I don’t blog very often these days. I kept trying to figure out why, when I enjoy it so much. I think I’ve stumbled onto it…

The most popular posts on my blog are recipes… for allergy-free foods and homemade lotions and soaps. I didn’t blog them on purpose for popularity; I blogged them because I was just writing about my life. I enjoy writing about what I happen to be learning, trying or discovering.

The truth is, that most days this year were survival mode around here. This was a big year adjusting to homeschooling high school, and resuming steady private music teaching. And this adoption process (now nearly 3 1/2 years in the making and God-only-knows-how-much-further-to-go) on top of it all has left me raw. And… I don’t feel like writing out the rawness each week. Mostly, I try to pursue the Peace that passes understanding in the Word and prayer and worship, and then stay busy, loving on and serving my kids here and my husband, teaching piano lessons, planning our next year of homeschooling adventures. (And perhaps an amount of escape with chocolate and classical novels?)

My mom said to me once, that there are seasons where you just keep your head down, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. This is the season I’ve been in. But I think I’ve been in survival mode for so long, I’ve forgotten to look up once in a while to see the joy that is sprinkled throughout my life. I bump into from time to time, but I haven’t been looking for it on purpose.

Since settling in after my Haiti trip, and recovering from getting sick there, I have finally found time to tap into some other hobbies of mine- trying new recipes, reading good books, practicing piano. And decluttering some cabinets and closets and dusting off our basic house routines. 🙂  Hoping to blog some of the delicious paleo recipes we’ve been trying, and to dust off my camera and chase some beauty before summer fades into autumn and I’ve missed it!

I dream of being a regular blogger, sharing my daily adventures in food and family and fun. But I also dream of being an honest blogger. And there are seasons when it’s better to just not say all of that stuff out loud. 🙂  I have a few friends that hear the really raw days. (Thank you God for those kinds of friends!) And I occasionally share a little bit here.

But for now, here’s to the discipline of looking for beauty and joy, wherever we find ourselves!