Sunday Inspiration: Bloom

Activities for April

April arrives with longer days, lighter moods, and the feeling that something new is possible. But this month doesn’t require big plans or dramatic changes to feel meaningful. Sometimes it’s the smaller, more intentional moments that make April feel, well... like April. Things like a vase of Spring flowers, taking a moment to enjoy a cool morning, or a simple activity that fits into the life you already.

The ideas below are gentle, realistic April activities. Nothing here requires a big time commitment, breaking the budget, or a complete lifestyle change - just small ways to notice the season, savor it, and make space for a little more ease and enjoyment as spring unfolds.

Capture the month in photos. Challenge yourself to take one photo each day in April.

Buy yourself fresh flowers just because. Tulips, daffodils, or whatever’s on sale. Treat yourself.

Host an Easter egg hunt for your kids, nieces and nephews, or your friends!

April is National Poetry Month.  Read a book of poetry.  Attend a poetry reading. Or try your hand at writing your own verses.

Create a spring playlist to give every day routines a lift.

Enjoy a delicious baked cinnamon treat on National Coffee Cake Day (April 7)

Refresh your space.  Add a few spring touches to your porch. Declutter your desk or nightstand. Or go even smaller and clear out one drawer or your purse.

Start an April reading stack. A couple books you might get to — or not.

Sit outside with your morning coffee. A warm mug and slightly chilly morning air is such a refreshing combination!

Visit a weekend farmers’ market. Stroll, sample, and leave with a farm fresh treat or two.

Start a Gratitude Journal. Each day make a list of a couple of things you're thankful for or write a few sentences about something that brings you joy.  Need some inspiration?  Check out my Thankful Thursday posts! 

Make a simple spring dessert. Lemon loaf, strawberry shortcake, or anything that tastes like sunshine.

Donate clothes you no longer wear.  As you switch to your warm weather clothing, take those winter items that never saw the light of day to your local donation center, thrift store, or charity shop. 

Have a Spring picnic. It doesn't need to be Pinterest-worthy, just grab a sandwich and head outside to a local garden, park, or your own backyard. Maybe a PB&J for Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (April 2) or observe Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)

Find Your Joy in a book during National Library Week (April 19 - 25) 

Whether you try one activity or a handful, let them serve as small invitations to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate the parts of spring that fit naturally into your life right now. Midlife is full, yes — but it’s also full of possibility. And April is the perfect reminder that even in busy seasons, ease and joy still have room to grow.

An End to April

April was a much needed month.  It was quiet for the most part. It gave me a chance to catch my breath. And it breathed a little sunshine into my soul.

April brought my little sister's birthday.  I would have liked nothing more to celebrate with her. But since that wasn't an option this year, I sent her a gift that I hope was meaningful. She's such a great gift-giver and it was hard to come up with something even close to the amazing gifts she has given to me recently.  

We celebrated Easter with our kids and grandkids.  I made up a little basket for the dogs, because I'm silly like that. It was a beautiful day. And spending time with the grandkids is always a joy.

It was a quiet month in the blog. Other than Sunday and Thankful Thursday posts there wasn't much for midlifers. But I have a couple of good things lined up for May, which I hope you'll enjoy.

In April, I read "Two Twisted Crowns" by Rachel Gillig, "The Last Train to Key West" by Chanel Cleeton, "Everything is Tuberculosis" by John Green, and "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. I finished listening to "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old".  And in the last couple of days, I started reading "Weyward" by Emilia Hart.

We put up our greenhouse in April and have started growing some vegetables.  We're keeping it small since this is our first year.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, cabbage, peppers, and a couple of strawberry plants. I am looking forward to later this summer when we can start harvesting some of our own produce!

How was your April? Let me know in the comments!

Hello, April!

March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April.  Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.

Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina.  I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and  a hike or two.  Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.

My "baby" sister has a birthday this month.  I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year.  That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though! 

My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose).  I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning  Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that,  I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand. 

April is going to be a month of doctor appointments.   I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check.  My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month. 

