It's March already, can you believe it? It was a quiet weekend. A cold weekend. There's not much about this last stretch of winter that I'm loving, try as I might. There are the evenings making warm, hearty dinners as darkness falls upon our little cottage. A sense of pause, a reprieve from a busy life. I do love that. I don't think I will ever tire of that. So I try to soak it in before the long days come. The days when the sun shines long past dinner, the days when dinner is really more of an afterthought. Lunch becomes the main meal, so to carve out time for long evening walks in the woods, walks that end by flashlight, lingering visits to the farmer's market, time with friends. I can't even imagine that now, on this 10° morning.

I did manage last weekend to plan a week's worth of meals, shop for them and actually cook everything on our list, and then some. What a difference that made for me time wise, sanity wise. I'm sold. Some minor improvements on last week: I made the list and then sent C yesterday to pick everything up! Also helpful, spending a little time throughout the week combing through recipes, finding inspiration - enough to make all the ingredients for six days worth of meals fit like a puzzle. This was much easier for me than trying to come up with a grand plan the day of the shop.

For now, while deadlines loom, I'm appreciative of the extra handful of hours I've gained in a week not making so many trips out for supplies. But soon, I hope to squander some of it away on myself. Reading something perfect by a friend, or going to the movies with a friend, or writing a letter. Or possibly shopping for some sandals, in an effort to tease spring out of it's hiding place.

Happy new week, happy clean slate to you!

Shanna

P.S. Later this week I'll share a larger peek at the watercolors I've been working on. I'd love some feedback, if you're willing? I also want to talk about inspiration this week, I'm hoping you'll join me!