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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

simple & slow


I have not written for 9 days - I have had nothing to say and little to show.


It has been 10 days since Joshua's wedding and the frenzy leading up to the big day.


I have accomplished little in my effort to recharge my batteries.


Life has been simple & slow -


 walking along the coast,


dipping my toes in the warm water,


puttering in the garden, 


kayaking out to the ocean on steamy days to escape the heat,


relaxing on the beach listening to the birds and watching the waves . . .


Today my sister called to say she is coming for a visit


and I need to start making a To Do list.


Fortunately, my batteries are recharged and I am ready!

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55 comments:

  1. Rita C at PanoplyJuly 28, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    As it should be! I hope you're reveling in the fruits of your labors of the wedding, and enjoying what summer is meant to be - simple and slow.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SusieJuly 28, 2015 at 5:17 PM

    Carol, Your views along the shore...heaven. I love exciting day in our lives...but oh boy when they are over , it's nice to relax awhile too. Blessings, enjoy your sister time. xoxo,Susie

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  3. JeannaJuly 28, 2015 at 5:19 PM

    Beautiful pictures, snapshots of your life. So much to enjoy so it is good to see that you took the time to relax and recharge.

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteJuly 28, 2015 at 5:34 PM

    After such a big event you need time to recharge! A visit always gets me motivated!

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  5. StaceyJuly 28, 2015 at 5:35 PM

    Your pictures look like vacation to me. Your sister thinks so too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandJuly 28, 2015 at 6:03 PM

      My sister will have two of her son and two of her grandchildren with her. We will be going to the Santa Barbara Zoo, building sand castles with the 2 year old and catching up. I need to get some toys to have around the house since my family seems to be bringing grands now when they visit!

      Delete
  6. Brenda PruittJuly 28, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    Oh, how I wish I could recharge my batteries standing there in the water looking out over the ocean with you!
    Brenda

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  7. ANNEJuly 28, 2015 at 6:25 PM

    Very smart of you to slow down and relax after such a busy few months. Enjoy your visitors xox

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  8. JeanneJuly 28, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    Looks like you really know exactly how to recharge those batteries. Lovely shots

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  9. KathyJuly 28, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    So happy you were able to take a well-deserved time out to recharge! Have fun with sister. What is that book??

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  10. bobbieJuly 28, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    You DESERVED the break! I know how hard you worked... and what a great job you did.

    Have fun with your visitors!

    Hugs ~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Celestina MarieJuly 28, 2015 at 7:35 PM

    Carol simple and slow sounds perfect. So glad you've had some time to relax. Enjoy your sisters visit. Hugs, cm

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  12. cynthia lee designsJuly 28, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    Glad you were able to have some you time after the wedding was over to rest and recharge. Hope you have an awesome time with you sister!!
    hugs,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  13. Chris K in WisconsinJuly 28, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Both of our kids are married. The time before the wedding with all the planning, then the Rehearsal Dinner, and finally the Big Day... it is all so exciting.... and then it is over. It is like the day after Christmas ~~ times 100!!!! The thing I tell every single mom I know who is going through this is to celebrate every minute. Keep a journal of all you do w/ the bride and groom through the entire process. Then the day goes so quickly!! But, until you go through it, you can't imagine! I think those days following, find you still totally drained...from the activity and the emotion. Sounds like a visit along w/ some Littles added in will be a great antidote and bring you back to the every day things again!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sunflowers With SmilesJuly 28, 2015 at 7:46 PM

    Enjoy your family visit. I remember when I helped out with my sister's fairytale wedding, I was so lost when I wasn't helping her out any more with her wedding plans! However I still have all the memories! I am glad you were able to relax some too! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  15. SueJuly 28, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    I just had a wonderful walk through a dream land. My favorite thing is relaxing on the beach listening to the birds and watching the waves . . .and getting ready for company. Your flowers are like out of a flower shop or better.

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  16. Kim July 28, 2015 at 7:56 PM

    Simple and slow sounds like a perfect way to spend the summer Carol! Enjoy and it and your family visit!!

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  17. JunkchiccottageJuly 28, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    Hi Carol,
    Glad you are dipping your toes in the water and enjoying the walks on the beach. You deserve it after all the hard work leading up to the wedding. Glad your sister is coming for a visit that will be great. Enjoy.
    Kris

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  18. Vicky HuntJuly 28, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Sounds like the past few days have been peaceful and relaxing. You deserve that after all the love and care you put into the wedding. Sometimes it is nice to just be still and quiet and renew. Enjoy those beach walks and the visit with your sister.

