musings | vol III
gratitude
Doug and I found ourselves in sunny San Diego last month for my work’s yearly conference. It is definitely a work trip for me but the ocean water and the California sun had me feeling so grateful for so many things. I’ve been at my company for eleven years and this was my tenth conference. This was Doug’s second time to join me - mainly because he always needed to stay back with the kids. My work is so much a part of my community and it was great for him to get to meet so many of my friends, colleagues, and Operators. I know his introverted self was worn out by the end of the week, but he was a trooper and we had a great time.
But the trip had me grateful! Grateful for this stage of life we are in. Grateful for my work. Grateful for the friendships I’ve made along the way. Grateful for the income my job provides me - especially in hard economic times. Grateful for a hubby who supports my dreams and I can have fun with. Grateful for kiddos who can now stay home by themselves. And grateful for home once we got back. Sometimes we need reminders of the things to be grateful for and last month was that for me!
get your mammogram
Ya’ll, I’m embarrassed to say this but I had my second mammogram ever last Monday. I believe I got one around 40 but I honestly can’t remember. That is nearly six years since my last one. It wasn’t because I didn’t think about it. I did. Covid happened, we moved, and I just never got around to it.
Ironically, I had an order and was ready to schedule when I found a lump and of course this had me spiraling and so mad at myself for going so long. Irresponsible, yes! And a reminder that these routine appointments do matter. We have to make them.
Thankfully, the lump disappeared before I even got my screening and everything came back clear (they set up a diagnostic just in case), but don’t live by my example. Go get your mammogram!
spring is springing
If you have never experienced Spring in Atlanta then you are missing out. It is glorious and everything seems to erupt all at once. We have had a few warmer days so Mother Nature is teasing us, but the first signs of the floral season is upon us.
As a child growing up in South Alabama the daffodils were the first indicator to me that Spring was right around the corner - popping up in the last weeks of February - and they do that here as well. Before you know it I will be making my way to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see all their tulips in bloom. It is my favorite visit of the year!
trying a new skin care product
Over the holidays I had the opportunity to get a gold infusion facial from SkinPharm. It was a treat and I was impressed with how my skin looked after one treatment - but it’s not cheap. So I set out to find something that might be similar and I found Qure.
Micro-needling has long been a treatment at home or in a clinic that helps to reduce fine lines, produce collagen, and improve your complexion. I’ve looked into rollers before but never thought about how a roller can drag the needles across your skin instead of just puncturing them. When you get a treatment done in a clinic, the needles just puncture. The great thing about this system is it does that and the head of needles is replaced each time - warring off potential infection.
I’ve used the system twice so the jury is still out on some results, but I do love how it makes my skin look after a few days. And if you are wondering, it isn’t crazy unpleasant. Sensitive areas like around the eyes, neck, and mouth can be a little painful (I’d say scale of 2-3) but it is bearable.
when your design hits the real world
Some of you may know that I sell some of my designs on Spoonflower. I had a large order over a year ago of my palms print in wallpaper and I did a little digging to find out who purchased it. The designer was based out of Charleston and working on a beach rental not too far away. She recently posted pictures and here was the print on full display.
It’s always fun to see your work show up in places and while I don’t get to tap into this creative side of myself as often anymore, I still enjoy seeing how others are using the things I create.
worth a listen
Definitely worth your time. Listen here.
What part of south Alabama are you from? I live near Dothan but grew up in north Georgia (went to high school in Canton).