Monday, July 13, 2009

5 Things I've Learned


I was thinking about what I wanted today's post to be and I was drawing a bit of a blank. I had a completely lovely weekend, but I didn't make anything (other than a killer batch of white bean hummus) and I thought that it seemed unoriginal to post more pictures from the bike trails. So I've decided to change things up a bit and do something a little more reflective, a little more personal, to start the week off. Here are five things, in no particular order, that I've learned since taking up residence in Iowa.

1.) I really love riding my bike. It feels like freedom, which I realize sounds like a cliche, but there is something so remarkable about flying down a hill on a bike (and not having to worry about battling the crowds in Central Park). I also like that I can ride through a wooded path, take in the views of the river, and feel that I am spending a Saturday afternoon exactly as I am meant to.

2.) Living in a place with a slower pace means I suddenly don't feel any pressure (what-so-ever) to go to the gym. Instead, I've been seriously craving yoga, which is new. I've always done it, but I got out of the habit while living in nyc, and it is such a relief to have it back in my life on a regular basis.

3.) I am completely awestruck by the size of the sky here. You'd think I'd start to get used to it after 6 weeks, but no, everyday I just stare and stare.

4.) I am amazed that it is possible to move to a totally new place and feel like my life makes sense here. Or perhaps I'm just feeling grateful that I get to live in a place that seems to offer some of the things I'd been longing for.

5.) I should have started growing herbs a long time ago! I have basil, thyme (so delicious with any kind of mushroom) and rosemary on my deck and I love that they are inspiring me to think of new ways to use them. Which means I've been, so far, steering pretty clear of food ruts. Hooray for that!

Oh, I just realized I have another one:
6.) It is always a good idea to eat a meal outside. Especially when surrounded by amazing and interesting new friends.

Happy Monday!

8 comments:

  1. What a lovely list of life learnings. Bike rides, yoga, large skies...it is so wonderful to live life at a pace that lets you "stop and smell the roses". Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Thanks Cat! I'm flipping through your etsy shop right now- such lovely things you make!!

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  3. I'm really glad your move to Des Moines has been a good transition! Where do you do yoga at? I've been thinking about starting. :]

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  4. Hey Kelsey- Mostly I've been doing Dave Farmer's vinyasa yoga podcasts in my living room. They are really great. But I've been to Firehouse, which I really loved- but they seem to be on a summer schedule and I'm having a hard time making it to any of their classes besides the ones on Saturday. I also did yoga in the community garden on one Sunday, which was also very awesome!

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  5. I'm so glad you are feeling happy there, Amy! Life is good and bloom where you are planted :-)

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  6. Sounds so nice :)It must be so freeing to wind up in a place where you feel truly content.

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  7. I had black bean hummus a few weeks ago and let me tell ya - so yummy!

    And i've been craving yoga lately too and can't wait to go see my former yoga teacher when i get back to the home place.

    The big sky and eating outside are lovely.

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  8. love your five, ummm, six things! sounds like an amazing place to live. plus i think you would make any place a home because of your openness.

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