To myself and everyone else...
Stay strong. Love is all around you, but you may need to open more than your eyes to see it. xoxo
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Winter
As the cold air rolls into the Midwest and the leaves change in color, I'm reminded of how much I love this time of the year. Sure, pumpkin flavor surfaces in almost anything, root vegetables and stews become mealtime staples, but what I love about fall is that it means winter is right around the corner. Yes, WINTER... poor winter... gets the evil eye and all the gripes. However, the other day my sweet husband rattled off all the great things about winter in Chicago.
First of all ...
Chicago is simply magical in the winter. Summer evokes an energy, no doubt. Though, Chicago at wintertime is electrifying with pure magic - in my opinion.
First of all ...
Chicago is simply magical in the winter. Summer evokes an energy, no doubt. Though, Chicago at wintertime is electrifying with pure magic - in my opinion.
Zoo lights! Bryan and I LOVE zoo lights. Cocoa in hand (perhaps with a splash or two of peppermint schnapps)
Bryan's birthday is 3 days before Christmas and for his celebration he loves to go see It's a Wonderful Life at the Music Box. He has spent his past 2 birthday's in Chicago and last year declared, for as long as we are in Chicago for his b-day this is what we will do. Afterwards, with happy heads we head out for a yum meal and cocktails. It's lovely. If you haven't ever gone, please do yourself a favor and go. It's the happiest place on earth, eat that Disney! Carolers, Santa playing the piano - bells and jingles.. ah, love.
And, when the snow comes.. we make the most of it!
Snow angels!
Rooftop snowball fights with friends
And, when it just gets TOO cold to play out doors we hunker down inside with puzzles and board games. With thick wooly sock on (I love them!) we snuggle up under blankets and watch movies and sip on tea or red wine. mmmm...
I'm looking forward to another Chicago winter with my yellowbird!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Shine On!
Inevitably there are negativities that factors into anyone's world, but knowing what is healthy and within your power to manage is important, in my opinion. Some people crave the drama - it's almost they can't function without it - like an appendage. I don't understand that. I will say, I'm not one to shy away from confrontation. If someone is treating me unfairly or whatnot I will have no hesitation to address. Why sit mute? Always my hope is that through the confrontation a healthy resolution comes from it. A real solid genuine one. Sometimes that is not always the case, but at the end of the day I at least know I gave it my all. Hey, can't control how the cards fall - can only pick them up. When I lay down at night to go to sleep I want to feel I still have my integrity. I want to whole heartedly feel I gave myself, my environment and all the people in it nothing but love and honesty.
As I strive to always be mindful of that, these saying often ring in my ear. I hope by sharing them they give you a positive boost. Be good. Be kind. Be true. You never know when it will all go away!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
My Yellowbird
I have been meaning to write up a post about Bryan and I celebrating our 1 year of marriage, but rather I want to just post about him. Spoiler Alert: This is a mushy- lovey gush fest about the love of my life.
I adore our love story. Even though it is filled with many moments of painful unknowns and years apart. Oh, the thought of those gut wrenching airport good-byes or those painful Skype conversations of "how are we going to figure this out - we live in different countries" just makes me ache. Though, I hold all of those memories so dear to my heart and wouldn't trade them and our story in for anything. We both often reminisce about the night we met. It was truly magical. It was Thursday, February 2, 2006. In the middle of a smoke-filled beer garden, of a popular pub located, in Dublin, Ireland, the local boy and the American girl, on her study abroad program, locked eyes. Oh, I know - BARF - sounds like a cliché romantic movie plot, but it is all true. We chatted that night away. His friends disappeared. My friends disappeared. And, it was just us. He walked me back to my dorm.We kissed. A powerful connection that was born that night. It really is what defines us. We spent the next almost 7 years figuring it out. We were married on September 28, 2012.
Bryan and I couldn't be more alike and more opposite. It is what makes us work well together. I am very type A with a splash of spontaneity. He is laid back, but possesses a driven nature. He has adapted to living in another country remarkably well. And, adjusted nicely (with a few bumps) to being in his own place minding himself, for the first time. Sounds crazy, but he arrived to Chicago having not been on his own yet. So, grocery shopping, laundry, chores, ect were all new territory for him. He was relentless in his job search. Regardless of whatever set back he experienced he forged ahead. He never lost sight of what was important for the growth of him and us. I admire him.
