Simple Joys of the Week, June 28th Edition

What a week! I mean that in the BEST of ways, because this week was awesome. Why? Because I could really feel my new schedule sinking in. For once, I had room to breathe, to paint everyday, to go on walks, to take almost-nightly baths, and it's been marvelous. I cannot believe I've been missing out on this life for so long!

I ran an errand in painting clothes at 1pm yesterday, and as I walked down Wilson Blvd., passing people in suits on their lunch breaks, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for my current life situation. I feel like everything that I'm doing right now is exactly what I want to be doing, and that's an amazing feeling.

So, besides my total sense of gratitude for my new schedule, here are a few more of my simple, sensory joys from the past week. What brought you happiness over the past 7 days? 

HEAR: Woman by Rhye
Have you heard Rhye yet? If not, you should take a listen. They remind me SO much of Sade (who I love), its's crazy, but here's what's even crazier--the duo is made up of 2 men. It's incredible! I had NO idea until I looked them up to learn more. Anyways, NPR called their music "provocative easy-listening," which it definitely is, but I just find that it sounds relaxing and emotional (and yes, at times, somewhat suggestive). I've included one of my favorites,"Open," on this month's class playlist, and you can listen to it below:

SEE: Framed "A Dress a Day" Paintings
One of my fellow artists from college--who is SUPER talented--is having a show in Mount Sterling, KY. As a part of this show, she asked me to be the "Artist of the Month" at the arts center that's hosting it, so this week I framed and shipped some of my little "A Dress a Day" paintings to KY. It's always exciting to see your paintings get ready to be shown publicly, and framing them and wrapping them all up was really fun. A simple frame just does wonders for a small piece of art! I'll share more pics soon :) 

[Oh, and PS, I'm having an absolute BLAST doing this daily painting project. One of the best things I've done for myself in a long time. I don't think I'll ever get sick of painting dresses! ]

TASTE: Ice Cream Sandwich Sampler at Farmers Fishers Bakers
Um, do you see the homemade ice cream sandwich spread in the image above? YUM! Obviously, I went non-gluten-free for this treat sampler, and it was totally worth it (without question). Ben and I split 4 (four!!!) uniquely-flavored ice cream sandwiches last weekend, and they were simply incredible. Incredible, I tell you. Ugh, wish I could have another one this weekend...

SMELL: Summer Flowers
I've been going on almost daily walks for the past few weeks, and I cannot get enough of the gorgeous summer flowers that are in bloom everywhere you look. It's amazing how much brightly-colored blooms can brighten your mood, or get you to stop and appreciate nature, and the flowers that I saw on this week's walks were no exception. I find that with every summer, I grow to love flowers even more...

TOUCH: Studio Floor {underneath my hands, when working on handstand}
I'm kind of obsessed with handstand right now. Not in the forced, Type-A way that I mentioned in yesterday's post, but in a I-want-to-get-this-pose-very-badly-because-it-feels-amazing-to-do-it kind of way. I feel like I'm on the edge--I have no problem practicing it by the wall, but it's totally different in the middle of the room. However, I'm really enjoying working on it, and every time that I get closer, I get a little rush inside. Have I mentioned how much I love yoga lately? ;)

I hope your weekend is FULL of simple, sensory joys, and that you have a little time to stop and appreciate them. 

Oh, and I'm very excited that my very first monthly newsletter will be going out on Monday (yay!), so if you haven't signed up to receive it yet, you can do so here. Hint: It will have some SJOTW-like elements ;) 

Have a great Friday!