TThe last week has been full of activity and small celebrations. Our dog Winston turned 17, and we gave him a little party complete with a paper hat and dog-friendly cupcakes. He’s such a character — adorable, stubborn, and impossible to get to sit still for a photo. The image above is the best candid I managed; he looks a bit startled, but I’m pretty sure he enjoyed the fuss and treats.
My husband and I also stole away for a couple of days without the kids or dogs. It was a refreshing mini-break: relaxed mornings, a little shopping (I couldn’t resist a stop at Anthropologie), delicious meals, and unhurried ferry rides. We wandered through charming streets, enjoyed the water views, and even did some casual “drive-by” photo hunting of interesting houses in Port Townsend. I have a few shots I plan to share later this week — they were too pretty not to save for a proper post.
After the short getaway we returned home to family time. We ate more great food, tackled painting projects around the house, and checked off tasks on our to-do list. One of the proud moments of the week: finally getting one of our older cars fixed. That felt like a small victory after weeks of delays and juggling logistics. It’s funny how routine errands can turn into tiny celebrations when they’re finally resolved.
Of course, not every part of the week was equally fun — some tasks are chores no matter how you frame them. But the mix of celebration, rest, and productive work made for a satisfying stretch of days. We’re making steady progress on home updates; the office is getting a fresh coat of paint that already looks fantastic. One coat is down and one more to go, and then I’ll start arranging furniture and decor so the space feels finished and functional.
It’s encouraging to see projects move forward bit by bit. Painting is one of those tasks that instantly lifts a room’s mood, and this update is already changing how I feel about the office. Once the final coat dries I’ll share a proper before-and-after update so you can see the transformation. I’m excited to get everything organized and styled — and to have a more inspiring place to work and create.
Hope your week has included a few small joys and progress on things that matter to you — even if it also involved the occasional car repair!