Simple Joy Sunday

First off, I must apologize for being slightly MIA and missing this week's Friday Finds post. After a week off from work, I managed to keep myself fairly occupied this week. Maybe that's what my schedule should be: one week on, one week off. Somehow, I don't think I'd be able to convince anyone of authority of that though. Despite being back to work this week, I did find some simple joys to celebrate... One, of course, being that I was actually busy at work. It's amazing how much faster the day goes when there's something to do.

Earlier this week, Scott and I went on a little mini date. I was leaving work, but he was on a break for dinner so we didn't have much time. We simply ran out for coffee and a pastry, but it was so nice spending some quality time with him.

I got to see some old friends that I toured with once upon a time this week. It was a happy surprise and so nice to catch up.

I started working out in January. I'd do really well for a few weeks, and then life might get in the way for a few weeks but overall I've either managed to lose or maintain my lost weight in that time. This week, I tried on some clothes that haven't fit in ages (including a pair of pants that I actually bought a little small a couple of years ago) and they all fit great!! Here's the kicker, I'm at about the same weight now that I was the last time I lost weight and all of the pants fit better now than they did then: that tells me that not only was weight lost, but there's been some firming up, too. I'm so not the girly-girl and I typically don't get excited about this kind of thing, but I was practically dancing around the house! I wore thin a couple pairs of jeans this past year and was pretty much set to buy some new ones this fall, but now I don't have to! I have four pairs of pants and jeans that are practically new to wear now. So happy!

Athena's Armoury has done well for me this week! I confirmed three custom orders and couldn't be happier! Well, if it was earning me a living, I could be happier but that's not the point right now. I'm making a stainless steel byzantine anklet for one of my FAE friends, a black anodized titanium and rubber cuff bracelet for a musician I was on tour with a long time ago, and a sterling & gold filled finger ring for a co-worker. I'm so excited to be working on all of these custom items!

I'm was also thrilled to be invited to be a member of an artist's collective on Etsy. It's still in the planning stages right now so I don't want to give too much away but I was honored to be invited and so excited to be a part of the group. It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to the fresh inspiration!

I ran into Lowe's to pick up some more containers for my herb garden the other day. I am pleased to report that my herbs are thriving, thus the need for bigger pots! But while I was wandering around the garden center, I spotted some echinacea plants! I don't remember having seen any before, so I quickly picked one out and brought it home. Not only a really amazing medicinal plant, it's also a really pretty, quirky flower. Happy find!

Scott decided to do the next stage of his shelving project! You may not understand why this is so terribly exciting for me. Scott owns literally hundreds of boardgames. All of these games have been in cardboard boxes in the dining room since we moved into our house... two years ago. His plan was to build bookcases/shelves/what have you attached to the walls in his office (he has his own room for his games, computer, books, guitars, etc. while I have my beloved albeit still not completely organized work room) for said games. It's been a long time in coming, so seeing some activity on that front is thrilling!! I can't wait to get rid of all of those cardboard boxes in the dining room.

As always, check out more Simple Joy Sundays over at Cool Zebras.