Notes 05.23
Hello hello! Happy May! Coming to you from my office as I’m listening to the pitter-patter of the rain falling outside. We had hoped for a picnic and a gathering of wild flowers as it is a tradition in Greece on the first of May but clearly the weather had other plans! On the upside, a very welcomed rainfall for our garden and trees though. I would have loved a sunny day but to be honest, I don’t mind it at all. The sound of rain is quite soothing.
On the Calendar |
This month is going to be the ultimate spring cleaning for a total home and digital refresh! Spring cleaning can be overwhelming at times. What really helps me is tackling one room at a time. It keeps my stress levels at bay. I always start by sending our carpets out to have them cleaned and stored. Summer’s soaring temperatures makes having carpet under my feet feel even hotter. Then I’ll swap winter/summer wear and while I do that I also do a little decluttering. It’s a daunting process! Our house is in a state of chaos when spring cleaning happens. But once it’s done, that after feeling is soooo nice!
I started prepping my vegetable and herb garden. I’m definitely planting amaranth greens, cherries tomatoes and cucumbers for Georgios. I’m hoping to plant more but I’m not sure which ones can endure summer’s temperatures. So, I’ll be taking a trip to the farmer’s market this Saturday and see what other things I can plant.
Moving forward I’d like to bring our kitchen space to life again. Nothing grand. Some tile painting, floating shelves, new window treatment…still in the thought process of it all but definitely a little something-something!
Lately |
The last couple of weeks I’ve been in a very slow pace, calm state. I’m more present and intentional about my time and energy. I take things slow. This calmness has given me much clarity. I trust myself more and the pace of life seems to flow with ease and joy. It’s given me a whole new perspective.
A quote I came across this morning put it into words perfectly—
“ To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson
We’ve been spending a lot more time in our garden these days and it’s been utterly serene! Our first al fresco lunch was on Easter Sunday and we lucked out with the most beautiful weather. There was good company, good food, wine, delicious desserts….but my personal favourite was being able to finally set our table under our lemon tree. It was absolutely lovely!
These days most of my afternoons are spent in our little bistro corner on our balcony and it has become the highlight of my day! It’s amazing how a little change can alter the well-bing. As Paris says, “You’re happy spot!”
One of my favourite accounts shared this and I hope it speaks to you just as it has to me—
“Seven Major Things One Has to Learn:
1. Find the joy in this life. Joy is each minute given to you.
2. Bring joy to others. Be compassionate.
3. Forgive. Always. Everyone and yourself.
4. Repent. Exonerate yourself from sins and mistakes.
5. Laugh. In your face and soul. To others and to yourself.
6. Breathe. Freely, deeply and with pleasure.
7. Sleep. In plenty and to your heart’s content.”