In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting.  I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month.  After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different. 

March saw mixed results for my goals.  I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project.  I did not, however,  walk three days per week.   If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤

My goals for April:  

• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Switch out winter clothing in closet for warmer weather items 
• Meditate 3- 5 days a week for 15 minutes 

What are your plans for April?

Quiet

 My One Word for 2023 is Explore. In the spirit of exploration, I made the decision not to stop at one word this year - but to also have a word for each month.   

During April, I have been exploring the word Quiet.

Life can feel overwhelmingly loud sometimes.  As I write this, I'm hearing the lawnmower in the yard, the neighbor kids yelling as they play, and my dogs barking at who-know-what outside the window. Wherever you are at any given time - there may be conversations, television, music, traffic, or crowds. There's the 24 hour news cycle, social media and streaming entertainment. Even the voices in our own heads can be very loud. 

This is a challenge for me, because I am very much a person who depends on background noise throughout my day.  Whether it's the television, an audio book, or music - I like to have something making noise while I work on other things.  

I am intentionally seeking Quiet moments in my day.  Turning off as much of the exterior noise as possible and enjoying the stillness that is left in its place. Listening for and appreciating the sounds of silence - the rustle of wind through the new leaves on the trees, the chirping of birds, or my own breathing. 

The hardest part  of finding Quiet has been the voices in my own head - especially the negative ones.  I am trying to find ways for quieting the fears, doubts, insecurities, and worries in order to make a bigger space for gratitude and joy.

A few years ago I was doing regular meditation, but recently I let that habit slip away.  It's something I would like to get back to.  Those few minutes of being quiet and still.  Finding the quiet space inside myself.  I haven't done it yet, but for the second half of the month I am going to prioritize it as part of my morning routine.

Do you enjoy the quiet or do you prefer to have the background sound?

April 2023

Can you believe that the first quarter of this year has already come and gone?  That was quick! At least from my perspective.

Welcome, April!  I think it is going to be a busy month.  

My "baby" sister's birthday falls on Easter this year. I can't spend the holiday with her, but she'll be on my mind that day.

The Man of the House and I will be getting away together for a couple of days this month. One of my favorite British comedians is touring the US, and we have tickets to one of her shows.  I can't wait!

This is going to be a health and fitness focused month.  I have appointments for my yearly physical and a dental cleaning (both were rescheduled from last month). Once I have my physical, there's a good chance that I'll also be getting my mammogram before the end of the month. And Ziggy has his semiannual vet appointment for vaccines and well check.

I'm still working on getting my home office organized.  Yes... Still! You may remember that last month I was feeling stuck The good news is that I was able to have my sister put fresh eyes on what was going on in there. She helped me figure out what I needed to do next and set a plan to move things forward.

My reading slowed down a little last month. I'm still reading the third book from my March reading list, The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman. My April Reading List includes: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena, and Book Lovers by Emily Henry. 

My goals for April are:

• File 1st quarter sales tax for Etsy shop
• Organize packing and shipping supplies in office
• Set up sewing/embroidery section in office
• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Journal everyday

What are your plans for April?

Currently... April 2021

It's nice to see April again - isn't it? The daffodils are in bloom, trees are starting to get their leaves, and the tulips are preparing to put on a show of their own.  I am enjoying the afternoons when I can have the windows open wide to welcome the fresh air.  

The results of my March challenges were a mixed bag.  I can't say that I reached my next weight loss goal, but if I stick with my WW plan and start taking care to reduce my cholesterol and A1C levels, I expect that to improve also. 

I've been (mostly) doing a nail care routine.  But I don't think my cuticles care for the oils I have been using to moisturize and nourish them, because they seem to be just as snagged and peeling as before.  I think I may need to switch to a cuticle cream, either alone or layered under the oil for some extra moisturizing goodness.  

I have made some nice progress cleaning out and reorganizing my home office.  It's taking a little longer than I expected, but I am keeping at it and hope to have it completed before the end of April.

What else am I up to as April begins?  Well, since you asked... 

