Sunflower Fields
I’ve had “visit a sunflower field” on my bucket list and 101 in 1001 list for as long as I can remember and I finally got to see one in person last Monday. Ironically, it was right here in town, and only about a mile from where I lived in college. It’s been open the last two years, but this was my first time getting to go out. This patch seems to have about week-long timeframe where they are in full bloom until when they start to droop, which can definitely be tricky to plan around. Here are a couple photos from our visit. We were lucky enough to make it during golden hour and get to see a bright but beautiful sunset which perfectly set off the the color of the flowers.
When we hunt for beauty, we learn to pay attention. – Try Softer, Aundi Kolber
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:11-12
What I’m Pinning – August 2020
There are some definite unintentional fall vibes showing up in my recent pins! Summer has always been my favorite season in terms of a slower pace of life, summer vacations, and less on the to-do list. Even though that will probably always be true, the colors and cozy of fall are definitely worth looking forward to. I almost added football season to that list, but who knows what that will look like this year.
These summer months have been paramount to the progress and growth I’ve made this year, and it’s definitely bittersweet to thing that it will be coming to an end soon but I’m looking forward to all that autumn has to offer.
Little Letters
Dear paper planner, welp, this is awkward. Thanks for holding all of the plans we’ve had to cancel this year. Dear workout shoes, who knew that this would be our year? Thanks for 270 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds of your time so far in 2020. Dear Kev, thanks for the belly laughs, silly dances in the kitchen, new projects, recorded adventures, and meaningful hugs that this year has been filled with. There’s not a person in the world I would rather be stuck in a house with for weeks on end. Dear 52 Book Challenge Goal, I’m surprised we’ve never met. Quarantine loves you and so do I. Dear face masks, the last 44 days has been a love and hate relationship between the two of us. You’ve been my excuse not to get more put together before leaving the house (love) and the reason for less friendly smiles exchanged (hate). I won’t be sad to ditch you when this is all over with. Dear sunsets, is it me or are you prettier this year? Dear Chloe and Willow, thanks for being best sisters and best friends. When you sleep with your heads together or drink water from the bowl at the same time it just melts my heart. Dear IRL and virtual friends, I’m so thankful that you stopped by.
Helmi’s Gardens
Helmi’s Gardens is one of my favorite places in Columbia, and we took a little stop by this weekend for a little eye candy. The nursery is chock-full of outdoor plants, trees, succulents, indoor plants, pots and all kinds of plant related goodies. I’m huge on shopping local when we can, and it’s also a great place for all the photo ops.
This is the Chinese Elm Bonsai tree that we brought home (along with his two friends who are hanging out underneath). The tree is 8 years old, so please send us all the good vibes that we can continue to keep it alive.
Turning 29: Things I’ve Learned and Love this Year
Today is my 29th birthday! I thought I’d take a note out of Rachel Dawson’s book and write about all the things that I’ve learned and loved over the past 365 days. The last couple birthdays have been tough, but I’ve felt so much more peace and assurance with 29.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Learned This Year:
- Global pandemics can happen. They bring fear, anxiety, and chaos when you can’t imagine there being more. But in the midst of the unpredictable there can be peace and healing and gratitude. We have a far greater propensity for change and adapting than we give ourselves credit for.
- Sabbath is essential. God didn’t create it for His benefit, but for mine. For me, rest looks like going on adventures, naps, gardening, taking out the big camera, and chasing the dogs in the yard.
- Staying consistent and building daily habits is key for me.
- Documenting my life continues help me see big and small blessings.
- Making goals and checking in with myself regularly helps me to consistently reprioritize and shift my focus to what really matters and let go of what doesn’t.
- Finding gratitude in the mundane has kept me sane during these “unprecedented” times.
- Yes, I can. Sometimes I hold myself back for no reason other than that I don’t believe in myself enough.
- Showing up is 90% of the battle.
Here are 29 Things I’ve Loved This Year:
- Quiet Time Baskets.
- Airpods.
- All the plants (but specifically: Pothos, ZZ, and Jade).
- King-sized, Purple Mattresses.
- Essential Oils.
- Memes.
- Powersheets (always).
- A pocket reminder of my One Little Word.
- FinalVibe Podcast.
- Long walks (bonus points if friends tag along).
- Supporting local businesses.
- The Enneagram.
- Schitt’s Creek.
- Books that are part of a series.
- YouTube.
- Tailgate szn.
- Cotton candy sunsets.
- Best pups.
- Audiobooks from the library.
- The Marco Polo App.
- Roomba.
- Gatorade Zero.
- Sheer curtains.
- Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore.
- Making Lists.
- Naps (forever).
- Massage Gun.
- Outlook and Google Calendar.
- Time outside during sunset.
About
Hi, I'm Jacqueline - believer, learner, and all around hobby enthusiast. I'm married to my highschool sweetheart, Kevin, and we live in the midwest with our sweet pup.
On this blog I share all kinds of things about my life - from my faith journey to the garden in my neighbors backyard. I've been blogging for almost eight years and use this space as a way to document my daily life.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.