2011.

Now that the craziness of Christmas is over, I actually have some time to think!  And thus comes the necessary reflections of 2011.

I can clearly remember my HIGH expectations of 2011.  And I have to admit they were met.  2011 was incredible.  As I'm sitting down to reflect, I'm realizing this was a defining year for me.  I've really started to "come into my own".  It was a year of new things - yoga, career, relationship, vegan, GF...(although the veganism didn't last long!).  It was a year of growth - I AM, TRM skills, externship, relationship.

In 2011, I realized my passion of discipleship - discipleship defined as helping someone unlock who they are, and using that for higher potential.  (Thank you to Samuel, Elaine, Genevieve, Falisha, DeeDee for helping my realization as well as giving me opportunities to practice).

And now onto 2012.  2012 is going to be exponentially greater.   To be honest, when I think of 2012, I am scared shitless...but also exhilarated at the same time.  2012 is my year.  It is now or never.

Sometimes.

 Sometimes I think I know what's best, I think I know what I need to do, who I need to be, where I need to go, the steps to take to get there...and then I realize that this, this right here is just fine.  Here, in the now, is exactly RIGHT.

Right now (as stated earlier this week) , I have a deep thirst for doing, for being, for making a difference.  My eyes are wide open to all the need that is around me and around the world.  I went to a Free the Slaves benefit this past week that really inspired me The only choice I have is to do something.

I had a couple of really great experiences at work this week.  No, I didn't miraculously "fix" a kid's "r", or teach him language in a great way...actually our session had nothing to do with speech or language.  After working with these 2 boys, I felt alive.  It was one of those experiences, that I felt, "Man, I was created for this very moment".   On my drive back to the office, I realized that this is what I want to do, this is what I am created to do.  I've learned that working with people, listening to them, helping them realize their potential is quite possibly my favorite thing on this planet.  This is how I can do something.  So, I began to toy with the idea of going back to school to become a licensed clinical social worker...To have the credential, to be "legit" at this....and to do this full-time...

But then I came across this yesterday:

Bingo...

I realized the beauty of these interactions are that they were natural...

And so here's to life with open arms...just as I am.

Discontentment

There is a discontentment, an anxiousness, almost an excitement deep in my soul...the kind that moves a person...moves a person to greater, to more...

I feel like I am on the cusp of something big...what it is, I'm not sure....

Crazy things have been happening...crazy things that are NOT coincidence.  Conversations, chance meetings that just build upon each other...

I have a deep urge in to me to go, to do. 

I don't know when...I don't know what...but I am adventurously expectant for that, that is to come...

Happenstance.

Our lives are built upon these coincidences that I happen to believe are not coincidences at all.

This past quarter I have been struggling with what I am going to do when I'm done with school.  I have a vague idea of what I want to do, but have had no idea of how to actually achieve the steps to get from Point A (graduation) to Point B (beginning of my dreams).  Last week I went to the ASHA (American-Speech-Hearing & Language) National Convention and was able to get some good tips on those first steps.

Enter Happenstance.

This past weekend I played wing-man for a dear friend. (And I played it well, I might add).  During the evening I had a great conversation with another* in the group that built upon everything I was experiencing that week.  I explained my dream of traveling speech (stateside) and my current thirst for adventure.  He asked what my dream job would be and I replied traveling internationally, living in spots for up to a year, practicing speech path.  He replied, "Ok, do it."  Which my reply was, "I don't speak tongues."  And he said, "So learn."

It's an incredible feeling when you feel as if the stars have begun to align for you and you slices of the potential that is to come.

weheartit.com

*I just wanted to add that this individual is only in the states this week only...kind of adds to the "happenstance" of it all...

Space.

Her heart was a wide, open space expectant for what was to come. 

weheartit.com

Today.

