Full Day Ahead

Full (and early-ish) morning ahead.  I have a 7am coaching call (re: buffering) and a hike with my neighbor (friend) at 8:30 for a couple of hours.  Excellent way to start the day :) ... after I picked up a trash can's worth of trash the bears got to last night.  Dang.  The bear strap held, but they still got out most of the bags.  Smart and strong. 

Then cleaning!  I did sheets, towels, etc. yesterday.  Everything looks great but the floors and bathrooms need to be cleaned (back breakers).  I'll get a late lunch, take a walk downtown to the tea house I enjoy, read and relax -- I did both yesterday after the drive in.  I'm not sick of either so I plan a repeat if my back is okay.  The cafe has such a nice outdoor space that I can't resist going back.  Why not ... if it's not broken ...  

Here are a few pictures.

Picked yard flowers.
Saved the rest for the bees.

Another propagated plant.
I'm starting to add these in Asheville.
I need to learn what other plants
do well in water.

Old plant stand from 1920s
(so the seller said -- from her family)
The marble top seems to be an add-on.
There's a beautiful old wooden top underneath.
I think the marble will help with the weather.
I'm not completely sure it can handle 
unprotected outside space.

I like having a table to set things
on while I'm opening or closing
the door.  Already came in handy.
I think there are sealers to protect it.

That's all from Asheville.  I'm on trash guard duty since the holiday delay.  My neighbor said it was delayed, but no one else still has trash out.  I hope I didn't miss it.  The bear got a good taste ... he might come back in which case I want to yell him away and take pictures :)

Later gators.

Asheville Bound

This week is the run up to June -- my birthday month, half the year and PRIDE month.  All fun things.  Since I'll be in Asheville with journals, books, my thoughts, etc it's a good time to get ready for this big month.  It feels as reflective and thoughtful as January, but it's BETTER :)

I started some PRIDE rocks.  I won't finish them until I get home.  It's my theme for June's rock painting.  Everything "pride."  I want to take some to Asheville, but I'll do the majority for GA -- support is everywhere in Asheville, but GA needs a hand.

All in various stages of painting.

Morning drive to Asheville and I'm excited.  Not super excited for putting the house back together since I JUST did it a week ago, but it'll be a good visit.

Started the trip with FS in mind.  I almost changed my mind on taking a few things for setup because "I have enough to do."  But that's not true.  A little effort for things I like goes a long way.  New (heavy) plant stand and more plants propagating in water.  

See you in Asheville.  Later gators.

Last Day, Best Day?

OMG -- DOGS!!!!  I'm at my end, just in time for pickup day.  Kids say they'll be here by mid-afternoon.  Fingers crossed.  This is the last day and I'm more than ready.  It's a steady stream of dog needs that continues throughout the night (little one wets her diapers because of medication, then everyone gets up).

I planned a little more future self stuff yesterday.  I made a reservation at the #1 restaurant in Asheville (by many lists) and it happens to be vegan.  I've wanted to go for years (it's on my 22 and 23 lists) but they were weird about reservations (which is a must).  You have to leave a message on their voicemail and they'll call you back.  The problem??  It was ALWAYS full and you couldn't leave a message.  Reviews say, best food but so pretentious about getting a reservation.  I gave up.  Then I tried again yesterday.  Guess what??  They've changed to online reservations!!  I'm going on my "preview happy birthday" this Thursday.  I'm sitting at the counter -- seat for ONE and I'm here for it.

Another side note -- they're VERY vegan so no leather handbags, etc.  It's interesting.  So pretentious, but in an ugly building in an ugly part of town.  Guess I get to see what's the big deal this week.  Might be my new go to when I'm in town solo.

Hubby and I have another (calmer) date night to watch Succession finale.  I don't love this season (spicy take) but I enjoy talking about it so I'm watching.  I'm also curious how it ends.

Dogs need me -- no surprise, got to run.  Happy Memorial Day.  Later gators.

