The Power of Fresh Air Makes for A Lovely Weekend

This past weekend -- simple as it was -- really filled my bucket, as my niece would say. It started with a spontaneous call from Chris on my way home from work on Friday, asking if I fancied happy hour at local, authentic little British pub.  There was no arm twisting needed here, so we met up and sat in the pub garden in the sunshine, grateful for the consistent, cool breeze.

My Contribution

Every once in a while (okay, it's actually much more often than that), I stumble upon a source of inspiration that seems like it was made just for me to find.  And I have to admit, I love that.  I love finding things that speak to me, that get me thinking, push me out of my comfort zone or remind me to return to a more intentional life.

The Art of Meeting Your Own Needs

Okay, so I started a 12-day cycle of medication last week to help ease my aching joints, and one thing my rheumatologist said has stuck in my head ever since: one side effect is that you will likely be crazy when you are on it. like crazy, crazy.  Um, okay.  Not the worst side effect I can think of, but certainly a mysterious and somewhat creepy one, if I'm honest.  But okay, I can handle this.  It's only 12 days.  Right?

Well, as far as I can tell, I haven't become crazy yet (or not any crazier than usual, ha!) and I am 7 days in, so that must be a positive sign.  What it has led me to do is get all up in my head in a different way.  A way that is related to my needs, or how to go about meeting them, to be more exact.

Over the years I have really honed in on exactly what it is that I need to be happy.  Body, mind, and spirit.  And though they are relatively easy-ish things to accomplish and incorporate into my daily life, they don't always happen.  Far less often than I care to admit actually. (anyone else?)

Resting is Good for Daydreaming...

I know that y'all are expecting the before and after reveal that I promised you last week, but unfortunately, you are not going to get it quite yet.  There are several finishing touches that have to be done on the space still, and since I am laid up once again with knee and hip issues, those finishing touches will have to wait.  Even if it kills me (and it is!).

In the meantime, I am daydreaming of all the things I would rather be doing than resting...

Train Rides...

though this time, perhaps, of the Christmas variety.

Country vs. City Living

Lately Chris and I have been talking a lot about our future, and more specifically where we want our future to be.  We often struggle with the thought of living away from family, but beyond that, we have began to wonder whether we are city people or country people.  Up until a year or so ago, I would have said Chris was a city boy. He loves the mountains and all the recreation they provide for us, but he has always needed to be at least near a city.  Lately, however, he has begun to crave more simplicity.  Less traffic, the peacefulness and tranquility of the country (and mountains!).  I am torn.  I have always felt like a fish out of water in cities, but I love the energy and social opportunities of living in or near to a big city.

If I am being honest, I would say I am more pulled to the country than the city, but with the potential for adding kids to the equation, I want them to have the opportunity to experience all that the city has to offer: culture, buzz, excitement, fun restaurants, museums, etc.  But I also love the idea of instilling the less-is-more philosophy in them.  So which one is right?

I guess one of them doesn't have to be wrong.  It's just a really tough decision to make.  I love the idea of having lots of space for kids (and myself!) to run and play - safely.  To live a childhood much like mine, where I could be out playing all day, only to come home as the sun was setting for dinner.  To have a big old rambling farmhouse with lots of kids running in and out all day.

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A big old farm table to enjoy meals around together - the more the merrier!

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A bright cheery, country kitchen overlooking a big back yard.

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Making jam in the kitchen with the windows open, country music playing on the radio.  (never mind that I don't even know how to make jam! yet!)

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Hanging clothes out to dry.

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But I also feel a pang of guilt at the thought of raising kids in a place where they don't get to experience the buzz and energy of a beautiful city.  To learn about and appreciate other cultures.  I think this is an invaluable lesson to learn.

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And to think that they won't know how to ride public transport.  For all its crammed glory, it is almost a right of passage to learn to navigate the world of public transportation.

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Sharing beautiful meals at this creatively lit downtown sidewalk cafe.

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Am I crazy?  Don't answer that.  I am aware that it is possible to have the best of both worlds by living near enough to the city that you make it back on occasion to experience the joys of overcrowding.  But I know all too often, those trips become few and far between, as you settle into your everyday life outside the city.  I also want to be far enough out that we get the proper country life, with a bit of space, not just in the 'burbs like we are now.  

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And then there is also the (most important) thought, which is commuting.  It can overwhelm a planner such as myself if I let it get carried away.  Luckily, we don't have plans to go anywhere just yet, as we are still very much enjoying our existing place.  

I wonder where we will end up one day - city or country...?

Which do you prefer?  What are the pros and cons of each?  A girl could use some perspective.