Yesterday, a friend asked me how I was, and I replied with, "I'm tired...I can't wait until next year when I won't be in school."  I was expecting sympathy, but instead, I got - "I never want to hear you say that again. You can't live in hopes of the future. This is your life. Today is your life. Yes, life is hard, and it sucks, but its up to you to thrive. If you don't like something, change it. Today is your life. not next year. NOW."

Which is exactly what I needed to hear in that very moment.

At my yoga studio, the instructors are constantly encouraging us to do our best possible.  Because if we are doing our best possible there is no room for disappointment or regret.

And so now I'm settling for nothing less than my best possible.  I'm going to thrive in this life. Today.

It's a bit thrilling...I don't know what Best Possible looks like for me, but I'm excited to find out.

weheartit.com

It makes me smile that this post is entitled "Today" and the first word is 'Yesterday"

Damn you, Ingrid.

Remembering...

I know it's not politically correct, but I don't particularly like September 11 Memorials.  I just don't like feeling sad and dwelling on horrible atrocities.  I almost feel like it's giving more satisfaction to those awful men who orchestrated. 

 This week when the 10th anniversary was mentioned on the news or the radio, I found myself switching stations.  In the past I've always been a "just get through the day" kind of girl, trying hard not to remember those haunting images.  

But yesterday, there was one man who called into the radio station and unexpectedly, he shared about 9/11.  I don't remember word-for-word what he said, but his message was beautiful.  He said that whenever he thinks of 9/11, he thinks of firefighters and police.  He thinks of people who flocked to the city to help, he thinks of the stories of altruism, but most of all he thinks of the beauty of the human spirit.  The resilient human spirit.  He went on to say that 9/11 was an atrocity toward all humans, how the world stopped when it happened, but the world also began to pick up and to live again, to forgive again. And that's what he wishes would be celebrated this weekend.  

I used to think I needed to live each day to the fullest.  Whenever I check in with myself on this aspect, I tend to feel really disappointed with myself.  I could have done more, I wasted time there, I didn't do that... I am sure I could go on & on.

 But this afternoon, as I was reading my favorite blogger's recent happenings, I had a kaleidoscope experience.

I used to think I needed to fill my day up chock full of activities or else I wouldn't truly be living.  (No wonder I felt so guilty).  But this afternoon, I realized it's not that I "do" each day to the fullest, but enjoy each day to the fullest.  Enjoying each day to the fullest is so much easier - it just seems to take the pressure out of it... I shouldn't feel guilty about my newest habit of afternoon naps or staying in & reading my book with a bowl of oatmeal.

Here's to enjoying each day of the rest of my life!

Thanks Laura!

Sweet Sunday Tunes

Reset Button

Yesterday, I got off of a stressful day at work, and headed out to the beach with Nicole.  I am having a rough time at my externship because after talking with classmates, it seems they are doing more. It came to a head with an exchange I had with my clinical instructor.  (I was just not understanding her expectations) And so it was a perfect afternoon to hit "Reset".

Once I saw the green-blue ocean, it's power started to work.  After only sitting on the sand for about 20 minutes, I got my "beach high".  An all-over calm set in and stayed for the duration of the evening....Reset had happened.

Last night my boyfriend asked me what my favorite thing to do at the beach was, and I didn't really have an answer for him.  He replied with, "I'm just trying to understand why you LOVE it SO much" to which I replied:

"Because it's the best visual of God for me.  It's so big, stretches farther than I can see, it's deeper than I can possibly imagine, and it connects everything together.  (The 7 oceans really are just 1 big ocean) and the waves are so powerful and can be unpredictable.  I am just reminded how insignificant my life and my problems are.  The combination of the rhythm of the waves, the sun, the smell of salt...nothing can compare."

Perfect day to hit Reset.