Garden Plans

I ordered the raised garden for next year.  Probably the biggest home project hubby and I will ever do.  It's 12'x8' with a gate and a little fence (hopefully high enough to keep Duke out).  We mapped out the area and ordered it.  

Have to level and prep the ground.  

Seal all the cedar wood.

Assemble.

Fill with soil.

Modify and run sprinklers throughout. 

HUGE for us!  Remember the LFL -- YEARS, literal YEARS to paint and it's still not setup in the ground yet.  Maybe we should have a contest to see which gets finished first.  (My bet is the LFL ... but who knows!)

Can we do it?  Will we do it?  (Or will we hire out ...) 

After the house painting, I moved some of the porch planters to the side yard where the garden will stand.  Fingers crossed we get some veggies.  I was able to pick more kale and add it to dinner last night -- oh, and one more radish!

This area gets full sun until
about 4 o'clock -- that's the sun line.
Half the garden will be more sun.
Perfect balance and earlier sun is
better in GA.

Gardening today.  I need to fertilize veggies and plant a few more flowers from the farm program.

I'm very excited to have a full garden next year.  

Today is another HOME day with the dogs.  Oh, and I got my period yesterday.  5 days after the last one stopped.  Fun times.  It's very lite so who knows what this means for any kind of prediction for the next one.  Every time I wonder ... is this the last?  Sucker bet.

Couple more dog pictures.  This is the 6 lb live bomb that keeps me tethered to the house. 

We watched Air last night -- good movie.  It was date night interrupted 7 zillion times, but we made it.  I finished all the library reads and have moved on to my personal stack.  

Excellent book.

Started this big boy.
Oprah says it's the best book
she's EVER READ ...
hence the hardback purchase.

Have a good Sunday.  Later gators.

Hook a Girl Up

I think (hope) I'm hooking up my future self for next week.  I'm not "feeling it" (low energy), but I set up some calendar FUN that I expect to thank my past self.

I reached out to my neighbor and asked if she wanted to hike on Wednesday.  She's one of the fittest people I know and an avid hiker.  Eeek.  Should be interesting.  It's possible it'll be too wet, but we have it on the calendar.  I was direct, asked for something specific, gave a date.  FS kind of stuff.  It may need to be adjusted, but the asking was in the way I do now.  Not a lot of  ... "would you want to do something" vague asking.  Why?  Because what I wanted was a hike (or outside gathering) on Wednesday.  Giving a choice means I don't get what I want.  If it didn't work for her, there's always next time.  I've gotten burned with open ending kind of plans -- feeling like I'm on hold for a something, sometime.   

I also decided to do a VERY EARLY HBD celebration for me on June 1.  I like celebrating my birthday -- from me to me.  I usually do something solo very close to my actual birthday.  A little secret treat to me.  I'm going bolder and earlier this year since the opportunity presented itself.  90 minute massage, solo alfresco dinner at a vegan restaurant and a few more sprinkles of JUST FOR ME fun throughout the day.  It'll be my last full day in Asheville so all the cleaning and such will be finished.  June 1 -- Just Fun Birthday Preview.  I like it.  Past, present and future me got together for a birthday.  (Corny?? Yep, but it's true.)

I think I'll make June Bad-Ass birthday month.  My own little secret mantra.  I'll also unveil my birthday year actual new mantra.  It's a bit long, but I like it.  I can always revert to the oldie and goodie ... choose the bigger life.  

Brought these home from Asheville.
Best smelling roses

As far as today, this weekend ... DOGS and more DOGS.  I was up and out with dogs 4 times last night.  Lordy.  House painting is finished.  Still no deck time until Monday.  It's feeling so much easier though.  

I leave with some dog pictures.  Hope your holiday weekend is going well.  Later gators.

Welcome to the Grind

I'm home and missing Asheville this morning -- the peace, cool air, mountain sounds from open windows.

