Getting Real: Past to Present

{image by me}

Since our move to the East Coast this past Summer life has felt like it's stuck on a roller coaster (with mostly downward dips).  I could go on and on about that...but it's probably better if I don't.  In any case, I've often found myself wistfully longing to be back in our home in California.  I miss our small old town and the familiar life we built there...our neighborhood walks with berry picking, feather collecting and trips to the tiny one-room library two blocks away from our house.  This sort of ache probably doesn't go away...at least not for a long while.

As much as I miss what we left behind I know that I'm not doing myself or my daughter any good by fixating on the way things were.  Because of this I have been trying to remember that I can be thankful for what we had, but I need to live in this moment.  This is the one I have.  I am reminded of the Chinese proverb: “Do not anxiously hope for that which is not yet come; do not vainly regret what is already past.”  It sounds so good in writing...but harder in practice.  A lot of life is like that, right?!

So my question to you (if you'd like to answer it) is how do you personally deal with regret and longing for things of the past?  I know that most of us probably deal with these feelings at some time in life...whether it is missing the easy friendships made in college, the carefree life you lead sans kids, etc.  I'm excited to hear what you have to share.  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 03. 15. 10

Image credits: 1. Untitled, 2. Untitled

Etsy Finds + Faves: 03. 12. 10

Happy Friday everyone!  The weather has warmed up a bit and it is drizzling outside my window right now.  I couldn't be more excited for Spring's arrival this weekend!  I've been noticing a strong trend towards earthy tones and soft cornflower blues in my etsy faves recently.  I think it's interesting how we are subconsciously attracted to certain things at various times in our lives.  I wonder why that is, don't you?

I hope you will all have a wonderful weekend and that I'll see you here again next week.  xox Ez

• Handmade Texture Detail Flats - Smartfish
• Message in a Bottle Note Cards - Set of 4 - Dear Colleen
• Vintage Inspired Tank Singlet - Perpetual 3
• 10 Mini Wall Sculptures - Paperfaerie
• Chalkboard Gift Tags - Heart of Light
• Vintage Globe - A Touch of Vintage

In Good Company: Spool no.72

I've had Spool no.72 on my list of awesome shops to blog about for a while now, and I'm glad to finally be doing just that.  Their selection of apparel and accessories is beautifully curated.  You can look forward to pieces that are bohemian, flowy, and romantic (with an edge).  The bag above is really making me swoon at the moment.  Pop on over for a visit and see a lot more, right here.  xo Ez

I Heart This: 03. 12. 10

Hello there lovelies.  Today I thought I'd start a little catalog of things that I'm loving at this moment.  Then I can add to my list or edit it as time goes on.  What things are you hearting today?  xo Ez

Yogurt Parfait  I tend to become obsessed with one particular food item that I eat and eat until I burn out on it for a while.  Currently I am in love with eating this simple little yogurt parfait (I have it for breakfast and lunch).  All it contains is: Dannon All Natural Vanilla Yogurt, thawed Mixed Berries (from the frozen food section at Trader Joe's), and Ginger Almond & Cashew Granola (also from Trader Joe's).  Yummers...and good for you too!

Repurposed Jars  I know it's kind of silly but I really love how useful and charming old jars are when they are used for new purposes.  The one in the photo above is my current favorite.  It looks like a Bonne Maman jar but actually came from a candle (a lot of work went into getting it clean enough to reuse).  Of course old jars also make excellent storage for little odds and ends (especially in a crafting room) and are idea for small little impromptu Springtime bouquets.  Perfect!

Natural Jelly Beans from Whole Foods  These are almost as good as Jelly Belly jelly beans but contain no artificial junk or dyes!  Hurray!  I'm allergic to red dye and generally have a hard time finding fruit flavored sweets without red dye in them.  These are the perfect solution to any sugar crazing that comes on.

LOST - Season I  I just finished watching the first season and really loved it.  There are a few quirks about some of the characters that grate on me a tad (most notably Claire who seems to say the word "baby" - pronounced "bay-bay" when she says it...more than any reasonable human being should).  Overall it is a thoroughly engrossing show to watch though.  I found myself playing one episode, then another...and another still until I finally had to force myself to go to bed.  : )  I'm starting Season II tonight and I can't wait!