"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths."  - ETTY HILLESUM

Sometimes words are just enough

How cool would it be to personalize the words, change the colors and make this a wedding invitation?  I'll admit that I rarely if ever think of these things, but the hopeless romantic in me can't help but run wild daydreaming with an image like this.  Words turned into visual art?  Definitely one of those "why didn't I ever think of that?!" - moments.  Still, I'm glad someone did.  Pitter patter, pitter patter.

Found here.

Daydreaming of...

A day mopeding all around Santorini....

A Costa Rican sunset...

 And spring time.

Pretty please?  I'll take any of the above.  Gladly.  Though I suppose the third the is most realistic.  But hey, who needs realism anyway?

Feverish

Being sick royally sucks.  And yes, this is a highly original thought.  Aside from the piles of balled up kleenexes like leftover snow forming barriers around the couch and one overworked tea kettle, I must admit that catching a nasty cold does have one perk: it's forcing me to finally slow down.

For the past however many months since I've started working, I've barely stopped to breathe.  Or when I have, it's only for a brief moment that doesn't stick around long enough to mean anything.  It's as if this cold snuck in just in time to remind myself of that whole concept of balance and how vitally important it really is to our health (and sanity).

So all weekend I have been lounging at home, watching movies, reading, laying in bed in the middle of the afternoon - things I haven't done on the weekend in I don't even know how long.  The fuziness of my mind prohibits me from thinking too hard about anything (it's a lost cause, I swear) and instead I settle in that middle ground where reality and dreams come to meet.  And it feels so good to just be.  To let it all go.  I day dream all afternoon and wonder about things, reliving old memories just to be with those people I'm not lucky enough to have in DC right now.

The piles of kleenexes grow taller and the sky outside fades into black.  The sniffling may not subside for a while, and I hope the wandering mind doesn't either.  For now I lay in the dark amidst flickering candles, watching lightening forge paths across the sky.  Not your typical Sunday Funday, but I'll take it.

3.19.2011

Writing.  It has been a while.  A long while.  I’ve had my excuses.  My sad excuses for not taking the time to sit with the blank page and think.  Really think.  The truth is that the blank page used to give me comfort.  I’d sit there and revel in the possibilities that all that space could hold.  Words upon words, strung together to create meaning that I could call my own.  Even if I struggled, if the words didn’t make sense, if I ended with my forehead in my hands out of frustration for not knowing what came next … But eventually—when eventually came—the page would be filled, overflowing with words and thoughts and dreams and realities.  I knew that I had accomplished something.

Lately though, that ominous white space has a different effect.  I barely know what to do with it, let alone with myself.  Even the mere thought of sitting and writing makes my anxiety flare up and I want to run away screaming with my arms flailing wildly above my head.  

But, something about today made me realize that I still need this space, no matter how intimidating it can be at times.  My fingers now glide across the keys—nowhere near effortless—but they still work diligently, with promise and intention.  I think of all the time I used to spend here, in this space, and I can’t help but smile.  The familiarity if it, the process, the thinking, the feeling of letting the words unravel right in front of you.  I love this place, and suddenly, I’m just starting to remember that.  

The Girl Effect

In doing research for a job interview, I came across this video.  Do me a favor and watch it because it will give you chills.  And make you want to change the world in the smallest but most powerful way.  That's worth three minutes, right?

"We make ourselves real by telling the truth."

—Thomas Merton

Firsts

From autumn...

 to winter...

Yesterday was the first snow here in DC, and I was lucky enough to enjoy the scene sitting by my window with a steaming cup of peppermint tea.  Tiny flurries danced down from the clouds and the craze of the city seemed to pause for a few minutes.  Isn't is strange how snow has that effect?  As if a soft silence sweeps in and makes everyone take a deep breath.  Sigh.  Even though I may complain of the frigid temperatures sometimes, I secretly love bundling up and transporting the coziness from home to wherever I go that day.  Tis the season!

Happy weekend everyone!

Happy Friday!

I found this posted at one of my favorite spots in Georgetown—an adorable little coffee shop/bakery called Baked and Wired.  (They may also have the best cupcakes you've ever had in your life.)  

Reading this random note put a huge smile on my face.  And I completely agree.  I don't know what I would do without my friends and family.  Not merely because of the support they offer, but because I look at each of them and feel so lucky to have them in my life, to know them and laugh with them and share everyday moments with the people I love.

My goal for the weekend?  To thank at least one of those people, even in the smallest of ways.  I think I already know who it will be...  

November 11th

One year ago today...

I spent the most gorgeous afternoon in the history of afternoons walking though the vineyards in Lavaux.  It. Was. Magical.

One year ago today...

I would have never guessed that I would trade my tiny hotel room with a view for my very own home (aka itty bitty apartment) in Washington, DC.  With one of my best friends. 

One year ago today...

I promised myself to never let a single day go to waste.  Looking through the golden-hued photos, all I could think was, "How can life be so indescribably beautiful?"  

And today...

Amidst all the noise, sirens, stress, and worry that often seem to haunt me, I remembered that there is still so much magic to be discovered, especially when the sun comes out to make everything sparkle.

And today was a sparkling kind of day.  I have a good feeling that tomorrow will be too.