Happy Earth Day!

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny earth day. The perfect day for a walk on the short nature trail at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, near our home. Spring has definitely arrived. It was a quiet time to reflect on mother nature and all she has to offer us. Aren't we lucky to live on such a beautiful planet? To feel a breeze drift by, to breathe in fresh air, and just the simplicity of having the warm sun shine on your face... It's all truly a gift! A gift I don't take for granted.

XO

A short getaway

Recently, my husband and I took a trip to St. Augustine to celebrate our 11th anniversary. Afterall, it's the city where it all started.
The city where we shared our vows and said "I do". It was wonderful going back. We stayed at a bed and breakfast, the Carriage Way Inn. (website: www.carriageway.com )  We've stayed there before, and just love it! It's the perfect location, being in the heart of the historical downtown. So romantic and full of hospitality. The breakfast was always AMAZING! Complimentary drinks, including unlimited wine. And my favorite, bedside cream sherry. A late night tottie? Yes, I partaked every night!
While away, we went to the beach, drank the best salted caramel latte from our favorite coffee shop, sat on a bench overlooking the bayfront at sunset, did some shopping (naturally), attended a Dierks Bentley concert, ate the best seafood we could find, sat on the porch sipping wine, while listening to the horse and buggies clank by. And visited the beautiful old mission grounds. It was awesome. So relaxing. Not a care in the world. It was romantic, thoughtful and sentimental.
We hadn't been away together, just the two of us, in quite awhile. It was a time to reconnect, slow down and regroup. We talked, laughed, held hands and loved. It was perfect. It is a special trip I'll always hold dear to my heart. I love him more than ever.

coffee on the bayfront

magnolia street

Dierks

he is all I need

our favorite coffee shop

dinner at Harry's

seaside turtle

riverside lunch

just because :)

inside 'Our Lady of la Leche Chapel'

mission grounds, the great cross

in front of Carriage Way B&B

our amazing room

 the beautiful 'Our Lady of la Leche Chapel'

waiting for dinner

 @ the concert!

(Gosh, I love him)

Where does one begin?

How do you pick back up with something you've neglected for so long? Something(writing) you love to do and can't explain why you so abruptly stopped! I guess you just jump back in with both feet! Here goes...

I guess a lot has happened since October...Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of a great New Year. This winter was, well, a winter here in south Georgia. One of the coldest and longest I can remember in awhile. I'm just thankful it's over. It is over, right? :)

The month of January I became a housewife/homemaker. Hands down, the best decision we have made in a long time. Things here at home run so much smoother. I am more calm and relaxed and a lot less stressed. Something I've needed for awhile now. It has taken a bit of time to get into my groove. Finding the right schedule for me, so to speak. But, I'm getting there. It's a work in progress and I can tell our family is overall happier.

Lots of spring cleaning happening around here as of late. Clearing out the clutter and getting rid of stuff we haven't used or don't use on a regular basis. Trying to be more functional in our daily routines and habits. It's made a big difference. I mean, you should see my linen closet!!! It's picture perfect. Do we really need 8 sets of sheets? And all those extra pillow cases? Nope! Gone! Let me tell you, it feels amazing. I've been finding things I'd thought I'd lost. Like my favorite ring from a trip to 
Italy. It's like Christmas all over again. :) For me, it's all about simplifying. I decided to do one room at a time. I'm on my last room now. I can't begin to tell you how freeing it is to let go of clutter. You should try it! Less is SO MUCH MORE! Thinking back, that's the whole reason I started this blog. This is "my" journey to a simple life. A life that I love!

So, there it is. I picked up where I left off, which is actually how it all began! How ironic.

Sending light and love,
Diane