Simple Joys of the Week, September 14th Edition

Sweetest t-shirts EVER made for me at a small wedding celebration with dear friends (look at the onesie!!!!!).

What a week! There is just so much going on and it doesn't look like it's going to slow down anytime soon--for me or for anyone else that I've talked to lately! September is in full effect, and it seems as though everyone is feeling the crunch, not just those who are getting married in a few weeks ;)

So lets look back at the hustle and bustle of the past seven days and pause to appreciate the simple joys, shall we? What made you smile over this past week? My sensory pleasures are below...

Image via last.fm.com

Hear: "Time is Love" by Josh Turner

I've been loving this song for a while now, and so has Ben, so we've been playing it around the house quite a bit over the past few weeks. I heard it on the radio as I was rushing from one thing to the next earlier this week, and it really got me--you know what I'm talking about? The words spoke to me in that moment, in the way that only good songs can do when you're feeling emotional, and I felt like it was a really great reminder that we should spend more time enjoying the company of those that we love, and less time trying to accomplish things or get everything done. Plus, Josh Turner's voice is simply gorgeous. I mean, gorgeous. But I have to warn you all, he's country!  You can listen to this beautiful song below:

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See: Sketches, paintings, and creative wedding projects 

I feel like I haven't had a purely creative day in a while, but yesterday, I finally got one, and it was magical. I had sketches for a painting commission to work on, a special wedding-related painting to play with, and some fun, artsy wedding projects to work on (including the programs, for which I drew a little something!), so it was both a productive and enjoyable, playful day--and I've really been needing a day like that. Although I want to share all of it with you, I feel like I should leave some of our small wedding touches a surprise for those who will be attending (it will be so boring if they already know how everything looks!), so I'll have to share some things AFTER the big event. Oh, and this reminds me: if you can, try and make some time for creativity in your life this month--no matter how busy you may be. I was reminded yesterday about just how nurturing it can be...

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Taste: Apple treats 

At the wedding get-together pictured above, my friend made two apple-themed treats to celebrate my love for apples. Not only did she make these dishes using apples, but she also used my favorite kinds of apples! I was truly touched by this thoughtful gesture, and the treats were DELICIOUS. What were they? Apple Brie Flatbread and a Homemade Caramel Apple Dip. They were so good that there was nothing left at the end of the night--and this is after we went out for an Ethiopian feast (!). Also, totally unrelated but important to note is the fact that it's fall, which means that apples are truly in season and will be more amazing than ever in the coming weeks. I can't wait to go apple-picking (a must-have) and enjoy yummy apple-infused recipes over the next couple of months!

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Ben lounging in the sun while I watched from the shade.

Smell: Spending a day in the great outdoors (aka, a park in the city)

The weather in DC this week has been perfect. I've tried to get outside any chance that I can get, and last Sunday, Ben and I packed up a big bag, our frisbee, and two camping chairs, and headed to our local park for about 4 hours. I fought the idea of spending a long time outside at first, since I had "so much to do," but once he convinced me, it was totally worth it and the mental break from this busy time was very healing (this is why he is good for me!). Although I hid in the shade reading when we weren't practicing handstands or throwing the frisbee (how we spent most of the afternoon), Ben took to the sun to get his Vitamin D quota for the week. He doesn't mess around when it comes to Vitamin D...

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Touch: Knitting

Last weekend, my friend taught me how to knit. I learned once way back in high school, but had long since forgotten how to do this sweet, meditative activity. Once I got the hang of it again, I realized just how much I love it! It's such a great way to keep your hands busy, but still relax (weird, but very good for me, as I always like to be doing something...I know, I'm working on this!). Although I'm actually really bad at it now and have only made a TINY little scrap with lots of dropped stitches thus far, I can't wait until I have more time to do more of it and get in a better groove. I can see how addictive it could be, and you know, I need another activity/interest, right? I don't have enough hobbies these days...oh wait. Anyways, super fun!

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What filled your week with joy, laughter, or deep relaxation? I hope it was full of the simple joys in life, and that you have the time to stop and appreciate them before they disappear into the past. 

Here's to a creative, calming, and celebratory fall weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine