Playing it safe

 {source}

Sometimes I feel like I play it too safe. I may have the best intentions, but more often than not I find myself retreating to a place of comfort rather than a place of yes. Perhaps in my mind, the most perfect weekend would include exploring a new place, bringing a picnic lunch, and getting lost in our adventure. Instead though, it seems easier to sit on the couch and watch another episode of a favorite show, or cook the same meal we had last Sunday.

My best self ventures out, follows through with the dreams I have in my head, and always always tries new things. She says yes more than no, and isn't one to turn down an invitation. So why lately have I found myself getting stuck in a rut?  When I get like this, my spirit feels heavy and life doesn't appear to be as sweet as it really is. Luckily, spring is here, and with that gust of warmer air comes a renewed sense of self, inspiration to get outdoors, and more daylight to accomplish the most exciting of plans.

Now that I am the mama to a one day rambuntious boy, I need to start exercising my adventurous spirit. I want to be a good example to him, I want to be sure he grows up feeling wild and free, like I did.  And maybe with the right outlook, he'll manage to keep his adventurous spirit alive for all time. Mine's there, but just hidden under layers of comfort and routine. So -

Here's to taking impromptu day trips, with the windows down and the music up!
Here's to picnic lunches by the creek and long walks shaded by the springtime branches!
Here's to quick stops to check out roadside attractions!

Carnivals! Beaches! Farms and parks!
Parades, antique shops and fruit stands.

I'm looking forward to slowly but surely becoming more adventurous, and I hope you'll join me. I'm excited to reawaken some of my child-self, and live life a little more fully.

a spring afternoon

Today was a lovely, lovely day spent with one of my dearest gal pals, Adie. I've known Adie for about seven years now- she grew up with Hank, and her boyfriend (of almost 10 years!) is one of Hank's best friends. Adie and I have in a way, watched each other grow up and into our now-woman selves...and that's pretty awesome. I adore her; she has the most infectious spirit and zest for life, and she's one of those people that is a ray of sunshine no matter what the weather. I am so grateful for our friendship, and the longs walks and talks that have been a part of my life for so many years. Today was no different, and we spent a few hours meandering around town, walking around the square, eating treats and sipping on our favorite coconut tea. Today though was warm, so of course the occasion called for it to be iced. I enjoyed a delicious fruit bar made from applesauce and juicy berries, Henry basked in the sun infused shade, and my legs were treated to a walk about our small and beautiful town. The weather was beyond pleasant, and it was one of those days where the sky seemed a little bluer, the emerging spring buds on the trees a little fresher, and even familiar blocks appeared new. We walked, we talked, I fell in a little more love with this place I call home. Hello, spring!

{please forgive the instagram photos again, my d-slr was too cumbersome for our walk!}

p.s. Here are the answers to the questions from my "Around our home" post from earlier today: the plates are from Anthro, my bird jewelry tray is from World Market (it was supposed to be some sort of bathroom tray), the drawing on our kitchen shelf is by tattooer Cory Lenherr- it's actually the piece on my left side ribs, and our duvet is from IKEA. Thank you all so much for all the kind words! I'm excited to eventually do a whole house tour; quite daunting to imagine, but one day it will happen! Have a beautiful day.