Weekend Reading

By Kate Riley June 24, 2016

I was visiting with a friend on Tuesday and on her kitchen chalkboard was the quote, “When you stop struggling, you float.” I really needed to read that and take it to heart. It’s been one of those weeks that was causing a bit of stress, so filled with obligations to so many people. The rivers teach us that floating along with the current gets you farther than struggling against it. I listened and I took a few days to slow down. Instead of absorbing the anxiety and letting it affect me I just accepted the message to float along with the rhythm of summer and embrace the slower pace.

I’ve found the funniest place to lie down and soak up 15 minutes of sun in the late afternoon. It’s our trampoline in the backyard. Almost every day, I grab a towel and my hat and lie down on it for a few minutes there as the sun sets over the back hill. I listen to my neighbor’s wind chimes, the buzzing of the bees near the lavender, and the sound of the train passing by 2 miles away. Being out in nature, even if it’s your own backyard, is therapeutic. If you don’t take the time to listen, you miss it. I’m so happy I took the time to just be still.

I’m scheduled to travel a lot next month, and I think that’s what was contributing to that anxiety I was feeling since I’m always thinking about this blog and keeping the content fresh. But I remembered that you dear readers are always so understanding. This summer, I’m going to go with the flow instead. To blog twice a week (or so) and enjoy my life, my travels, my surroundings. To stop struggling and float instead. (Why do I need to remind myself every year that this is so healthy?)

Next week I’m headed to Las Vegas to work on the house and to celebrate the Fourth of July. I have a very cool IKEA hack to share with you next week, one I’m really proud of. I also have some fun new fabric prints to share. The following week I’m headed to Paris for 8 days, I’m traveling with a like minded and fun loving friend. We will also spend two days in London. But instead of coming home, I decided to extend my trip another week and to return to two favorite European cities. Alone.

I really love traveling alone, there are so many benefits to it. (Perhaps it will prompt an article here?) Sure you miss your family and friends back home but the benefit of traveling alone is that you’re free to roam without care or concern for anyone but yourself. To indulge in your own definition of adventure. Is that selfish? I don’t think so. I think it’s rather healthy, to spend time alone and to travel by yourself. As for me, I’ll be walking the streets, popping into museums, sipping wine and people watching in so many of those charming cafes. Now that I’ve adjusted my mindset, I’m really looking forward to July.

This week’s favorite links:

 atlanta homes mag bachelor pad

This bachelor pad is beautifully decorated.

Don’t miss this tiny and chic Stockholm apartment.

Looking good: horizontal fences.

Fun and festive DIY: indigo mudcloth American flag.

How to dress like a local in 22 cities around the world.

15 always flattering wardrobe staples.

Why summer makes us lazy.

Oh what fun!  Hats of the Royal Ascot.

She started cleaning toilets then became a cardiac surgeon.

The biggest human temptation.

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3 comments

  1. I love the article about dressing like a local. I remember studying aboard in Paris and how we all tried to be French. I don’t think we ever quite got there.

  2. I so agree with you on traveling alone. I did it for business and now retired and still enjoying.

    Would love to know your two favorite cities.

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