Reflect and Ponder

Hello darlings...

Life has been C R A Z Y. There has been so much commotion that it's been hard to settle down and focus. Alas, life has pulled me away from this space and from technology in general. Last week we had to take Cayla to the hospital for a dislocated shoulder, and after a night spent at the hospital with x-rays, she's been in  a funk. She had to miss a really important bike race and her spirits are just a bit down. My little avid bike rider and bike messenger is in a sling! I've been laying low, taking care of her, working, and getting ready for our trip. We leave next week and will be gone for most of August. I am shaking my head as I write this because we are nowhere near prepared. I am hoping she is feeling better by the time we leave. I want her happy and healthy and ready for this adventure. I know it will be OK, and that it will all work out. We have an amazing trip ahead of us. I can't even wrap my head around it: Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece...Could we be more lucky??

This weekend is also Cayla's birthday and we are having mini-celebrations all weekend -- Friday night bonfire and cocktails and Saturday BBQ and backyard chilling...I can't wait to see friends, relax, and just share the love this weekend. At least I have her presents all set! I found her some amazing goodies this year, and I can't wait to give them to her!

Since we are leaving I've also put the shop on vacation. While I am away, I am really going to be re-thinking my shop and what I want out of it. I have been thinking A LOT about the time/energy/heart that is put into it and what I am getting out of it...I think a change is comin'...I've chatted with my dear friend "Arizona" about an idea I have for the shop, with the possibility of including a hand-made upcycled vintage craft. I am not sure yet. This vacation will give me a lot of time to reflect and ponder. I am definitely letting my heart lead the way.

In other news, I had a really, really, really great doctor's appointment yesterday. And I don't want to bore you with the details, but they are taking me off one medication and we are trying something new, and I am really hopeful that the side effects of the old med will be leaving soon. God, I hope so. I have had 7 different doc appointments in the last few months and tried three different medications with the side effects of each being worse than the one before. This is a new doctor with a new approach, so I am excited about that.

All in all, life's hectic, but it's good. I have a lot to be grateful for and a whole lot to smile about.

Big hugs,

S.S.

**These are photos from thrifted dresses drying in my yard last night. I think they look far more beautiful hanging in trees than in my closet. :)