    Hugs, Vicky

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  19. Blondie's JournalJuly 28, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    Oh---I'd be in heaven where you are! And you deserve all of that warmth and sunshine.

    Again, your colorful life makes me smile.

    Jane x

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  20. ConnieJuly 28, 2015 at 10:37 PM

    Hi Carol, you needed a rest after the wedding . . . and dipping your toes in the ocean sounds like perfect relaxation :)
    Those white and yellow flowers in your garden are so pretty. I don't believe i've even seen them before. What are they?
    Have fun with your sister.
    Love, Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. SylviaJuly 29, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    Carol, You needed to take it slow for a bit after the frenzy. I'm glad your energy is back and your sister is coming to visit. Enjoy! Sylvia D.

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  22. podsoJuly 29, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    I would think it would take time to rest after such a big event you were so involved in helping to prepare for. The decorations you show and the tables are beautiful, and what a way to embrace a rainy day! I'm guessing it made it even more memorable! Now that your "batteries are recharged" I hope you enjoy your sister visit.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 29, 2015 at 4:18 AM

    And you just wrote a magnificent piece in this post.

    This happened to me once during the many "writers' block" moments in blogging. I wrote to my audience that I had nothing to say, and the whole post became a POEM. Sometimes that place where we arrive after the "storm" is too quiet, too motionless....but it's that very spot where we can hear the babbling trickle of an idea be born. You deserve a quiet moment and yes, to be RECHARGED....I believe you are. XOOXOX

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownJuly 29, 2015 at 5:12 AM

    I'm sure you were creatively spent after all the fantastic things you did for Joshua's wedding. It's good to rest and recharge, but I sure missed you. Glad you're back up and running. You could join me for Christmas in July (well, we only have three days but we could make a run for it ;) Enjoy your sister's visit.
    Mary

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  25. chateau chicJuly 29, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    Even you need to take a break occasionally and just enjoy your gorgeous surroundings, Carol! I know you'll have fun looking forward to your sister's visit.
    Your photos are always breathtaking!!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  26. Helen PhilippsJuly 29, 2015 at 6:01 AM

    Sounds like a gorgeous time re charging your batteries.......everyone needs to do that sometimes, especially after such a super-busy time! Your pictures are lovely, I can feel the sunshine in them :) Enjoy your sister's visit.
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  27. karen@somewhatquirkyJuly 29, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    I'm glad you are taking this time for yourself. Lots of beautiful things to reflect on... So this is a serious question - Is July when your Irises bloom?

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  28. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerJuly 29, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    You need to take the time to recharge...i'm feeling it right now that I need to do so too. To relax all you have to do is walk outside your door! Always love your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jackie and Joel SmithJuly 29, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Summer is meant to be enjoyed at a slow pace and recharging after such a wonderful event as the wedding - I think is nature's way of forcing us to enjoy the memories and not move forward so fast that they are tucked away and quickly forgotten. Enjoyed your post!

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  30. KellyJuly 29, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    Love your lifestyle out there! I could definitely live like that if given the chance. I would tell your sister to bring her swim suit and flip flops and enjoy the peaceful surroundings out there. So relaxing! I'm sure you needed that time to recover from all the work you put into the wedding. Weddings are fun but also very stressful!

    ReplyDelete
  31. MelanieJuly 29, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    You did so much leading up to the wedding and during it...I'm so glad you chose to do simple pleasurable things to recharge. Where did you get those cool pencils and "100 Gathered Thoughts"?

    ReplyDelete
  32. RueJuly 29, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    After all that hard work, you deserved to re-charge. I love that picture of your feet in the water. It made me remember what it was like to do the same and I could almost feel the sand between my toes :)

    xo,
    rue

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  33. Leslie HarrisJuly 29, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Has it really been 10 days? I feel like July has flown by, mostly because I've been sick. I've been walking on the sand too, and it's been restorative to my spirit. Love your photos, and I'm so glad to hear your sis will be visiting. Perfect timing now that you've had some rest.
    hugs,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandAugust 4, 2015 at 12:25 AM

      July seemed to fly by - sorry that you spent it being ill. I hope you are healthy now. And, a belated Happy Birthday!

