Back Again

Hello friends!

I've been staring at this blank blog post for the past few weeks trying to figure out how to pick back up what I've neglected for so long. I didn't know if I should recap all the time lost, or simply start where I am at today. I decided I just needed to dive in and break the ice and go from there. 

I have to admit it has been a nice break, but as the year is swiftly passing by I find myself missing taking time to write. Not just post pictures. As much as I love Instagram I feel like I've gotten lazy about writing, and sometimes I miss it. So hopefully as I feel inspired, I will post a little more often.

One thing I will share with you that happened over my summer is that I had abdominal surgery. It was supposed to be minor and turned into something a little more major which meant 6 weeks recovery instead of 1 week. But I was so blessed through everything with good friends to take care of me and bring me meals. And it really was good for me to be forced to rest and not feel guilty about it. I'm doing much better now and I'm mostly recovered, but I'm still very easily fatigued so life is slower than I sometimes wish it to be. But maybe that's God's way of telling me to slow down and not take on so much. Through it all life is really good and God has taught me so much about trusting in Him and finding peace and joy through trials and frustrations. 

Lately my focus has been a lot on exercise and trying to eat healthy. (I can hear that maple donut I ate last night laughing at me right now) It's a very slow road but I'm determined to fight it out to the finish. I have been walking about 2 miles a day and working out every other day or so. And after just about a week, I am feeling stronger even though I don't see much difference. 

I've also been reading a lot and working on a project challenge which I will share in another post. (the project in the photo above is Pepple Beach Shawlette in Supernova) My favorite books lately have been Fairy Tale inspired. I've fallen in love with Gail Carson Levine novels and stayed up way too late a couple nights finishing Ella Enchanted and Fairest. So good! Right now I'm reading The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson and really enjoying it. Cinderella was my favorite fairy tale when I was little so I have a soft spot for stories based on that theme. I'm hoping I can pluck up the courage to read a Dickens novel this Fall/Winter. But we shall see.

How has your Summer been? Did you do anything fun? Any exciting plans for Fall? Reading or working on anything fun?

♥Anna