I cherish our nights of cooking meals together while listening to music and discussing everything from our day to current news. We steal kisses and hugs all the time. On the couch, he watches football (my American friends, that is soccer) and I read a book while curled up in his arms. I love that when we go to bed we stay up chatting and giggling like little kids having a sleepover. Bryan is so funny - not in the conventional way, but he never fails to not make me laugh.
I love that.
I paint and he plays the guitar. He listens and says all the right things. We have each other's back! He observes everything and teaches me to not be so forthcoming with people. That most people don't have your best interest and it takes time to develop relationships. I am an open book with virtually no secrets. He is friendly, but remarkably reserved. He melts my heart with the vision he sees for us - possible kids, dogs, a home filled with song, dance, art, truth and laughter. He is so smart. Of course, I say that, right, but truly, he has a great sense of logic. He loses everything and I always know where it all is. I can plan any adventure and know he is game to come along. We compliment each other in a profound way. I have never felt so truly loved, by another human being outside of my family. We have a saying "yellowbirds for life" - neither of us could imagine life without the other.
I love that we grow stronger each and every day.
I adore our love story. Even though it is filled with many moments of painful unknowns and years apart. Oh, the thought of those gut wrenching airport good-byes or those painful Skype conversations of "how are we going to figure this out - we live in different countries" just makes me ache. Though, I hold all of those memories so dear to my heart and wouldn't trade them and our story in for anything. We both often reminisce about the night we met. It was truly magical. It was Thursday, February 2, 2006. In the middle of a smoke-filled beer garden, of a popular pub located, in Dublin, Ireland, the local boy and the American girl, on her study abroad program, locked eyes. Oh, I know - BARF - sounds like a cliché romantic movie plot, but it is all true. We chatted that night away. His friends disappeared. My friends disappeared. And, it was just us. He walked me back to my dorm.We kissed. A powerful connection that was born that night. It really is what defines us. We spent the next almost 7 years figuring it out. We were married on September 28, 2012.
Bryan and I couldn't be more alike and more opposite. It is what makes us work well together. I am very type A with a splash of spontaneity. He is laid back, but possesses a driven nature. He has adapted to living in another country remarkably well. And, adjusted nicely (with a few bumps) to being in his own place minding himself, for the first time. Sounds crazy, but he arrived to Chicago having not been on his own yet. So, grocery shopping, laundry, chores, ect were all new territory for him. He was relentless in his job search. Regardless of whatever set back he experienced he forged ahead. He never lost sight of what was important for the growth of him and us. I admire him.
I cherish our nights of cooking meals together while listening to music and discussing everything from our day to current news. We steal kisses and hugs all the time. On the couch, he watches football (my American friends, that is soccer) and I read a book while curled up in his arms. I love that when we go to bed we stay up chatting and giggling like little kids having a sleepover. Bryan is so funny - not in the conventional way, but he never fails to not make me laugh.
I love that.
I paint and he plays the guitar. He listens and says all the right things. We have each other's back! He observes everything and teaches me to not be so forthcoming with people. That most people don't have your best interest and it takes time to develop relationships. I am an open book with virtually no secrets. He is friendly, but remarkably reserved. He melts my heart with the vision he sees for us - possible kids, dogs, a home filled with song, dance, art, truth and laughter. He is so smart. Of course, I say that, right, but truly, he has a great sense of logic. He loses everything and I always know where it all is. I can plan any adventure and know he is game to come along. We compliment each other in a profound way. I have never felt so truly loved, by another human being outside of my family. We have a saying "yellowbirds for life" - neither of us could imagine life without the other.
I love that we grow stronger each and every day.
March 2006 - During my Dublin study abroad program.
(Oh, so long ago! I had an eye brown ring and wore hemp necklaces that friends made)
October 2006 - During Bryan's visit to Chicago. I came back home from my program in May and by September he booked a ticket to come see me.
November 2011 - on one of Bryan's 3 month visa visits.
January 2012 - Taken at the Metro during a punk rock concert
September 28, 2012. The day we got married.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Workplace Fashion: To Wear or Not to Wear?
This morning, on my way into work, I overheard a conversation between two girls on the topic of dressing for where you want to be in your career.
