Some people say that I would own a zoo if I could, and you know what? They might just be right. I love my animals like they’re a part of my family. I have my sweet dogs, my beautiful birds, ducks and catfish in my pond, and chickens. Yes, even chickens.

Don’t worry, though; these chickens aren’t for fryin’! I wouldn’t dream of it. (They do give me the freshest eggs, however!) I just love walking out into my backyard and visiting with my brood. Y’all, I’ve even been known to pick them up and cradle them like babies. It’s so sweet when they fall asleep in Mama’s arms, and it’s soothing for me too. And you know, I think that’s really what having my chickens and all of my pets is really about.

My life can be pretty busy sometimes, and at the end of the day when I get to come home to my loving husband, beautiful family, and wonderful animals, it’s a reminder for me for slow down from all the hustle and bustle of the world and to really appreciate what’s important in my life. I think I must be one of the luckiest girls alive, and I often have to wonder what I’ve done to deserve all the goodness that’s surrounds me.

This summer I did what I had been wanting to do for 22 years. I took a vacation. The last ten years or so have been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change ‘em for a minute. But, all the traveling and working really caught up to me and I realized that I wasn’t as connected anymore as I used to. I needed to be recharged. So that’s just what I did! I took a vacation, with only one rule: no work and all play! And you know what? It wasn’t anything extravagant at all. Y’all, I just sat at my house and had plenty of Paula-time. It was wonderful to unplug and rejuvenate myself!

Here are some ways that I learned to unplug:

Cooking. Okay, okay, so maybe this is a little bit of a cheat, since it’s technically what I do for a living, but the truth of the matter is that I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t do it. Cooking a good meal helps sooth me and allows me to refocus.

Reading. It’s no secret that I love reading cookbooks, and I read ‘em just like most folks read a novel.

Shelling. A dear friend taught me the art of shelling. I collect frames, busts, mirrors, and just about anything and glue seashells to them to make them interesting pieces of art. This summer I couldn’t stop!

Watercolor painting. My girlfriend, Donna, paints beautiful watercolor paintings, and I wanted to learn! I’ve only taken a few lessons from her, but boy, do I sure love it.

So what do y’all do? How do you relax when you need some personal time?

Want a closer look at my chickens? Check out my video tour here!