The Little Things No. 52

I ran out of time to share my little things post, but being the first Little Things post of the year I knew it was important so today I am sharing it on the first day of February. I started this monthly roundup post as a way to share some behind the scenes photos, candid moments, and the little things I feel gratitude for. In many ways my “The Little Things” post has been my digital gratitude journal. It has also been a lovely way to share and connect with you. I hope that at the end of each month you take a moment to reflect on the good in your post month. Looking through the highlights on your camera roll is a fun place to start.

This past month was actually quite stressful for me. Last year in April I put my name on a waiting list for a studio for my photography and I was told that it could take up to a year. The other week I was notified that nothing would be available things spring or in the foreseeable future. One studio did become available, but the current renter transferred their lease to a friend who will be taking over, so it is not available for me although I am next on the list. I know that things can change and to stay positive, but it was a disappointment. I feel ready to take the leap and the goal post continues to be pushed back. I am not giving up though. With some stressful and high tensions at work this past month it just felt like a lot. I had moments where I felt like a failure.

However, looking through my camera roll, I’m quickly reminded of the good moments that did happen this month. My grandmother came up from Florida for the holidays and she was with us on New Years Eve. So let’s start there.

 

 

On the first day of the year we went for a hike with our friends Ben and Courtney. It was an unusually warm day and it felt good spending the day on the trails.

Relaxing baths after stressful days. Treats included.

I made this craft:

Tried out my new-to-me thrifted hand mixer (from the 1930s!) It actually worked pretty great.

A hike to Steep Rock where there is a magnificent tunnel in the woods.

Got creative with myself as a subject and a new backdrop. I cannot use a studio right now, but I can make a mini studio in my apartment.

I thrifted a set of Louisa May Alcott books and I am falling in love with her story telling all over again. I remember why I was so in love with her books as a kid.

Enjoyed the last of the holiday lights in town. I wish they could stay up all winter.

Celebrated my aunt’s 60th birthday. I’m so grateful for my Aunt Tammy. She has always been a fantastic role model and has been a loving and supportive person in my life.

Explored a new to us trail close to home.

A pop of red for confidence.

This lovely café.

Trying a new multi-vitamin to fill in the gaps in my nutrition.

After a bad day, I ordered my favorite Thai food, Pad See Ew, and watched America’s Got Talent, one of my favorite feel-good shows.

A Michael’s Craft store opened up in my old home town, close to where I work. I love this store.

This wonderful cat. One of the best things in my life.

Wishing you a beautiful month ahead.

 

With appreciation,

Courtney

 

 

P.S.

Somethings I noticed this month:

 

This 82 year old woman travelled through France for three weeks. You will love her story.

 

DeSantis in Florida passed a bill banning all books in classrooms unless they have been “vetted by a certified media specialist” or face a third degree felony and risk jail time and the loss of your teaching license. This is horrible news and not something I want to share, but it is more than just a little thing. This is a terrible big thing that everyone should know about. I wish I could say this was fake, but it is sadly and shockingly true. Seeing empty book shelves in schools brought me to tears. Among the list of books already banned by DeSantis; Anne Frank’s Diary, The Story of Rosa Parks, To Kill A Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, The Color Purple, and many others. Only Nazis ban books. This evil man wants to become president. The world should know what he is doing.

 

This woman stood up for herself when she saw that a team at a company was working with said crude and inappropriate things about her in a Teams meeting chat. Her company stood behind her and they did not hire the company she was working with.