for the love of books

Currently, I am reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Stern Men. Gilbert is the same author that wrote Eat, Pray, Love, which I fell in love with immediately. If you haven't checked that book out - you must. Right now.

The way Gilbert writes is so intriguing. Sometimes the words she uses to explain some of her experiences and thoughts make me feel like she looked right into my soul. Her books are perfect when you can curl up with a cup of tea and a long night ahead of you. They will make you think, make you smile, make you dream, and make you wonder.

Make sure you carve out some time for yourself this week. Grab a book, even if it's for only 15 minutes, and get lost. You'll be thankful.

happy birthday, love!

this guy makes me smile like none other. can you tell?

finishing the chicago rock 'n roll marathon

showing off his moves at the farmer's market

enjoying a surprise brunch at "blue moon"

love, i wish you the best and brightest day today. thank you for reminding me how to dance throughout this life. you always bring a smile to my face and others around you. you'll never quite understand the positive effect you have on others, but never forget that you're appreciated beyond belief. there are no words available to express my love for you.

keep celebrating this life like you always have. happy birthday!

the meaning of "live"

Earlier today, I met up with a woman that I admire to no end. We were talking about life and how we were living it. She was just purely radiating and her joy was contagious. I realized the way she was referring to the word "live" when she spoke was in a way that many people forget. This woman actually lives life. She doesn't go day to day completely various tasks, but she actually lives every day like it's her last. She takes leaps, stands up for herself, loves with no boundaries, and embraces others. There is nothing that she is afraid of, and she's not worried about what others make think or say about her.

How glorious, right? It was a refreshing reminder that I'm so grateful for.

reflection

As of late i've let the craziness of life seep in... way in. Last night, after finishing oodles of paper writing and editing, I sat down with a cup of tea and found myself thinking. I thought about how I've been caught up in the busy routine of college, work, and just life in general. I realized that I've missed out on the beauty of life, and I've been living this life like a race. (and not a marathon race... more of a 100 meter dash race...) These realizations made me make a choice to slow down. Now, don't get me wrong, I know that this life is going to take me through valleys, mountains, and all over the place. I'm okay with that... actually, I'm excited for that. Bring on the challenges and the triumphs! What I want to do is to make a concious choice to enjoy the beauty of everything. Everything... including the hard times and the fun times.

After last night, I woke up with a new found confidence and calmness. I love these reflection moments. Moments where time stands still and you have the ability to see into your heart and soul.

let's paint

These past few weeks have been up, down, all around crazy. There are many amazing and positively crazy things going on, and I can't help but remember how blessed I am. But, of course, with all of positive things in life comes some challenges. The past events made me realize how fast life twists and turns, and how it will go on with or without you. With this realization, I want to look life straight in the eyes and say,

" hey you, yeah... i'm talking to you. look, this is my life and i'm going to live it how i'd like. ok? ok. "

I'm ready to take on life and live like there is no tomorrow. It doesn't matter if I have 10 hours of homework with only 4 hours left in the day or if I'm confused about what I want to do this time next year (or next week for that matter). Life is all about how you live it. Someone once told me to compare life to a great big canvas... and we should throw on all the paint that we can.

let's get painting.

P.S. sorry for the month long blog break. i don't know how i ever got through these past few weeks without you! i'm looking forward to sharing these future adventures with you.

a love like that

Last weekend we celebrated my Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was so beautiful and precious. I couldn't stop thinking to myself about how I want to have a love like that 50 years from now. My Grandma and Grandpa are such amazing human beings--my role models, really. They are passionate human beings that live life in such a refreshing way. They appreciate the little (but, most often the most beautiful) things in life. They live on this beautiful farm and sell flowers, eggs and veggies. What a life. There are times when my Grandma will sit down to have some tea or coffee with me, and when my Grandpa joins us she'll pour him some good ol' coffee (mint flavor, of course) in a tea cup. Grandpa will just roll his eyes, with a smirk on his face, and enjoy our little gathering. He's a man's man. You'll often find him doing chores outside or working on another project for Grandma. What I love about him is that he's not afraid to have a little bit of fun with Grandma... tea cup and all.

My grandma never fails to tell me to "close my eyes, smell, and make a memory". That quote is forever ingrained in my mind. She strives to make her husband a happy man... even if it means putting mint into every bakery item she creates. She has such an energetic personality, but she is such a calming person at the same time. My Grandpa stood up to make a toast at brunch the day of their anniversary, and he couldn't get his words out when he started talking about Grandma. Tears came to his eyes, and all he could muster out to say is how thankful he is to have her in this crazy life. If only we all could stop moving so fast in this crazy, dog eat dog world and think about how blessed we are. Wow.

Here's to you Grandma and Grandpa... I owe a lot to you. You've taught me how to live simply, be joyful, enjoy life to the fullest, and to live a spiritual life. I love you two with all of my heart, and I will continue to look up to you as years come and go. 50 years down and many more love filled ones to come. Cheers!