So many things . . . I love the randomness of life.  I love change.  Today I am grateful to just be.  Joy springs forth for no apparent reason except that I’m alive and there is wonder in the world.  That, indeed, feels very, very good!  It’s raining here, but I’m fine with it. The weather is relatively warm, flowers are blooming, and every thing is so green!  Here are two recent pics from the front of our house . . .

Rose bush beginning to bloom . . . this is from the other day.  Looking outside now, there are about 15 new blooms on it!

Spring phase of one of our window boxes.  By mid summer, these will be flowing down to the patio!

. . .

I am getting ready to do a lot of writing about yoga, sustainability and whatever else strikes me.   Most will be published on Examiner and Associated Content, but thanks to Brooks at Yogic Muse, I may look into doing the same at Elephant Journal, if they’ll have me!  Anyway, since many of you have asked to see the finished product on the house remodel, I thought I’d show you where we are now.

We gutted our kitchen and bath.  Refer to post here and here.  Everything is currently functional, but final touches are still incomplete.  Here goes . . .

Only pic I could find of new bathroom, which is small.  J (and his cousin) reconfigured the plumbing, we tiled floor and shower walls, installed a new shower and pedastal sink.  It is quaint, but lovely.  Trim still needs finished.

Walking from the living room into the kitchen, this is the left side of the back wall . . . note the window . . . it is new, (but without trim too).

Right side of back kitchen wall.  Room to the right is unfinished . . . a door will be installed leading out to a deck . . . when we get to it.

Other side of room with blackboard wall (not quite finished) that we got from J’s office, which used to be an old schoolhouse.

Another view of the same wall.  J built the bar/countertop which I love.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do below.  I don’t want to enclose it, but I’d like to paint the bottom of the sink and exposed plumbing either silver/chrome or chalkboard black to blend better.

I am quite happy with the progress and the choices we’ve made regarding materials . . . blackboard wall with a history, cabinets from my parents home that we re-stained . . .  The whole room suits our unconventional taste and style and feels very comfy!

That’s where we are today.  Hopefully the last few pieces of slate go up soon, but the trim may take months.  And that’s okay, because J worked his tail off in March and April.  Warm weather is upon us . . . time for enjoying the outdoors, walking, kayaking, going to farmers markets and doing yoga in the sunshine!

Happiness is . . . whatever you allow it to be.   For me, it’s the simple things.  Beautiful flowers, a quaint loving home, good health, great friends, the smile of a stranger . . . enjoying the wonder of life!

Blessings, love and light!