It’s easier to be a little more present with the return of the sunshine and long days. I less often retreat into the worlds of books and daydreams. Just like photographs, life seems a little sharper and clearer with more light in it. It’s easier to see the beauty in the common things.

We bought a house, now. Officially. I’ll get more into that soon, but I’ll just start with saying I’m in love with a big old Victorian with stained glass and a lovely green garden. Soon enough we’ll be packing up and moving in, but I don’t want to rush through the next few months. As excited for the future as I am, I know it won’t take me long to feel nostalgic for this house and it’s big windows and wooden sills.

I’ve quoted on the topic before, about how we tend not to experience a moment fully while we are in it, but appreciate it better through nostalgia. I think being present helps us to experience moments more fully, and to cultivate gratitude for what we have before it is gone. I’ll be honest and say I will spend ample time planning for our new home (painting! a new garden! furniture!), but I want to get as much out of the next few months as I can by being present. Long summer days are not to be wasted.