I’m writing this in the early morning hours of a cool January morning in Florida. Rain is pattering loudly on the metal roof of our RV but it’s supposed to stop soon – just in time for our morning walk. I actually love waking up to the rain; it’s a gentle transition from the sleep world to the world of life.
I had planned to get some work done this morning, but my attention changed course when I saw the frigid weather forecast for the next week. Multiple days in a row getting down into the low 30s! Plus rain. We’ve spent nights in the RV when it’s been high 30s. I’d bundle us in layers and warm blankets, and wake up several times throughout the night to check on Ellie. Always, however, she’d would be kicking off the blankets and socks and somehow still radiating so much warmth…meanwhile I’d be adding another layer and snuggling up next to her to stay warm! But those were only a rare cold nights before the temps rose again. Several nights in a row in our little uninsulated RV — brrrr. Off I go to find ways to keep us warm…
Making resolutions
This was the first year that I’ve made resolutions in a very long time. I used to make those typical losing weight, working out, eating no sugar declarations that would last exactly one day. These types of goals are disheartening and unmotivating..and of course unrealistic to expect yourself to go from one way of being to an entirely new way of being from one day to the next.
But I realized that I actually like having a few resolutions for year. I use them as guideposts to creating habits that I want to include in my life. My resolutions are things that enhance my life, instead of things I want to change about myself. I think that makes them more expansive and enjoyable.. and much more likely to become part of my everyday.
My resolutions this year are: to spend time with a creative practice every day; read for enjoyment; read/watch/listen to more enriching content (versus for solely for work or self development); create a clear boundary with my work time and our homeschooling / creative time.
I posted these resolutions in a prominent spot so I can constantly remind myself of them. The constant reminder will slowly train my brain to take different actions each day. They’ll remind me to break through my current routines to try something new – something that will feel enlivening.
Almost two weeks into the new year and our days mostly look the same, except for a few changes on some days – I’m getting up earlier to work; I’ve put work away earlier at night and picked up a knitting project I haven’t finished from last summer; Ellie and I play more board games and have been drawing together in our journals since I’m aiming to create that clear work boundary. To me, these are great changes already! With awareness and intention, these guideposts will gradually become part of our every day.
Projects Lately
Microgreens: When it comes to growing plants, you can’t get a faster harvest than with microgreens – they are ready to eat in just 10-14 days. They’re a great way to constantly have fresh greens and they’re a nice addition to lots of meals. I add them to soup, sandwiches, stews, and usually just grab a bunch and dip them in hummus. This month we have pea, broccoli, radish, and alfalfa sprouts coming up.
Knitting: I don’t know what it is about knitting – I love it, but I can’t bring myself to sit down and knit often. It’s probably because I’m very slow, so it doesn’t feel satisfying until close to the end of a project 🙂 . Either way, I have been forcing myself to do two rows a night so I can finish some projects that I’m excited about. First up is a beautiful leaf patterned tank top: Leafinity top https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leafinity-top
Baking: Baking in less than 100sq ft is not enticing – no counter space and the heat! But we missed all the baking and roasting we usually do, so this year I invested in a decent toaster oven. It’s big enough for baking mini muffins, small loafs of bread, a small tray of veggies, a small chicken, and even a batch of cake pops! I set it up outside and enjoy a modern version of outdoor cooking. Elodie kicked off our baking with pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) using a recipe from this kids baking book. They were really good!
Art Journaling: I have been taking several short classes by Alisa Burke. They are great for inspiring me to get drawing and for learning additional techniques for my journal. Plus, they’re really inexpensive so I have bought many of them!
Life in Florida
This month, and for the past two months, we’re in Central Florida enjoying the coldest Florida winter in 30 years (according my my uncle)! There have been nights in the low 30s, but overall it’s still warmer than up North! Our camping spot felt more like Vermont than Florida – under a large oak tree, next to a green field of cows and their calfs. It was a beautiful sight to wake up to each day!
One fun experience were the many natural springs around central Florida. These springs are a constant 72 degrees F, a refreshing temp during warm days. We had fun swimming at Wekiwa Springs State Park (below) – the clear water makes it possible to see the bottom even at the deepest spot (around 6 feet). However, I was constantly on guard for alligators because they are apparently in other parts of the spring and can roam anywhere. I feel like I’m constantly on the lookout for alligators everywhere we go because of our little dog…he’s perfect size for gator chow (Elodie’s words!).
Of course, seeing the unique animals is always fun … manatees, alligators, gopher turtles, and black swans!
The one thing I will never tire of seeing are the gorgeous old Oak trees that have been around for hundred of years. Imagine everything they’ve witnessed in the past few centuries…
So how did we keep warm during those freezing nights? A space heater and electric blanket! Plus, of course, warm coffee and hot chocolate to wake up to 🙂
