Best of Both Worlds
Good evening lovely readers ♥︎
To sum up today, I worked on the homestead, ate some barbecue, and made friends with the local folk. Sounds like something from a Western movie! That's what I love about this place. I get the country farm life and I get the coastal life. It's hard to believe I'm only 5 minute from the sea water. When it's stormy, I can hear the seagulls calling in the distance. I know it's not everyone's favourite sound, but I actually love the sound of seagulls. I could fall asleep listening to them.
Now its 21:21 and I'm showered and cozy in the guest house sipping my herbal tea. I also have my cat, Leiana asleep next to me. She looks like she's dreaming; possibly chewing away at some dreamy mice. She was out all last night and all day today, so she fell asleep faster than I thought possible. Perhaps she senses it will rain tomorrow and wanted to make the most of the nice weather we've had the past days.
Today, my Dad stopped by to help me cut the grass. It was starting to get too long to cut with the lawn mower. I am so grateful that the previous owners left behind this grass cutter. My Dad and I had a lovely afternoon walking around the property, talking, eating berries that I found in my garden, and admiring the old barn that was built in the 1800s. Ideally, I want to restore the old barn and keep its original state. I think anything old is beautiful. So much wisdom in the walls, and every unique crack and nail in the old wood holds a story. After the romance of it all wore off, I quickly realised how much work and love this homestead needs.
After working in the garden with my Dad, we rewarded ourselves with a bite to eat. I've driven by this outdoor BBQ spot a few times on my way to town, and was so happy I actually went to try this place out. If you love country music and want the authentic cowboy experience, I highly recommend this place. Having spent many years living and traveling around the United States, I can safely say this is one of the most authentic barbecue spots you can find in Sweden. They also have live music on Friday's, where I can see myself dancing under the stars.
At the restaurant we spoke with a lovely woman who served us. My Dad is great with people and he's very easy to talk to. He mentioned to her that I just moved in to the old homestead built in 1860, and she knew instantly the property we were talking about. She said it's very unique and has been inside the house herself. Turns out she took care of an old man who lived here before the previous owners. She also mentioned that this place is more wild than I thought. There's a hunting tower in the field next to my house. She said this place attracts wild boar, moose, reindeer, and even wolf! Can you imagine!? I feel like I live in my very own animal sanctuary. I will also be extra alert at night now.
After my Dad left, I continued getting reacquainted with my watercolours. It was fun to just play around and learn new techniques. Now when I paint, I can feel that I'm adopting a healthier mindset to creativity. After having not created for a while I can see the difference in my attitude and beliefs about myself compared to just a few years ago. I've worked hard to change my perspective about myself, which I think in my experience is a pre-requisite to overcoming barriers to creating. Whether that's self doubt or procrastination.
Every day is a fresh start, so let's see what tomorrow brings.
Goodnight my loves! Dream sweet!
Annika ♥︎