Alanna Sine

04/10/2023

"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!" - Humbert Wolfe

20/09/2023

Almost every year I try to be a runner. And each time I've been sidelined by injury before I can really hit any goals.

It's so frustrating to feel like your body is betraying you, when you have the heart and drive to go on.

This year I've decided to do a massive pivot. I've set brand new goals, have a completely different style training plan (that I did not write! Go get help from someone who knows more when you have big goals!) and am doing my very best to remove my ego from the equation and do what I need to do to achieve success.

Trails > Roads
Endurance > Speed
Training plan > Winging it and overdoing
Loving workouts > Negative self talk and dreading them

Little goals bring little results, so naturally going from the couch to 50k before the end of the year seemed right. 🔥 I've never ran a marathon before, much less an ultra, but I have a date with one soon!

Trail running makes my heart happy. ❤️🍁

25/08/2023

Do you believe you could change your life in just 90 days? ✨

Right now you have goals that are up on a shelf collecting dust.

You told yourself that your dreams just weren't that important.

But if you are honest with yourself, how much effort did you really put into attaining that dream? 😌

Most people are excited to get started, but when difficulties come up they don't have a strong enough commitment to stay consistent. 💪

This is like raking the leaves off your lawn a few times and feeling successful, but then getting frustrated and putting away your rake when they keep falling off the trees! You will only be a success if you keep going back out there and taking consistent action! 🍂

Your goal is attainable if you know the right steps to take, and can attack it with enough intensity for the right amount of time. Is it a price you are willing to pay for that dream? Getting your mindset right is the first step. 💚

Most anyone can commit to something for a couple weeks, maybe even a month. But imagine how transformative 90 days of intense, consistent action and effort would be? You will emerge on the other side a new person.

Who do you want to be 90 days from now? I would love to hear your goals!

10/06/2023

Just a little magic from spring. ✨ 🍄 🌸

Lots of treasures to discover though!

10/06/2023

Spring is fading into summer. 🌻

The weather has been beautiful (although mosquito filled!) and I have loved watching everything explode with green!

We made an attempt to put in a garden, although I don't have high hopes for it...we ran out of time to do it right. Should have constructed the spot last fall!

I spent a lot of time working on trails around the property, and that has been fun and satisfying work.

We also acquired a little fishing boat! So looking forward to enjoying time at the lake this summer.

08/05/2023

The frogs are singing again. Spring has finally returned. 💚🌱

24/04/2023

Our future garden site has a LOT more work to be done! But I’m using this time to get some baby plants growing! 🌼

Starting vegetable seeds inside is an excellent way to kickstart your spring gardening and extend your growing season (Zone 3 here! We still have snow today! 🥶). It's cheaper than buying nursery plants, and ordering seeds can give you access to a much wider selection of plants, including unique heirloom varieties. However, getting seeds to germinate and grow successfully can be a bit of a challenge! Here are a few tips for success:

🌱Choose the right containers: Seedlings need room to grow, but they also need to be in a container that drains well. Consider using biodegradable peat pots or a plastic seed starting tray with individual cells.

🌱Provide enough light: Use a grow light or place them near a bright, south-facing window.

🌱Keep the soil moist but not too wet: Seedlings need to be kept moist, you shouldn’t let them dry out! But don’t waterlog them or they may rot. A pH around 6.0 is good for root development.

🌱Harden off your seedlings: Before planting your seedlings outside, it's essential to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start by leaving them outside for a few hours a day, gradually increasing the time over a week or two.

Growing your own food is not only rewarding work, but also contributes towards a more sustainable and independent life for your family. 💪 Your food isn’t traveling from far off distant countries, and you can ensure it is organic and free of harmful chemicals. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than harvesting your vegetables and enjoying a meal made from your garden. You can eat fresh in tune with the seasons, and learn to put up the abundance to enjoy throughout the rest of the year. Get started today, and soon you'll be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!

What is your favorite vegetable to grow, and what tips can you share for success with it?

19/04/2023

Have you decided what kind of life you actually want?

If you aren’t clear about where you’re going, chances are you aren’t getting there anytime soon… Take the time to define for yourself exactly what your dream life looks like. This will help you clarify what you want to achieve, and provide a clear direction for your efforts.

This is actually a favorite exercise for me! Really go deep… Where are you living? With who? (partner/kids?) What are your relationships like? What does your home look like? What kind of hobbies and lifestyle do you enjoy? What do your finances look like? How do you get to give back to others or participate in your community? How is your health?

You will probably find you have many goals, both big and small! Start creating a plan that outlines the specific actions you need to take to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and set deadlines for each step. Some of your goals may be achievable in a month, some in a year, and others are longer term goals. This is ok! Setting those smaller goals along the way will build the progress you need to get there.

Staying motivated is key to achieving your goals. Focus on why you started, track your progress, and visualize your success!

It's not enough to just plan and prepare. You need to take action to make progress towards your dreams. Let’s start by taking that first step today!

What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing when trying to create your dream life?

24/03/2023

Absolutely incredible experience last night! My first time seeing the lights! I feel so blessed. 😍

10/03/2023

Wrestling with big choices in your life?

Remember, not making a decision is still a decision.
A decision to stay where you are!
Time to get off the fence.

If you make the 'right' decision will every day bring happiness? Certainly not! But you will always have a choice each day. You can choose to be happy, in sunshine and in rain.

Love yourself, love God, look for things to be grateful for every day, and you will find more happiness. ✨

28/02/2023

Nothing ventured, nothing gained! If you want your life to change the good news is that it is within your power to make a new start! Let's do it! 💪

12/02/2023

This sunny Sunday has everyone feeling good! Playing outside after church and soaking it all up.

11/02/2023

Umm... I just squished my first bug of the year. It better not have been a mosquito... Totally not ready for this. 🦟🦟🦟 It was so warm today!

