Take to the Woods

I was feeling pretty unambitious this morning.  I've finished five days in a row at work and still have two more to go before I have a day off.  Blah.  It just makes me feel like staying in bed until it's time to go to work.  :)  But, I got up, it was a nice autumn day, and decided to head to the woods.  My parents live about ten minutes away, in the country, so, I drove out there.  My dad makes maple syrup on their land and has nice trails through the woods.  I stole their dog and we went for a walk.  I'd call it a hike, but my dad has his trails groomed so well that you can wear flip flops out there.

Gus, my parent's wonder dog.

It was just what I needed.  We crunched through the brush, heard birds overhead, and just explored.  Then I just sat in a lawn chair out there and read for a while.  I let Gus wander around and it was just nice and relaxing.

I love the way the sun shines through the trees.

There's just something about woods that are good for the soul.  I love parks, and beaches, and anything covered in grass in general, but woods always feel magical.  I don't know if it's that you could scare up a deer or stumble across a scolding chipmunk, or just all the Chronicles of Narnia books I read.  The leaves are starting to turn and fall already.  But the woods still have a lot of green left and it make the light shine through in pretty little shafts.

Perfect day to be outside.

Then I came home and found my Color Swap partner's box had already arrived, so tomorrow I'll reveal all the awesomeness she sent!

So, now, after my little excursion, I feel more recuperated and I think I can manage come up with some sewing room craftiness this week.  (And manage to survive two more days of work.)

Pinterest Love

Here are four things I love that I found on Pinterest this week

1.  Great quote!  I wish I could find this in a print.  Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you,
2.  I've made these twice, and they were delicious both times. Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
3. Being from Wisconsin, you have to have Great Lake Pride.  Midwest Coast Sweatshirt from Spreadshirt
4. I just love this! Lynn Langmade's "Fireflies" photograph from Etsy

Hope you all have a great weekend!  Take at least a little time to do something you love.  And don't feel the least bit guilty about it!

Around the Web

Here are some things I've really been loving on the internet lately:

• KIVA is a website that always users to make $25 micro loans to industrious people all around the world.  I currently have three loans going.  You can see pictures of all of them in the Kiva badge over on my sidebar.  The great thing about Kiva is that it's a loan, so you get your money back.  (Unless your loan is defaulted on by the borrower, which I guess can happen, but I've had good luck so far).  When you receive your repayments, you can either loan the money again, or you can withdraw your money and spend it on whatever you like.  If you have any interest at all in helping those around the world who have less than you, Kiva is a great way to do it. You can find more information for yourself, and look at some of the people you can fund at my Kiva invite page.
•  Soul Centererd Photography's note cards are the ones I had bought at Farmer's Market last week and just loved.  Turns out you she has a lot of her nature photography on her website.  If you love flowers or the outdoors, check out some of her galleries.  It makes me feel sad that I'm not a better photographer, but appreciative of those who have the gift.  Check out Soul Centered Photography here.  She also has an Etsy Shop if you want to buy some of your own note cards.
• And speaking of Etsy... Are you trying to get your New Year's Resolutions back on track?  Then you should probably check out Clean Mama Printables.  She has lots of organizing lists and worksheets for you.  Whether it's cleaning your house, organizing your blog, budgeting, planning meals, or getting ready for Christmas.  I have a couple of hers for sewing projects and some for blogging.  Everything I've ordered comes fast and is really professional looking.