This is exactly how I feel today.  This week I've started seeing & doing a little bit more at externship.  At the end of the day, I'm energized & ready to play! I'm thinkin I've got a sweet life ahead of me!

picture from weheartit.com

Happy First Day of Summer

LOVE LOVE LOVE


Tristan's Cover of "Knee Deep"

Summer Bucket List

I want to make the most out of being in a new place for the summer, so I've come up with a bucket list in no particular order to help me do, see, & eat as much as possible! Please come join me!:

• Bowling Night with Nicole
• Hiking in Malibu
• Beachy Days
• Beachy Nights complete with roasting marshmallows (since I missed out on Nicole's birthday)
• Try lots of popsicle recipes!
• Outdoor Cinema Food Fest (August 20-Indiana Jones & glen iris and the quiet)
• Runyon Canyon Yoga
• Hollywood Bowl with Peder (Aug. 25)
• Hotel Cafe
• Scoops Gelato
• Movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery 
• Sunset Junction (Aug. 26 &/or Aug. 27)
• LEARN TO PARALLEL PARK!

I'm sure that as the summer goes on I will add more adventures!

Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use All my energies to develop myself, To expand my heart out to others, To achieve enlightenment for The benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry, Or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others As much as I can.

The Dalai Lama

me and mr. cassidy

I saw this duo on my birthday and fell in LOVE with them.  their album chronicles a sweet love story from beginning to end....oh my heart hurts!

Summer 2011

I have a feeling you will be one for the books.

Lately

weheartit.com

Miracles
by Walt Whitman 

Why, who makes much of a miracle?
As to me I know of nothing else but miracles, 
Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan, 
Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky, 
Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of
   the water, 
Or stand under trees in the woods, 
Or talk by day with any one I love, or sleep in the bed at night
   with any one I love, 
Or sit at table at dinner with the rest, 
Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car, 
Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive of a summer
   forenoon, 
Or animals feeding in the fields, 
Or birds, or the wonderfulness of insects in the air, 
Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so
   quiet and bright, 
Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring; 
These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles, 
The whole referring, yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,
Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,
Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with
   the same,
Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracle,
The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—
   the ships with men in them,
What stranger miracles are there?

I am Back!

After a busy and uninspired quarter, I am back!


From the book Edymion, John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: 
Its loveliness increases; it will never 
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep 
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep 
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. 
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing 
A flowery band to bind us to the earth, 
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth 
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, 
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways 
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, 
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall 
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon, 
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon 
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils 
With the green world they live in; and clear rills 
That for themselves a cooling covert make 
'Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake, 
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms: 
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms 
We have imagined for the mighty dead; 
All lovely tales that we have heard or read: 
An endless fountain of immortal drink, 
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink. 

Nor do we merely feel these essences 
For one short hour; no, even as the trees 
That whisper round a temple become soon 
Dear as the temple's self, so does the moon, 
The passion poesy, glories infinite, 
Haunt us till they become a cheering light 
Unto our souls, and bound to us so fast, 
That, whether there be shine, or gloom o'ercast, 
They alway must be with us, or we die. 


This week I hope to capture beauty in my heart

B

i LOVE this.  and i hope you do too.


enjoy.

For Tiffany ;)

My favorite blogger, Laura, from A Diary of Little Things and Curiousities, asked these questions of her readers, and this was my response:

I don't claim to know much, but this much I know to be true:

Hardest lesson:
I am not super woman. I do not have super powers. It is not up to me to make sure everyone is happy. I tend to be an idealist and would have an elaborate illustration of what a particular event looked like (i.e. birthdays, dates, trips, anything that could possibly get hyped) and when things didn't live up to my hype or go EXACTLY as planned, I would be crushed. (Not something I am proud of) But I've learned to not focus on the exact details, but more on the people I'm spending these occasions with and the beautiful memories we are making. It was hard for me to relax, but once I did, life tasted all the more sweeter.