2 girls on the Brown line:
That conversation came on the heels of a conversation I recently had with a friend about work attire. It seems to me, once something is mentioned or heard it pops up all over the place. Such as, the following article that I randomly found the other day while doing research...
From an article in The Business Journals:
I think choosing what to wear and how you present yourself to the world speak volumes - maybe more than one would like to admit, but we live in a world of first impressions - this especially true in the business world.
I recall a conversation, at a former job, between me and a higher up about someone at the company who "is a great asset, but doesn't have the "look" to be in front of clients/media." I sat speechless. I didn't know how to respond. I just took a mental note - it was great insight into business place culture/expectations.
Where I work now is an office designed for companies that telecommute. I see my 3 other co-workers usually daily and then maybe a few other people who work in the same shared office. I think because there is not a strict dress code I am guilty of not always giving much effort into my outfit for work. Maybe I am running late in the morning and decided to forfeit make-up. Or, just throw my hair up and put on a headband. Voilà! 97% of the time, I just made that percentage up, I will ensure I am dress professionally. You never know who you will run into. I recall one Friday when my boss was downtown for a meeting and afterwards asked the 4 of us Chicago employees if we wanted to get drinks. Oh, this day was not one of the 97% times- yeah, this day, I decided to not wear make-up, throw my post showered, uncombed, wet hair in bun and wore jeans and a blousy top. Now, this was a Friday, so I was not radically causal, but I was very aware of my laid back appearance. I wondered if my boss took notice.
From an article in The Wall Street Journal:
For the full article click here
I do think it is important to stick to your own sensibility with clothing, but remember YOU are a brand. What vision do you want to present to the office, colleagues, clients, ect?
Am I alone in this thinking? Thoughts?
Oh, and for fun I found this quiz -
http://www.psychologies.co.uk/tests/what-do-your-clothes-say-about-you.html
I got "Seductive" .... It's true - I don't like leaving people feeling indifferent. I like black and white - yes or no - situations. No grey area for me.
Enjoy!
2 girls on the Brown line:
Girl 1: "Project what you want, dress the part and you will get it"
Girl 2: "It makes sense. If you go into work looking like a hot mess it reflects what people think of you and your ability."
That conversation came on the heels of a conversation I recently had with a friend about work attire. It seems to me, once something is mentioned or heard it pops up all over the place. Such as, the following article that I randomly found the other day while doing research...
From an article in The Business Journals:
For the full article click here"You may not like it, but your work attire does affect the perception of your ability to handle bigger jobs -- in other words, your “promote-ability.”
I think choosing what to wear and how you present yourself to the world speak volumes - maybe more than one would like to admit, but we live in a world of first impressions - this especially true in the business world.
I recall a conversation, at a former job, between me and a higher up about someone at the company who "is a great asset, but doesn't have the "look" to be in front of clients/media." I sat speechless. I didn't know how to respond. I just took a mental note - it was great insight into business place culture/expectations.
Where I work now is an office designed for companies that telecommute. I see my 3 other co-workers usually daily and then maybe a few other people who work in the same shared office. I think because there is not a strict dress code I am guilty of not always giving much effort into my outfit for work. Maybe I am running late in the morning and decided to forfeit make-up. Or, just throw my hair up and put on a headband. Voilà! 97% of the time, I just made that percentage up, I will ensure I am dress professionally. You never know who you will run into. I recall one Friday when my boss was downtown for a meeting and afterwards asked the 4 of us Chicago employees if we wanted to get drinks. Oh, this day was not one of the 97% times- yeah, this day, I decided to not wear make-up, throw my post showered, uncombed, wet hair in bun and wore jeans and a blousy top. Now, this was a Friday, so I was not radically causal, but I was very aware of my laid back appearance. I wondered if my boss took notice.
From an article in The Wall Street Journal:
"Clothes generally won't be the sole determining factor in whether a person moves up the corporate ladder. But it makes a difference."
For the full article click here
I do think it is important to stick to your own sensibility with clothing, but remember YOU are a brand. What vision do you want to present to the office, colleagues, clients, ect?
Am I alone in this thinking? Thoughts?
Oh, and for fun I found this quiz -
http://www.psychologies.co.uk/tests/what-do-your-clothes-say-about-you.html
I got "Seductive" .... It's true - I don't like leaving people feeling indifferent. I like black and white - yes or no - situations. No grey area for me.
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Currently
Oh, hey there.. Happy Thursday! So.... 
