Life at a "Swell's" pace

Surf Trip in No Rain the Bus

We decided this past weekend to take a camping trip with the bus to see how it would be to sleep, cook, and do a bit of "glamping" in it. We also did a bit of surfing while we were over at the coast. We had a great time, and we also realized what items we needed more for the bus, what we can fix, and also what things aren't necessary. It was a nice way to get away for the weekend, and we all had a great time. Hardy had a great time, too.

I always love how the surfboards look next to the school bus. It makes me think of a traveling surf group going around the world surfing whenever they can.

Hardy gets excited the closer we get to the ocean. He loves spending time on the bus and even more spending time with us, no matter what we are doing. Him's a good boy.

The water was calling. And we answered the call until the sun started to go down.

We were at Beverly Beach State Park for the night and woke up the next day and headed to Agate Beach.

We surfed a lot at Agate Beach and when we were leaving I found the cutest sand dollar. I love finding these that have holes in the middle. I always think they would look so cute on a small silver or gold chain. Another shop item? Maybe...

Once we were all exhausted from surfing, we made brunch and took our time relaxing and enjoying the day.

Our bus setup is slowly getting there. We aren't like some bus convertors and get it all done in a set amount of time. We actually love taking our time on the conversion and enjoying every set of the process. The table here is the one that will be bolted to the floor and be part of our "dining area" of the bus.

We definitely will make a permanent spot for the hammock once we get everything in its place.

Gulp.

Surf trips in the bus can't be beat, though, so it's all worth it.

Five Simple Things (April 14)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Rainbow.

Rainbows mean so much to us now. It's our Life at a Swell's Pace.

2. This Salt.

Only Salt is the only salt we use in our house now, with the exception of Jacobson flake salt for baking. Only Salt makes sure that the plastics that are in our oceans stay out of our salts. The wooden container that came with my last purchase of salt is also a great vessel to hold the salt, especially when we are setting the dinner table. This exact one is sold out, but here is one similar.

3. This Guy.

Sporting this month's Hunt a Killer accessories. Act fast because they sell out quick.

4. These Seeds.

Giving our seed starts this year a different approach.

5. This Kitty.

Always curious, but always cute.

One last thing:

If you're searching for a flavored beer with no alcohol, yet still has the beer taste, highly recommend the Sparkle Hops from Pelican Brewing. Made right here in Oregon and my favorite is Willamette with cherry, but all of them are great!

Positive affirmations this week:

Yoga has been a positive impact on my mental health and flexibility. Stretching and strength training is a plus in my life and I do them more than anything else. As we get older we have to keep our bodies flexible. Be sure to incorporate some basic yoga into your daily routine. It will not only help your body, but also help your mental state and knowing that you are strong all the way around. Below are some beginning yoga moves that are great to help get you started.

You can do this! 🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Easter 2023

Our Easter this year was very lowkey. We dyed eggs and gave Skylar a basket of things he has asked for over the past few months. We had a very slow holiday to ourselves. We are around so many people during the week and all three of us just wanted to stay home and watch movies and eat candy, so that's just what we did. It was perfect!🐰

Five Simple Things (April 7)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Kid.

Starting his first day at college. Paint me proud, but also paint me sad. Having only one child makes it hard to see him growing up. He is going to do amazing things and I am right here cheering him on as his biggest fan. You are awesome, Skylar! ♥

2. These Donations.

We adopted Hardy from Safe Haven Humane Society almost twelve years ago. He has been such a wonderful, little doggy, so we try to donate to them whenever we can. It's our way of saying thank you and also giving back to them.

3. This Subscription.

Kinder Beauty has introduced me to so many great beauty and selfcare brands that I get excited each time the boxes come in the mail. My favorite product from this month's box is the Purfect Liquid Face Mask. I'm a sucker for any kind of face mask, and this one is perfect for Sunday Selfcare.

4. These Cameras.

And they all face our neighbor's house. Things are a bit weird over there lately, so we have at least a few "eyes" on them while we are gone during the day. The brand is Premier Smart and they come with hardwired and wireless. There is an app for them and you can also save videos and pictures, if needed.

5. These Ducks.

Skylar and I had lunch along the Willamette River this week while he was in between classes. We didn't expect it to start raining, but we also didn't expect to see a team of ducks surround us when we were leaving, either. They wanted to come home with us. ☺

One last thing:

The view of No Rain the bus outside of our house is still so awesome. You can always see what we are up to with the bus under the page "No Rain" the Bus at the top of the blog.

Positive affirmations this week:

Part of mental health issues with people is thinking that they always have to have everything. The big house, nice cars, the top job, the top pay, the best kids, the best looking spouse, the best body, the most of everything - but what people don't realize is, the only thing we need is what we already have and be grateful for that. The mentality that has been hammered into our heads as we get older is affecting people on a bigger level than what people realize. People will always think that their life isn't enough unless we change the way you have been taught. We have been conditioned to think we need more, and when we get more, we need more than that. Life isn't a race and it definitely isn't a competition between each other. The only person you should be in competition with is yourself. Every day be a better person than you were the day before. Happiness can't be bought and you most assuredly won't find happiness in people that make you feel like you and your life aren't enough.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

End of March 2023 (1 Second Every Day)

Five Simple Things (March 31)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Plant.

It is thriving in its new location.

2. These Cupcakes.

These chocolate/coffee cupcakes were just the right treat this week.

3. These "Eyes."

Skylar found some awesome LED push lights (IKEA KAPPLAKE LED lights) that would great for his Star Wars display.

4. This Kitty.

Eleven has three modes - Sleep, Eat, and Chaos.

5. This Sentence.

I've been learning French for 450 days now on Duolingo, and I can now introduce myself, talk about the weather, and tell you I like to surf.

One last thing:

I wasn't sure how this picture would turn out, but I love how my car looks against the darkness. Almost seems mysterious.

Positive affirmations this week:

Having positive affirmations around your home is a great way to keep yourself on track for helping with negative self talk. I have ones on my bathroom mirror, my office, my shower, my refrigerator, and the mirror by my front door. I have thought about adding one to every room of my house and moving them around once a week to keep the energy going. These below came from Dae as part of their 12-month mantra kit, but you can easily write them, or your own down on a sticky note or small piece of paper and stick them wherever you need that added reminder.

You can do this!