The question I get asked often these days is “are you feeling settled in your new home?” The answer is, happily, YES.

My husband and I like to make our houses feel like “home” as quickly as possible. Typically we get out of boxes and everything put away within two to three days. While this process is hardly serene (and is exhausting and perhaps slightly insane), it is good to have the house organized quickly so we can get on with our lives!

And normal life has resumed. We are really enjoying this area so far. We aren’t used to so much greenery and flowers. Luckily there are plenty of beautiful parks to explore and enjoy. It’s also a nice perk to be outside in the middle of summer! While it has been surprisingly hot (surprising to me, anyway), it’s cooler by a good 20 or 30 degrees than what we were used to in Phoenix and San Antonio. I’ll take it!

I’m pleasantly surprised how fast this area is feeling like “home”. That wasn’t our experience during our time in Texas unfortunately; it took at least a month for our space to feel like ours. We haven’t yet been here a month and already it feels pretty normal. I’m still learning my way around of course, but getting lost less and less each day!

With the return of school this week, we will start to get into more of a routine. There will still be plenty of time to get out on the weekends and hike, bike, walk, and photograph!

I so enjoy these times with my family. Moving often is inconvenient but I do love that it gives us the opportunity to discover new places.

(All images taken with Lensbaby Velvet 56, at the Cox Arboretum, Dayton, Ohio)

The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project. The women who participate in this project aim to bring a sense of peace and calmness to their imagery. Please continue the circle to Wendy May to see what brought her some serenity this month.