Share 4 Somethings in February

It's the last Saturday of the month and time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. This year we're sharing something we loved, something that sustained us, something we're carrying forward, and something we're making space for each month.  

Hopefully I am home sleeping in my own bed when this publishes. Evan and I are supposed to land by midnight and be home by 1 am or so this morning.  

I'm limited with the photos on my phone. But I didn't want to not participate.  It's been an unusual month for sure with the blizzard impacting so much. 

Something I loved: We spent a few afternoons with friends this month and saw Clark campus again.  I LOVED spending time with my family in North Carolina... even if we day stay much longer than planned. 


Something that sustained me: craft projects, good books, and a good attitude. Oh and my phone.  I've relied on that so much this past week. 

Look at this old painting I made that i spied hanging in my mom's spare bedroom. I'm so happy to be getting back into art!

Something I'm carrying forward: I will never again "pack light" for a "quick trip!" I am a chronic overpacker and talked myself out of it for this trip packing exactly 3 sweaters, 3 pants, and 2 pairs of pj's. Boy did I ever wish for more clothing and shoe choices as well as a coat!

Something I'm making space for: Snow! We've had to make space for lots and lots and lots of snow. Just hoping the "up to 2 feet" they are predicting for Monday does not materialize. 

Linking up with:


 

Comments

  1. RuthFebruary 28, 2026 at 5:35 AM

    Packing light is so hard, especially for cold-climate destinations. I’ve been looking into the Sudoku packing method, where you mix and match clothes like a Sudoku grid… except I don’t really understand Sudoku, haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 1:58 PM

      Luckily it wasn't that cold in North Carolina but packing for 4 days and staying for 9 meant lots of clothes worn on repeat.

      Delete
  2. MarilynFebruary 28, 2026 at 8:04 AM

    Oh, I hope you don't get anymore snow next week. I am glad you are home and hope you can rest this weekend and enjoy your wardrobe at home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 1:59 PM

      Yes! We made it home at 2 am and I don't think I have ever been so happy to climb into my own bed.

      Delete
  3. Billie JoFebruary 28, 2026 at 10:36 AM

    Hello! I am always a light packer, partially because my kids were not! I remember the piles of clothes untouched and unworn they unpacked after a trip. However, I need to find middle ground! I pack way too little! Have a cozy Saturday and Welcome Home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 2:01 PM

      Aw, thank you! It was such a relief to get on the plane last night and I breathed a literal huge sigh of relief as we took off knowing we were finally on our way home.

      Delete
  4. EllibelleFebruary 28, 2026 at 11:45 AM

    That painting you did is absolutely beautiful and it's wonderful that you're getting back to painting!
    I used to overpack but in the recent years embraced packing lightly (as long as I have access to a washer).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Laura @ our Grand LivesFebruary 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM

    Keeping my fingers crossed that you've made it home safely! I'm sure your own bed will feel amazing! What an adventure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 2:02 PM

      Yes! Thank you we landed at 1 am this morning and I was home by 2-- exhausted but SO thankful to be home after another couple of flight cancellations and delays.

      Delete
  6. Kim February 28, 2026 at 12:03 PM

    A good attitude really does help! I hope your trip home was quick and uneventful!

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    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 2:03 PM

      Well... the flight itself was real quick but we did have some "fun" headaches regarding flights yesterday morning that left me nearly unable to deal with the delays in our flight last night. But we are home and that is really all that matters now.

      Delete
  7. Kim CarberryFebruary 28, 2026 at 12:06 PM

    I hope you got back home safely!
    It sounds like you had a lovely time visiting family! That painting is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MELODY JACOBFebruary 28, 2026 at 2:34 PM

    I love how you’ve captured February family time, getting back into art, and even the snow! The packing lesson made me smile; it’s so relatable. Here’s hoping that “up to 2 feet” prediction doesn’t come true!

    ReplyDelete
  9. CindyFebruary 28, 2026 at 3:26 PM

    I am also a chronic overpacker, so I get it!! I hope you all don't get the two feet of snow either. I hope we don't get any, but supposedly, right now, ours is nothing to talk about. Glad it was a good month, overall :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 28, 2026 at 6:26 PM

      Well, our 4 day/3 night trip turned into 9 days/8 nights!

      Delete
  10. The Happy WhiskFebruary 28, 2026 at 9:55 PM

    I love the painting you did. How great to see it hanging.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 1, 2026 at 12:51 PM

      Thank you! I had forgotten all about that painting entirely.

