Blooming in the New Normal

I think we can agree that we all need a little joy in our lives. I’ve said time and time again, this quarantine has opened my eyes to so many things that I’ve taken for granted. I was sharing with a friend how I could count on one hand how many times that I sat outside on our beautiful deck underneath the pergola.

Being surrounded by flowers, nature, and serenaded by the birds has truly been one of the highlights of my time at home. Has anyone noticed that the sky appears clearer, and the birds seem to be so free? Chirping so loud even into the midnight hours? LOL! It’s hilarious to me, because I’m like, “friends…it’s 2 A.M., why are y’all still up past ya bedtime?” But seriously, I gladly welcome our bird friends’ company. They may be loud, but they create an atmosphere of peace. I mean…who doesn’t want peace right now? And besides, we have our very own Soundscapes playlist outside of our window.

It has rained on and off quite a bit here. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the sunshine and getting my vitamin D, and I will gladly take the sun shining every single day — but the rain has been necessary for our beautiful blooms. On the days I can get outside, get some fresh air, and let the sun kiss my face, I love to soak it all up! I do mean EVERY BIT of it!

 

GRATITUDE IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC

Since we can’t get outside like we want to without taking proper social distancing measures, I thought I’d share a few things that have brought me joy while being quarantined.

• I discovered that we have a Honey Suckle vine growing off of the deck. Yep! It has been there all along, and I just realized it.
• Trying new recipes, including Carrot Bacon! Yes, it’s a thing. I’ll be sharing more about that on the blog soon!
• Beautiful flowers are blooming.
• Reading good books while soaking up the sun.
• Knowing that I have (and always had) everything that I need.
• Staying connected with my family and friends via Zoom.
• Growing in God’s Word, and having an amazing group of people (especially women) to do LIFE with.
• The photo of the beautiful, white Iris was taken by my aunt. She transported her from my Mother’s yard to hers. It feel so good to know that my Mom is still so very present all around me.

It took a whole pandemic for God to show me how incredibly blessed I am beyond what I thought I knew. I don’t want to go back to what I thought was normal. I’m ready to embrace the new normal of this beautiful thing called life.