Instead, knee deep in crazy dogs (hah), house painters, stressed veggie plants and high humidity -- all while semi-tethered to the house for a holiday weekend.  "Take me home, country roads.  To a place, where I belong ..."

I noticed these fun plants on my morning walk yesterday.   

Goat's Beard
Growing along the woods

Silver Dollar
Looked like a weed outside a fence.

I also found a rock I had left -- it was a stick figure cheerleader saying, "You are doing it!  Keep going!"  That was fun.  I picked it up because I needed that message yesterday.  I'll find another place to leave it.

I'll treat today a little like a Monday and write a plan for the weekend.  Heading back to Asheville on Tuesday for the rest of the week so it's like the weekend and week are reversed.

Hope you're off to a good start to the weekend.  Later gators.

Good For My Soul

A bit dramatic, but these few days were good for me (and my soul) -- mountain air (best sleep), nature walks, doing things JUST FOR ME, FS in full bloom.  Moving in a good direction.

I did what I planned and that's usually a good thing.  Morning run followed by a walk.  Stopped at the coffee shop for beans and an iced tea.  Then walked to the juice bar to grab a green juice for later.  I remembered to bring a bag to carry everything.  I love those nylon bags that fold on themselves to be a little bag -- I keep one in my running pouch.

Coaching was interesting.  I decided to get coached on something less specific -- i.e. what's kind of happening right now.  Circumstances are leading to my 'yes' becoming a bigger 'yes' but not in a way that I feel I can (should) force a hard boundary line.  I'm frustrated because it's a series of MY things getting changed or cancelled or unable to be scheduled.  Long story short, these things are frustrating, but the biggest issue is that I get grumpy because of it and I decided not to do things for myself.

This doesn't make a lot of sense -- maybe.  Here's an example.  Because I had to come to Asheville at a different time (house painters and a such), my plans with my neighbor got canceled (or postponed) since she's out of town when I'm here.  I was annoyed, bummed, etc.  Because I was in a mood, I almost didn't do all the little things I did to have a good trip.  Ultimately, THAT was a bigger issue.  Still frustrating, but not piling on kept it from becoming a frustration that played on repeat in my head.  Make more sense?  One bummer didn't need to ruin everything. 

Anyway, after coaching -- CLEANING.  Then I took myself out for lunch.  Ate outside and read.  Stayed street parked and walked downtown.  A visit to my favorite tea house and a stop for a gift for the little boy who's staying at the house this weekend.

First bubble tea.
Add on to drink of the day.
It was interesting, but didn't finish it.
The drink was a little too sweet.

Fun bath boat and garden bucket.
I looked for something in GA
but didn't find anything.
Happy I saw found the little shop here.

Walked back to my car, quick trip to the market for milk for the kids and home to read.  

Read the first paragraph -- wow, she can write.  So many gems in this book.

This morning is up in the air.  I'm sitting enjoying open windows and morning sounds.  Sheets are in the washer.  My back is tired so I'm not sure if a hilly mountain walk is a good idea.  I'll see how it feels as I move around.  I WILL walk and get a coffee or a juice for the ride home.  I'm coming back on Tuesday (and then 2 more times in June).  No need to push my back, but also no rush back to reality, dog-sitting, house painters and GA humidity.

Have a good one.  Later gators.

Long Lost Friend

Being back in Asheville feels good.  I haven't been since February -- that doesn't seem possible.  Perfect mountain weather; cool crisp breeze, windows opened.  (Today will get a little warmer, but the morning is amazing.)  The birds are so loud -- lots of trees and windows open makes it feel like I'm sitting outside.  I slept with the windows opened too.

Flowers are in bloom.  I picked a few for the counter.  These roses have the most fragrant smell and there's a tiny little patch of flame azaleas in bloom.  

All the vegan restaurants are closed on Tuesday, so I almost bagged a sit down lunch, but changed my mind at the last minute.  I sat outside at a breakfast cafe and had overnight oats with berries.  It's a new "thing" I'm trying -- eating at the restaurant and not taking it home.  Why?  Being a little greener AND trying to focus less on eating while I'm home.

