Soulful Sunday

Today's Soulful Sunday found me sleeping in, and not doing much of anything except enjoying breakfast and coffee while blogging and catching up on emails. I didn't clean, I didn't do laundry. I didn't do the errands that were "supposed" to get done. I relaxed. I went snowshoeing. I explored a new part of Chicago. I went out to a movie with a new friend and laughed. I laughed a lot. I took time to reflect on the other parts of my weekend, tossing out the bad and focusing on the good. I enjoyed conversations with friends, old and new, and reflected on my blessings. I'm recharged. I'm refreshed. I'm happy. I'm looking forward to new opportunities. And meeting new people. Life looks good. 

Sears Tower

Snowshoeing On the Lake 

The Shedd 

Stairs to the Lake 

Soulful Sunday

Today I broke in my new snowshoes and poles. Big drawback, they kick up a lot of snow on my backside. This is the negative side of having the awesome bindings that only Atlas seems to have thought of. What to do? Settle for a wet ass, or get shorter shoes and have to deal with adding and subtracting tails to them depending on the snow? Obviously, first world, winter sport problems. 

So my gear review aside, the soulful part of my day was in taking pride in accomplishing everything on my "to-do" list (this post is officially the last thing on my list!), a great dog training session, and afterwards, getting to play in the snow. Below are some photos I took at the beach today. I was happy to connect with nature, the numerous bunnies I saw, and the elusive Cardinal that I never did catch "on film".

So go ahead, check out my photos below, set your lists aside and follow my lead. I'm relaxing "toes up", and enjoying some spirits by candlelight. Cheers and sweet dreams my readers!

~ Shoes & Poles ~

~ Tree Cavern ~

~ Wild Bunnies ~ 

~ Perspective ~ 

Soulful Sunday

I went snowshoeing today! Despite the cold, I headed out and put my recently purchased gear to good use. I was grateful to learn (and feel) that the garments live up to their warming promises! While I walked around with my "Dreaming of Snowshoeing" classmates, I was amazed at the snow covered lake, beach, and nature preserve and was grateful that I got up on this cold Chicago morning. It was such a peaceful and beautiful day, filled with uncharted snow that sparkled in the sun. I took deep breaths and let it all sink it. It was beautiful. This was definitely a soulful Sunday. 

~ Sun, Sand and Snow ~

~ Layered Up! ~

~ The Snow More Traveled ~