Working on:  Making plans and taking steps to improve my overall health.  If you saw my post last week, you know that I got a wake-up call after my yearly physical and I'm in the process of making some changes to correct the problems I am facing.

Celebrating:  Easter. My youngest sister's birthday. (and hopefully accomplishing a few goals)

Loving:  As I mentioned before, I am enjoying the mild Spring weather.  Warm afternoons with the windows open and hanging out with the pups while they lounge in the sun on the back porch.  (they're loving the warm weather also) 

Wanting/Needing: Some tasty recipes for more plant-based meals. Got some? Send 'em my way!

Reading:  I just started reading D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II  by Sarah Rose.  

Challenges for April:

• Finish cleaning out and reorganizing home office
• Take advantage of the warmer weather with daily walks
• Reach next weight loss goal 

What are your plans and goals for April?

Currently... April 2020

Oh.  My.  Goodness.

Was March one wild ride or WHAT?  And April is looking to be more of the same.

How's everyone coping?  Me?  Well, I swing wildly between feeling like I've got an handle on things and being on the edge of a nervous breakdown.  I think the self-quarantine is starting to get to me.  Yesterday, while walking the puppy around the yard - I realized I was singing "You're the One That I Want" from Grease.  Out loud and not in my quiet voice.  So...  there ya go.

Reading:  The Lying Game by Ruth Ware and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  One of the saddest moments for me was when the local libraries closed because of coronavirus.  Thank goodness for the digital library.

Working On:  Lots of ready-made items for the Etsy shop

Loving:  Spending so much time with my grandson!  With school closed and his parents working in what are considered essential businesses, it's been me and him (him and me?  he and I?) together most days.  Working on his virtual learning assignments, watching nature documentaries on Disney+, walking the dog and reading.

Celebrating:  The obvious answer is Easter.  This month also brings my "baby" sister's birthday.

Wanting/Needing:  A vacation would be nice.  A few Etsy sales (my shop has taken a hard hit from all this Covid-19 business).  But mostly - an end to this pandemic!

Dreaming About:  A trip to Hobby Lobby, Target and Starbucks.  My dreams are pretty simple at this point in the game.

April Goals:  You know, I haven't even set any goals for the coming month.  I know I should. But everything is so up in the air and out of the norm right now that I'm just trying to take things as they come each day.

What are you up to for April?

Currently... April 2019

Huzzah! April has arrived!  The month of all things Spring and Easter.  Rebirth and renewal.  It seems as if there's something new you have been putting off, or if you need a do-over for a dropped New Years resolution or two - April is the perfect month for fresh starts.

Reading:  Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, with Good Omens by Neil Gaiman ready and waiting to be next.

I'm also reading The Joy Diet by Martha Beck.  Maybe "reading" isn't the right word for it though.  I am reading one chapter at a time and then taking the next week to see how (or even if) that daily habit fits into my life and benefits me.

Celebrating:  Well, obviously, Easter.  Other than that - my "baby" sister has a birthday this month, and I wish I could be with her to celebrate that.

Working On:  I am still all about the Spring Cleaning and adding some Spring decor touches around the house.  I put out the hummingbird feeders this past weekend.

Enjoying:  Beautiful Spring weather.  I love this time of year when it's warm again, but the temperatures haven't become actually hot yet.

Anticipating:  Summer vacation!  We've made reservations for a week on the beach at Hilton Head Island.   It's still a few months away, but I'm ready to go right now!

Also, the grand kid has spring break later this month and I'm going to get a few days to hang out with him while his parents are working.

Needing:  To purge and declutter my closet and dresser.  I have waaaay too much stuff.  And I never wear a significant portion of it, or I only wear it maybe once a year.   It's truly ridiculous if I'm being honest about it.

Wanting:  I'm wanting the weather to stay warm and dry long enough for the Man of the House and I to hit the trails and start taking some day hikes.  We didn't get out much last year and I want this year to be different!

