31 Days: Day 30 of Everyday Beauty

Day 30: Silence

Yesterday due to hurricane Sandy the power went out for about 2 hours un the afternoon. There was true silence in our house. No hum of any electronic device. I lit candles in the fireplace. We snuggled under blankets. I read my children books slowly hearing my voice cut through the air like butter. There was no need for shouting to be heard.

I don't want to minimize the hardship faced by others during this time, but for a few hours yesterday I was grateful for this time with my family. It was beautiful.

Day 26 Everyday Beauty

I have taken a few days away because important family business required my full attention. Important family business including carving pumpkins, making costumes, and lugging a locomotive and a princess around several city blogs requesting candy. It was lots of fun. In fact it was beautiful. This is what everyday beauty is all about.

Everyday Beauty: When it is Hard

Day 22

Sometimes the house is a mess. And the kids are whining. Sometimes you have deadlines and you are weary. And dinner still needs to be made. You might feel over extended and frustrated. Can you still see Everyday Beauty?

When things get like this (and they do for everyone) I like to takes at a little itty bitty level. I see beauty in:
that I have a home or shelter of any kind; that I have a family however grumpy they may be at the moment; that I have work to help me provide; that I have food to eat.

I know it is simple but for me it helps put things in perspective and put me back in a place of gratitude. It is beautiful.

Day 19: Night Rituals

Day 18 & 19 of Everyday Beauty.

There is dirt under fingernails mine included. There are bits of rice dried and stuck to little chins. Patience is thin and bones are weary.

There are baths and giggles that wash away some of the ache. There is snuggles and books and I love you. Than there is arguing over blankets and other silly things.

Finally there is sleep. It is beautiful.

Everyday Beauty: Don't Overthink It

Day 17

Did you ever notice how a child finds such personal accomplishment with each piece of their artwork. They believe with their whole heart that it is pretty or beautiful. They look past any imperfections and so much more. Isn't it fortunate that we seem to be born this way. Isn't it unfortunate that we grow into a state that we allow the imperfections to glare at us.

Tonight try to look at the world with childlike eyes. It really is beautiful.

Everyday Beauty

Day 15

Marriage is a beautiful thing. There are days that it doesn't feel that way. There are also days that it is such a comfort to know that another human took vows to honor, protect and love you forever before God. Can you ask for anything more?

Here is to seven happy years of marriage to this guy:

Everyday Beauty: Seasons

Day 14

I am so thankful to live in a climate with seasons. It gives the heart and mind so many chances to start anew. To never take for granted the now. It's just beautiful everyday.