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

All is well with my soul.

When I reflect back on the past several years, I think of where I started and where I am now. And lets be clear, I'm in a good place! It was a long road. A road I had to figure out how to go down on my own. It's a continuous journey on this particular road of life. When something tragic happens in your life, it consumes you. Your complete being. Your every waking thought. It affects your soul. It can take a toll on you in every way. Physically and emotionally.
For me, about 3 years ago, after one phone call, my life changed instantly. I was an emotional mess from every angle. I woke up crying, and fell asleep crying. Puffy eyes began to look normal. Let me tell you, I prayed hard. I felt pity, I felt shame, I felt sympathetic, I felt anger, I felt betrayal. Looking back now, I don't think there was an emotion that I didn't feel at one point or another. Through all of this, I have learned a lot. One thing I've  learned is that people don't always know what to say to others who suffer a tragic time in their life. And that's okay. We have to except others for who they are. Not necessarily for them, but for us. Which brings me to this:

In my late twenties, I struggled with being me. "Who am I?"  "What do I want in life?" "What do I want to be?" Don't we all go through that at some point in our life? I think most do. My "life's purpose" was a big question for me to answer. Because, honestly, I had no idea where to start. Nothing really felt like 'home'. A new marriage, a new city, an instant step-child to nurture, and few friends in this new chapter of my life. I was, and still am, blessed to be married to an amazing man. And for that, I am grateful. But I struggled with feeling lost. I guess time and patience helped with that. Growing. Learning. Figuring things out. Soul searching. It all takes time. Sometimes, I found myself in uncomfortable situations of not feeling like I fit in. Not dressed the way others were, etc. Even periods of trying to be somebody that I was not. Finally, I had had enough! I was done. My realization; I am me. I like what I like and I am who I am. Love me or leave me. You decide. From that moment on, I began to grow comfortable in my own skin. I fell in love with me. I finally felt free of judgement. Oh, I know people still judge us all. But, the difference was that I didn't care anymore. What people think of me is none of my business. What freedom, friends!!!

After that dreadful phone call, the one that changed my life, I was living in chaos. I was making my life chaos. I was letting the actions of someone else, one person,  affect me so deeply. I was and sometimes, still am, my own worst enemy. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I felt as if I had to hear one more horn blow or one more baby cry or one more phone ring, that I might possibly, spontaneously combust. No kidding!! I'm pretty sure I was on the edge of a nervous break down. I decided something had to change. I needed a release. That is when I opened myself up to the world of meditation and yoga. As an avid researcher, I taught myself all that I could. Wow!! I needed that! I learned to be still, to be quiet, to be mindful, and best of all, to forgive. I found peace, friends. A peace I'd never felt in my entire life. We take in the sounds of everyday life. Absorb the negative energy. This was and is my release. A way to let it out. Meditation!

With this new found peace and comfort, I was able to forgive myself of past sins, and the sins of others that affected me. With that peace, came more freedom! I realized to forgive someone, it doesn't mean you have to like them. It just means that you forgive their behavior. And then, you simply let it go and let it be. Do it for you.

Nowadays, you can find me gardening, meditating, hanging out with my chickens, drinking coffee, spending quality time with my family and friends, or hanging out at the river. I'm at peace. I am mindful of my surroundings. I know what I love and I know what I want. But most of all, I know who I am, and all is well with my soul. And I thank God for that everyday!

Sending light and love,
Diane

David; My twin

He was born 7 minutes before me. He struggled with his breathing at first. Trouble from a breech birth. Mom says they took him away, and by the time I was born he was breathing just fine. I like to think he was just making my journey into this world a bit easier. You see, he is the sweetest, most tender-hearted, caring guy I know. To this very day he makes my journey in this life a bit easier. Just knowing he is here, is everything. He has no idea how much he means to me.

Mom said we had our own language. As a child, he couldn't pronounce my name. 'Diane' was turned into 'IE'. It's the name I still go by from my siblings and nieces. What no one knows is how much I love it! I love it mostly because he came up with it. It's just a nickname, but it's mine! A tiny, unintentional gift from him, my twin.

Unknowingly, he was always my protector. Around him, my safe place. Safe from all my fears. Safe from things he never knew anything about. He took up for me when I needed him to, and comforted me when I had fallen low.

Today, he is not only the brother I used to play with in the mud and dirt, not only the worst student in my pretend classroom, and not only the brother who was so accident prone. He, you see, is intelligent, very loving, would give you the shirt off of his back, a wonderful son and father, will make you pee yourself from laughter with his humor, has the biggest heart ever, can calm you down with reason, and make you know that everything is going to be ok. (and it will be ok)

This guy, he's not just my brother, he is my twin. And I love him more than any words could ever explain.

With love always,
IE
xoxo

An Old Soul and A sentimental Fool-a rambling

Often I've been told I have an old soul. I have to say, I agree. My love for vintage kinda says it all. I have loved old things for as long as I can remember. I have a rather large collection of very old books that I took as a small child, without permission, I might add, from my grandparents home library. I was intrigued by their smell alone. To this very day, I love the smell of an old book.

I'm a sentimental fool, and can't stand the thought of not possessing the collection of things that once belonged to my Granny Newsome. She was the best. A true southern lady. I cherish every memory I have of her and all of the things she taught me. My most favorite person of all time. Full of love and life. I miss her every single day! What I wouldn't give just to pick peas with her one more time!!!

When using an old wooden spoon, I can't help wondering- How many dishes has it been in? Drinking from an old coffee cup- How many cups have been served from it? Wearing an old apron- Who wore it? Who made it? 
I'm sure I've talked about this before. I guess it's on my mind again. I feel like I'm keeping it all alive! Giving it all a second chance. We all need second chances. Don't we? I think so. Life is so precious. It's fragile and short. We all need to take a step back, and just breathe it all in. Enjoy this moment, for this moment is your Life!!

Sending love and light,
Diane

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