Enjoying the Fruits of Life

Hello friends, is anyone out there? I know I've pretty much stopped blogging entirely. It isn't because I am not still obsessed with design or photography, or because the move got the best of me. Although, maybe that last one is a little true.

To be perfectly candid I've experienced a lot of negativity in other areas of my life while living in Japan. It felt almost whiny to complain when my family has been so blessed and thus instead, I just didn't say anything at all. Maybe it is that, "if you have nothing nice to say..." thing. To make a long story short, I have approached the last decade of my life with openness. I've befriended people simply because they were brought into my life. Sometimes I think moving so much leaves you wanting connections to your current place and time.

The reality is that there are a lot of unhappy people in this world and at times instead of looking within, they look to express their unhappiness at the expense of others. It is okay to be unhappy, and the truth is everyone is unhappy or suffering sometimes. Yet, as I try to teach my daughter, you can't take your feelings out on others. It isn't fair and you don't know what challenges they're facing, some of which are beyond their control. Up until recently, my policy of letting everyone into my life has not always worked. I'm recognizing this idea left me vulnerable to bullying, yes bullying, from other adult women. I tried very hard to be indifferent about it but the truth is, it made me lose faith in people a little bit. In short, I've taken a page from George Washington (nerd alert) and followed a life focused within for the past several months, or really even longer. Time to start anew.

That being said, I feel incredibly blessed. Being back in New York (nay, just being back in America) has been really lovely after several years overseas. The simple joys mean so much. We've been doing great little trips around the Northeast - revisiting places and doing things I remember from my own childhood. There's been some reconnecting with old friends from before we started this crazy adventure which has been a wonderful reminder of both who I was but also of how I've grown. And there's been making new, more positive, friends which has been a breath of fresh air.

Most of all, it has been such a joy to see our daughter flourish coming home. It is amazing - she's embraced all the new experiences and friends so quickly. I hope to be like my daughter and live with resiliency and joy. I hope to find myself embracing new blessings and stages of life. And as such we're due with another child soon. I can't believe how lucky we are. I know not everything is or has been perfectly smooth sailing but I would venture to guess that's just a universal part of being human.

So while this blog may have suffered, all is well. Maybe in due course I'll have more to share - more historic houses, more architecture, more diamonds in the rough. We've been looking at farms recently, some in need of restoration. If that's the direction life takes us, I'll be sure to be back here with more to share. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy each and every simple pleasure life sends your way. Thanks for reading along! And I hope you liked my random photos from our recent trips around the Northeast!

she's here

Our daughter arrived in late January, hence the blogging hiatus. She's a wonderful and sweet but colicky baby. It has been an amazing learning curve but unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to devote to all things interiors lately. Hopefully I'll be back shortly but until then, I'm thankful for every day as I get to know our lovely little girl.

merry christmas

To those who celebrate, merry Christmas. Or as the mistranslated ads here say, "Many Christmas!" May your holiday be filled with peace and joy for you and yours.

Source: thefullerview.tumblr.com via Ann on Pinterest

happy thanksgiving

Have a happy Thanksgiving. Enjoying the last of the fall colors.

Source: 500px.com via Ann on Pinterest

Before the snow monsters appear.

Source: nationalgeographic.com via Ann on Pinterest

taipei

Just returned from a whirlwind trip to Taipei. I have a bunch of photos to share soon!

source

And Parnassus, if there had been more time I would have tried to talk you into lunch - next trip!

favorite rooms

So for the month of June we're on the move. Since my computer access will be spotty to none with an international move (and ipads and mobile devices are not conducive for blogging- I tried!) I've scheduled posts of my favorite rooms. Click on the image to go to my Pinterest for credits and all those details. For example, you can see that I pinned this from Mr. Loi Thai and it was done by Plain English. I hope you enjoy!

Source: plainenglishdesign.co.uk via Ann on Pinterest

vacation

Think cold thoughts for me. I'll be away this week, but I hope to have lots to share come next week!
image from all posters

vacation

Enjoying some time in the sun. See you in a few days!
Image from All Posters