...You belong among the wildflowers...

*****Many things are hanging on the horizon.

Some near, some... Well, not so much.
Some days I feel like I can't contain myself,

But every day I take small steps.

It is hard to really realize sometimes, the steps I am taking, but they are going ever onward. I often create endless lists for myself of things "to do". Many days I am somewhat satisfied (apparently never fully satisfied) with what I accomplish, how much I accomplish, how fully I accomplish. But then, just as often, I get very few of these "to do" things done.

There is so much pressure I put on myself (I wonder, am I alone feeling this?), I have these- standards, shall we say- of what I expect of myself, masked as my perception of what I think society and other people think and expect of me.

But the bottom line is that none of it matters (I know, I know, easier said than done).

There is always going to be an ongoing list that can be compiled of the do's, don'ts, should's, could's, would's... The "to do" list can be endless!

But really, it doesn't matter.

I work on accepting this every day.

I work on enjoying the moments as they arrive, not stressing-especially the small stuff- and whatever I get done in the day is what was meant to be. It is hard, but I am happier and fuller for taking these steps.

I am so painfully human sometimes, but I have to remember to look at and listen to the natural world around me, imagining myself wild and free like those "weeds" blooming from the cracks in the pavement, or in a ditch, or even a beautifully manicured garden...
We are all wildflowers, remember.

So as the week begins and a new day approaches, enjoy it. Go out, do those things you have been wanting to do, the "need to's" can wait one more day!

*****

All about the happenings...

Some things that have been going on around here lately:

1. The market totes that I had made still haven't arrived. Quite frustrating. I won't even go into it...

2. On a positive note, I am super excited to announce that the postcards I made where a portion of the sales go to support our local, no-kill animal shelter are here!!! I am so excited I can hardly stand still!!!

You can find out all about them HERE.

3. The women's tees that I ordered for my new adventure in screen printing also came today. WOOHOO!!! I am hoping to have some with THIS print in the shop by the end of the week.

4. Apparently it is "make someone smile" week. Like, for real! Fantastic!!!

(I hope some of these photos make you smile, like the 3rd one with the close up of our little Mu-Mu berry and Nate being goofy behind her)

5. I am so IN LOVE with this photo. And the man. And the dog.

6. My passionflower are going CRAZY!!! I am completely in awe of these intricate flowers. Not to mention that many of the flowers that have passed are actually turning into passion fruit! I have never had that happen before!!! Fingers crossed that they will develop all the way and I will feast on some exotic fruit!

So far that is all I can think of.

Some good, some not so good, some exciting, some just plain wonderful!

How has your week been?

Is it raining where you are? Is it sunny?

What are you working on and what is inspiring you?

Tell me all about it, I truly want to know, dear friends!!!

Farmers' Market

A few random photos from the market on Monday:

All the children love Bessie Mu

(although she can be a bit skeptical of them)

and when I turned around at one point, this is what I saw...

Surrounded!

This little girl had the sweetest outfit on.

I love how patiently and serenely she waited while her mom was shopping at Farmer Dave's booth!

Such a sweet moment!

Lastly, I am so excited to have come home with not only fruit and vegetables, but also herbs.

Included in those herbs (which are all in pots, not cut) was thyme this amazing passiflora!!!

I already have a passiflora that I started from a cutting and have had for years, but I am always to bring home another of these beautiful and elaborate plants.

How beautiful!!!

I love this plant and it has wonderful medicinal properties.

It is a nervine and mild sedative, so it is helpful with insomnia and anxiety.

The entire above ground parts of the plant can be used and taken in many different forms such as tea, tincture and capsules, but I prefer the tea.

It is also great mixed with other herbs such as Lemonbalm, chamomile, or valerian...

Just so you know.

Do you use herbs at all?

Do you have a favorite?