Experiencing moment by moment...

A day off is a wonderful thing. So, today I allowed myself to do whatever I felt like. And, when my plans didn't work out exactly perfect, I allowed myself to be okay with that. And, I ended up having a great day of friendship, adventure, and inspiration. Three of my favorite things. I also spent a lot of time outside, which I have been lacking lately.

I started my day by reading my writing book, then once I got up and ready, I went out to visit my neighbors who were participating in our neighborhood garage sale and passed out cupcakes that I had made for my niece's canceled birthday party. Then it was off to Mandarin to meet my friend at a craft show. It was fun being the customer instead of the vendor for once. Then we went to lunch and I left there to meet my other friend at an art show in Switzerland at this beautiful historic orange grove. It had an old barn with an amazing rusted roof, an old shed, and two of the most beautiful antique houses. I wanted to move right in. I was bummed you couldn't go inside. So we walked through the environmental booths, getting info on the Sierra and Save the Manatee clubs, then walked down to the river. It was a perfectly beautiful day. The sky was a bright blue, the clouds a puffy white. It was hot, but the breeze was blowing over the water and felt nice. All we needed was a front porch, a swing, and some sweet tea. After that, I dropped my friend off and came back to the city. Though it was only a short visit, I always love being in the country.

Once at home, I wished my puppy a happy 9th birthday and he hung outside with me while I weeded our overgrown garden. It didn't take long, so I spent the last few remaining minutes of sunlight on our back porch finishing my writing book, which was great. I didn't bother adding it to my book list on here because I knew I'd finish it over the weekend. Now, back to The Ties That Bind. After that, I made my dinner, gave my dog his birthday meal (beef stew with rice, mmmm...) and watched the movie, Lorenzo's Oil for the first time. I've been wanting to see it since it came out 17 years ago, but just now got around to it. What a wonderful story. If anyone deserves the Nobel Prize in Medicine it is Augusto Odone. I had never heard of anyone earning an honorary medical degree before. And all for the love of his son and his wife. Amazing. (Though I could have lived without hearing Nick Nolte fake an Italian accent.)
As I watched the movie, I got to work on an art project I'd been bouncing around my head for the past few months. It's always exciting when a project turns out better than you had imagined. That is a rare event. It will take me some time, but I can't wait to see the finished product and see it hanging in its rightful place. Hopefully I will make more and post them on my etsy site eventually.

So, I am thankful for a satisfying day, and looking forward to the next. But, as for tomorrow, it is back to work for me.


Alpine Groves.