Simple Joys of the Week, April 11th Edition

This girl = a bit burnt out. 

Today is my first day "off" after working (teaching) 6 days in a row, and before beginning an 11-day stretch of teaching every single day. I haven't been scheduled like this since I first started teaching way back in the day, and I'm feeling it--physically (my hips! my back! my shoulders!), mentally, and emotionally. Run. Down. 

You all know that I LOVE my job, but for my own sense of balance and sanity, days off are extremely important. 

So, this morning I slept in until 7 (woohoo!), snuggled in bed with Sayde for 20 minutes (it was glorious), skipped oil pulling (because I can, darnit!), drank my first cup of tea at the table while Ben ate breakfast, and then poured my second cup of tea and took Sayde out into the yard--in my PJs--to play some ball. During my first ball throw, a big chunk of dirt fell into my tea, but I drank it anyways, because that's what you do when you don't want to go back inside. 

Sometimes, we just NEED a day where we have nothing on the books. Where we can be leisurely about our routines,  change up the daily grind, and let our bodies just REST. I hope that if you, too, are feeling a bit burnt out, you can find some time to give yourself a day "off" this weekend...

But, I've gotten off topic, so lets talk simple, sensory joys. Obviously this morning has been a real simple joy thus far, but this past week has also been filled to the brim with simple pleasures. Here are a few of them:

HEAR: Shannon Saunders Medley 
I came across this medley on a fabulous new blog that one of my former students recently started [Peace + Pranayama--check it out!] and I LOVE it. I had never heard of Shannon Saunders before, but y'all, she is talented! I recommend checking out her entire YouTube channel (you can watch the medley below): 

SEE: Ben enjoying a donut (!!!)
Last week, Ben took an entire week off from working out, which is unheard of in his world. During this week, he also indulged in many foods that he normally wouldn't eat, because he wasn't working out so didn't have to worry about the sugar affecting his energy level. It was so much fun living with someone who eats normally! On Saturday we went on a long bike ride to a breakfast spot called Hole in One, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (see below) and Ben enjoyed a donut with his coffee. He was SO happy! I snapped a pic to commemorate the moment and remind him how good it can feel to let go every once in a while. FYI: after stuffing our faces, the bike ride home was a lot tougher than the trip there...

TASTE: Banana Nut Muffin from Hole in One
Yes, two SJOTW from the same place/time period, but I'm telling you, it was a good/delicious morning. Since I'm not a donut person (I've never liked them), I got a muffin as my "fun side item" at breakfast (ha!). Good thing I did, though, because it might have been the best thing I've ever eaten. It was slightly toasted, so it was warm, and it literally melted in my mouth.  I've been dreaming about it ever since Saturday, and might have to go back this weekend and get another. Holy goodness + addiction. 

SMELL: Paints and mediums
After what has felt like forever (but has actually only been about 2.5 months), I've finally gotten back into a bit of a painting routine. I painted every single day this week, and it was really wonderful to dive back in and start spending time on more than one painting at a time again. I'm currently working on three commissions and some new paintings of my own (it's been so long since I've ben able to do this!), and I'm loving spending time in my studio again. I think it might be time to start another daily painting project....? #cantstopwontstop

TOUCH: Lying down in bed at night {Ahhhhh.}
You know when you're crazy tired, your body aches from exhaustion because it's been a very long day/week, and you finally get into bed? That is one of the BEST feelings ever, and I felt it last night. I sighed aloud and gave my body permission to relax for the day, and it was heaven. This is what I'm talking about, people, SIMPLE joys found in our everyday lives. 

What brought you joy over the past 7 days? How can you take some time to recharge this weekend? Might be worth doing some reflecting + mulling over today...

Happy Friday!