sperlygirl

with gratitude...

school years have nearly come to a close around here. with only the littlest to finish this week and things will end this week with a couple of parties, a nice high note to welcome in summer.

we have been laying low around here this past week as the oldest pirate recovers from tonsil surgery. all is well and i am hopeful this will help alleviate the many rounds of strep we seem to endlessly battle around here. 

somewhere within all of the busyness that comes with the close of another school year, the pirates and i were able to assemble tokens of appreciation to be given to their teachers for all they have given us this year. we are grateful for their tireless efforts!! 

using recycled cans (washed and with holes punched in the bottom for drainage), we planted some pretty succulents that have taken abundant residence in our garden. the boys painted washes of color on watercolor paper and we glued around the can with a teeny tag. 

a small but heartfelt gift of appreciation to share....and grow.

 

a glimpse of italy...

a glimpse of italy...

a glimpse of italy...

a glimpse of italy...

a glimpse of italy...

 dear italy, i am so in love with your light...still.

gathering...

this last week, i have been quietly gathering...going through memories, patterns, and routines that no longer serve me; savoring time spent with both my small pirates at my side - squeals of joy and loud arguing included; scheming and dreaming of possibilities for the new year. letting go and opening up. it's not always a joyful process, but i do believe it is an important one, like the shedding of a old skin or the opening of a flower. 

i am holding onto the peace i am finding on my yoga mat and out on my runs lately. i am enjoying the catalyst they both provide for my heart. i am listening....to the murmurs of my heart, her whispers, her desires, her needs...i am listening. 

tonight, as the glittering ball drops in Times Square and fireworks ring out all over (here - for hours upon hours upon hours), i wish the very same for you. i thank you for showing up here, for sharing your words/thoughts/and comments. i thank you for the friendships that have evolved from this small place. and i wish for you the ability, space, and peace to listen to those very quiet whisperings of your own heart as the starlit sky welcomes in yet another new year. 

buon anno to you all ~ xx s

reaching for the sunshine...

i was hoping to come back to this space a bit renewed, refreshed, and much more healthy feeling....not yet.

we were at a doctor again friday for yet another ear infection.

we had a bit of sunshine yesterday and took a walk out in it (merely because we all have severe cabin fever), so armed with packs of tissues and scarves wrapped snug, off we went. here's what they don't warn you - you can aid illness with medicines and homeopathic remedies, but what about the crankiness, grumpiness, and all around short tempers that come with it. mamma mia!!

okay,enough with the wallowing - let me just extend a big heartfelt thank you for the kind words, gestures, emails and cards that you have shared. november has hit us with a mighty wallop and i am pretty sure it greyed me more than i'd like to admit, but i have taken each of your well-wishes to heart and they have buoyed me like you will never know. xx

the magic of wandering...

this weekend we headed out with the simple intent to break free of our routines and wander through a new city. we found ourselves in portofino. meandering down side streets, taking in beautiful seaside views, seaglass scavenging, long lunch lingering, chocolate covered gelato enjoying, and talking with a wonderfully talented artist...it was what we all had been needing. 

this is one of my most favorite things to do...to wander...to show up to someplace new and simply allow it to wash over you. 

 

 

letting her go...

yesterday was the last day for the beach here. all the beaches are slowing closing up as summer moves gracefully into autumn. we spent the day by the shore. the water felt colder but was still welcomed on toes, we soaked in the sunshine anyway. we said good-bye to those who sat near us and those we would see at every visit, wishing each other all the best until next season. all of us walked home a little bit saddened to finally let summer go. so now we readjust and prepare to welcome in autumn with spicy teas, light sweaters, and the soft glow of warm candlight.