Quiet and Simple

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I’m really lovin’ this song lately:

You’ll sit alone forever

If you wait for the right time

What are you hoping for?

I’m here, I’m now, I’m ready

 

It’s been a quiet, simple morning over here.  Lots of music.  Lots of green tea-drinking.  Lots of writing.  A little puppy-walking. 

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James has the most disproportionately large ears.  He looks like he could fly away.

 

I intentionally woke up early so I could ease into the morning.  30 minutes of sitting at the porch is nicer than 30 extra minutes in bed, in my opinion.

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It smells like the last day of August.  Cool and rich and on the verge of change.

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I love fussing around the kitchen in the morning, but occasionally, it’s nice to just do something quick, like a smoothie or sandwich. 

 

I smeared some sunflower butter on toast and added a mashed banana:

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Simple isn’t so bad. 

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In fact, it’s pretty wonderful.

{ 66 comments }

 

  • Taylor @ Crumbs Don't Count August 31, 2011, 9:16 am

    I love sitting outside in cooler weather…especially curled up in a chair with a good book!

    Unfortunately you do NOT get very many opportunities to do that in Florida since it is fairly hot all year long, but I used to sit outside for hours when I lived in Virginia!

  • Nicole (Mrs. Muffins) August 31, 2011, 9:21 am

    I woke up early too! It was so nice outside when I kissed Hubby goodbye, I decided to take my yoga mat onto the back patio for a few stretches. Love! Hi puppies!

    xx

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy August 31, 2011, 9:21 am

    I LOVE the photo of the dogs. Such a great photo!

  • Baking N Books August 31, 2011, 9:24 am

    That. Sounds. Glorious. – the idea of sitting on a porch and “easing into the day” that is…not talking about the song 😉

    I think simple is the ONLY place it’s at. Seriously. The world makes things too complicated.

  • Meghan August 31, 2011, 9:24 am

    mmmm that’s my breakfast every morning…

  • Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers August 31, 2011, 9:27 am

    I did pilates at home yesterday instead of hitting the gym, which gave me a bit longer to get ready. I even had time for coffee, and it was lovely!

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life August 31, 2011, 9:28 am

    I agree, simple is wonderful. I spent some extra time this morning relaxing with my MIL and SIL and it was glorious too!

  • Charlie August 31, 2011, 9:35 am

    I hate when I have to rush in the morning, so I always wake up early enough so I can take my time.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen August 31, 2011, 9:40 am

    The morning is my favorite time to just sit on the deck and take it all in. So peaceful and no worries of the day yet to distract your mind 🙂

  • Freya August 31, 2011, 9:43 am

    This is such a pretty, peaceful post 🙂

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg August 31, 2011, 9:47 am

    Simple is the best! I don’t seem to have time M-F to wake up and relax before work, but I look forward to my Sat mornings when I can get up, have a cup of coffee, relax and then start my day.

  • DadHTP August 31, 2011, 9:48 am

    inspirational.

  • Sam August 31, 2011, 9:48 am

    Aw such cute pups. I love having extra time in the morning to relax and start my day how I want it. Nice and easy. Your breakfast looks great, one of my favorite foods!

  • Faith @ For the Health of It August 31, 2011, 9:48 am

    Your simple morning looks so rejuvenating that I’m thinking about getting up a little early tomorrow so I can take Haley on a long, quiet walk to the lake by our house. Sounds like such a calm way to start off!

  • Jenn August 31, 2011, 9:50 am

    I wake up early every morning and taking it slow is the best feeling 🙂 Simple breakfasts are especially wonderful! I’m all about simple.

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over August 31, 2011, 9:55 am

    Sounds like a lovely morning 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 31, 2011, 9:57 am

    Simple breakfasts are the best! And I’m loving the Jimmy Eat World song too. Whenever I hear “Sweetness” it reminds me of when I was a teenager. Ohh memories…. 😛 Have a great day Caitlin!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) August 31, 2011, 9:59 am

    I love sitting outside! I wish I had a porch. Very few houses in California have them- just backyards!

  • Mary August 31, 2011, 10:02 am

    I love Jimmy Eat World. I remember listening to them a lot when I was in college. They got me through a lot of tough times.

    Its gorgeous here in Raleigh as well! I’m finally looking forward to some lower temps!

  • Amy August 31, 2011, 10:26 am

    I could not be more obsessed with James. I love dog ears (kind of weird, maybe?), and his are the BEST. I wish I could find a puppy that was somehow the exact same mix!

  • KatieTX August 31, 2011, 10:28 am

    LOVE that song. One of my all time favorites.