If I could go back & teach my former self one thing, I would say this:
"Everyone has their own insecurities, they hardly have time to notice yours. So Little C, be yourself, be genuine, be honest, but above all else - Be Love"

Best Advice:
Happiness is a choice, not always an easy one, but it's there for you anytime you want it. - My mom

Standards of Measuring my Life:
I strive to live my life with a deep thirst and hunger. A thirst and hunger for life, adventure, curiosity, joy, love, and light. Every day I strive to feel alive. Sometimes that feeling comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, feeling the sun's rays on my skin, exploring a new part of town, getting lost in a book, art that inspires the soul, or that deep connection in serving and loving another life and expecting nothing in return.  I try to live my life according to this simple mantra: Love God, Love Others.

Love Love Love

Oh just something to happy up your Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning!




Via Yes & Yes

kaleidoscope experience

For some people, it's an a-ha moment, but for me, I think of them as kaleidoscope experiences...something shifts and when the shift happens, there's a beautiful burst of color.  I love when this happens in my own life, but I also love seeing it in others....

I remember distinctly remember the first time I heard Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours".  At that time, I was not much of a fan, and I remember friends pulling a "Sam" (Natalie Portman's character in Garden State), exclaiming how great the song was.  As the song played, it was upbeat and sweet, but the line, "It's our God-forsaken right to be loved" just did not sit right with me...It felt really negative.  I liked the song, but it wasn't my favorite.  

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago.  At the Cafe Gratitude opening, Jason played "I'm Yours".  This time, it really struck me.  Instead of the line, "It's our God-forsaken right to be loved"to "It's our God-intended right to be Love".  BINGO!  Needless to say, I now LOVE the song!  What struck me is not only that there is no longer negativity associated with the word "God", but how the song shifted from being a "consumer" of love to giving love... I've wondered what has happened in his world, what kaleidoscope experiences has he had to make that shift?  Maybe that shift is not really as big as I'm making it out to be.

It's just something that I've been seeing lately...despite all the bad that's in the world, I really feel like there is a lot of good right now too.  Maybe it's just that, that is where my focus is on... I hear about terrible tragedies every day, but I also hear about inspiring people who are working to make a difference or who are living their lives in peace and striving to live out their "God-intended right to be Love" in their everyday lives.  And that's where it's at...

Lately

weheartit.com

I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.
-Agatha Christie


via 7upKels


This quote seemed most appropriate these last few days. 


 Self-doubt slowly snuck in and decided to stay awhile.  I am at an incredible place where I can create my world and my life, but sometimes it can be scary and overwhelming....lately I've been asking a lot of questions...who am I? who do I want to be? where do I want to go? How do I get there?? where do i live?? 


These growing pains are inevitable, but I know that at the heart of it, I am happy to be alive.


In this moment, I am thankful for friends and rich conversation.  Conversation that reminds me:

yesandyes.org

This is AWESOME

I loved this and I think you all should too.






Thank you to the teachers who have inspired me.


via Yum & Yuk

The Vegan Diaries

For the past few months, without even realizing it, my diet has become more & more "vegan".  About 3 weeks ago, I started consciously thinking about making the switch.  Everywhere I turned for information only affirmed my decision.  I'm not a "crazy PETA person", but the more I read about farming, not only did it make me sad, but also sickened me that, that was what I was putting into my body.  Dairy/Meat farming is NOT a sustainable way of living...According to Bittman (read on), the meat industry emits more greenhouse gases per year than transportation!

I was a little apprehensive about getting proper nutrition, and being a newbie, I emailed my favorite blogger, Sarah Von, from Yes and Yes!, for help.  (She does this awesome monthly hook-up, where you can ask for help and her awesome readers respond)  And I was inspired by all the information and resources they sent me.

Another blog, Yum & Yuk, is always posting tidbits from Mark Bittman about food.  And lucky for me, as I was perusing the bookshelves at the library yesterday, I came across his book, Food Matters.  I quickly devoured it (pun definitely intended). I also recommend it to anyone & everyone who is health conscious in the least...actually even if they aren't (Everyone READ it!).  He doesn't advocate for veganism, but a diet with less meat, dairy products, & processed foods, a completely realistic view of food for everyone.  Pick it up! It will be good for you!

