And, like the weather, I am unfolding

Hello world! I can't fathom how long it's been since I've taken the time to write, compile my thoughts, and share on this blog. My mind and life have been narrowed; focusing on just those bare necessities to get me through the dark winter. I've thought about posting here several times, but just didn't really seem to have anything to say. And well, I figured that when the time was right, I would be here and share. So, voila!

I went to the coast a few weeks back to visit a friend. I took a much-needed break from "life" for a glorious 24 hours and enjoyed the steady heartbeat of the water, wind, and silence. It was lovely. I visited my favorite stretch of the northern Oregon coast, where I snapped these photos. I love the idea of looking at a great expanse through such a narrow viewfinder. It really struck a chord with me.


It never ceases to amaze me about just how much the world is there for you when you need it; if you only slow down and take the time to notice. All the whining and shaking your fist at the sky looks silly once you settle down and realize they were trying to help all along; offering gifts along the way, hoping you would see.

I am seeing and noticing a lot more right now, and feel abundantly full and content and joyful. I hope I can be open and make it last!

And finally, I want to share a bit of what someone else is making - Hazel's first foray into the world of play dough. It was a homemade recipe I made using paprika for a nice soft orange color. We had so much fun sculpting and shaping; it was one of my favorite activities as a child. And the scent of paprika in the house made my heart happy for all my Hungarian heritage....though I'm sure great grandma would have thought all that paprika a waste when there's goulash to make!