Fell off the face of the earth

I didn't really but I noticed I have made a post since mid April, yikes!  Good job I don't get paid for this or I would definitely not be making any money :)

Where am I on my happiness, soul searching journey?  Hmm, it seems I have come to a fork in the road and I am stuck yet desperately looking for a clearing or clear path. I have some things I need to let go of as they are out of my control but I just can't move past it. I am worried about someone whom I love very much and the change I see in them worries me.  It is clouding the clear path that I was on and I can't move the clouds away. Tension and stress has built back up as my schedule has changed, I find myself wanting to escape again.

Hoping to clear the clouds away by learning mindfulness techniques but am finding it hard to pay attention to the lesson. . .don't know why but I find it funny that I can't focus on the lessons. *sigh*

The chocolate wonder aka Harlow is now six months old and 50 lbs of solid puppy. She vibrates when she sees water and is happiest when off leash and running through the water, sand and down the trails of the island. I try to take her 3-4 times a week to just her run and be free. We still walk each morning and I have found that on the odd day where we've missed the morning walk (rain) I don't feel as balanced as when we do.

made it to the end of the island

a relaxing break in the water

The weather is finally warming up and I have baskets and window boxes all done on the deck.  My Clematis has exploded this year, full of big white flowers and bushy. We had to buy a new gazebo as they discontinued the canvas top for my old one.  Decided to buy one a bit smaller and glad I did as now my back door opens completely. The front garden is looking nice with lots of green and some pops of colour with large hanging baskets of white Lobelia and in the garden some bright pink Impatiens among my different variations of Hostas. 

Next up is to repaint the eating area, taking it back to taupe from red and I need to purge the junk room aka the spare bedroom. Maybe purging will help me get back on track. :)

Feeling Good

Harlow and I are continuing to walk daily, most days twice and I am still averaging 6 km a day. Some days our afternoon walks are 6+ (mornings just over 1 km). I am starting to feel the results in the posterior region of my pants :) they are feeling baggier.  Now if only that would transfer to other areas....

I think I have found decided on a 'style' for my bedroom finally.  It has just been a square room painted light taupe with taupe carpet, pretty boring. I mean not even a picture on the wall! I have decided to try for a 'cottage chic' look. Replaced the little mini blinds with white faux wood ones, have flowy white sheers on the window as well.  An old wood occasional table was brought upstairs and I am using it as a night stand with a vanilla candle, wood saying, picture of Harlow and a pretty wood sign about following your dreams. I bought a wood shelf with metal edging and vintage looking wall hooks. My bed is covered with a white thin quilt, orange cushions (will be adding) and a thin throw quilt in a pale turquoise and moss green. I had a 1/2 gallon mason jar that I put fairy lights in and created a bedside light, at night when lit it kind of reminds of fireflies in a jar.  Went to a local antique place and found another jar (how lucky) the same and put the other string of lights in there.  I am in love with the look! Looking for a white metal or a wrought iron headboard and an old dresser I can paint white next.  Found the perfect headboard on kijiji but someone beat me to it :( I am going back to the antique place tomorrow as they have an occasional table very close to the one I have now and a bunch of old wood ladders--may grab one and see how and where I will use it.

 

          

fireflies in a jar

Next on my list is the spare bedroom/catchall room.  It needs a serious overhaul and purge, it's not used and you can tell.  I would love to just put shelves on the wall and get rid of the bookcase that presently houses the modem, router, odds and ends etc.  Not quite sure how I want to do it though. Definitely need to clean it out first and start from scratch, keep the futon as the mattress is navy blue and I just put different duvet covers on for a different look as walls are painted taupe. Off to Pinterest I go for some ideas. Feeling the need to do some decorating/changes.

Talked to the boy last night and he has told me his move out date is April 29.  Soon he will be home and we will both be readjusting to sharing a space together.....must admit there will be some fireworks over the summer as we are both stubborn, lol.

National Puppy Day was yesterday but I didn't blog so here is a picture of Harlow yesterday to celebrate.  Sorry couldn't do a post without mentioning or showing her off <3

Harlow @ 16 weeks old

Growing

My son is almost finished his first year of college and first year away from home.  We have both adjusted very well, maybe too well for him :). I am so proud of the young man he has become and the experiences that he has had being away from home. Moving from a small town to a city is one thing but to do it at 17 (late in year baby) and three hours away is a big step. He is loving his freedom, school, all the things to do up there, new friends and even got a position as an RA for the second semester. I just signed as guarantor for a room in an apartment for him for second year. He and three buddies are moving into a four bedroom apartment at a new student complex that comes fully furnished and includes utilities.  Even talking about finding a job and not coming home at all for the summer next, just staying in his apartment. *sniff* *sniff* also proud momma moment that he is that independent and has plans for his future.  I hope he continues to follow his dreams. <3

We are now officially on spring break!!  Woohoo!! Jealous of all the people who went away this week but I decided to get Harlow in February and then bought a new TV last week. I hope the weather stays nice here and I can enjoy outside time with Harlow, work on recall and walking on a loose leash.

Feeling back on track as well, at peace and content for the most part.  Have had a few days of feeling stressed and grumpy but got back on track and still trudging forward. Difference is I'm not giving up and also not putting pressure or feeling that I failed if I have a moment.  Life is good!!

Can't go without sharing a picture of my LoLo girl.

looking innocent

vet visit--13 weeks 6 days and 21 lbs