Dear John

He's my husband, Dear John. He's the sweetest guy I know, aside from my twin brother. He amazes me everyday with his gentleness and kindness. He grounds me in every single way. My safe place to lay. Just a hug from him makes everything okay. When my world is falling apart, he let's me know that it really isn't. He can build, with his hands, whatever I imagine up, he can fix whatever I break, and he can make my heart melt with just three words.

Oh, Dear John. He is a good man, a good son, a great dad and a loving husband. He would literally give you the shirt off of his back, if he thought you needed it. Being a veteran of the USAF, he can hold a mean political conversation. Currently he is kicking nursing school's butt, though he thinks it's kicking his. He will make a great nurse with that big, caring heart of his.

Have you ever looked at someone and thought they looked like a big teddy bear? Yeah, he's 'that' guy. I'm so blessed to call him mine. He puts up with all my crazy idea's, my hippie way of thinking and my insane mood swings. Dear John is a keeper!

He loves to hunt more than anything and Lord help us all when football season starts! He usually watches the entire game standing up, screaming at the tv. Go Gators!

I wouldn't change one thing about him. I know he loves me just the way I am. I can feel it everday and there is no one else I'd rather have by my side on this crazy journey of life. I love you, Dear John.

Hello, Spring!

Spring, the promise of something new. A renewal, a rebirth. After the slumber of winter, things are waking up around here, and we are thankful.
We've had gorgeous weather and some pretty amazing sunsets this month. Enjoying every single moment...Coffee on the porch, fires in the backyard, fishing, planning our summer garden, and we've adopted a new hen. 
I'm excited for what this season has in store.

Happy Spring, friends.

Late Sunday, February.

It's late. Really late. I'm sitting in my living room on the couch, with a freshly folded stack of warm towels. It's quiet, except for the slight humming from the refrigerator and the ticking of a nearby clock. I've been thinking about today and how fast it went by. It was a really good day for all of us. Productive. The guys have been cutting down pine trees for the past two days and we now have huge stacks of fire wood for our outside fire pit. The backyard feels more sunny and roomy. Which is great for the garden and clothesline. Still lots to be done. 

Today was a beautiful day, in the low 70's. We had a light lunch outside by the fire while swinging and chatting. This evening, I made the best pot of homemade vegetable beef soup while doing some laundry and indoor chores. What better way to end the day, than with a bowl of comfort food and a new episode of 'The Walking Dead'? Happy Monday, Y'all!!

Light & Love,
Diane

Things that make me happy!

There is so much to be happy about these days. All of the beauty that surrounds us. All of the wonderful people in our lives. Sunrises. Sunsets. A lot. For me, it's always been about the simple things. And really surrounding yourself daily with 'little pieces of  happy' is key. I think we all know what we like and what we don't like. What makes us happy and what doesn't. Sometimes, writing them down is a good way to remind yourself of who you are and what you want. Maybe a good way to add a little bit of happiness back into your everyday life. What makes you happy?? Here is just a glance of what makes me happy daily...

four fluffy butts

 fresh eggs, daily

the smell of an old book

wooden spoons

 fresh coffee and my little wooden scoop

Olivia

textures

our crazy rooster, Julian

chasing sunlight

the smell of clean sheets

this guy, us

yoga

photography

Feeding our Souls

With my husband by my side,
quietly, I sit watching the sun slowly go down below the trees.
Her golden rays reflecting off the lake.
Sparkling like champagne. I can feel the temperature dropping on this winters eve, and the warmth from the coffee in my hand is like a small hug. Inviting. The crickets are chirping, and I can hear a flock of birds flying overhead. I look up to see them, so gracefully, and in unison, pass by.
So free,
I think to myself.

John and I don't talk much during sunsets.
We just sit and enjoy what she has to say, the
beautiful sun. It's a reminder of something bigger than us.
Nothing we could say could ever compare to what she has to offer at that very moment. That moment when she's going to bed and gives us her last dance of the day.

So we sit in silence. We watch and listen.
Soak in all the good and let go of all the bad. Just us, together in a moment.
Feeding our souls.
I will always cherish each sunset we share.
I love you, my dearest husband.

