging to play. I'm not one to say no to such requests.
Hope you all have a lovely week.
XO,
Nichole
Your photos are SO beautiful! Breathtaking really...
Posted by: Amy | November 24, 2014 at 12:33 AM
Oh the roller coaster ride of emotions and experiences that life dishes out. harumph. I mean, I know that without the lows we'd not so much appreciate the highs, but gosh if it could just dip once in a blue moon, as a reminder...... i think that'd be enough. lovelinesslovelinesslovelinesslovelinesslovelinesslovelinessloveliness(small wall)lovelinesslovelinesslovelinesslovelinesslovelinessloveliness. and so on. Sorry it's been rough. You know you aren't alone though- I too (all of us, I'm sure) wish I could remember that simple advice more often. especially WHEN I need it (ahem), instead of immediately after the fact. the work of a lifetime, right there. xo Heather at Bauty the Moves has a nice saying: "If you can't have grace in the moment, have grace in the turnaround."
It looks like it is beautiful in your parts these days, all that golden and glimmering light dancing across the Texas grasses. I know you're enjoying that. LOVE the photo of Byron and Bea all snuggled up. And that pony!
hugs from afar,
A
Posted by: amanda | November 24, 2014 at 07:33 AM
Golden Autumn!
Posted by: Ruth | November 24, 2014 at 04:56 PM
Happy belated Thanksgiving to you, Amanda! Family pulled out the drive just a short bit ago. The house is quiet (Byron and Bea went for a morning excursion) and less cluttered, but I'm feeling forlorn with the parting. I am so grateful for each and every messy, confusing, intense, connected, comfortable, peaceful, and challenging moment I get to experience. All of it...like worn patches of a well-loved quilt, make up the riches of our days and what is more mind-blowing gorgeous than that? Wishing you oceans of love...XO, Nichole
Posted by: Nichole | November 29, 2014 at 09:15 AM
As always, thank you so much Amy! Your words are SO kind. I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday surrounded by all those who mean the very most to you. XO, Nichole
Posted by: Nichole | November 29, 2014 at 09:17 AM
yes...it's just glistening out there!
Posted by: Nichole | November 29, 2014 at 09:18 AM