So needless to say, I'm vegan...*for the most part.  I've cut out dairy & meat products for about the past 2 weeks, and I can't even begin to tell you how good I feel.  I have tons of energy and my face is even clearer!  I'm having a blast preparing new recipes and getting creative in the kitchen.  So be ready for more "Vegan Diaries".  I will be posting my favorite recipes & creations!  Also, if any of you have any tips or recipes to share, I will GLADLY accept them!



*What I mean by "for the most part" is that 90% or more of my meals are going to be solely made up of plants.  This leaves 2 meals a week that I can "relax" a bit, for which I will save for eating out.  When eating out, it's impossible to control what I'm putting into my body.  Even if I think I'm ordering vegan, I won't really truly know. I won't always take these 2 "free passes", but this way I won't feel like I'm "cheating" either.

P.S. I should also give a shoutout to Cafe Gratitude.  I sealed the deal after eating their insanely delicious  "I Am Adored".  Vegan food CAN be delicious!

Hurray!

I am finished with Winter Quarter 2011!! They say this is/was the toughest quarter in my program and now I'm on the other side! Aaaaaaaalright!

I'm also super proud of myself today because I did something new and completely intimidating.  I'm constantly raving about yoga, but I have actually never been to a "real" class.  (I watch/do live streaming classes from yogisanonymous.com) Lately, I've realized I need/want to take my practice to the next level, and to do that, I'm going to need a live teacher.  I've been meaning to check out a studio in my area, but I needed that extra motivation.  On Saturday I decided this was the week and tonight was the night!

Not only was the studio new, but so was the class for me - yin yoga, a slow, deep stretch.  I learned tonight that I practice a lot of yang yoga, and in order to go deeper within my practice I need yin too.  How perfect! The whole reason I wanted to check out the studio in the first place and this just happened to be the class that fit easiest into my schedule!

I enjoyed the class, very playful.  I felt super good on my mat!  The space was also inviting and inspiring.  They have a lobby area downstairs with quotes painted on the walls and the studio upstairs is painted with calming, neutral colors & has neat light fixtures.

So I guess from now on, on Tuesday nights, you know where to find me!  I'm going back to the studio on Friday for a vinyasa class, and I'm looking to sign up for monthly unlimited, so excited!

Inspiring Night

I am so excited that there is a Cafe Gratitude in my neck of the woods now!  This place is incredible.  Once you walk in the doors, all you feel is positive energy, not to mention the oh-so-tasty raw, vegan bites!  Little over a week ago, I was fortunate to have been at the opening party. The only words to describe the night are Pure Joy.  Joyful music, Joyful dancing, and Joyful conversations. It was magical.  The experience just resonated so deeply within me, my heart felt like it was going to leap out of me.  Even now, as I reminisce, I feel the energy ricocheting inside of me!  Beautiful, beautiful night!

When we got there, Jason Mraz was playing a set and the beautiful and talented Makepeace Brothers followed.  After the music, I got to meet Tristan Prettyman.  Tristan's music has been the soundtrack of my life for the past 6 years and I was jumping out of my skin excited to meet her! In fact, I was practically speechless, but she was kind enough to carry the conversation for me!

Tristan & I

Aidan Makepeace & I.  I'm pretty sure this picture is the definition of "smitten"

It's All Happening

The past few weeks have been truly surreal.  If anyone has read The Alchemist, that's truly how I am feeling these days...The universe seems to be working in my favor in unexpected ways.  How it all will come together, I'm not entirely sure, but this has been such a great ride so far.


