Long Hollow

I took advantage of the "icy roads" warning yesterday and just huddled inside my toasty warm house, not even venturing down the highway to see my mom. I was probably being over-cautious, but when the roads you travel are twisty and hilly, and not made to resist icing, it's better to play it safe than find yourself sliding out-of-control down a hillside, in my opinion. 

Besides…I really, really needed a whole day at home, both mentally and practically. I didn't accomplish as much as I'd hoped, despite working about 15 hours answering emails, making phone calls, and fulfilling promises I'd made. But I made a dent, and that feels good. 

In between I kept the fire going in our wood-burning stove, moved the laundry along in its never-ending cycle, and made a pot of chili. Not a bad day, at all. 

Maybe that helps you understand why I haven't posted lately – if you've noticed, that is. There have been plenty of sweet! moments over the past couple of weeks… my son and daughter-in-law completed the Austin Marathon, I helped a friend celebrate a birthday, and experienced a Frankie Valli concert, just to name a few.

We've even celebrated Valentine's Day and started the season of Lent, all without a single post from me. That's hard for me to believe!

This is where I would normally vow to be sure to publish a post at least once a week from here on out, but I know better than to make any vows or promises when it comes to blogging.  

I know this hectic, over-stuffed period of time will eventually slow and lighten. Before I know it, I'll have more time for photography and blogging and Facebook, but I'm sure I'll also complain that I need more business.

So I'm grateful for the current busy-ness of my business, for my clients and the opportunity to help them find homes they love.

I love that people from my past are asking me to help them or referring me to their friends and family. People who knew me from high school or as a scout leader or band mom or their elementary school librarian.

I treasure those long-time connections and their trust in me. The vow I will make is to put my heart and soul into helping them. 

But now, back to my sweet! post….

I managed to jot a few down …

 

 

Discovering another colorful fence near a college campus; functioning on 4 hours of sleep; taking a professional headshot of your handsome insurance salesman-son; a late visit with your mom

…and recorded a couple in my phone while on my morning walks…

Standing in a clearing in the woods on a crisp cloudless winter morning, listening to bird song all round you and watching sunshine drip down tree branches; the way your puppy's nose twitches as she investigates the air

But for the most part I just snapped photos. So here is a mostly pictorial version of my sweet! moments from the past two (three?) weeks …

 

 Gorgeous sunrises.

 
 

 My house.

 

Eating hot lentil soup outside at Avenue B Grocery in Hyde Park on a cold day.  

 

Water in your little pond (and walks with your puppy!)

 

Stopping to visit a friend and catching a gorgeous Hill Country sunset from his back porch.

 

A Valentine's Day filled with flowers from your kids.

 

Discovering a new restaurant in Georgetown while helping a dear friend celebrate her birthday 

 

 

A photo op with George Strait (sort of)… 

 

 

A surprise card in your mailbox containing coffee money from a friend, for no reason.  

 

Cheering your son and daughter-in-law on in the Austin Marathon and watching them cross the finish line holding hands.

 

Somehow remembering all the words to "Rag Doll" and singing them along with Frankie Valli and a few hundred other people.

  

A long walk with your puppy down to the little pond after four intensive days in your first GRI designation class. 

 

A woodburning stove on a cold night… 

 

 

I hope your days are filled with sweet moments, whether you write them down or not. Just be sure to take the time to recognize them, soak them up, and give thanks.

The key to enjoying the moment is to always carry a list of "Things I Gotta Do That Can Wait."  

~Robert Brault