My hope this week was to explore. I wanted to do it in small ways (making plans, walking a new-to-me trail) and big ways (going somewhere new, branching out). It ended up being kind of hit or miss.
Hits:
I took a walk on a familiar path, but I tried to look at it with an explorer’s eyes. I took pictures of things that I don’t normally take the time to stop and appreciate. (That would be these pictures.) Later in the week, we had one day of glorious sunshine, so I took Geronimo on a walk. I had every intention of it just being the regular ol’ route, but I saw a side-street I’d never ventured down before and decided to venture away. I didn’t have my camera on me, so there is no proof; you’ll just have to take me at my word.
(Sidenote: I heard about this website, which turns instagram pictures into canvas prints, and I am not obsessed with the idea. If you are looking for gift ideas for me, and I know you are, I want those gray winter walk pictures on a canvas, stat!)
Another picture taken on the gray walk. Too bad this tree didn’t look quite so bright in real life.
I also started planning a trip to Belgium. There’s no guarantee that this trip will actually happen (it all depends on Stephen’s time off from work), but I knew a little planning couldn’t hurt. Maybe this isn’t exactly exploratory, but I considering it a plan for future exploration, so it counts in my book.
Misses:
I had every intention of making it to the library on post or visiting a local museum. Alas, after getting the news about Ben, I didn’t want to venture to far from home for too long at a time in case anyone tried to contact me. So I stayed home. And given the kind of week I had, I’m okay with that. Since the library isn’t going anywhere any time soon, I have plenty of time to still make a trip there.
Next week I fully intended on focusing on me. (Ahh, just the sound of it makes me smile. Me Week!) I’m going to do what I want, when I want. I’m going to try to really listen to myself and figure out those things are. Wish me luck! 
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You should totally go to Belgium! My favorite country. Brussels, Brugge, Ghent, etc. Gorgeous places. We stayed at a really cute apartment in Brussels like 20 feet from the main square. It was fantastic. A little noisy at night but that was to be expected.
Brugge Belgium is my single most loved city in all of Europe. It’s like an effing fairytale. I hope that all is okay with your family right now.
I have been to Brussels but have yet to go to Brugge or Ghent – but WILL go! Where are you planning on going?
I have heard SO many things about Brugge, and I am in love with Belgian chocolates! I know, I know, the chocolates are not a reason to visit Belgium… but in all seriousness, I say take advantage of the time to travel throughout Europe while you still can. Yay for a me week!!! You deserve it!!!
I’m still sending you prayers for Ben and all of your family!!!
Brussels is totally awesome! I was sick as a dog when I was there, but I loved it anyways.
Living vicariously through you! Love this and would love for you to read my blog and let me know what you think & what needs improvements even though I am only one post in.
http://noordinarydeploymentlove.blogspot.com/