Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Finding the Balance

My little mountain top house has been a busy one lately. 

For many, summer is a time to slow down and take it easy. The lazy days of summer. 

For me? Not so much. 

First of all, my job kicks into super-high gear in summer.  So there's that. 


And then there's the gardening. Between the lawn, the flowers, the herbs, the berries, and the veggies I have a lot to care for. Not that I'm complaining....I truly love being out in the garden, it's a passion of mine. 

It just doesn't leave a ton of time to get other things done. 

Like vacuuming. And dusting. And mopping floors. 

Never mind the baseboards. And the cobwebs. 

Sigh. 

Via
How do you find the balance? 

I'm not sure. I'm working on it. 


In addition to all the 'chores' that need to be done, I need to find time for a social life. 

And some quiet time.....some 'me' time. I don't do well without my 'me' time. 

Sometimes it's as simple as sitting on the deck under the stars listening to the night noises. 

I did that last night for a few minutes, and it was wonderfully restorative. 

Often it's just heading to bed a little bit earlier so I have time to read. 

Via
I truly love to read. 

Sometimes it's spending quality quiet time in the garden early in the morning - just me and the critters, doing what we do. 


Walking around, taking notice of the many miracles a garden holds. 

Or sitting on the deck swing with a cup of coffee, enjoying the many beautiful visitors to my feeders. 


I think when life gets crazy busy it's important to focus on adding some super healthy foods into my diet. My body needs...and craves...the extra nutrition to keep up with the demands I put on it during this time of year. 

One of the things I'm experimenting with at the moment is Kefir. Stay tuned on that. 

I've been slowly planting the veggie garden. Once that starts producing, I plan our meals around what's coming out of the garden each day. Truly farm to table, the best there is. 

I try to make sure I take my vitamins daily, so my body is not lacking any vital nutrients. 


52 comments:

  1. It sounds like you are needing some time to fill your own well, so please prioritize that. We all need it at times, preferably daily. The Nabokov quote? That's crucial for me. There has got to be a few books on my bed table ready for bedtime.

    Like you, I have several things throughout the day that help, and one is something new I've discovered this past week. I just happened to go outside one day at 6 p.m. and thought I was hearing bells. And I was! It was bells ringing, playing beautiful hymns. Now I've found out that a local Methodist church plays bells every night then, 2 or 3 hymns. So I time my dachshunds supper so that they're finished by then and I take a drink outside and sit and close my eyes while Otis & Milo go potty and listen to the bells. I look forward to this little ritual all day long now.

    Housework? No matter how much you do, there is always more to be done, isn't there? And there are always snowbound and rainbound days for that.

    Take care of yourself!
    Dewena

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    1. That's right, Dewena - God made rainy days so gardeners could get some housework done!! The church bells sound lovely, that's a favorite sound of mine as well. I don't hear any from my home, but I do have lots of windchimes scattered about!

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  2. Like you, I have to make sure I have "me" time. And I pretty much have that on a regular basis. Me and the pupsters.
    Brenda

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  3. I need more me time. I take care of a lot of people and animals. Like you Summer is my busy time and kicks into high gear. I sit on our front deck and look at the stars. It helps.

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    1. It truly does, Valerie. I pretty much live outdoors in the nice weather, when I am home. It heals my soul!

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  4. Some times when things get crazy....we just have to be quiet...take time to breathe, to pray, to think. Other times I just tear my hair out. LOL. I do not spit shine my house any more. I just keep it as clean as time will allow. yes, I get mad at myself if I find dust under a bedside table..where's that cat, I need to spray him with endust. LOL. Take time for yourself honey...you just have too. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Ha ha - perhaps I can spray my pups with Endust as well? And attach some little cloth slippers so they can shine up the floors while they run around playing?

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  5. I sew. I find that if I can put thread into fabric, I can handle all the rest.

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    1. How relaxing for you, Carole! I do wish I had that talent!

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  6. I make reading before bedtime part of my daily activities. I find it calms my mind.

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    1. I do make that a routine...providing I'm not too tired when I hit the bed to keep my eyes open!

