radio ga-ga

i work in an office that has the radio on all day. i love music but sometimes when it is ubiquitous it has to fight to make a bigger impact. the last few weeks these songs have jumped out at me.

and just last week this pop song has joined the ranks. 

have a listen. do they cut through the noise of your day?

Emma

practice makes perfect

ever noticed how warm weather makes you slow down? we all know this of course. the last couple of weeks the sun has shined. the lack of rainfall has enabled me to do my garden, paint my external woodwork and replant my herb and vegetable pots. but what started out as slowing down to take advantage of the sunshine has continued. i have deliberately not planned so much, have not written so many items on the to-do list, have not rushed from one thing to the next after work. i have sat still. i have read. i have gone to bed early. the only day i have managed to do all three together has been on a sunday when i actively try to stop and chill out but most days i have tried to do one at least for a little while longer than usual. 

i've noticed a few things too. this year i have bought flowers for my deck rather than the usual architectural plants i opt for - those plants are still there but i've added a softer more colourful aspect. i'm not very good at remembering to water indoor plants and external ones can quickly be on the same treadmill if i leave it unchecked but i am constantly amazed by the reviving power of water. a flower that was wilted within an hour can be flushing with the first signs of youth if given enough to drink deeply from in order to rejuvenate. and so too am i. outside in the sunshine, a seat beckoning me to relax the day away, birds singing, a breeze blowing, french doors flung open, music playing, a magazine flicked through, a glass of wine savoured. it doesn't take much but what it does take is a little bit of down time. these summer months it is a routine i will happily practice. and so far i am like the flower revived. the simple pleasures can sometimes be the sweetest.

Emma 

light and shade

warm extended evenings. doors flung wide open, cool breezes circulating tiny dandelion clocks; clinging onto newly painted woodwork, transforming carpet to cotton candy underfoot. jobs completed alongside rest and relaxation. space to breathe. life's light and shade. 

this week. home.

Emma

Friday night

Friday night.
Manic week at work done.
Success within that, things crossed off the to do list.
Moments of madness and frustration
Moments of calm and satisfaction.

Sunny days and late evening light.
Cycling to work
Fresh air, wind in the face to exhilarate.

Washing piled everywhere
But tights without a ladder in found
Food in the fridge
Wine chilled.

Internal challenge on letting go
Peace as plans made to bring a change
Trusting that whatever God knows the plan
His ways are higher.

Weekend beckons
Space, relaxation
Feet up on the sofa
The weeks stresses slide off the shoulders.

Demons put to rest.

Happy Weekend

Jane

last night, tonight

Emma

Fresh air

Back at work after a week off stress levels rise. This time last week I was walking along a beach in the rain, but it didn't matter. The sea breeze was exhilarating, the views inspiring. The deck chairs were soggy, but the sand between the toes felt good, freedom was all.

Now back in the office the sun is shining and the irony is not lost. Finally switching off my laptop at 6.30pm before starting on tea I wonder how I will maintain my energy and stress levels back in the daily routine.

After tea as I start washing up the garden beckons, the long evenings of June enticing me outside.

Before I know it a game of badminton ensues, laughter, fun, and relaxation. Work is forgotten, my head clears. My body unwinds, and the enjoyment of summer sun leaves everything in its wake.

I love the way that a switch can happen when you go with the flow, and park the to do list.

Jane

weekend growth

 

Emma