The Beach Life

This past week my parents were in town visiting us from Utah. We brought them to the impressive Japanese Gardens and to Andina (a fine dining Peruvian restaurant) in Portland. But I think the highlight of their visit was spending the day on the Oregon coast! It's not a particularly warm beach, often the water is frigid and the weather is windy and gloomy...but that day was beautiful! So warm that Dad couldn't resist diving in several times...although he loves water enough I think he still would have jumped had it been several degrees lower.

   I know it sounds cliché to say that there is something amazing about gazing out across the ocean, but it's true! It is huge, calming, unfathomable and breathtaking! It brings to mind the verse in Ephesians that reads :

"...how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

There is something beautiful in the mystery of not being able to grasp understanding, but to know it is beautiful, real and good.

It was by far my most memorable time at the coast, besides the beautiful scenery we saw several sea lions and even the spout of an orca not to far from the shore! It may not be a tropical beach but our Oregon coast is an experience you won't want to miss!

Farmer's Market Frolic

 On my list of favorite things to do in summer is visit a local farmer's market. There is nothing like getting organic fruit and veggies straight from a local farm... and of course the flowers and handmade items are amazing too! It's awesome to see and support local vendors, but at our farmer's market there is more to it than that... it's about the atmosphere: listening to live music, eating al fresco and running into people you know. And of course, if you time it right, you can catch a ride home on the trolley. I love spending the evening taking it all in!



         

Handmade jewelry by Elizabeth Perry Collections http://www.elizabethperrycollections.com/

Making January Merry & Bright!

I don't know about you but after the Holidays are over January leaves me feeling a bit depressed. It's still winter, cold & dreary, with know holiday to look forward to... So I decided to add some cheeriness to my home.

 

Fresh Flowers...these always brighten my day and lighten my mood no matter what season! I go these Poppies from New Season's Market...I probably should have gone for a brighter color for optimal cheeriness, but there was something about these that drew me to them!

Potted Plants or Herbs ...I needed some sage for cooking, I went for the potted variety instead...and in a small way it seems to be really lifting my mood!

 

Lighting some candles...not only is the flame warm and cheery but the fragrance lifts the spirits too!

This one is probably a bit out of season though!

In addition to these 3 things I've strung fairy lights above my bed and added a tea/coffee bar to my kitchen counter... it's gonna be winter for awhile yet, may as well enjoy it!:)