  • Kayla @ The Best Things August 31, 2011, 10:31 am

    What is it about the coming change of the season that makes us all run to our porches and take pictures of flowers? I love this post. I’m so feeling this lately. Slow down, and smell the flowers for once! Thanks for this.

  • Jen August 31, 2011, 10:37 am

    I love simplicity. I think in most areas of life, its the simple things that make us the happiest. As for food, I think simple is delicious. Simple meals allow us to enjoy each flavor for what it is. Toast + nut butter (or seed butter) + banana = perfection!

  • sara @ the foodie diaries August 31, 2011, 10:38 am

    It’s the simple things in life that really count. I love taking a time out from technology and the rest of the world sometimes and just enjoy the beauty of life around me. I’ll grab a cup of coffee, sit on my back patio, and just appreciate life 🙂

    P.S. Your photos are all beautiful 🙂

  • Kate August 31, 2011, 10:44 am

    LOVE that picture of James & Maggie!

  • JGago August 31, 2011, 10:50 am

    I love Jimmy Eat World! I especially love that song. Takes me back Tony college days.

    Are you still eating gluten free? Just curious if that’s a g free bread or not? I’m having trouble find a g free bread I can stomach. I miss the real thing!

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:45 pm

      Yup and that’s Udis.

  • Beth (Well I'll Be) August 31, 2011, 10:50 am

    I saw a pair of dachshunds walking down the street this morning that reminded me of Maggie and James. One had longer legs and was up with the owner and the other one had the shortest little stubs and was struggling way behind the owner. Poor thing!

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:43 pm

      Sounds like my Maggie and James!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes August 31, 2011, 10:53 am

    Mmmm…what a nice morning…I love taking my dog out in the morning and just watching her while I hang out on our little deck. I definitely don’t do it nearly enough.

  • katie @ KatieDid August 31, 2011, 11:02 am

    “30 minutes on the porch is better than 30 minutes in bed”- totally, but I never can remember that when I’m cozy in bed with 30 minutes to spare! Glad you got to enjoy a leisurely morning, it sounds wonderful 🙂 And your new lens seems to be super crisp, your pictures are awesome!

  • Kelly August 31, 2011, 11:17 am

    Jimmy Eat World – now that’s a blast from the past. This song sort of makes me sad, though. You sound like you have had a wonderful morning. (And that is a GREAT shot of the pups…it’s make a great print or canvas. They’re lovely.)

  • Tracy @ Tracy's Treats August 31, 2011, 11:17 am

    The early morning is my favorite time of the day because it is so peaceful and still. I’m glad you took advantage of your early morning today!

  • Laura August 31, 2011, 11:20 am

    I agree, that photo of the dogs is awesome. And those ears are amazing.

  • Pamela @girlgonewestblog.com August 31, 2011, 11:40 am

    I’m totally sitting on my porch right now, drinking coffee and eating breakfast. Yes, it is glorious. 🙂

  • Jessica August 31, 2011, 11:46 am

    I love quiet mornings as well Caitlin!

    Side question: I’ve recently found out I need to go GF. Do you use GF bread as well (I know you chose to eat less gluten recently)? If so, do you have a favorite brand? Thanks!

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:42 pm

      Yup I love Udi’s bread, it is so great.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife August 31, 2011, 11:48 am

    I love simple mornings! And a delicious, simple b-fast 🙂 Enjoy!!

  • meg August 31, 2011, 11:49 am

    that’s one of my favoritey fave songs of all time. i love me some jimmy eat world.

  • Heather August 31, 2011, 11:53 am

    What brand of green tea do you drink?

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:41 pm

      Teavana!

  • Amanda August 31, 2011, 11:54 am

    One of my favorite songs!!!!! I love Jimmy Eat World. I heard that song around the time I first started dating my husband. The lyrics made me think about finally letting myself fall for someone and letting my walls down. Ah, love it!

  • Jamie August 31, 2011, 11:57 am

    Amazing flower photos. I noticed on my run yesterday that there were some…gulp…turning leaves. When did that happen? Happy last day of August!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled August 31, 2011, 11:58 am

    Jimmy Eat World brings back such fond memories!

    There’s no better combo than nut butter and banana. What a great breakfast, lunch, or snack. Yum!

  • Khushboo August 31, 2011, 12:15 pm

    Your morning is the epitome of bliss- take pleasure in the simple joys of life!

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries August 31, 2011, 12:17 pm

    Oh yes, simplicity is a wonderful thing, in my opinion. I love easing into my mornings as well, and I’d choose sitting on the porch over sleeping any morning. Sounds like your morning was the perfect morning to me!