      I really would love to meet up with you, but our August is filling up quickly. My sister and my nephew are visiting with his two children. We have not had an excuse to visit the Santa Barbara Zoo in ages and are looking forward to it. Then, Steve and I are headed for a few days in San Francisco to visit KC. We will end up in Sacramento for a family BBQ with Steve's sisters/brother.

      I thought of a few of my blogging friends when I saw this video. I sent it to Anita of Castles Crowns and Cottages because I thought it, along with the matching video on men, would make for a great Socratic discussion. I thought you might get a kick out of it.
      http://www.mode.com/fashion-style/narratives/100-years-of-fashion-under-2-minutes/0152624?story=9406182%2Fa-stitch-in-time-style-through-the-years

      Delete
  34. SarahJuly 29, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Carol, you needed some down time after the wedding. Glad you gave yourself the gift of slowing down and taking a break. Many beautiful iris blooming in your garden. Wow! Incredible sight.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lowcarb team memberJuly 29, 2015 at 2:27 PM

    You definitely needed a re-charge.
    It is so good to slow down.

    Now it will be great to see your sister.
    Have a happy time

    All the best Jan

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  36. Lowcarb team memberJuly 29, 2015 at 2:27 PM

    You definitely needed a re-charge.
    It is so good to slow down.

    Now it will be great to see your sister.
    Have a happy time

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  37. LaurieJuly 29, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Sometimes, we just need a little down time. Weddings are exhausting. I remember all too well crashing afterwards. Seems like you're ready to get busy again, though. Enjoy your time with your sister!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ricki TreleavenJuly 29, 2015 at 7:56 PM

    Sometimes we need a break, and you've been very busy! I hope you enjoy your visit with your sister. I bet she has fun in your neighborhood because there's so much to do!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJuly 29, 2015 at 8:13 PM

    Well my friend, you have been going fast and furious so I think that you deserved a little break! Simple and slow can be nice some times. Every now and then our bodies and minds need it. I knew you'd be raring to go soon!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  40. Joy JunktionJuly 29, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    After huge events, like a wedding, you need a little time to relax and refresh and recharge. I'm sure you will enjoy your sister's visit! Many blessings to you, Cindy

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  41. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJuly 30, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    I figured that you needed to recharge after that! :)

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  42. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJuly 30, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    I figured that you needed to recharge after that! :)

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  43. AnonymousJuly 30, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    It's good to take time to smell the roses!

    Kathy

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  44. LorrieJuly 30, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    After all your work and creativity put into the wedding it's not surprising that you needed a break. You've chosen the best place possible for recharging - the beach!
    Love, love that booklet for lists!

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  45. BeachGypsyJuly 31, 2015 at 3:47 AM

    I felt exactly like that after our daughter's wedding. It really does take it out of you, doesn't it? takes a while to recover!!

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  46. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresJuly 31, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    We all need some simple and slow time every now and then. Sounds like it's just what you needed before your sister's visit.

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  47. ReneeJuly 31, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    Simple and slow is good. You needed a break. Love the pictures. Your flowers look so pretty.

    Did it rain there?

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  48. Mobile App DevelopersJuly 31, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    Very informative, keep posting such good articles, it really helps to know about things.

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnaAugust 1, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    So happy to hear you have been taking it simple and slow. You deserve the break after the wedding. Great pictures Carol. Happy Weekend.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  50. DewenaAugust 1, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    The wedding must have made wonderful memories for all of you, and now your simple and slow sounds just what you needed. Your pictures even helped me to decompress, just looking at them!

    Thanks for your visit! I'm glad that Kris' post has reconnected us! I'll look forward to seeing what you'll be doing, now that your batteries are charged again,
    Dewena

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  51. BeachGypsyAugust 3, 2015 at 1:23 AM

    How ya feeling? It takes awhile. ...you just went thru a MAJOR and emotional event....so take it slow and be good to yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  52. My Little Home and GardenAugust 3, 2015 at 10:19 AM

    It sounds like you made very good us of your nine days, Carol, after all the wedding excitement and work you did to prepare for the happy occasion. Sometimes slow is the right pace.

    Karen

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  53. Libby August 3, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    Hi: We have met on Instagram, and then I just came upon your comment on Suzanne's blog (Lake and Garden), so hello! I love your IG feed, so will check in here too. Must go back and read all about the wedding now!
    Libby

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