a list for july

Taking a cue from Juliann's blog.

finish a shawl (or 2?)
run, run, then run some more
try some new recipes
finish a book
make music
do something with my photos from Hawai'i
finding ways to choose gratitude

one little word wednesday

Choose to explore.

Yesterday was our first full day in Hawaii. The Big Isalnd has so many different things to so that we decided to just drive north and see what we could find. We knew of a few places based on a local guide we were given and at each stop we seemed to acquire a slightly different map with varied restaurants and activities. We brainstormed a quick list of things to try and find but really, we just drove until we saw something interesting.

This view is from the northern tip of the island in the Pololū Valley. You drive to the end of the highway, park, and hike down. Just reapply sunscreen, grab your water, and head on down.

This was exactly the thing we like to do and the views were spectacular. I am so glad we chose to explore. Today we're exploring more close to home. We might even go swimming!?! Side note: we might be the only visitors to not swim within the first 36 hours of arriving in Hawaii.

Choosing to explore is not easy for a girl who likes a plan, but it is surely worth the challenge!

Currently - April 2014

returning to blogging!

wearing my new shawl (see above)

eating goat cheese & apple slices

packing for  Hawaii - trip isn't until June, but it's good to have something to look forward to!

listening to Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Gazarek, the husband's jazz piano from the next room  

searching for a new audiobook to listen to while I wash dishes and knit 

reading A Causal Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (lots of characters with interesting connections and a steady pace)

choosing to move: running and yoga a few times a week with shorter core and toning exercises on "off days"

browsing A Beautiful Mess projects that I don't necessarily make yet always inspire me to try new things no matter after how daunting and Lining Up My Stitches for inspiration and accountability to keep doing the things we love regardless of life busyness

enjoying  the wall of our living room which showcases a small quilt I finished last year, a fun and dynamic paper art project, and an old bingo board from my Grandparent's house. Each has a certain faded, antique quality that I find cozy and relaxing.

watching most things PBS and "Chuck"(we just began season 1)

sipping americanos - hand ground and homemade

knitting any chance I can get!

I enjoy reading currently posts from a variety of bloggers. It is a fun way to document the little and big things happening. Here are some links to other ways of recording what is currently happening:

Elise Blaha Cripe

Stephanie Howell

Ali Edwards