  • Anne Weber-Falk August 31, 2011, 12:20 pm

    I love those mornings too. I do a lot of audible sighing on mornings like that. It’s very relaxing. That is a beautiful photo of the pooches. Very frame and hang worthy.

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness August 31, 2011, 12:21 pm

    I love this post…it makes me sigh with contentment and peace, because that is what it resonates 🙂 A sense of joy and relaxedness pottering about in the kitchen, savouring a simple and wonderful breakfast, soaking up nature and the changing seasons on your porch…it really does sound like a little piece of heaven, Caitlin, and your pictures capture that so beautifully. So glad you’ve had such a lovely quiet morning – thank you for sharing that with me (and all of us!) Take care <3 xyx
    PS: James' ears are hilarious 😛

  • Shaya (Eye Girl Eats) August 31, 2011, 12:30 pm

    I’ve had a nice, quiet morning here to myself too. Wish there was a little puppy in it to walk though.

    SSB+banana on toast or in a wrap is my favorite quick breakfast… smoothies are my ultimate have but it takes me much longer to prepare and eat, so I save them for my freer mornings.

  • erica August 31, 2011, 1:09 pm

    Ahh 23 is a song I have always said, “If I had to listen to one song for the rest of my life, this would be it!”

  • Amber K August 31, 2011, 1:23 pm

    Simplicity is one of my favorite things in the world.

  • Amanda August 31, 2011, 2:27 pm

    That song brings back memories! Polaris is another personal fave : D ……. I would listen to it all day.
    If I had a porch I would drink tea on it.

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:40 pm

      Polaris is great.

  • courtney (pancakes and postcards) August 31, 2011, 2:33 pm

    that song got me through africa. so reflective and speaks to me at pretty much every stage of my life! loved seeing it here.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul August 31, 2011, 2:35 pm

    aahhhh I love how you described the last day of August. 😀 And James’ ears are adorable! lol. I could see his ears fluttering and him taking off.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf August 31, 2011, 2:37 pm

    This past weekend I visted a cabin in the mountains with my husband and some of our friends. We all have a weird habit of waking up really early on vacations, even though we are all notorious night owls. On the first morning, I woke up a good two hours before everyone else. I checked my email a bit on my husband’s smartphone. I took advantage of the cool Sangre de Cristo morning and did ~45 minutes of yoga on the back porch. I took a long, hot bath, and I got started on a large breakfast for five.

    The second morning I woke about the same time that two of my friends decided to get up and watch the sunrise. I sat quietly on the front porch with them, taking in the mountain air, watching the sky turn all sorts of lovely shades of pink, blue, and purple, and observed approximately 7 hummingbirds all vying for the birdfeeders attached to the cabin. Then I retreated to the back porch with my yoga mat. And then I bathed and started on breakfast while I sipped on a brew I made with the lemon balm and mint I bought at the farmers market the day before.

    I really wish I had mornings like those every day. I think they could really make a morning person out of me. I think we could all use slow, quiet, starts to our day with a healthy dose of morning sun.

    • Caitlin August 31, 2011, 9:20 pm

      Sigh. Your vacation sounds really nice.

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas August 31, 2011, 2:53 pm

    Your doggies are too cute!!! Simple is the best solution to everything! =]

  • Brittney August 31, 2011, 5:42 pm

    Like the song Caitlin! Might have download that one 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 31, 2011, 7:54 pm

    That sounds like such a perfect start to the day! I love the calmness of the mornings. And I love them even more now that they’re getting chillier!

  • Ali August 31, 2011, 8:07 pm

    JImmy Eat World is one of my FAVS. I saw them in concert during college and it was amazing. My favorite song is “Hear you Me”
    Have a wonderful week 🙂

  • Kim September 1, 2011, 3:44 pm

    23 is one of my number one songs ever. I can’t tell you how many times that song has been played on my iTunes between my fiance and I, just this summer along. Surely in the thousands — we even fall asleep to it some nights!

  • kirsten September 1, 2011, 5:39 pm

    I LOVE Jimmy Eat World! Have you heard their song disintegration? It’s one of my favorites.

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd September 6, 2011, 2:34 pm

    James looks so much like my puppy Wrigley! They both have big ears and their colors are very similar. There is a picture of her (Wrigley) on my first blog post ever! Take a look, they could be twins!

  • Rob September 7, 2011, 10:47 am
    • CaitlinHTP September 7, 2011, 10:49 am

      hahah so cute. thank you!

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