pause, notice, and wonder

Summer is just around the corner, and I wonder what that means for you? Soon these peaceful days will give way to the bustle of kids all around me, and so I am just soaking in the hours of being in a quiet house by myself. It seems that all around me everything and everyone is moving faster and pushing harder. And while a part of me feels the pressure to keep up, I've been noticing a quiet rebellion growing deep within and asking, "What if I didn't?"

There is a freedom that comes with doing something without regard for the end result, to play like a child would, with trust and openness. It is very hard to get into this mode where I allow myself to be led purely by curiosity, but it's something that I think our tired souls really need. To pause, to notice, to wonder.

This little shop of mine started off simply as a creative outlet, a desire to make pretty things and put it out into the world. I think somewhere along the way I've lost that a bit, and forgotten the joy of simply making something with my hands. And so I'm trying to do that more, to make without thinking about what will come of it, whether people will buy it, etc.

I'm toying with the idea of having more tiny collections of hand-sewn things in the shop - doesn't that seem more fun? I will see what summer brings, as I want to enjoy the extra time with the kids - so we shall see.

I hope that you're able to slow down a bit this summer and experience moments of wonder and curiosity.

Below are some simple tools to help with summer planning, maybe you will find them helpful!