Always, Diane

Winter

As a winter usual, I've been hibernating this month. Doing a lot of cooking, reading, and Netflixing! Getting my days and nights mixed up from staying up way too late. I do manage to get out and spend a few hours outdoors on occasion. If you know me, then you know I just don't like the cold weather. Sweaters, warm socks, blankets and coffee are my closest friends as of late.

This week, I figured out how to make the perfect pot of rice. I've been doing it all wrong for too long. Crazy, right? Turns out, I was adding too much water. Conquering the kitchen, one dish at a time! 

Also, I tried a new, simple way of cooking sweet potatoes. Delicious!

Recipe;
Peel and cube potatoes. (I did small bite-sized cubes)
Toss in 2-3 tlbsp. of olive oil
Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Cook in cast iron skillet over medium heat until tender. (I like mine a little blackened) 

That's it! So easy and good. And healthy! My guys loved them, too.

Yesterday evening, I had a short visit with my dear friend, Sissie. We met out at her goat farm. Played with all the new, little babies, drank coffee, watched the sunset, and had a nice chat catching up on life. Was good to get outside!

Hope you're all staying warm and cozy!

Hugs,
Diane

January, 2015!!

Happy New Year! I still can't wrap my head around it being a new year already. We made it through December with one of the best Christmas' yet. We all spent the night at mama's house on Christmas Eve. My mama, brother, sister and I, and our little families were all together under one roof. We played games, watched movies, ate oysters by the fire, made candy, laughed, cried and had the most precious time. My mama was happy and so were we. I wouldn't change a thing about it. It was perfect! Hope your Christmas was wonderful, too!

So, here we are. It's January. I still have a mound of laundry to do, and there are remnants of wrapping paper laying around, yet I'm sitting here drinking my second cup of coffee and writing this post. I'm not one to make new year resolutions, however, I do have a plan for a great year. I mean, don't we always plan for a great year anyway? Seems kind of silly once you say it out loud or write it down. It's going to be a bit crazy come spring, J.T. graduates high school.  (long pause) Still soaking that in as well.  He was just six years old not long ago. My husband starts nursing tomorrow, yes tomorrow!! So, what's my plan? My plan is to be the 'calm' in the storms ahead. The meal planner, chef, problem solver, garden planner, chicken whisperer, back patter, hug giver, you know...the usual!  (Smile) I just want to keep things on track and running smoothly. So... my goal, my 'plan' is to keep this house a home, a place of comfort and love.  It's simple really. Consciously slowing down and taking time for life. I don't want to just drink a cup of coffee, I want to drink a cup of GOOD coffee. I most certainly don't want to "microblast" it three times before I have finished it. You know? Planning meals in advance and having all the ingredients in my kitchen make it easier to eat healthier, make homemade meals and stay away from processed foods. Plan, schedule, and slowwww down.  That's it. Live intentionally. Enjoy it. Love it. Life is short. One minute you are six, and the next minute you are graduating high school...and before you know it your forty-two year old husband is attending nursing school.

Now, I'm off to "microblast" my coffee and tackle that mound of laundry! Ha Ha. (True Story)
Hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year!

Light and Love,
Diane

Autumn adventure

A visit to the woods.
A walk down an unfamiliar path.
Cool, crisp air makes it easier to breathe.
Evening sunlight dancing through red and golden leaves.
Surrounded by fallen pinecones, green ferns and bright red berries.
What a beautiful sight... Isn't our creator amazing?
Sometimes, that's all we need in life. A short break, just to walk down an unfamiliar path. And to soak it all in.

