Slow Down and Breathe.

(oops, I just realized this post that I wrote last night on my iPad never posted...)

...I wrote it down - twice! - on Friday and it's been resonating since. I didn't manage much of it on Saturday when I started with a run, then pilates, lunch out, dinner prep and then dinner at Katie & Rob's to celebrate Sara. There was a good bit of knitting the Through the Loops Mystery Clue 2 and a 30 minute nap, but really, none of that was "slowing down to breathe".

That's Marc, Sara and Katie (Rob was just off to the right and not at all worried he didn't fit into my square cropped photo - one of the many things I love about him!). and I'm gonna admit here that I got a lump in my throat imagining we might not all be together again until Christmas. when there will be a 6th person to join us!

Sunday was a little better. Katie and I walked two early-morning laps at the park. We kept a good pace and managed a bit of catch up conversation...and a good many of those comfortable silences that come with friends who see each other often enough. It left my heart a bit lighter even though I didn't stand still for a second. Then church (with a hymn sing! Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and so many more!) and a nice knitting break before my Sunday afternoon class. I finished listening to The Importance of Being Earnest and really enjoyed it. Yay for book bingo that's making me step outside my normal reading zone! Then Sunday class - it was great to re-connect with everyone and hear fun stories about WWKIP day. I told them I wasn't going to be teaching on Sundays anymore (breathe deep!) and they all said they were hoping to continue classes with me on Mondays or Wednesdays. I couldn't ask for more. Then soccer (breathe deeper!), more knitting, more soccer and more knitting. 

I finally finished the 2nd clue on the Through the Loops Mystery Shawl. Hope to get all caught up this week because I really want to have the finished shawl soon - the linen is perfect for summer!

And then it was Monday with the photo prompt "in this moment". Perfect way to make me pay attention to the little things...but sadly to fail at photos for nearly all of them. Dark early coffee in the quiet. Finishing my linen poncho and LOVING it. Catching up on summer with my running group and a hard five plus-mile hill run. Helping Sara unpack the boxes to sort out "recycling", "donations" and "move to Madison". A phone interview with a top candidate for a new position at the church. Helping Sara choose furniture and accessories (oh my, online shopping is the best!)...all while I knitted! and then class. Drive home before dark to see the beginning of a beautiful sunset. and finally, a photo.

I'm reminded that I need not only to pause to breathe...but also to say "thank you".