I needed to hear these words today.

The two men in my life:

Duke seems to think that any time we do yard work, it’s time to play.

Dh asked me to come jump in the pile of leaves.  When I declined, he showed me how.

I know it’s a sad, pathetic pile of leaves…but it’s our first raking-the-leaves-at-our-own-house experience:)

Of course, this display prompted more playing.

Oh, and did I mention our doggy can fly?  You don’t believe me?

Get out there and have some fun this weekend!

A reminder setup at every function

Finding a routine despite inconsistent schedules.

My breakfast

A late night snack with my sweet dh.  May I remember to relish the moments he’s home!

I got an email from a sweet friend today asking if I had my own workspace.  I started responding and realized that there were going to be pictures and bulleted lists — I should just make it a blog post!

When DH and I were looking to buy a house, we really wanted to each have our own office.  We found a great 4-bedroom house–enough for a man-cave (ie. DH’s office), a spare bedroom, and my office.  Hooray!

After moving in and getting all situated, I realized a couple of things:

1. My desk was not a pleasant place for me to hang out.  There was a tiny place for my legs and it just didn’t “feel” good.
2. The room that was “my office” was also dubbed the “baby room” (should the need arise, no promises Mom).  It just never felt like a space for me.
3. Also, just between us, it was in the front of the house and I just wasn’t comfortable opening the shades.  I’m still getting used to this whole “living in the city” thing.

Instead, I took over the nook in our bedroom.  It faces the backyard, which means I can spy on the birds and my dog all day.

The desk is an old kitchen table I got at a garage sale, $20.  I spray painted the top brown and left the legs white.  For storage, I have a bookshelf on the opposite wall.  It holds some computer stuff (extra chords, external hardrive) in a little basket, some books, and my library books.  For stuff that I use everyday (my bible, journal, writing folder, current book I’m reading, to do lists, etc) I keep it in a cute little basket I got at TJ Maxx.

(Yes, that is a Toy Story folder.)

I had been studying right before I took this so all my books are up there (they would usually be in my little basket).  The top is only for the essentials!  I have a lamp (which I’d really like to replace with a tiny thrifted chandelier someday), a reminder to pray for my household, a plant (I need nature in my life, seriously), a quote from Mother Teresa, “the” pinecone, and a pencil holder.  Oh, and my mug of tea.  Like I said, essentials!

Finally, a seat for my seat  (sorry for the blurry picture).  I kinda splurged on it, but I wanted something comfy!  You’ll also notice in the top picture a little dark brown ottoman–I’m so short my feet don’t touch the ground and it was hurting my back.  Comfort is key.

I think everybody needs a space of their own.  For me the priorities were: a large clean space, a view of outside, and a comfy place to work.

Do you have your own space?

“The wonderful thing, whether we are together or apart, is to know that he is in the world, and that we belong together. And what I must learn is to love with all of me, giving all of me, and yet remain whole in myself. Any other kind of love is too demanding of the other; it takes rather than gives. To love so completely that you lose yourself in another person is not good. You are giving a weight, not the sense of lightness and light that loving someone should give. To love wholly, generously, and yet retain the core that makes you you.”
~Madeleine L’Engle from Two-Part Invention: The Story of a Marriage

watching fruit slowly ripen.

being able to be there when my sweet brother-in-law became an eagle scout.

safe (silly) travels to visit family.

I left my camera at home this morning and was able to enjoy the sunrise without the distraction of getting the perfect shot.

a brunch with a new friend

fresh produce, fresh colors

a reminder of I AM

lazy time with my dh

I shall give thanks to You,
for You have answered me,
And You have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21

I was walking home from church last night and, admittedly, I was feeling sorry for myself. The reasons are unimportant (as they usually are when self-pity is involved). And then I saw this.

Do you pray?

How? What does it look like on a practical level?

When? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Is it organized or at a whim?

I am doing some personal research about prayer and while there’s tons of information about there to give me an intellectual understanding but I’m looking for individual experiences. Regardless your spiritual beliefs, your input would be greatly appreciated. I want to know as much information as you’re willing to share.

I understand for some (at least for me), this is a very personal matter; please email your responses to whitesparrows@gmail.com.

Thank you for considering.
-tara