We rang in the new year at home with a happy handful of our best and dearest, then we headed north to Canada in the middle of the Polar Vortex (said in the most ominous voice possible).
We spent a few days with our sweet friends at Crystal Spring Colony in Manitoba. I learned to make pierogi and my friend let me try on her traditional Hutterite dress and head scarf.
Chad and I joke occasionally about joining the colony once/if we have kids. There’s something so appealing about life lived in community, working together and caring for one another with such intentionality. I’d just keep all my opinions hidden under my skirts, I guess.
We hosted several Airbnb guests and I tried to get them all to read the Enneagram books. I love opening our home to travelers in town, and I love even more my awesome cleaning girl that comes over once in a while to help get bedrooms ready for our guests. She’s the best. And she dusts.
These girls made the most of sunshiney days in their far away North Carolina home. Despite our near daily phone chats, I miss my sister and I love watching her littles grow up together.
I started going to therapy and when I talk about it with my friends, I’m overwhelmed by their support and the choruses of “You too? Me, too!?”
What I’m reading
I linked up with Modern Mrs. Darcy this month to share books I’ve been reading in Twitter-inspired fashion. My early January titles included Objects of My Affection by Jill Smolinski, He’s Gone by Deb Caletti, and Calling of Emily Evans by Jeanette Oke. I also joined the Red Couch Book Club and finally started reading (and cheering along with) Jesus Feminist with the rest of the SheLovelies.
What I’m watching
Award shows all around! I love red carpet coverage – especially when followed on Twitter. Winter hiatus make it easy to stay caught up on shows (since there are none. Boo.), and I have a bone to pick with Hulu for changing the schedule of their free access to shows. Not cool, Hulu.
Around the web
Consistent devotions have never been my strong suit, but I’ve loved reading along with She Reads Truth. The Fresh Start readings were, indeed, refreshing. His mercies are new every morning. His mercies never come to an end.
Little things I’m loving
Treasure hunting at Anthro
Bringing home pretty blooms from Trader Joe’s. Fresh and beautiful for only $4. Love it.
Adventures in Piggery
January is show season so after our Canada trip we went to the frozen tundras of Minneapolis and Des Moines. I covered the Minnesota show for SwineWeb.com. It’s always fun to write for other sites, and gives me a different, more focused perspective on work. I never thought I’d say this, but I kinda missed visiting hog barns this month.
February, it’s your turn now.
———————————————————————–
I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer for her What I’m Into series. Hop on over to her blog for more.
Love this peek into your “real” life 🙂
Love your TJ’s blooms! I love having fresh flowers in the house, especially in winter.
Love that you introduce the Enneagram to your guests! So fun. Glad to have you join us at the Red Couch, too.
Love the flowers…that is what I need to do to bring a little sunshine into our winterwonderland that often seems dreary and grey.
Thanks for stopping by, Amy! And YES – the flowers make such a big difference. My little bouquet is still going strong over a week later. That’s a lot of pretty for just $4!