About 2 months ago, I received a scholarship to go to the Trauma Resiliency Model training which happened 2 weeks ago.  When I accepted the scholarship, I was unaware that the training was mainly for practicing clinicians in the realm of psychology.  (Which I am NOT) But the weekend proved to be exceptional, and I believe that in a few years, I will consider it life-altering.  The model is so beautiful in that even a nonclinician (such as myself) can learn it, teach it to others, and carry it out.  It's based on the physiology of our nervous systems.  During every day life, we experience sympathetic charges & parasympathetic "depressions" which occur within a resilient zone...It's like the ebb and flow of life - we go up and we go down within that resilient zone and we are able to function.  But when trauma happens, our nervous systems can get stuck on that sympathetic charge or parasympathetic depression which causes our nervous systems to leave that resilient zone.  Which is why we see those symptoms of PTSD.  The symptoms really are our natural ways of responding to the trauma.  So, in order to "fix the problem", the nervous system needs to be reset.  The model teaches how to reset it (actually concrete tools)...truly fascinating work.  It was very neat to be a part of and to learn.

To be continued...

a little lullaby

Put your hands to my hands

Put your knees to my knees

Put your eyes to my eyes

Come on baby compliment me

Cause I don’t think that we

Should ever feel the need to worry

Ever get ourselves in a hurry

You know I love you

I know you love me

So time will go

And we may be

Far apart I know

But as far as I can see

This is so good

There’s no need for change

It’s alright with me

It’s as simple as it should be

Simple as it should be

And this love will build 

Through flights and streets

In the end I predict

You’ll get the very best of me

So put your lips to my lips

Why not go on and take all of it

And just run as fast as you can

Just cause you can

Cause time will go

And we may be

Far apart I know

But as far as I can see

This is so good

There’s no need for change

It’s alright with me

It’s as simple as it should be

Simple as it should be

I am almost  (past) 23

Confused with all the lines in between

They are dying to be read

Softly spoken simply said

Tell me do you believe

In the girl that is me

With her feet to your feet

Well that’s all that I need

Cause time will go

And we may be

Far apart I know

But as far as I can see

This is so good

There’s no need for change

It’s alright with me

It’s as simple as it should be

Simple as it should be

I may not be in love, but this song is as good for my soul as a deep breath...

Sometimes all I need is a reminder that everything is as simple as it should be.

Love God. Love Others.

I have been quiet for far too long!  In the past two weeks, so much has made an impression on me that I don't even know where to begin...I've always heard the beginning is a good place...maybe that's where I'll start.

For the past few months, I've been struggling with how open I am about my faith.  Not because I don't love God (I do, incredibly much so), but because I don't want to be put in the Christian box, or the Seventh-Day Adventist box to be exact.  I find that when I tell others that I'm the assistant children's pastor at my church, I automatically get put into their box of what that looks like, or how I should be/am...I find myself wanting to scream at the top of my lungs - I'm normal! So, to not be put into a box, I've just skirted around the fact that I'm a "pastor".  But within the past month, it has come into my full attention.  A few weeks ago Shortie posted similar sentiments on Yum and Yuk.  I commented on the post sharing my experiences and she replied with the idea that maybe what we are supposed to do is let God use us to open up that box a little more.  

And then I had this experience:

About two weeks ago, I was meeting a friend for coffee (well, tea for me) and arrived fairly early.  There was an older gentleman in front of me ordering and taking his time.  When he was finished telling the barista his order, he turned to ask me what I would like.  I graciously thanked him and said not to worry, I was in no rush.  He then told me that he wasn't worried at all, he has been buying the drinks of the person behind him for the past 5 years.  After I had ordered and he paid, I asked him - How come?!? And his reply was, "I've got a good life, kid, and this is my way of sharing that with others.  I'm one of God's favorite screw-ups and I'm so blessed, this is just one way I can be a blessing to others."

Wow.  Talk about powerful.  Not only was I blessed that day, but my experience with him spoke to me on a much deeper level.  This man was so sincere and loving.  God used him to remind me of my own mantra - Love God, Love Others.  God showed me how it's done...through sincerity and love...He does the rest.  He reminded me He doesn't have a box, so not to worry about those who do...who knows, maybe we could do something really cool together and expand their box..maybe even burst it open.

