[top: gap / sweater: target / jeans: american eagle / belt: thrifted / boots: stolen from mama / necklace: c/o the poppy co]

I'm not going to lie--I didn't have the greatest of weeks. It's not that anything went horribly wrong, but nothing particularly noteworthy occurred and the sun hid its glorious face for nine long days (an extreme rarity in these Oklahoma plains). The sun keeps my spirits up, not to mention it's a primary source of my inspiration, and with it gone, well...

But now the sun has returned and after a long, gloomy week, the weekend has arrived. I couldn't be happier. Today was river exploring, driving practice, being silly while thrifting, and a spontaneous ice cream run (I may have broken my lenten fast...totally worth it).

A few things to add to my happy list...

driving in the golden light, windows rolled way down and radio turned way up : : spending time with my favorite eight year old : : clutching a tiny hand and watching our shadows twist before us : : a freshly cleaned room : : pasta with white wine cream sauce and mushrooms : : azaleas in full bloom : : the return of late sunsets filtering through new leaves

What are some things that you're happy about?
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ps the winner of the fildee giveaway is haley--congratulations! please email me with your info within forty eight hours to claim your prize.

It is important to be still. Life is busy and fast paced, but the act of sitting in tranquil quietness is one that should not be forgotten. Though the scene outside the window remains largely the same throughout the year, each time I sit by it, I look out at the view like it is my first time. It is where I replenish my sanity and drink in the calm. Settle in with a mug of coffee, steam swirling in wisps, and study the pattern of rain in the gray, pallid light. Feel the thunder rumble deep in your core. Rest your forehead against the windowpane and relish the cool feeling of glass on skin. Listen to the song of silence. Memorize what right here, right now feels like--because right now becomes last week, last month, last year all too quickly. Breathe deeply and be still, if only for a moment.

Where do you go to replenish your calm?

Where do I start? It's hard to capture the feeling of a person in just a paragraph. This girl is cute and funny. She's a sweet soul and the best playmate to Lilly. She wants to be a mom when she grows up. She's new to karate and transforms into a graceful swan in ballet class. She's a crazy talented piano player and when she's excited...watch out. ;) She loves cooking, painting, creating--and has a million and one of her notebooks scattered around the house (hey, just like her big sister! we must be related or something).
MeMe is growing into Mariam Elizabeth--she isn't so little anymore. I love her willingness, dedication, and person she's becoming. You're the best, M, and I love you.

x

I'm sure I'm not the only one with a penchant for lovely old brass jewelry. I love wearing jewelry from long ago, whether it be a strand of pearls or a delicate diamond resting on a chain, coppery from age. When Kimberly contacted me about collaborating together on a giveaway, my day was made. Not only is she super sweet, but her shop, Fildee, is stunning. It's filled with minimalist, modern pieces, perfect for everyday or a night out on the town.


Kimberly is giving away the most lovely necklace. A sweet locket dangling from a golden chain, this piece of jewelry would be just right for a picnic in the park--or perhaps with a little black dress for a fancy night out. I'm smitten.

Want to win? Just leave a comment below telling me about your favorite piece of jewelry.

For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

+ follow pastor's girl's ponderings
+ follow Kimberly's blog, amusing
+ tweet about the giveaway (be sure to include @pastorsgirl and a link to this post)

Giveaway ends on Tuesday, March 20th at 9:59pm CST.

Good luck!