![My Time to Shine - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/16579243373_efb4561c4b_h.jpg "My Time to Shine - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
We’re in the midst of it. It started last month, and I expect it will peak in July.
Spring and early summer are my favorite times of year, and my best times. My shiniest times, if you will.
I laugh easier and louder, I smile more. I have a lightness within that doesn’t get darkened by much, and only goes out intermittently, sure to be brightened by day’s end.
All of this is to say, I’m quite happy. I know nothing lasts forever, but that’s the beauty of life, isn’t it? The ebbs and flows, the modulations, the patterns, appreciating the lows and the highs and everything in between.
Here, a super cheesy shot of me when I was in a similar place in Weissensee, Germany:
But let’s bring things back to the present.
Look! How can I feel anything but fantastic when it’s walking-barefoot-in-the-river weather!?
![My Time to Shine - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/16546338334_8f9e40d2ab_h.jpg "My Time to Shine - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
I’m not sure I’ve ever been as excited about the future as I have been lately. I’m eager for things to come and possibility and love multiplied, community and growth and chances to get to know myself better.
Good things: freelance writing! Summer plans! Dog love! Garden and frequent friendly hangouts! Blog boosts! Being in love with my husband! Possibility!
P.S. I decided to discontinue the A to Z Challenge. I wasn’t that into it, and chose to let myself off the hook because I put myself under oh-so-much pressure! Now I can go back to writing what I want, when I want, and I won’t be pigeon-holed by making sure a day’s topic matches up with a darn letter. Wahoo!
*
Night falls like people into love. We generate our own light to compensate for the lack of light from above.
And i’ve got myself a new mantra
it says: “don’t forget to have a good time”
don’t let the sellers of stuff
power enough
to rob you of your grace
love is all over the place
there’s nothing wrong with your face
love is all over the place.
—Ani DiFranco
![A Marriage of Love and Travel - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i0.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/8777002888_69fed8459e_h.jpg?resize=440%2C294&ssl=1)
Oh, blessed, shiny happiness for you! I can hear it in your ‘writing voice’ and somehow feel a sense of your joy, gratitude, and anticipation. Thank you for letting us read your writing and be inspired! Keep on shining and sharing, and be proud of yourself!
Thanks, Mom. I’m glad that this space has really become where I can both process and celebrate wherever I happen to be. Funny that now things so different today.
No point in struggling on if you’re not enjoying it! Love the blue flower and the happy picture on your bike.
Thanks, Anabel! I did enjoy the challenge some of the time, but I put myself under a lot of pressure and didn’t exactly plan my posts ahead of time. So, it was fun while it lasted and I made some new connections but I feel a lot more relaxed about blogging now 🙂
Yeah, I feel it! The warm sunshine can’t help but heal. I don’t know how much longer I can really live anywhere with winter, to be honest. I wish I could have a house on both coasts.
And the being in love with your husband thing. So strong. Cassidy and I have had some dark periods and we’re crawling out of that lately. It’s totally fun. Like dating again.
I feel you on living with brutal winters. Having a home on both coasts sounds heavenly! Sign me up!
Yes, isn’t it so much fun to come out of a darker place and feel like you’re discovering each other all over again? Especially after knowing each other so long, that feeling of renewal is so precious.
TRUE!! Love is all over the place! Love that photo of you on a bike. You really looked so free and joyous! I don’t know if I’d survive the A-Z challenge had I started to do something like it. It feels good to just write what you want and not be pressured by a deadline or a certain topic.
Rea recently posted…Disney Junior Meet and Greet Summer Adventure
Thanks Rea! Yeah, I just didn’t prepare enough for the A-Z Challenge this year. Last year I survived it and was so proud of myself, but knew posting every day was just not for me. This year…I’m okay with choosing to stop.
How terrific that you’re feeling the way you do! Yay!
Alison recently posted…Through The Lens Thursday: Caffeine
Thanks, Alison!
Yay for the good times! And for the awareness and acknowledgement that they don’t last forever. I don’t think that lessens your joy in the moment, it just eases the transition when things start to flow the other way. At least that’s how it works for me. 🙂 I can’t wait for barefoot walking times!
Excellent way to put it, Rabia. Transitions and flow and being in the moment!