Espr1t

Snapshots from a fulfilling weekend. Cat snuggles, my nasturtium blooming, whale watching while drinking coffee and eating breakfast, beachcombing to my heart's content, and a late afternoon hike with friends and kitty.

Work can be draining and there is a certain bleakness some days. But I've been deriving some joy and peace through plants and my cat. Pictured: spoiled cat and new peanut butter fruit plant. I can't wait for my flowers and fruits this year...the lemon tree in particular is looking much healthier than last year!

Nothing like the peace of a cat sleeping on you. Sometimes I still can't believe I have my own kitty, after so many years of wanting one. He turns 3 next month. I wish I knew him as a baby, but I have many years left with him if I'm lucky. Sure he doesn't stop yapping sometimes, and sure, he likes to poke his paw in my face...but we belong to each other now, yah know?

Contentment is the final batch of strawberry guavas, ripe on the tree, & ready to be brought to my parents. It is the lush green of my lemon tree that hasn't borne fruit in over a year. It's the warm sun on my healing ankle. The softness of my cat's belly fur, and his weight pressed to my side. The purrsistence of life, after struggle.

I know it's not always going to be like that. One day I will have more responsibilities other than myself and my kitty. One day I will be too sick or too weak. You never know. But as long as I'm able, I will carve out such moments, if only for my sanity.

But then I also have moments when I am grateful that I have my health, mobility, good people around me. Actually, there is a lot more to be grateful for. I am safe. I am healthy. I am free. My needs are taken care of, and I have access to many of my wants. And maybe there is also some comfort in knowing how resilient we can all be, when we have to be.

Kitty's first camping trip <3

Pics include his walk today, and homemade fat cat cappuccino :3

So grateful for the time to engage in my hobbies and creative outlets. Making new foods (pictured: spiced mocha ice cream), and getting back into art. Add to that reading, and running and I think that should be help me feel more rounded again. Just so hard to motivate myself to get moving again when I've gotten oh so good at sitting and eating...

I truly don't know what this summer and the rest of the year will bring. to be honest, I have been putting off facing reality as much as I can. Loved ones have been going through major challenges recently and some of it may worsen before long. Things do fall into place one way or another, for better or worse. I will continue to support where I can, but hopefully in a more sustainable way. Would love to get back into nature again to maintain some sanity!

Sometimes I look around and wonder if the world is just moving too fast for me. So I'm grateful to the furry companions for making me take a pause and be more grounded.

likes the outdoors and rolling in the dirt.

So precious when asleep. So mouthy when awake 😆

About to embark on a little journey with this feller--a weight loss journey that is. This little boy and I have both been gaining a bit of weight...particularly around our midsections! He has his pouch and I have mine. Was very proud of how calm he was at the vet today, however. Although, he did understandably yell (and fart hehe) when they took his blood...

Spring weather always stirs up something in me. I want to do all the creative projects, cook all the recipes, read all the books (that I've been ignoring). And most of all, I get a deep yearning for exploring some foreign place, where the air and language are all different. I don't know how possible that will be this year, but I guess there are still some things I can do locally.