009. Nature, Connection and Creativity

Sunday was such a great day. It's been a while since James and I explored nature together. When we first started dating we frequently went on mini-adventures. Then, day to day responsibilities of life got in the way of us actually getting to enjoy life. Ironic, right?

We decided to head to the Icehouse Canyon Trail in Mt. Baldy with Henry in tow...of course! When we arrived, it seemed that we were the only ones without trekking poles (I had to Google the technical term for this post) and I was a little worried. James assured me that we could do without, and up we went.

Taking a break to drink water/play with rocks.

The hike was a pretty steep incline the entire way up complete with rocks, narrow passageways, and old stone steps. As we continued our ascent, we followed along a creek. Henry kept up with us, climbing the rocks we easily stepped over. He would occasionally stop and drink from the creek or attempt to dig rocks out of the dirt (per usual).

I enjoyed being disconnected from my cell phone, computer, and just the general noise of the world. It gave me time to truly be in the moment and feel connected to myself and James. I value the non-distracted time James and I spend together. When you live with a partner, it's easy to fall into a rut of not spending quality time together. It was wonderful being together without any interruptions.

At one point, we stopped for a moment to drink some water and have a snack. We came upon a stone fireplace. We both were fascinated by this, not sure what the story was behind the stone remains. So of course, I had to research what this fireplace used to belong to. I found some interesting information about an old wood and stone resort. The resort existed in the area from 1921 to the 1980's, before burning down in a mysterious fire. I love history.

A fireplace is all that remains of Ice House Canyon Resort.  

Trees. Glorious trees.

On our drive home we started talking about what we should do that day. It was pretty apparent that both of us were feeling like we wanted to do something creative. James said he wanted to build a workbench and I felt like painting. We looked up plans and went to the local hardware store to buy the supplies for his workbench. When we got home, James immediately started working on his project. I haven't painted in a while, but there was something about connecting to myself and connecting to my partner that really inspired me to sit down at a canvas and just start painting. I set my easel in the backyard and began painting images of trees.

Sunday was a great reminder of the similar interests that James and I share. We both enjoy nature, being active, creating and exploring. Lately with bills, chores, and other obligations, we forget to sit still, live simply and do the things that light the fire inside of us. I am grateful for the time we spend together.

002. Self-Care Tip: Go on a Mini-Adventure

These books were amazing. 

Found at Antique Mall of Treasures in Old Towne Orange

It's Wednesday! It's the middle of the work week (for those of you that work Monday through Friday). I enjoy having a routine during my work week: electing James to make the coffee, letting Henry (our new adorable puppy) out to do his business, making our daily smoothies, my drive to work, listening to the same radio talk show, and all that goes along with my typical work day. Occasionally, I start to feel like I am in a rut during the week. I wanted to do something different yesterday. It was time for self-care.

James and I have lived together for 2 years and we have thrown around the idea of getting married. Also, we have discussed what a ring for me would consist of, if we decided to go the whole, "will you marry me" route.

Yesterday after work, we decided to drive to Old Towne Orange and visit Rambling Rose - Estate and Vintage Jewelry. I did not know what to expect when we approached the antique shop that this store was tucked into. This was the first time we looked at rings together. I couldn't believe how many Edwardian and Art Deco style rings from the 1920's and 30's were before my eyes! We both were drooling. Okay...maybe just I was, but I know he was excited. Many of the rings are from estate sales and are almost 100 years old. Prior to yesterday, I was not completely sold on the idea of a diamond ring. My sister and I wrote about our feelings on the diamond industry in the past. James and I share the same affection for conflict-free diamond antique rings and when the jeweler actually used the term, "conflict-free" and I knew we were in the right place. 

We then decided to continue our exploration of the downtown area. We visited multiple antique stores and fell in love with everything, as usual. James is extremely talented and creative (in many ways) including his ability to refinish furniture.  There have also been discussions of buying old furniture, refinishing and reselling. Today reminded us that we still would like to pursue that venture together.We found some really great things, but resisted making any purchases.

 

"Magic Lantern Projector" found at

 Antique Depot in Old Towne Orange. 

Glass slide for the Magic Lantern Projector, 

 now I wish I would have purchased the projector!

 

Ummm, hello, I love you. 

We concluded our mini-adventure at a delicious Mexican restaurant called Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen. It was a dimly lit, well decorated environment. I was equally impressed when I devoured my meal. 

Anyway, the focus of yesterday was about spending quality time with James, self-care and spontaneity.

I feel inspired.

When was the last time you went on a mini-adventure?