mindfulness

I didn't know what to post so I just haven't posted. Not that there isn't anything to write about, there is.

Certainly, things to think about and do, but not quite thinking or doing them. I could try to defend it, saying I need time to pause and rest. But it's not very restful when I fill it up with non-mindful things (television, social media, etc), then feel guilty for wasting time. That bad kind of rest, vegetating in a dull, inactive, unchallenging way.

Good rest. Like a seed hidden in the ground, nothing to fear or worry. Time and space to be nourished by the soil, active rest. Because things still happen even in the ground. That time to be still, brings growth. Learning to be mindful, brings wholeness.

"...but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit... to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5b, 6b)

monday afternoons

Every other weekend I work Saturday/Sunday nights. Monday mornings are spent sleeping in like a Saturday. Slowly start moving around noon, make lunch, drink tea. Only because I know if I sleep any longer I won't be able to go to bed this evening. It's hard to have a routine with the way I've been working. I am not very productive. I sift through my to do list, only accomplishing one or two things a day. Today's list: baking a cake for my neighbor Phoebe (she turns one today!), studying for my first examination towards my New Zealand nursing license, cooking a meal for friends. Everything else is bonus.

Seriously, I'll probably just bake a cake and cook dinner.

(photo via lasaraperovic)

last week

I really miss spring break, not just because I didn't have to do my homework, but mostly because I spent everyday with these handsome boys. East End Double Dip opened up the first Sunday of break, and I went three, wait four, no, just three days in a row. While driving home on our last trip, Daylen turned to Mal, Logan, and I, and asked, "Why am I always with you people when I get ice cream?" I told him not to worry about it.

But seriously, spring break is making me itchy for summer. Daylen, get ready. I'm planning on lots of Double Dip runs. 

I simply love window seats especially this one surrounded by books posted on apartment therapy. I'm thinking this is a good place to sit for all of my spring break, but in forty-eight hours I'm on a jet-plane to Belize. Think of me: it's a medical mission trip, and I am excited.

To add to the above, the house that beholds that little windowsill also has beautiful bedrooms like this and that.

I wish I had time to make these dark-chocolate cookies with expresso. Wouldn't that be lovely?

I'm loving Keira Knightly's bangs in this photo.

And, I'm still trying to figure out if I can go see the beautiful harpist Joanna Newsom in Grand Rapids after spring break.

Remember, you are loved.