Life

A Weekend of Celebration

Good Bones | A Weekend of Celebration

Good Bones | A Weekend of Celebration

We’re home from a weekend of travel and running around, this time in Birmingham, Alabama. Our dear friend (who I met through Livejournal 11 years ago!) got married to a wonderful woman and David stood at his side while it happened. I shouldn’t be surprised that it was the most cheerful, most beautiful and moving wedding I’ve ever been to. We are so happy for our friends.

Because David was in the wedding I ended up with a lot of free time alone and explored a bit on my own. This has been a more regular occurrence the past year in particular and I’m proud of myself. Fear has kept me from doing so much and I’ve felt guilty and burdensome at times for needing David to be my guide through untold scenarios. But I seem to be breaking free of that, and whether it’s a true desire for growth and change or simply that I feel there’s no other option anymore, I’m okay with it. In three weeks I’ll be heading to Cincinnati to visit my sister so I’ll get another chance to loosen my grip on my reliances. I’ve visited before, so the long drive alone doesn’t terrify me anymore, but it will be the first time I’ve taken a bus and navigated a bus station by myself. First time activities or new places, no matter how insignificant, are my nightmare. I’m glad to have a husband who encourages me to take these small steps toward self-sufficiency.

I was not my best self on this trip and gave in to the sin of irritation often. Social anxiety coupled with the sinus infection I developed made me a grumpy, complaining mess. Truthfully, though, I chose to respond negatively when I could have been gentle and kind. David loved me and showed me grace (but of course he wasn’t perfect either) and I’m thankful those moments of tension didn’t completely overshadow the joy of celebrating.

I liked Birmingham because it reminded so much of Augusta–a place that’s growing and finding itself. I wish we’d had more time to get to know the city but I know there will be more of that in the future. I didn’t take too many pictures and have doubted lately whether things are worth posting at all, but I enjoy doing it and will keep it up for that reason alone. Here are a mix of iPhone and SLR snaps.

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Life

North Carolina Bound

Good Bones | North Carolina Bound

Good Bones | North Carolina Bound

Another week gone, filled with ups and downs and events left and right. It all sort of blurred together, but we made sure to slow down a bit for a date night and walks around the neighborhood. I enjoyed myself, though at times it was a challenge. As an introvert I often wish for more alone time to recharge than I’m able to get. I gave in to a lot of my negative emotions last week and failed to do the things I know to be helpful. This week has been just as chaotic but I’m doing my best to get through it all feeling less overwhelmed.

Today we’re headed to my brother-in-law’s graduation and then off on a four day vacation! We haven’t been out of town overnight in a year and I’m so thrilled to get the chance to relax with my love in Raleigh, Durham, and Asheville. We’ll be going to a wedding, visiting family, and celebrating our eighth anniversary. Is it silly to talk about how quickly time flies? Because it really, really does. Yet somehow I can barely remember what I was like 8 years ago. Always moving forward, always changing.

A few nights ago we watched The Last of the Mohicans and between my sighing over Daniel Day-Lewis David pointed out places we’d been on our second anniversary trip to North Carolina (where this photo was taken). I’ll be happy to breathe the mountain air again, even if just briefly.

Style

Happy Weekend

Good Bones // Happy Weekend

Good Bones // Happy WeekendGood Bones // Happy WeekendGood Bones // Happy WeekendGood Bones // Happy Weekend

This weekend David and I are headed to the wedding of friends of ours. I love an excuse to feel fancy–wearing my favorite things, celebrating with my handsome husband beside me. On Sunday we’ll be celebrating even more as we take vows before our church and become full covenant members. We’re thrilled to belong to this incredible body of believers, and I pray we’re able to serve and love its members as well as they have served and loved us.

Also please go see Interstellar (we went last night and were blown away) and listen to this song while dancing this weekend. You must.

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  • These lilac pillow slips were my last purchase of 2019 before starting 6 months (at least) of no spending (wardrobe + household decor). I hope to better understand my spending patterns/triggers and find healthier, less expensive ways to manage negative emotions. Committing to it wasn’t easy which makes me all the more glad I did. Thank you to @insearchofcozy_ for being my inspiration and giving me the push I needed to start!
  • Last weekend I popped into a couple of my favorite Cincinnati shops, including @fernshopcincinnati where some of my original collages are for sale amongst stunning plants and the best ceramics. If you’re in the area, stop by and see Megan’s gorgeous shop for yourself! She’s been a supporter of my work for years and I’m so grateful. Also grateful that my little sister moved to Cincinnati for college almost 14 years ago and never left so I get to keep visiting 🤗🤎✨
  • Had a slow, ordinary, wonderful, much needed vacation where I barely took any photos. Missing family but happy to be home ✨
  • A few days after Apollo died, I opened a package from @charlotteswans and inside was a portrait she had drawn of him. Immediately I began sobbing, missing my sweet boy, but also so grateful to see his face which she captured perfectly and beautifully. My husband and I got it framed as our Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a gift we will always cherish. Thank you, my dear Charlotte.
  • Yesterday I posted this photo in stories but deleted it shortly after because I was embarrassed. I look angry but in truth this is my face at rest, albeit tired. Most days I look at my post-menopausal face and body and don’t recognize them, but in this moment the anger, sadness, and loathing I normally experience (which is a complicated topic) was more subdued. I liked the picture so I’m not sure I know how to articulate why posting it felt so unacceptable. Here it is again, acting as a reminder to just post the damn thing. Lately the need to be more open about menopause, something I’ve shared with very, very few people, is one I’ve felt strongly. I don’t know exactly what that looks like in such a public space, but I think it’s worth exploring.

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