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  7. I totally hear you and understand! I don't work outside the home right now, but I am pretty much constantly in motion as I do all the housework, laundry, errands and most of the gardening. And like you said, there's socializing with friends/family time, time spent with our pets, and "me" time. I was out running errands today and stopped at the local coffee shop for an iced coffee to go. I was talking to the barista and she said something about going home and relaxing with the coffee. I said, "Ha!" I told her I was then off to the garden center and then home to plant stuff, finish the housework, take care of the cats, throw in a load of laundry, etc. My feet were hurting right now and I needed a break so I just now went online to take a break and read some blogs. I have to remember that "me" time is just as important as taking care of the house and everyone else. In fact, my legs need shaving and my toenails need painting and I also need to do some yoga because my back is achy...so thanks for the reminder! :-)

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    1. Ha ha I thought I was the only one going around fuzzy and unpainted??? I so need a pedicure....sigh, that would be awesome!

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  8. One of my greatest joys and destressors is sitting in our hot tub at night with the jets off and listening to the frog chorus. Sometimes the owls will also have a conversation and that too is lovely. :) Mornings find me on my back screened in porch this time of year sipping on coffee and listening to the birds. I'm enjoying this little ritual now because soon school will be out and the neighborhood will be filled with the sounds of children yelling. Don't get me wrong, I love children, but I really like my quiet mornings. ;)

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    1. Your nightly hot tub routine sounds like heaven, Debbie!! Children yelling? Not so much, I agree, although I do love the kiddies!!

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  9. I can relate. Love reading before bed, time alone outdoors, and enjoying the amazing natural world around me. I find that I need time outside daily, which can be difficult as summer rolls in and temps climb.
    Water kefir was a life-changer for our son. I hope you find milk kefir helpful.

    It sounds like you've found your balance. Just taking time every day to exude and embrace gratitude keeps us in harmony with the world around us.

    You're invited to share this wonderful (and thought-provoking) post on this week's Maple Hill Hop.
    Continued blessings...

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    1. I am hoping the milk kefir will help with energy and balance. Fingers crossed!

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  10. I hope you don't mind me commenting again. I was thinking about you yesterday and realizing how much you have on your plate with working full-time and being a mama and a homeowner. I don't think there's any easy answers how to balance everything. There's just not enough hours in the day. I came across this article this morning and thought I'd pass it along to you.
    http://www.marcandangel.com/2016/05/18/5-signs-its-time-to-do-less/#more-3032

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    1. Thanks, Melanie - I'm going to check that out for sure!!

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  11. I love Kefir! I do not drink it nearly as often as I should, but I love that sour taste! I belong to many blogs, but yours strikes inspiration into my heart. You are so fortunate to be able to live where you do with plenty of room to garden, and a lovely large home to create your nest in. How you live has always been my dream. At least I can enjoy this way of life through your postings.

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    1. Thanks so much!! I do know how lucky I am, for sure, even when it seems like I have mountains of things to do....but at the end of the day, I am truly blessed.

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  12. I love having my morning coffee time and now that the weather if FINALLY warming up, I'll be able to sit outside and enjoy nature. I also read a great fiction every night before going to bed.

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    1. You and me both, Carol - I love a book that I can't put down!!

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  13. I have let a lot go and try not to get so caught up in the small stuff. To tell you the truth, I have actually been considering calling in a cleaning lady. My neighbor recommended someone to me... she said it's not being lazy, but "quality of life". She does have a point...

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    1. I've been thinking the very same thing, Debbie - just someone to come in about once a month and do the things I never seem to get to - like the baseboards, windows, etc. Your neighbor is absolutely right, good for her!

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  14. I sit for a few minutes.... any time of the day that I can, with the pups and a hot cup of flavored coffee on the back deck to look at the mountains beyond, and if it's a bit breezy I get to hear our Corinthian chimes ringing. That's enough to re-charge and make me feel good about life. Not affiliated with this website but wanted to share with you so you could hear what I am talking about. xo http://qmtwindchimes.com/

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    1. I adore wind chimes so I'm hopping over to check those out right now - thanks!! :)

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  15. I know how you feel! I dont get home from work until 5:30 each day so I have to cram in all the house work and fun in just a few hours. garden? I wish I had time for that. I wanted to plant a couple things but it hasn't happend yet and I feel like i've waited to long.
    For me, sitting alone with a glass of wine helps. lol.
    Lisa

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    1. That helps me, too, Lisa, no doubt! My evening cocktail is part of my de-stressing routine!!

