Centsational Style

Hello friends, it’s been awhile since I’ve written. I returned to the practice of law two years ago and for a long time, my position occupied most of my time, but the best news is I’ve switched law firms and reduced my hours which allows far more space in my days for personal and creative time.

Admittedly, my return to the practice of law was stressful, the learning curve was quite steep as much had changed in my profession over my decade-plus long absence. At my new firm, the pressure of full time billable hours has been replaced by my ability to control my own workload, and life feels much more balanced.

My nest is empty since my two kids are in college – my daughter is finishing her degree this year, and my son is has a few more to go. They come and go during the summer, on the weekends and holidays. It’s so nice having a intermittent visits and also the bliss of a quiet home that I’ve become accustomed to. I know the fear most mothers face when their littles leave, that longing and wondering if you’ll find a purpose beyond parenting. Having transitioned from a full house to an empty nester, I feel peace knowing they are stepping out bravely into the world. What a privilege to have been their temporary custodian and now the observer of their growth and expansion as young adults.

My days are slower and for that I am grateful. I wake with the sunlight instead of an alarm. In the morning, I watch the shadows from the trees beyond the window drift across the wall while I enjoy my coffee. I check my emails and do a bit of work, then go to the gym or catch up with a friend. I go to the office in the afternoons to work for a few hours, then head home to enjoy a light dinner with my husband. We go for a walk and talk about our day and then settle in to watch a show or read our books if we can locate our reading glasses. We are so middle aged. :)

My inspiration files on my phone and my home computer are overflowing with creative ideas. I have dozens of ideas I want to try now that my mornings have opened up. I’ve started pressing and preserving flowers and have plans to resume my ceramic practice after the holidays. I’m completely mesmerized by gardens these days. We’re witnessing humanity’s technology race, and as a result I believe more than ever in remembering our true nature, embracing a slower pace, and surrounding ourselves with organic beauty.

Last year at this time I had just returned from Bath in the UK. In September, we attended the 250th Anniversary Jane Austen Festival in full Regency period attire. Matt dressed up as Mr. Darcy head to toe and I dressed in an empire waist gown and beribboned bonnet. We walked in the Jane Austen celebratory parade with the hundreds of others through the center of town, it was so much fun. Shame on me for not yet sharing pictures of such an event.

This summer I took two separate trips to Europe, visiting regions that I hadn’t seen before, including Croatia in May and also the Puglia and Amalfi regions in Italy. I soaked up every minute and took pictures of every single thing I found noteworthy or charming. I had a stopover in London for a few days and met friends for tea at Kensington Gardens. I was inspired by the facades and squares of the city and the layered interiors of the bespoke hotels — I could feel the presence of thinkers and artists that have gathered in these spaces in days gone by.

You may see a post pop up from time to time as I’ve dusted off the ol’ blog. Wishing you the loveliest October. xo.