Welcome to Ardent Fancy
It’s a rainy Autumn morning and my two babies are still peacefully sleeping. I’m struck by how luxurious my life is – sipping hot coffee, watching the rain, and knowing that endless cuddles are on my to-do list for the day. While scrolling on my phone, I stop at a famous quote from Steve Jobs:
“If today were the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?”
It’s very likely my day will be filled with baking a delicious treat, playing and singing with my toddler, snuggling my newborn, a trip to the playground, and finishing with a warm hug and kiss from my husband.
“Yes,” I think to myself, “Yes I’d very happily call that my last day because this is truly all I want from life.” I’m living my dream and no, it doesn’t include much more than this – expect a sandy beach and a natural glowing tan. These precious days of early motherhood are priceless and it took very little effort to make it happen.
I reflect on the meaning of “hard work”. Early on, we’re sold the narrative that if we work really hard building a career, our lives will finally begin when we reach retirement. Ummm, excuse me? I am all for working dutifully, earning an income, and having a sense of achievement. However, I draw the line at making my work the beginning and end of my existence. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel grateful for getting pregnant at the cusp of 24 and being forced to learn an invaluable life lesson.
I’ve learned that life is happening right now, all around me, whether I like it or not and I cannot let any more minutes pass by without living true to my principles, my values, and my family. I won’t wait 40 years to learn how to make homemade ice cream, develop a sourdough starter, to tend after a herb garden. I won’t wait until my body is slowing down to focus on my health. I won’t put life on hold.
If I hadn’t had babies in my twenties, then what? Honestly, I have no clue! I guess I could go out more frequently, drink margaritas and stay out late. I cannot see what I’m missing out on besides that. We’ve done our best to maintain connections with friends and to be social in ways that suit our young family life the best – such as hosting dinner parties and girlie lunches. To be honest, a day out at the petting zoo with a picnic is more my speed than a nightclub. When you remove all of the excess, all of the fluffy bits that distract us and motivate us to focus on the wrong things, you discover a more meaningful life.
I started Ardent Fancy as a way to celebrate life and all the joys that come with it while exploring new interests and learning skills. The art of better living is a lifelong pursuit that is worth every penny, every minute of effort. Ardent Fancy represents delayed gratification, an appreciation for fine things, and emphasizes genuine luxuries, such as health and family. I hope you find something here that inspires and improves your life, even in the smallest way.