Valentine's Day

A Valentine Treat just for you! My very favorite poem by my very favorite poet.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree of life; which grows
higher then the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

-ee cummings
if only there was a video of that sweet little boy reciting this one!

i hope you have a lovely day filled with love!

Friday Favorites

I've decided to do something a bit different on Fridays...there's only so many different things I can sense at OAM! (Olive Avenue Market) So, from now on, I'll be sharing a few of my favorite things.

This post is brought to you by the elderly gentleman who made my day.  Earlier this afternoon, as I was studying on OAM's front patio, an elderly gentleman was on his afternoon walk.  On his afternoon walk, he had hand-picked flowers and he hand-picked ME to receive them! Swooning ensued!

And so this week's Friday Favorites are Favorite Romantic Gestures.  (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)

weheartit.com

1) Hand-picked Flowers

weheartit.com

2) Post-it Love Notes

weheartit.com

3) Forehead Kisses

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

CM

Living the Dream

 I had run into a friend who was lamenting about getting over bronchitis, lots of work to do, and his wife being gone.  When another friend had greeted us, with a "Hey, how's it going?", He replied, "Oh, just living the dream! How are you?" Later, on my drive home, I was thinking about how my friend really isn't living his dream.  

Yes, there are going to be days when life is not a dream, but I think it can be a majority of the time.  I'm not anything near a sage, but I believe this life is ours for the taking.  

For the first time, I am excited about growing up.  Don't get me wrong - I am completely enjoying my life in school.  But I'm excited about all the possibilities.  I could go ANYWHERE!  It's completely exhilarating to realize that in a little over a year, I am on my way to doing whatever I want.  

So I'm dreaming.  I'm dreaming lots and lots so that one day I will Live the Dream!

from the inspiring Sarah Von Bargen

My "cute" of the day

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

I adore this little flick!


reblogged from the lovely Anna

Gratitude

I don't think one could ever have enough gratitude.

Today I am especially thankful for:

-a good friend who helped me out in a pinch
-our program department's secretary who was oh so helpful in trying to help solve my problem
-a flexible job
-sunny skies
-fresh veggies for lunch
-fun clinic!
-generosity of George

-I don't have to do homework tonight...(although I should)

-about to get my om on!

What are you thankful for today?

Challenge!

Before yesterday, it was an awfully long time since I've cooked or baked ANYTHING...And last week, I realized that needed to change.  So I'm challenging myself to have fun cooking or baking at least once a week.  

I added the "have fun" part, because recently when it's been my turn to make dinner, I tend to make staples and although it gets the job done, it's not really enjoyable for anyone...

So far, I'm off to a great start.  Yesterday, I made taco soup for my superbowl shindig.

And tonight,I grilled chicken with a soy ginger marinade & I sauteed green beans with shallots, ginger, & garlic...And just now I realized I should have taken pictures of the pretty green beans! (I blanched them before)

cuter chef than i!
weheartit.com

Happy Weekend!

This was a fantastic "midterms" week!  While all the other students were cramming for midterms, I had a much lighter load with clinic cancelled, one work obligation cancelled, and 1 class canceled!  And no tests! (We don't have tests in our programs...mainly heavier term papers, which is JUST fine by me!)  Even though it was a lighter week,  I am still quite excited to have a "light" weekend ahead and warmer weather! (I know, I know, I really shouldn't complain about the chillier 30 degree mornings, but having it back in the 70's will be nice!)

And now, for my practice in being present.

I Am

Feeling: Hot! (I'm a bit overdressed from the chilly morning)

Tasting: Tropical Iced Tea...so refreshing!

Seeing: A very cute dachsund waiting for her owner to come out of the market

Hearing: Birds chirping, an airplane flying overhead, & cars driving by

Smelling: Lavender.  I'm sitting next to the small herb stand outside of the market, so relaxing...a bit too relaxing for the homework sitting to the side of me waiting to be done.

Have a fun & relaxing weekend!

CM

P.S. Go Packers!