Happy Days

Good Morning!

It has been a good past week. First, I put in my two week notice at work! Here is my quitting outfit and face! Though I don't have a full outfit picture. We only have one small mirror. I wore a beautiful brocade skirt, it's pale mint with grey dots and the high waist is a grey and white scalloped, wide elastic.

 Then, I immediately began writing! Because, that's why I'm quitting. To put all my energy into what I love and into what is my career. My Mom discovered a newer magazine by one of our favorite publishers, Stampington Collection (I actually emailed them for a job right out of college, they responded saying I was funny and they'd keep me in mind if they were ever in the area), called Bella Grace. With a copy in hand, I knew it was perfect for me! All about living life to the fullest, finding magical moments in the ordinary, being happy and positive. It's absolutely beautiful, the pictures and the writing. The pages have a matt finish that smell and feel great and will stand the test of time. Oh, I read it in a few days and was in love. I wrote a few pieces, just train of thoughts about different topics that mean something to me. I already submitted one this past Monday and am working on some others. Even if nothing comes of it for this magazine, those essays mean something to me and it's getting me excited and inspired to write more.

 I read this delightful, light-hearted child's novel this week. I've been eyeing it for some time and got it on a whim at Meijer (or I should say, my Mom did for me, she's sweet like that). It was exactly as I hoped. Charming, funny, sweet, and plain fun. I think I will get more books by this author.

 An order from amazon finally arrived this week! I bought two novels I've been wanting to read (newer ones, I don't often indulge in), because I had a gift card from my birthday from January! Bone Gap! Not a lot of reviews on Amazon but on Goodreads things are interesting. People either really love it or don't like it at all! Most people seem to think it's strange and wonderful. I'm very excited!

As you can see here, Luna is also excited for Bone Gap. Actually this picture is to show you the other novel I received. Greenglass House! Very exciting! A magical looking middle grade novel that takes place in winter. Perfect research and inspiration for the novel I'm currently working on! Plus that cover is gorgeous!

 I read this fun little book from Neil Gaiman the other day. It's a goofy, one sitting book. The Illustrations were just as fantastic as the story.

Full, mini reviews (as in the mini reviews I give as a recap) will be up at the end of the month for all the books I read in April. 

Now some extra pictures of what I've been up to!

Pretty tea at Starbucks. James and I go about once a week together, to work on separate things, together on our graphic novel, and to play card games.

 Coloring is meditation. I've had this beautiful adult coloring book, Secret Garden, for a few years. I don't get a lot colored at any given time, but I've finished a half dozen pages over two years and they make me happy to work on and to see. I have another one, The Art of Nature, which is beautiful in its own way. I'd love to have the Enchanted Forest by the same artist that did the one shown here.

 Here are the other two things I got in my amazon order! I am so excited for this spring and summer. To hike, be on the beach, exploring! Watching birds and butterflies, finding beach glass and fossils, collecting butterfly wings, feathers, pressing leaves and flowers and everything and anything else!

A Few Things From Today

I started today in a rough spot. I had a terrible migraine. If you've had them, you know how much it can make your life feel hopeless. I wanted to cry but feared it would make things worse. I was nauseous and in pain, the light hurt, sounds hurt. I couldn't read or watch TV, eat or drink coffee. I knew a pain killer wouldn't work but I tried anyway. I ended up going back to bed after an hour of trying.

A few hours later my Mom called asking if I would like to meet her and my Dad for lunch. I knew I had to get up and get out. I wouldn't get any better staying in bed all day.

It made such a difference! I couldn't eat much, but just being outside (even if it was snowing, damn it), and having a little food and most importantly, being distracted and with ones I love, was so helpful.

After lunch they drove me to target so I could get the new Hobbit movie (with lego figurines!) and then to Barnes & Noble. I didn't even get a book. I got a small box with flashcards of birds. I am so so so excited to go exploring this spring and summer. Through woods, on beaches, and wherever else. I want to look for birds and butterflies, trees and plants and flowers! I want to learn and collect and appreciate all there is.

The darling box of flash cards

There's a tab at the top to pull the cards out.

 Here's a small example of the cards. They're color coordinated by region.

I love how small the box is. It will be so easy and handy to throw in a bag and go. And, since they're color cooredinated I could always separate them and just take the ones I think I'd see (though, being in Michigan I think I'll have the chance to see them all). Not to mention, the cards are beautiful. The illustrations are wonderful and detailed, the cards are creamy instead of white, easy on the eyes. And the back of the cards have great bits of information for the beginner birder such as myself. 

At Target I also got the new Awolantion CD. I don't buy CDs often anymore but once in a while it's really nice. I get records more often now, and really just as gifts from the husband.

I'll have to post a picture with the little lego guys, too!

When I got home, I had a lovely piece of creamy raspberry crumble cake and now I'm just hanging around trying to distract myself lest my migraine returns full force. I can handle a dull ache in the meantime.