Trader Joe and Whole Food's run next to get some snacks for the kids this weekend.  Happy to report all bags are unopened lol.

Then I started cleaning -- just a bit.  Big clean is this afternoon.

Ended the day reading.  This is excellent, but heartbreaking too.  It's a long book.  I'm not even halfway.

Speaking of books ...

This was probably better than I give it credit.
I felt rushed reading it and never really
connected.  I think it was me and the timing.

Quick read.  Nice reminders
to be neighborly with practical ideas.

I have a coaching call this morning (after a long walk/jog).  I have no idea WHAT to be coached on.  I have stuff brewing, but I know what I need to do/think.  It'll be a last minute decision.

After the call -- CLEANING, quick shower and taking myself out to eat before the vegan place closes (only one lunch place open today).  Reading and another open window sleep.  Sounds like a good day.

Happy Wednesday.  Later gators.

Another Monday

I planned to leave for Asheville this morning, but I wasn't feeling myself yesterday.  Low, low energy and lots of happenings around the house this week.  It made more sense to shift the trip a day so I'm here with a long list of to-dos before I leave -- it works a lot better.  Hubby took about 5 seconds to book golf today.

I didn't attend the virtual bookclub because my energy really was awful.  Turned out only one person signed in.  That's a bummer since 5 people said 'yes' -- so no bookclub after all.  I think we need to eliminate the virtual meetings.  People don't hold their commitment the same way.  I respond 'maybe' to virtual meetings because I'll only attend if everything lines up perfectly.

My little garden is taking a bit of a beating.  So much for please be careful with the plants.  Every season it's something.  I can't wait for the raised beds.  Hopefully, next year is my first REAL garden.

Very short and sweet this morning.  I have a full day ahead and then a morning drive tomorrow.  

Have a good Monday.  Later gators.

Mushroom 5K

Once again, thanks past self for a hookup.  Yesterday's Mushroom 5K (that was only 2.8 miles lol) was a lot of fun.

I met my friend's friend and she was awesome.  Right away great conversations, lots of connection.  Future self stuff that made me feel really good.

Rain for the check-in but we toured the indoor mushroom farm while we waited.  We ended up just walking together and the rain held off for the rest of the day.  Uphill until the turn around at a pretty new winery.  After party had mushroom food (delicious rice dish) and goodies.  We got a bag of mushroom to go -- sautéed for dinner last night.  Everything supported the local animal shelter.

The town of Elijay is adorable and I'll go back to visit at some point.

Checked so many boxes and I'm glad I went.

Got home and jumped on FB to look at the bookclub info for today.  I belong to a site that sells things locally and a cool 1920's plant stand popped up on my wall.  Hubby and I took an afternoon drive and picked it up.  Not sure where I'm using it, but price was fantastic. Iron with a wood top and a marble stone.

Picture from the listing.
It's in my car right now.

House painting is in full swing.  Man, it's hard work for this crew.  I can't wait to have my house back to normal though.  Everything is covered, garages are off limits, indoor plants with no sunshine and outdoor plants taking a beating.  One more week.  I leave for Asheville tomorrow.  Can hubby keep my outdoor plants alive?!??!  

Bookclub is virtual this afternoon.  Poetry book -- How Far You Have Come (Morgan Harper Nichols).  It was a story of her childhood mixed with poems about a road trip journey.  I don't like the virtual bookclub anymore, but I'll attend if I'm finished with errands.  In-person is much better experience.  No big deal if I miss it -- I responded 'maybe' so I'm solidly noncommittal this month.

Happy Sunday and have a good day.  Later gators.

That Didn't Take Long

Yesterday was a mixed bag.  Lunch was actually really nice -- the conversation WAS good.  We stayed for over 2 hours.