A walk with Mama

  Recently, my mama had eye surgery and I spent a few nights with her to take her to the appointments. I love spending time alone with her. Although she has 2 other bedrooms, I always sleep with her. She likes it that way. We always stay up way too late and sleep in if we can. We drink coffee on her front porch in the mornings and sometimes in the evening. It's a time I cherish. These are the moments I never want to forget. I love to watch her put on her makeup and comb her silky, blonde hair. Her hands are just beautiful to me. So soft and gentle. I hope to always remember the precise way she peels potatoes, or how perfectly she polishes her nails.
  My Mama. She has the patience of a gnat, will say what's on her mind, and can be as hard headed as a mule, but she gets sweeter with age. Lately, I can't seem to tell her that I love her enough. I hope she knows how much.
  Right now, as I type this post, she's sleeping in her recliner. Occasionally, she'll look up to see if I've noticed that she's fallen asleep. I just pretend I don't and she's back at it again (smile).
  Yesterday evening we took a walk around the yard, exploring and taking just it all in. It was nice, warm and sunny. We visited my brother's pea garden, and walked around looking at all of the beautiful flowers planted about. She told me she missed me already, and I'm still here. It seriously warms my heart. I pray God keeps her safe and healthy for many years to come, because I still need her. We all still need her! And yesterday, she was clear in telling me "I don't wanna die". We both laughed. Because, she's still young at 72.
She is the best. She isn't perfect. But, she's mine. And I love her with all of my heart. I love you, mama.

Diane

Feeling Grateful

I lie quietly on our bed, the windows are open, I can feel the cool air spiraling into our bedroom and I hear the sound of the crickets singing their nightly song. This hot cup of orange-spiced tea smells and taste like fall. As I lay here, I find myself feeling grateful. I've had a lot of good in my life and I am so appreciative for those who are a part of it. It came to mind that I need to show my appreciation more often. Be more thoughtful. It's the little things that mean so much....a phone call, a card in the mail, a love note to my husband. These are the things that are important in life. It's all about slowing down and taking the time. As for me, I plan on taking more time, for the ones that I love, to not just let them know how I feel, but show them.

Light and Love,
Diane

Gloomy days!

Around here as of late....

It has been gloomy, gray and rainy around here.

Once again, I have a bad case of poison ivy, that's driving me absolutely bonkers. Which means lots of laundry washing since you can't use a towel or sheets more than once! The itching! Oh the itching! It's unbearable to say the least. It's gonna take an ocean of Calamine Lotion! My husband swears that I can look at a picture of poison ivy, oak or sumac and catch it! I think he may be right!

Been busy with my son's school marching band shenanigans. Lots of late night trips to and from school.

It's hunting season! Which means my husband has been out of town A Lot.

I'm going out of town tomorrow morning and I haven't packed a single thing! That's pretty normal for me, however. But, this is a beach trip to Naples, FL, so I'm pretty excited to get away for a little while.

I've decided to take a break from the garden for fall. No fall garden!? I'm a little sad and a little happy about it. Just needed a break. Trying to get the rest of this house in order and continue on with the decluttering and more intentional living. We are building an outdoor shed/kitchen to help with that process. And we need to rethink our garden area. It's always a work in progress, isn't it? Also, a new deck is going up soon!

Happy Autumn!

Taking Care

Happy September! Things have slowed down around here. Even the egg production is low from a molting hen. And to be honest, I love when things are slow! We have "slow days" here quite often. Days when I cook a slow meal, relax and unplug from the world. It's a more intentional way of living. I am working on keeping this a normal way of life for me (us). To be more organized, more planned, more loving and more patient! To be a better wife, I guess. Being mindful of my everyday. Listen better. Be a better friend. It's a constant struggle in this busy world, and I feel more at peace when things are slow. And I'm just trying to take care!

Sometimes, just a few simple changes can make a huge difference in your life. Like making your bed every morning-a tough one for me before. But, I'm doing it now, because, well, I'm 41 and it's just time. Sometimes, we just have to grow up, right? Plus, it's nice to get into a fresh, perfectly made bed each night. A sense of calm.

Yesterday- was a rainy, slow day. I made homemade vegetable & ham soup and my mama's hoe-cakes. Yummy!

Tonight- is a full Harvest Moon! The perfect time to meditate.

Tomorrow-is a new day! Let's set a new goal.

August in squares

evening happy hours

backyard tomatoes and eggs

backyard coffee

new recipe success

front porch sitting

fresh watermelon juice

summer flowers

my sister's beach wedding