Friday, September 17, 2010

lucky ones

there's nothing like a good old fashion heart to heart with your parents to put things in perspective. i was feeling rather blue about school this week, but phone calls from both my dad and step-mom warmed my heart and reminded me of all the good things in life.
(i cant wait to see them next month!)

this morning i talked with my step mom about a family member who has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma. hes only 29 years old and the cancer has spread through out much of his body. he starts some pretty extreme chemo treatments next week, and in short, the challenges hes facing right now make my problems seem trivial.
his bravery and perseverance are definitely full of grace.
anyhow, conversations like that one remind me how lucky i am.

a few things i'm grateful for today:
sweet phone calls from loved ones in the morning.
waking up on a beautiful, sunshine filled fridays.
amazing september weather.
fun weekend plans.
being able to celebrate the wedding and love of dear friends this weekend.
how baking some sweet treats can be such good therapy.
wine.
my little espresso maker.
finding a pretty french connection dress at thrift store for only $10!
when my pretty little calico decides to grace me with her presence and snuggle at bedtime.
that i'm alive, and well, and breathing.

thats is all my loves. have a nice weekend. and thanks for reading.
xo.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

grace & glory


do not, under any circumstances, give up

writes blogger, writer, and photographer susannah conway as number five in a list of tips for writers working on long projects. i've been thinking a lot about the process of writing recently. feeling incredibly frustrated with it in all honesty. and as long as we're sharing secrets here, i'll admit, i've been daydreaming about giving up. about the freedom and momentary bliss that i'd feel if i walked away. but i know it would be followed by such disappointment and hopelessness. so anyhow, i found susannah's simple reminder poignant and timely.

also so are these:
perseverance |ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)rəns| noun
1 steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
2 continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory.

continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory?
that is the most amazing definition of perseverance i could imagine.
i think grace & glory will be my new mantra.

photo via.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

floored


i came across this photo yesterday and can't stop thinking about it.
to me it speaks oceans.
i'm not sure what she's feeling, but i know i've been there.
from photographer mirabella marden (daughter of brice marden, btw.)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

just a few things


this weekend flew by and i awoke yesterday feeling a bit frantic and overwhelmed at how much i've already taken on this semester... but after the first solid nights rest i've had in a few days, i'm feeling much more alive and capable today. and brave.

i'm smitten with these lovely embroidered pieces of lace and repurposed handkerchiefs by artist joetta maue, like the one above. aren't they lovely? check out her etsy shop. (via.)

i officially saw the first fall leaves changing colors yesterday. still mostly green trees, but there were a few oranges and reds peeking through. how exciting! i love this time of year.

besides the leaves changing, i also love fall because it brings soup weather. i'm always craving soup. first up: shiitake hot & sour. then i'm thinking some type of split pea? and then maybe red lentil? yumm.

finally, i am planning a visit home in october for a friends wedding and the trip can't come soon enough. i can't stop daydreaming about family and friends and florida times.

happy wednesday, folks. thanks for reading.

Friday, September 3, 2010

off to the sea

finally friends, friday has arrived. this week has been a doozy!
for you too? i'm sorry.
well, here it is! labour day weekend!
i'm wrapping up some loose ends on campus (turning in a draft of my proposal, eeek!) and then heading off for the beach.
i want to drink mimosas in the sand, take naps in the sun, listen to the waves lap the shore, and feel the wind on my back. oh, and spend time with some lovely people too.
i hope you enjoy your end of the summer holiday, friends.
love love.

photo via.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

let's vamoose

just taking a wee break from writing to tell you something terribly important. i want every single one of these gorgeous necklaces in u.k. jewelry designer the vamoose's shop. gold chains + semi precious stones are a combo that i couldn't love more.
don't you agree?






ok, that is all.
xo.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

summer sun, gone so fast

oh my, i meant to post this yesterday, but then the day got away from me. anyhow, here goes:

can you believe its september 1st already? the summer flew by. (it always does, doesn't it?)
and fall semester has arrived in all its hectic fury.
i'd rather be soaking up the last rays of summer sun on a little boat in the water right now, but instead i'm writing and rewriting my thesis proposal and trying to turn in a draft by friday...
goodness, i'm so so ready for labour day weekend already!
anyways, happy happy september 1st, friends.
lets enjoy these last warm summer days before cool lovely autumn arrives.
xo.

photo via