But the day was a series of bad news from family members.  I'm hesitant to put anybody else's business out into the ether, but a lot of bad news from already bad news situations.  Nothing that's happening to me, but it hit hard.  Three close family members facing very hard times.

I'm having a tough time brushing off the worry and concern.  And maybe I shouldn't.

Then a couple of nuisance news things ... like grand-dogs are coming early, painters are behind so they will meet next week.  I don't know how this will work with the chihuahua.  Already dreading the 5 days and 4 wakeful nights.  I passed over so many interesting hikes because we have them all weekend (with painters) and we need both hands on deck.  Needless to say, I looking forward to Memorial Day weekend hah!

All that to say, I'm back to "managing" my mood.  I had about 48 hours of all feel-good and now I'm back to the ups and downs. 

Speaking of up ... I woke up at 4:20 this morning.  It's MUSHROOM 5K day.  Race starts at 9 o'clock and it's an hour away with shuttles from parking lot to the check-in.  I'm getting picked up at 7 o'clock.  I need time to drink my morning drinks and have them move through.  Potties will be in short supply.  This is a super local race -- timed, but not awards and such.  A fun run to and through a mushroom farm and then tours of the farm.  I'll probably walk a lot of the run -- it's in the mountains so big hills.  I don't need any back issues.

I KNOW I'll have fun (thanks, past me) but, once again ... DREAD and a strong desire to curl up in bed.

I'm not feeling very social and I'm going with a friend and her friend -- that's means small talk introduction conversations (i.e. I need to be cheerful and 'on').  I'll be in the backseat so talking loudly and trying to hear.  

See, I'm focusing on the dread.  I need to switch this up -- and quickly.  This is probably EXACTLY what I need right now.  Social, friends, nature, exercise ... and mushrooms :)

Here's a picture of Duke The Explorer.  Time to get moving.  Happy Saturday.  Later gators.

House Painting Has Begun and Other Random Things

We need our house painted.  3 quotes later and a few delays and the work has begun.  I've dreaded this for months.  Inconvenience for dogs, moving everything off of everywhere, scared for my little itty bitty garden, people in my windows, parking on the street, start times, finish times.

But, you know what ... it's all good.  The owner and crew are exceptionally nice and very professional.  I'm not doing ANY of the hard work.  And my house will look fresh as a daisy by the end of next week (assuming the weather cooperates).  {A+ and a back pat for such a good attitude lol -- hopefully it stays}

Since I was worried about the demise of my garden, I harvested a few little spring things and a couple tiny peppers.  I heard if you pick early peppers before they grow, the plant focuses on growing bigger and you get more yield over the season.  If last year's little itty bitty plants are an indicator (my bad for being thrilled with early peppers), this should work to grow bigger ones.

Library books.  They aren't stopping.  My June summer start might be more like July at this rate.  Here's what came off of reserve with no renewals.  

I was #5 of 10 YESTERDAY.
How did this happen?
This is a big, long, careful read.

This is the book I mentioned yesterday.
Very Jen Hatmaker-like.  
Just up my self-help alley.

Duke was all up in my grill since hubby is in Asheville.  Pictures taken for hubby because Duke is his absolute favorite and he gets a kick out of his shenanigans. 

Botox starts with funny distortions.
Look at the bend in my eye.
I didn't expect the sloppy kiss.

Lunch today with a dog-foster friend.  It's a hit-or-miss conversation.  She spins negative a lot, but sometimes it comes off as more funny than complaining.  Lately ... not so much.  I'm going in with a good attitude though.  See, hormone stability = good attitude.  Got to catch it when I can -- I give it 72 hours before I'm in a mood again.

I made applesauce yesterday.  Usually a fall, in-season thing for me, but organic honey crisps were on sale.  They're so sweet, you don't need any sugar.

There you have it.  Random facts on a Friday about random things from a Thursday.  Hope your day is a good one.  Later gators.

So Many Books

I'm trying to get caught up on library reads so I can begin my "start of summer" reading list (aka June's reads).  I still have 3 books on reserve, but I'm way back on the hold count for them.

