30 :: I Am Grateful This 30-day exercise in sharing what I am grateful for each day has helped me to look at my days in a different light. Some days, it was obvious what I felt grateful for; other days, I had to dig a little deeper to see the silver lining. It has become a habit, none the less, to be mindful during the moments of my day for the things I am thankful for, both big and small. I already knew my world was full of blessings - but writing about a different one each day has filled me with appreciation for the people, places and things around me. So I close by saying, quite simply... I Am Grateful.
...the other had turned into a tent filled with Christmas trees! 
A few lonely piles of Indian corn were interspersed amongst the fragrant firs, visually reflecting the shift I felt inside. Only three short weeks away from Winter, I'm holding these final orange-tinted, pumpkin-flavored days of Autumn close... still counting their many blessings.
23 :: Yard Sale Treasure
And two excellent additions to my home office/studio - a beadboard magnetic chalkboard and this whimsical bird's egg wreath.
And several banana trees hang out down by the water, bearing bunches of small, flavorful bananas year-round. Once good and ripe, I'm going to use some of the ones pictured below to make banana bread for the holidays.
Laura rides a wave of ecstasy through the birth of her second child and the launch of a new career. A full-throttle approach to mothering and work force her to find a point of balance before it all falls apart. This babywearing business owner offers inspiration and hope that mothers can, in fact, do it all.
For Tonya, the big surprises keep rolling in, beginning with an unexpected conception of baby #2 and continuing through a tumultuous year to follow. She faces some of the toughest issues of motherhood and life with strength and humor, learning when to hold tight and when to release.
Starting with the birth of her second child, Liz discovers mothering and family life are the perfect opportunity to deepen her mindful living practice. Her spiritual aspirations are put to the test as she manages raising a family and reviving her pre-kids writing career. Her journey inspires one to be open and accept the moment. 
Maggie is deep in the throws of co-parenting two children with the woman she loves when she realizes her babes are no longer babies. This artist learns to celebrate unconditional acceptance and love as she embarks on the ups & downs of both a new stage of mothering and a new phase in her relationship. 
While growing her family, Colleen is also growing her sense of self, working on improving all aspects of her life. She is compelled to call upon this new found strength of body, mind & spirit when her second pregnancy takes an unexpected turn. Her journey exemplifies how a mother must care for herself in order to care for her family. 
Midwife to all the mamas, Heidi shocks the sisterhood by moving out of the country to an enchanted new life just as she discovers she is pregnant with her second child. Her unique story of leaving her home, family & friends, is one of creating and finding identity through the many phases of life.
These dainty purses from 
More great natural and environmentally-friendly products for kids caught my eye at the 
This is a piece of eco art by event showcase artist 
I fell in love with these huggable lovies at the 
Of course these are just a few of the great finds I discovered (all based in my own backyard) at this huge celebration of green & healthy living. Both educational & inspirational, Efest reminded me how thankful I am for our beautiful planet and all the people working to preserve and enhance it. I am grateful for green living!
Jeff & I love flavored coffee, although we don't always agree on the flavor. So we have a system. We keep several flavors on hand and each day we have something different. Right now, choices include: Swiss Mocha Almond, Hazelnut, French Vanilla and Caramel Mocha. We try different combos of these flavors; Hazelnut-Vanilla is a fave! But if I want some exotic or seasonal brew, I am on my own. So this morning, after chugging a small cuppa joe at home and dropping off my bed-jumping girls, I stopped by a local coffee house for a cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee with a splash of milk. And the night's events drifted away in the steam...
After we completed the loop, we sat down on the driveway with our basket to examine our loot. Selby shook the seed pods and cracked some open to get a look at the insides. Sage waved leaves in the air and taste tested the flowers.
These "nature walks" are some of my most treasured times with my children. My eyes, completely focused on a great find, don't see the houses, the mailboxes or the paved road... they see leaves blowing in the wind, scatterings of acorns, scampering squirrels and curled-up bugs. My eyes see, for a short while, more like a child. For this, I am so grateful. 
9 months old
