good things

Playing with lens flare is my new favourite thing.

And so I ran

::source::
I chose this image because I want to run with the same wonder and joy as a child would.
I want to channel the inner running child.

It was an anxious day riddled with a headache that wouldn't quit.  On more than one occasion I thought that a horrible headache would be a perfectly acceptable excuse to break my promise to myself.  Surely no one would judge me for that.  But I just couldn't do it again; I am so done with breaking promises to myself.  I dressed in my jogging clothes 4 hours before Mike's arrival home at which point I would, without hesitation, leash Soma and slip out the door before I could think of another reason not to.  

I played my spring anthem and walked at a swift pace until I reached the trail that runs along the water.  I took a deep breath, and promised to not be too hard on myself deciding that I wouldn't likely make it to green bridge {a place I was hard-pressed to reach in previous running attempts}.  And then I ran.  

Slow and steady.  I lost my breath and then found it again.  I remembered the waves and I rode them steadily.

I ran like I always do in my dreams and sailed past the green bridge.  I finally slowed to a walk at the iron trestle more because Soma and I became a little tangled and I talked myself into it.  At that point I realized that it is the self talk that makes or breaks a runner.  {Well, this runner anyway}

I continued to surprise myself and delighted in watching the ducks and red winged black birds.  I marveled at how the sunlight seemed to shatter and scatter across the water's surface.  I had to stop once and take out my ear phones to answer the moving lips and expectant stare of a stranger.  Perhaps I am too friendly?

The high from that single run lasted well into the night and I took secret pleasure in my aching muscles which seemed especially bruised around my c-section scars.  I felt like I was finally healing myself and taking back my body.  I am constantly amazed by the resiliency of a woman's body, by what can take us down, and by what can make us finally heal.  I was reminded of an interview with a ballerina I had heard on CBC Radio years ago.  She was asked how she found dancing after her return from maternity leave and her answer surprised me as I was in the heavy dull days of my first pregnancy.  She said her body was stronger and her endurance was even greater. I didn't believe her then, but I do now.  I have always strived to be fit {sometimes with success and sometimes without} but I have never been an athlete and by no stretch of the imagination was I ever a runner.

I looked forward to my Sunday morning run and talked myself over the waves and panicky moments in which I lost my breath and pace by reminding my body that if I could make two human beings and keep them alive with no sleepand breast milk alone, surely to God I could do this.  And so I did it.

And I will do it again tonight.

go gently + be wonderful

e.

Guest Blogger Melissa Bothwell-Inglis of Needle + Nest Design

I have said it before and I will say it again, I have so many new and wonderfully talented people scattered throughout my life and today I thought I would share just one with you.  

Mel of Needle and Nest is a relativley new friend, but a kindred soul no doubt what with our mutual love of gnomes and birds.  I was blessed to do the Makers of Things Christmas Craft Buffet with her and have a few of her lovely creations hanging on our walls as a result  All of her creations have a most perfect touch of whimsy and sweetness.  Be sure to check out her breathtaking paintings as well.

Local folks can find her work at the upcoming springkle craft show and at Glow Maternity in Peterborough.

If you are interested in finding out more or purchasing her handmade goodness you can contact her by blog.

*****

All my life I have loved art, creating, and interior design.  As a child I loved building forts with bedsheets, as a teenager it was a moroccan hippy lounge with hanging scarves, as a mom it's the joy of creating a happy space for my daughter.  When we moved into our new home last summer I was eager to have a fresh palette to work with.  I first fell in love with the window nooks found upstairs [having always adored the idea of cuddling up in a cozy corner with a book, cup of tea, my two cats, daughter, books, stuffed animals..etc]!
 
I found a fresh apple green paint to go in our daughter Azriel's room.  The accent colours are turquoise and melon pinks/oranges.  Every corner of her bedroom is filled with little creations I have lovingly sewed, painted, and crafted for her over these past one and a half years of her life.  She is definitely my 'main muse' for creating lately it seems!

 Cat/Ladder:  My daughter loves her cats, and I couldn't resist sewing this fun feline.  We grabbed an old ladder from a yard sale and painted it to go in her corner to hold blankets.

Window Nook:  Took an ugly old wooden bench, painted it sage green and upholstered it with stripey fabric.  Made most of the pillows on the bench.  Sewed the foxy lil' couple, Mr.Fox and Foxy Lady who seem to love their view!

Fabric banner:  A simple project for anyone who loves fabric... cut into triangles and sew a playful banner for your kids room.

Curtain/Headboard: I wanted light/bright curtains for her room, so I bought some fun fabric and attempted to sew a straight line for once in my life!  The headboard I had built years ago with my Dad.  I still love it to this day.

Mobile:  The first of many bird mobiles I have since made.  My husband and I found a great root from our favorite park, hollowed it out and attached the fabric birds.  You can find similar ones that I have made at GLOW.

Paintings:  I wanted a playful approach to these paintings.  We have always loved 'woodland' themes - even our wedding was that, so I had fun making these for her room.

it's time.

{source::pinterest}

And so it is time.

Time to stand up.

Open the door.

Inflate my lungs.

Tear some muscles.

Sweat out the toxins.

Reverse the atrophy.

Put myself first for an hour.

Be alone with my breath.

Take it back.

It's time to be better.

go gently + be wonderful

e.