Finished this one Tuesday.  Quick, easy, writing is just okay and the writing felt awkward to read.  It didn't flow nicely to me, but the story was fun.

Started this yesterday.  Much better writing and good so far.

Another book came up on hold -- because, of course.  But this one is a self-help-ish book.  Picture soon (and I forget the title ... something like, It Starts With Hello).  It's about how to be neighborly.

I'm excited for some long awaited summer (June) reads.  Starting with heavy hitters and then lightening up for July and August.  Stay tuned.

I had a good coaching call yesterday (Heidi) -- spot on, very helpful.  We talked about the afternoon FS issues -- i.e. FS totally disappears and buffering begins (snacking, grazing).  Figured out the feeling is LET DOWN.  Trying to change this habit but I'm still in the negotiation phase -- so it feels hard with a lot of head chatter.  Keep practicing to change and the negotiation starts to quiet down.  Maybe urge is still there, but without the chatter, it goes away quickly.

Knowing this is let down, not boredom changes the fix quite dramatically.  I need a pinch of fun, variety ... not just any old something to do.

I'm trialing a new afternoon routine (when I'm home) -- trying to find a catchy name.  Afternoon learning.  Afternoon creates.  Afternoon agency.  Afternoon delights!!!  The idea is I spend the afternoon doing something of my choosing (fun to pick everyday) that taps into learning, creativity, reading, etc.  Finding something with a little fun that's not necessarily part of my morning routine.  I get to anticipate a little bit of something different (countering the let down).  Caveat is it isn't hard and doesn't take an abundance of energy.  Perfect for the afternoon slump.

I'm going to brainstorm ideas so I have a list on the ready.  I like this a lot.

Yesterday's afternoon was a rock for Saturday's mushroom 5K.  I dotted a little to give some texture to the frog and the mushroom.

Back says ...
Fun-Guy on a Toadstool.
Pun misses a little, but
it was all I got.

House painters start today.  Got a text that they're not coming until 11am.  Woo hoo.  Morning routine intact today.

P.S.  I think Afternoon Delights is the winner, right?!?!

Have a good Thursday.  (I'm very mixed up on my days this week for some reason -- feels like a Tuesday.)  Later gators.

Screwed Up

My day started well.  Ran at the park -- 3 miles with some short walking breaks.  Finally divided up the Sesame Street collection (it's hard to give away when it's a group).  Left Bert and Ernie in the kids' LFL.

Sad looking book!

Showered, packed up and headed to the Urban hike.  I arrived as they were FINISHING.  The leader wrote up the hike differently than usual and I only saw the finish time so I assumed it was the start time (they NEVER put an end time -- only fill in duration on a different line).  Apparently, he does his hikes like this -- live and learn.  Oh so frustrating, plus I got a no-show ding.  I apologized and he was nice about it, but, dang.

What to do?!?!  I thought about heading home, but I decided to head over to another trail and walk until I felt less disappointed (and grab a few rocks for painting).  I was dressed and ready -- I figured I'd try to walk off my new mood.  And I did.

I hiked about 3 miles and watched for flowers.  Not many in bloom on first glance, but when you pay attention, there are gems to be found.  

Finished up and went to a happy little cafe for lunch.  I've been once before -- totally reminds me of Asheville.

Roasted veggies and kale & brussel salad
with a timely table message.
"You are responsible for the
energy you bring to the room."

Best little moment was I found a knitted heart left on the trail.  It something else people leave -- happy rocks and happy little knitted treasures (hearts, frogs, bugs).  It made me smile.  Mood was absolutely turned around and I probably had a better day than I had planned (although I'm bummed about the no-show ding).

As "hard" as thought work and self-reflection work feels, it's worth it.  The more I practice, the more I can show up in ways that support a better day.  I salvaged something that would've derailed a past me. 

Happy Wednesday.  Later gators.