11/02/2023

A fresh crispy morning, pretty pink skies, 23 degrees F, serenaded by the cheeseburger birds and woodpeckers. And yes, the coffee is on. ☕

The dogs are clicking around demanding breakfast and somehow the baby is still sleeping in. We've had some restless nights lately and he hasn't been sleeping well as normal. I think we are all tired.

07/02/2023

I'm not naturally a morning person, so my ideal morning routine allows me a lot of time to wake up and feel human.

I rise early, full of energy and motivation. I get a quick workout in, and then start a pot of coffee. The warm smell is heavenly.

I settle down in front of the fire and look out the window to see the early light starting to cast a glow on the trees. The deer slip out of the meadow and head back to the shadows of the forest. I enjoy sipping my coffee in silence for half an hour, while doing some personal work like journaling or reading something that motivates or inspires me.

All before the rest of the house wakes up.
Ok ok, confession time! This is my IDEAL morning routine, but the way it usually goes is my baby wakes up right before my alarm goes off.

I roll out of bed and hit the ground running, scattering dogs and cat as I go, tending to EVERYONE ELSE first.

Eventually I get to sit down with that coffee, check notifications and read a quick devotional, while the baby zooms around the living room, brings me toys and climbs the furniture.

That ideal morning is still a work in progress for me! I've tried getting up a bit earlier but the baby senses somehow know!

In this stage of life I have to find my quiet moments of alone time wherever I can, usually while the little guy naps. We'll keep working on making that morning happen!

The important thing though is that I do find time for me, it's so vital for my mind.
What does your ideal morning look like? And if you aren't already living it, what are a few things you can change to get yourself closer? 🌄 ☕

04/02/2023

What's your excuse?

My husband went for a run this morning. I thought -25F was too cold to go. He did not agree. He still did the work that needed to be done.

So often when we are trying to achieve a goal (like sticking to a diet or workout, starting a business, learning a skill) we think we could maybe be successful if we could just find our motivation.

Motivation is great. It feels good! Everyone feels super motivated on January 1!

But its not always going to be there for you. Motivation gets you to do the hard thing when you WANT to do it.

But what about when its raining? When its cold outside? When you'd rather just order pizza? Netflix is calling. You had a hard day at work. You're tired. Motivation is fickle and fleeting.

Its DISCIPLINE that will get you through when you DON'T want to do the hard things. Its commitment to the end goal. A long term vision that is stronger than short term feelings.

03/02/2023

I love the festivity of the holidays! Then January comes. And February... And there is just still so much dark, cold, winter left to get through! And no family dinner parties, twinkling trees or garlands, and gifts to brighten it. I insist on still finding ways to bring in a little magic.

Ice lanterns are a fun, zero expense, way to add some cheer to the long dark of winter!

Simply fill a suitable bowl or bucket with water. Add bits of evergreen, pinecone, orange slices, whatever you desire for decoration. Sink a cup in the center by filling it with rocks or rice. Then freeze! A tea light candle or votive completes it.

02/02/2023

02/02/2023

One of the things I used to long for was just to see a clear night sky full of stars through the trees.

It was something I only was able to enjoy while camping. There was too much light pollution in town. Not to mention the constant buzzing anxiety of traffic noises. Dogs barking. Neighbors.

Here the night is so still, broken only by the squeak of snow under my boots, the occasional owl hooting or coyote singing in the distance.

And whether I want to sit out on the deck, or snuggle cozy and warm in my bed, I can look out every night on trees awash in starlight.

01/02/2023

What's on your bookshelf? Are you reading anything good lately?

Space is limited in the cabin so unfortunately I cannot display my entire library at once. I have most of my books stored in boxes in the shop right now and I occasionally rotate them out to refresh the bookcase inside. Its kind of fun, like going shopping through favorites.

Other ways I save space are utilizing the public library system, and buying some books digitally on Kindle. Anything I fall in love with or want a nice reference at hand I can buy my own copy.

A project we have planned for the future is custom built in shelving all around the living room area. I'm very excited to have more of my collection around!

01/02/2023

Venison sirloin bites for dinner! We love eating wild meat. Really can't get more organic and free range than that.

I love absolutely everything about hunting, especially big game. There is a connection and a reverence for the whole process, and it just fills me with gratitude.

I cut and wrap the meat myself, turn the hide into buckskin, made a euro mount with the skull/antlers for cabin décor. Dogs get the bones and trim. Foxes get the gut pile. Nothing from this animal will end up in a landfill wasted.

Its my absolute favorite way to provide for my family. I'm excited to eventually be raising our own beef, lamb, and chicken as well. Hopefully this year we will be able to get started.

31/01/2023

Charlie knows where the best place to be is this morning!

31/01/2023

My snow angel, on our way down to the road to check the mail!

Going for walks with toddlers is something else... Lots of stops and starts, wandering away to look at an interesting stick. It takes a lot longer to get places than it used to!

Sometimes I drag James around in the sled, just because I'm trying to get things done.

But its worthwhile when I can slow myself down and let him take the lead sometimes too.

30/01/2023

Our future pasture area! I have to keep reminding myself its a wild green jungle here other times of the year. It feels like everything has been white, frozen, and perfect for forever. "Always Christmas, never Spring."

I'm grateful for winter. For the time to rest and plan and get cozy. When there is just not that much work to be done, other than rearranging the snow. I'm sure I may feel differently next year, when I'm trying to do chores for animals every day, -20 or not!

29/01/2023

Crockpot cooking on a cold winter day is just pure warming comfort food! 😋

29/01/2023

Daily gratitude practice: Something to be grateful for this morning while it is -25F here at the cabin. The outhouse is not our only bathroom option! I'm just real pleased about that.