      Delete
  11. MelissaFebruary 28, 2026 at 11:02 PM

    Goodness, doubling your trip time without notice sounds like such a hard experience. We had one day added to our trip due to the cold snap and that was hard enough. Not because we weren't surrounded by loved ones and safe but just because we were ready to be home. I'm glad it all worked out in the end.

    I love that your mom has your painting up. It's always fun to see old art still being loved :-)

    I hope this next storm doesn't sock you in. Stay cozy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 1, 2026 at 12:53 PM

      Yeah, it was definitely not an easy experience but I was so thankful that we were with family and had a place to stay while waiting for another flight out! But Evan and I were definitely feeling homesick.

      Delete
  12. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2026 at 11:26 PM

    What an interesting challenge. Cool that you tied it into the month end recap. Nice painting. Enjoy your art time -- snow makes it easy to stay inside! Bernie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jenn LloydMarch 1, 2026 at 7:42 AM

    I love that you're getting back into art! How cool to see that hanging in your parents' house. Oh, girl...I cannot imagine how ready you were for new and different clothes while you were gone! I hope their predictions are wrong for you...or at least that not much comes. I am sure you're ready for some warmer temps!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 1, 2026 at 12:55 PM

      I am definitely ready for some more spring-like weather! Luckily this last round of snow seems to be melting faster and it seems like tomorrow's storm has petered out completely.

      Delete
  14. Amy ScottMarch 1, 2026 at 7:50 AM

    Oh man! I hope you got home! It is hard to keep a good attitude when travel plans are derailed as much as yours were. You will look at your clothes hanging in your closet with a new light! I still think you should have gone shopping! No more snow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 1, 2026 at 12:56 PM

      Yep, we arrived home at 2 am on Saturday.. and by late Friday night I was really holding onto all my snark and bat attitude so as not to take it out on innocent airport workers.

      Delete
  15. AnonymousMarch 1, 2026 at 10:27 AM

    Sending you beautiful March wishes.
    rsrue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kari March 1, 2026 at 11:37 AM

    Joanne! That art piece is so beautiful! You are so talented, my friend! 🩷

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 1, 2026 at 12:56 PM

      Aw, thanks! The funny part was I couldn't even remember painting that one!

      Delete
  17. HollyMarch 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM

    Oh friend- I really hope this winter is almost over- I am so done with it as I am sure you are!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 2, 2026 at 1:11 PM

      I definitely am! I am ready for warm, sunny weather.

      Delete
  18. NatalieMarch 1, 2026 at 9:36 PM

    The old painting that you made looks beautiful. Sorry to hear about the trip delays. I hope you get home safely. Thank you for linking up with #MonthlyWrapup.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Veronica LeeMarch 1, 2026 at 9:43 PM

    So glad you made it home safely! Your painting is beautiful, and I love that you’re getting back into art. I had to smile at your packing story—I’ve done the same and regretted it too. Hopefully the snow holds off and you can enjoy being cozy at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 2, 2026 at 1:12 PM

      Aw, thank you! So far it sounds like no snow at all this week! Even better that is has warmed up and much of it is melting.

      Delete
  20. Dara @ Not In JerseyMarch 2, 2026 at 8:28 AM

    Glad you made it home and luckily you were stuck with family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 2, 2026 at 1:13 PM

      Oh yes, that would have been unbearable if we had been stuck in an airport!

      Delete
  21. SlabsMarch 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM

    Glad you're back home and in your own bed, own home and safe.
    Saw your blog link at Sticky Mud & Belly Laughs
    My entries: #14
    We would love you to share with SSPS https://esmesalon.com/seniorsalonpitstop/ and join us #400 party

    ReplyDelete
  22. nicole orriensMarch 3, 2026 at 2:58 AM

    Wow, I'm impressed you made that painting! It looks very good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM

      Thank you! I think I made that in college.... or perhaps it was high school... I know it was at a time when I was painting daily.

      Delete
  23. Brenda CoxMarch 3, 2026 at 9:05 PM

    Lovely photos. It looks and sounds like a wonderful month, Joanne. I love the photo of the lake and the painting you created! I hope you don't get the snow that's predicted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne March 4, 2026 at 5:56 AM

      Thank you! We got just a little dusting of snow.

      Delete
  24. JenniferMarch 4, 2026 at 10:38 AM

    I need to work on more craft projects. Or just projects. I think they would really help sustain me. Glad you are really enjoying art and your painting. You are very talented!

    ReplyDelete

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