just the right amount of time

hello-november

Even before my first sip of coffee on November 1st, I received a text from a dear friend in San Francisco (hi Jess!) wishing me a “Happy November 1st.” Dear friends know that the beginning of a new month is always a hopeful for me. It means a ton to have someone else stand in that possibility and belief of “fresh & new.” Truly.

It’s funny, but our friendship is marked by this ability to share our utter humanness (ugliness & failure flapping in the open), and still listen with complete belief in each others’ hopes and desires. Even if it means stepping over 827 sabotages and “chicken outs” of the past. Cause you know, there’s always a new day. And definitely a new month. I don’t know why it is, that some relationships are completely free of cynicism. I’m so thankful.

And it’s a reminder to be kinder, less judgmental of my talents, and more trusting in myself. Why is that so much harder?

We decided (over text) that two months left in the year is just  the right amount of time to make an impact. It is, doncha think? I want to end 2013 with my head up high. Who doesn’t?

Right now, I feel like I have a lot of good things going on. I’ve been connecting with more creative people, I have some new photography opportunities, I have good people in my life, Ingrid & Oliver is running, we have some home remodels coming up, and Mateo is at my favorite age so far (the talking  and all that silly mischievousness!). BUT I’m really tired, always a little flustered, and overall just feeling stuck in a game of catch-up. And so, what will make a difference in my life is scheduling, organizing, clear goal/task setting and focusing on my health. It’s the boring stuff, but the reality is that I have more projects and goals than I have time or energy for. I have a tendency to get overwhelmed and run in circles instead of forward when that happens.

Taking care of the boring stuff clears out some of my anxiety and leaves more room for needed breakthroughs and the unpredictable magic stuff. ;) And it also leaves a more present  mother to Mateo and wife to Aki.

If I’m going to be completely honest, I’m kinda  grumpy this morning. And I’ve already snapped at both of my boys. But I still mean every word. And I feel better for admitting that. :)

T W O   M O R E   M O N T H S.


Why yes, I did take that photo up there myself with a tripod. :) It’s one of my favorite portraits of myself. ever. Go figure.

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9 Thoughts on “just the right amount of time

  1. Love your blog. It feels serene. I love the nature photos and your sense of humor…

    • Thank you Monique! That’s so sweet. :) It makes me happy that you find this to be a serene place. My brain isn’t so serene, but having this blog is such a lovely outlet for me and I’m glad it comes across that way! :)

  2. Henna, I love this post. I spent a good four hours yesterday purging and reorganizing a catch-all closet. And it felt great. I just peeked into the closet and love how I can find everything that i need for school projects, parties, etc. I could’ve spent that time writing etc. But, sometimes you just have to step back and do what needs to be done (at the time) to keep you sane and happy. I’ve had projects that have been on the back burner for four years already. And you know me–I’m not a procrastinator! Coincidentally, that’s the length of time a certain somebody has been in our home… Hee hee! But in less than a year, I’ll have more time that I can handle.

    I always loved the song “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon, especially the part: “Life is just what happens to you/While your busy making other plans.” But I appreciate the song even moreso now that I have a beautiful boy of my own. ;-)

    Out on the ocean sailing away,
    I can hardly wait,
    To see you to come of age,
    But I guess we’ll both,
    Just have to be patient,
    Yes it’s a long way to go,
    But in the meantime,

    Before you cross the street,
    Take my hand,
    Life is just what happens to you,
    While your busy making other plans.

    • Thank you so much for posting this. I’m so glad that these lyrics are now tied permanently to this moment and this page on my blog. xoxo!!!!

  3. Thanks for this. I think we’re in a similar place. You inspired my most recent post:

    http://www.roseannbathphoto.com/blog/2013/11/3/signs-of-fall-welcoming-november

    Hopefully with a little bit of focus, we both can both be more present. Happy November, Henna!

    • Oh, LOVE that Roseann. We’re in this together! ;) I don’t even know how we found each others’ blogs in the first place but it’s really encouraging and inspiring to see your work. Here’s to being more present and ending this year off with a strong platform for next. I see good things ahead for us both! :)

  4. kate:

    I hear you on the so-much-on-my-plate thing (but not TOO much!)… it’s good to be running around kind of crazy-like sometimes, but taking time to really appreciate it as well — and keep one’s head on straight! — is also good. And healthy! :)

    Love the picture, too — such a simple, adorable way to do last-minute Halloween!

    Cheers,
    Kate x

  5. JaeHi:

    Transparency is so powerful! That is what moves and touches core of people. Love you!

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