{real life} a fresh start

I woke up this morning and realized it had been TWO weeks since I last posted on Oink! Really? It's been TWO weeks? The last two weeks have flown by at an unbelieveable pace and each week I actually wished that they were over! How awful does that sound? I wished my life away.

Autumn Writings, our Chicago-based digital calligraphy and custom invitation company, has been overwhelmed with rush orders. It's wonderful to be busy but the ripple effect is that our personal lives often take a back seat. J and I have been talking for months about bringing more balance to our lives again. It is one of the many reasons we started Piggy Bank Parties.

When I woke up yesterday there was a bit of a chill in the air. I took for granted that it was the air conditioner working overtime....but as I sat at my desk I heard the rustle of leaves. I looked outstide and to my amazement...it was Autumn.

For those of you who don't know me very well, I LOVE all things Autumn. I named my company, Autumn Writings: Digital Calligraphy and Stationery for All Seasons. J and I were married in Autumn. I love hot apple cider, pumpkins, cider donuts, falling leaves, football games, flannel shirts, warm soup, bib overalls, the first day of school, the amazing colored landscapes....the list is endless.

Don't get me wrong. I love all of the seasons...but for me...Autumn has a special place in my heart. Autumn have always offered me a fresh, crisp start. So, yesterday...J and I did just that! We started. A turn in the weather was just what we needed!

I always seem to come up with crazy ideas and I am blessed to have a husband who is willing to join me on my adventures! I wanted hot apple cider and cider donuts. {Note: We NEVER eat donuts except for cider donuts at the cider mill which is maybe every 2 years.} The nearest apple orchard was too far away so we drove to 2 donut shops to find Autumn-ish treats. We also had a coupon for free donuts and we love a good discount!

After making our purchases, we wanted to find a park that didn't seem like it was in the middle of an urban area. Our last resort would have been to go to the beach but that's our spring/summer oasis and it didn't seem to fit the occasion. Due to a huge construction project near our house, we avoid it by taking back streets and in doing so...we found it. The perfect park nestled in the middle of a nearby neighborhood.

We sat at a picnic table and enjoyed every morsel of our Autumn-ish treats. We talked. We laughed. I enjoyed the swings while J took photographs of a squirrel enjoying the wrapper from his apple crumb muffin. We even teeter-tottered! It was refreshing and just what we needed. A fresh start.

This week, don't forget to take time for yourself--a walk in the crisp air, an Autumn treat, a few quiet moments with your favorite book--whatever gives you a fresh start. I hope you'll join me this week for my fresh start on Oink!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...