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  16. I have definitely learned to take "me" time. So important for everyone to slow down and appreciate the moment. xo Laura

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    1. Without a doubt, Laura. I need to do that more often, just live in the moment. Thanks for the reminder!

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  17. This reminded me of a post that you did awhile back showing a bunch of magazines that you did not have time to read. At that time I thought " she could have read them instead of doing this post. Well, she's new to blogging. She'll figure it out." Basically, the hour or MORE that you give up of your life for a blog post that people read through in five minutes or less is not always worth that hour :) Cut back and you might be happier...I have, and I am, though it took me a few years to figure that out. Just a thought :)

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    1. So true, Deb, but I still enjoy blogging so much...if the day comes that it becomes a chore, I will need to cut back.

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  18. Haha! Like you I don't want to give anything up but have it all! My house is sadly neglected and I don't have a job or a large yard. My wonderful husband has been sweeping and dusting. Since i do have Lyme they have me on lots of vitamins and supplements but I have to waste my time taking a rest every afternoon!! If you figure out the answer without giving anything up, let me know! It is hard striking a balance! Good luck! Nancy

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    1. I don't think there is a magic answer, Nancy, I just have to let some things go....too bad I don't have a maid, that would help a lot!!

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  19. My current home is smaller than what I used to have so it seems very easy to keep tidy. Plus, I have a sweet hubby who cleans up behind himself. He's a keeper. "Me" time is grabbing an iced coffee and heading out to the thrift stores for a few hours :)

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    1. I like a small home for that very reason, Karen. I remember one apartment that I had, I could clean the whole thing in about an hour. It was great!! This house takes a little longer, but I don't touch the lower level since my girls are living down there. That's their job! Upstairs isn't too large, it's just the right size, nice and cozy!

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  20. When I had little ones in the house, I simply lowered my standards after hearing Erma Bombeck talk about how dust bunnies won't matter when you look back at life. Now, at 66 I know that what she was saying was so true! Clean a little, live a lot. Later you can win the blue ribbons for cleaning.

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    1. Oh I had a favorite book by Erma Bombeck, she was fantastic!!

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  21. You are so wise. That is most of the battle- knowing what we need and what is best to create balance in our lives.Thank you for joining us at Thoughts of Home on Thursday!
    You have such a great blogging voice and I always enjoy visiting.

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  22. It is difficult to find a balance. Gotta find your "me" time. Spring is a busy time with clearing away winter debris in the garden and preparing to plant. And then, there's Spring cleaning. Yeah, right... xoxo

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    1. It sure is....and I haven't even gotten to the spring cleaning yet!

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  23. When life gets too crazy, I have to take things out of the mix. I've always admired people who are able to do a hundred different things at once with grace. Me...not so much. Some people consider gardening to be "work" that falls into the "me" time category and it sees like you are the same. :)

    Thank you for joining Thoughts of Home. :)

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    1. Gardening is definitely part of the 'me' category, although it is hard work for sure. But so rewarding, oh my!

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  24. Life does get crazy and yet you have a beautiful way of balancing it all.
    I always enjoy my visits with you, seems as though we are just sitting down in your garden sipping some tea.
    Thank you for sharing this post with us at TOHOT.
    Jemma

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    1. I'll provide the tea if you bring one of those fabulous cakes you make, Jemma!

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  25. Summer is busy for me as well, and I don't even work. I can imagine how busy you are. My morning stroll thru the garden is a bit of 'me' time that rejuvenates me. I also need some girlfriend time as well as hubby and I time. It is hard to balance it all in, but I sure do try! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. That's absolutely a bit of 'me' time as well, Jann! I love taking my coffee out to the garden for a walkabout in the mornings. And I think my time with my daughters, when we head out for 'girls day', really rejuvenates me as well!

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  26. I am retired so my life doesn't get chaotic very often. But, when I was working and actually still today, a long walk on the beach brings me peace. Steve and I walk and throw the ball to the dog, but both of us are usually quiet as we walk and we feel rejuvenated.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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    1. That's one thing I miss from living in the mountains....the beach. I would love to have a beach to walk on in the evenings!

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I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment...I truly love reading your comments and I try to respond to each and every one of your sweet comments right here on my blog page!

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