Making:  Some good-for-me new habits.  I have been adding some meditation into my morning quiet time.  Last month I worked on making oral health a priority and turning a skin care routine into a daily habit (I have never been the greatest about washing my face, etc. every night) This month I plan to focus on taking better care of my nails and making them look nicer, as well as getting back into the habit of drinking plenty of water.

Feeling:  Hopeful and grateful

Favorite Things:

1. My new Shark Stick Vacuum
2. Jelly beans
3. Taco Tuesdays

Currently... April 2018

April has arrived!  Easter is being us. The  days are getting longer. The weather is getting warmer.  The boys of summer are back at the ball field.  It's time to sweep out the cobwebs of winter and welcome in the fresh air of springtime.

Reading:  I just finished The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin.  Which was just OK.  It has so much promise, but the story never really went anywhere.  Now I am on to Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood.  I am eager to watch the miniseries now showing on Netflix, but decided I should read the book first.  I am also reading/studying my way through The One Thing by Gary Keller.

Enjoying:  Watching "Call the Midwife".  I know... I'm late to the game on this one.  I've seen a random episode here an there, but finally made the decision to sit down and watch all the series available on Netflix.  After one or two episodes I was completely hooked.  I also kind of want to move to England just so I can meet and become best friends with Miranda Hart.  (Which I am aware sounds a teeny bit stalker-ish. I promise it's not... )   

Working On:  Trying to create some healthier meal plans.  Now that the weather is finally warming, I'm starting to think toward some lighter dinners to match the season. If any of you have favorite recipes you'd like to suggest - I would love to hear them!

Anticipating:  I'm still waiting on some good hiking weather  With the exception of this past Easter weekend, every single weekend in March seemed to be either cold or rainy.   I'm eagerly awaiting more warm and sunny weekends, so the Man of the House and I can get out there and hit some trails!  I want to do more than just look at the cute hiking shoes I received for Christmas!

Feeling:  As if there just aren't enough hours in the days.  Or days in the weeks.  This leaves me feeling "antsy".  And maybe a little overwhelmed also.  There are so many tasks and projects I want and need to do right now.  None of which seem to be getting accomplished.  Which is probably what caused me to gravitate to the book by Gary Keller mentioned above.

What about you?  How is your April looking so far?

A Spirit of Gratitude: April 2017

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I looked at the calendar and suddenly realized that next week is May.  April completely got away from me.  I went to visit my sister's family in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, then it was Easter and I kept thinking there was another week or two in April.  But... no.  I need to slow down a bit and take some time to appreciate May!

I Am Thankful For:

My beautiful new pen made by the Man of the House

Road trip with my dad

Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards

Celebrating my sister's birthday with her for the first time in years

Botanical gardens

The Male Offspring calling me almost every day while I was away
Coming home
A husband who makes me laugh
A quiet Easter Sunday
Rainy days full of crochet

Plenty of coffee
The grandkid registering for kindergarten

Currently... April 2017

April has arrived.  Winter is officially over.  It's the month of bunnies, spring flowers, warm breezes, and baseball opening day.  We start looking forward to summer.   We put away the winter clothes and get out our shorts and sun dresses (usually to regret it a week later when we have a cold snap). 

Reading:  Suddenly every hold I had at the library has become available!  Seems like that's always how it works out.  I wait forever and then - BAM! I have a ton of books to read in a few short weeks.  I need to finish Ross Poldark, then I have The Chemist, Three Sisters, Three Queens, and A Man Called Ove.

Eating:  Less. I have been trying to keep up with tracking my calorie intake vs what I'm burning each day.  It's paying off.  I lost 7 pounds last month!

Working On:  Some sewing for myself.  I've been wanting some relaxed, comfy, wide legged palazzo pants and decided I would just make some.

Enjoying:  Having the windows open on these mild Spring days.  Before it gets too hot and they have to be closed again to run the air conditioner.

Anticipating:  A trip to Texas to visit with my baby sister!

Feeling:   A little freaked out that a quarter of this year is already behind us!  2017 needs to just slow it down a little bit.  Am I right, or am I right? 

What are you up to as April begins?