But would I love and value it so much if I didn't work? Would I be as interested and engaged if I was parenting full time, or would I slowly, over time, lose my focus and passion for things that really do matter to me. Would I feel so satisfied driving around my community if I wasn't actively contributing to educating the young adults of this same community?
So as hard as transitions are, and as hard as it is to say goodbye to these beautiful days that seem to have enough (or nearly enough) hours in the day, I am thankful for my job, how much I enjoy it, how much it challenges me and how much it makes me appreciate time uninterrupted with family.
I have been thinking a lot about balance lately. And I have roughed out a plan for finding balance among the very important elements of my life: exercise (weights, yoga, cardio), moments in nature (alone or with others), healthy and balanced eating, work and time with family. I hope to even schedule in time to be grateful for all I am so fortunate to have. If I am not deliberate, it does not happen and then the pace of life takes over and sweeps me along with it and there I am, a few weeks down the road, wondering why I am so pissed off. Because the best thing about getting older is getting to know myself even better - and knowing what I need to feel good. The hard part is making sure I do all of what I know makes me feel good (that's where the rough schedule and clear intentions come in).
And part of my rhythm will show itself through this blog too. I have missed cataloging my photos and words - miss the rhythm and pace of reflection - and am starting it back up with a hope to make more time to slow down a little and look back...or around, whichever the case may be.
This was last weekend - spent in a pretty special place. I had this incredible, deep yearning feeling on the last night, as I walked up the campground road with the moon overhead. I didn't want it to end. I miss the deep and intimate ways I used to commune with nature, but I am unwilling to give up time with my #1 to seek them out in that old way. So this is the new normal, and I have to say, it's pretty awesome.
Thursday night's sunset from the beach just below our campsite.
In the woods the next morning - Friday - with their fairy house.
Man! He got the balance bike so much more than he ever has this weekend. Watching Dusty on his bike with training wheels helped him get it, I think - that, and being more comfortable because he has had it for a year. This was the first time he started really picking his feet up! So cool!!
On the beach. Bliss.
So nice to be together and away where there are no projects!
Breakfast: whole wheat, blueberry pancakes with our syrup. The blueberries were from Papa's bushes here in Peru.
On one of the islands - Saturday afternoon.
"Nap" time (Abram never napped for me that day) circle. That's the lake through the trees.
Went on a little bike ride loop around the campground before a quick swim and thought this site looked pretty nice!
Beth and Jim have been friends for a long time - pretty cool to see the next generation becoming friends too.
Dusty - the little guy in the middle had a book with all the birds in Maine - called it his bird book, and Abram was so into to Great Horned Owl (he called it the Big Horned Owl). Love little Jax in the background!
On the way home from the weekend. He did not make it off South Arm Road. Pooped!!
On Monday, back home, we had Abram's afternoon snack way up in the top field with an amazing view. As we were taking this photo, Phoenix sneezed. That cracked the little guy up and in turn cracked me up.
Running down the hill - back to the house.
Today I biked up to camp (with Abram in the bike trailer) and hung out up there, throwing rocks and enjoying the space. Pretty sweet couple of days.
As I adjust, I will draw on days like today and the ones before. I am a lucky Mama, wife and woman.
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