Just Breathe -

 moment to breathe.

More moments to breathe deeply. . . . .

To think

To wish

To remember

To hope

I look back over my photos taken when time often

 stood still. There were moments to enjoy, to escape, 

to see new places, even old places but with a fresh eye. 

I feel lucky I had those moments and recorded

 them . . . . . for times such as now.

This week I really need to breathe, deeply, so I may not post 

anything new. Each day is somewhat clouded, some by the weather, 

some brought upon us by the Corona virus, some by family issues, 

others by household problems (awaiting the plumber here), and many

 by just day to day living with distancing from our loved ones, wearing

 masks, and feeling discomfort and cautious when away from the 

comforts and safety of home and garden. . . . . . whilst others choose

 blatant, uncaring behavior causing us stress and concerns.

Please be kind to one another and do the right

 thing when it comes to health and safety.

It's the corners of home............

.............that are special. The little nooks and crannies one often misses when far from home. I'm whizzing about getting ready to leave, but I find it so hard to shut that door behind me!

By the time I get back, the hearth will be set for Winter fires.  New logs will have been delivered and stacked. Bob's 'Winter fireside chair' will be down from the guest room, ready for toe warming evenings, perhaps a roasted chestnut or two. The Summer rosé wine will be a memory, instead glasses of deep ruby will be clinked in the firelight.

I do love to travel and see new places, but I'm also a real homebody who has a hard time leaving my familiar domicile to venture off into remote corners of the world. I'm not really that brave. That probably all sounds ridiculous but, until I'm strapped in that seat on the first lap of a journey, when all the goodbyes have been said, the bags hopefully stowed in the belly of that big bird, and the wheels go up, I'm still wishing I could stay home! 

I'll miss sitting here, reading your blogs and sharing something important, trivial, or downright silly with you each morning as I sip that first eye-opening cup of coffee.  Will miss looking out at the front porch where the daily wren comes to chirp, and on toward the feeder swaying in an early Fall breeze as the woodpecker, chickadees, and cardinals come for breakfast.

Projects are waiting. I purchased these old starched collars some time ago thinking I'd create something artistic for the wall. The oil painting doesn't fit there behind my Grandmother's lovely vase, when I get back I'll hang it somewhere more appropriate.  

Creative juices have not been flowing lately. Hunting for antique and vintage treasures has been pushed to the back burner, where the longing to visit thrift shops and such simmers in silence.  

Talk about simmering..............not much cooking has been going on here either.  Quick meals with some homemade soups now and then.  A lovely dinner at our neighbors' home to wish me bon voyage (and celebrate my birthday early!), and a run to the local Panera Bread, quick and tasty. 

Yes, to travel to remote places is different. The planning takes much more time, the coordinating is time consuming.  You need an adventurous best friend who has done it before, and, when she already has great friends waiting on the other side of the world to welcome you and take you sightseeing, it's even better. I am truly blessed and thankful.