Listening to: A lot from The Swellers and Frank Turner. I reference both of them here
Reading: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) By: Mindy Kaling. (you know, the girl from The Mindy Project and Office)
This book is seriously awesome! I highly recommend it.
Excited for: Dublin! We FINALLY booked tickets. February 2014, The McMahon's are a comin'! I am excited, but I am also so, so, SO nervous. I am going to be meeting my husband's parents for the first time, ever. and I hope they like me. Maybe even love me, ha! I know.. I can hear your "whaaat?" and see the confused look. All I can say is looking back it all makes sense on how we never met. Bryan and I started casually dating during my study abroad. Who meets parents in the first couple months of causal dating? They definitely knew about me throughout the many years. Ah, long distance relationships - not for the faint of heart. I'm also hoping his friends like me. And, if they don't they at least pretend to. hahaha... oh my. This trip will be an exciting adventure nonetheless.
Eating: A nickel free diet. ugh! I have been battling skin issues on my hands and feet for almost 2 years now. Nothing super gross just a case of eczema/mild psoriasis - looks like dry skin, but it can be painful and on a vanity level embarrassing. I have been to several dermatologist, an allergist and spent a copious amount of money on trying to get to the root of the cause. In this hunt, I tested positive to having a nickel allergy. The allergic reaction to nickel is contact dermatitis.. on the hands and feet! So, my dermatologist wants me on a nickel free diet for 2 months and then to see him again in December. What is a nickel free diet.. oh, well... here is a break down of food to avoid and food to eat.
Foods low in nickel content (these CAN aggravate nickel allergy)
95% of this list have items that I consume if not daily, multiple times a week - ugh!
Foods that you CAN eat on a nickel free diet
Watching: Sons of Anarchy - this show is my jam! Everyone seems to be obsessed with Breaking Bad, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, ect... but SOA, in my opinion tops all other shows. Season 6 of SOA is proving to be the bloodiest. IT. IS. JUST. SO. GOOD. Anyone else a SOA lover?
Listening to: A lot from The Swellers and Frank Turner. I reference both of them here
Reading: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) By: Mindy Kaling. (you know, the girl from The Mindy Project and Office)
This book is seriously awesome! I highly recommend it.
Excited for: Dublin! We FINALLY booked tickets. February 2014, The McMahon's are a comin'! I am excited, but I am also so, so, SO nervous. I am going to be meeting my husband's parents for the first time, ever. and I hope they like me. Maybe even love me, ha! I know.. I can hear your "whaaat?" and see the confused look. All I can say is looking back it all makes sense on how we never met. Bryan and I started casually dating during my study abroad. Who meets parents in the first couple months of causal dating? They definitely knew about me throughout the many years. Ah, long distance relationships - not for the faint of heart. I'm also hoping his friends like me. And, if they don't they at least pretend to. hahaha... oh my. This trip will be an exciting adventure nonetheless.
Thinking about: Joining an art class. I never took to sports when I was growing up. I always gravitated to art classes and crafty projects. Living in a big city so many of my friends/people I know join sport leagues to stay active/meet people. Bryan and I joined a kickball league this past summer and it was a wonderful experience. We had a ton of fun and met really stellar people most of who are now friends! Recently, Bryan joined a soccer league and I see how much enjoyment he has from his weekly (sometimes more) game. So, despite the cost ($175 for 5 weeks, $325 for 10 weeks) I am pretty sure I am going to join a pottery class at a local art studio. I should probably decide..classes start soon!
Eating: A nickel free diet. ugh! I have been battling skin issues on my hands and feet for almost 2 years now. Nothing super gross just a case of eczema/mild psoriasis - looks like dry skin, but it can be painful and on a vanity level embarrassing. I have been to several dermatologist, an allergist and spent a copious amount of money on trying to get to the root of the cause. In this hunt, I tested positive to having a nickel allergy. The allergic reaction to nickel is contact dermatitis.. on the hands and feet! So, my dermatologist wants me on a nickel free diet for 2 months and then to see him again in December. What is a nickel free diet.. oh, well... here is a break down of food to avoid and food to eat.
High content nickel containing foods – the ones to avoid!
- Chocolate/Cocoa Powder
- Cashews
- Kidney Beans
- Green leafy vegetables
- Legumes especially dried beans and lentils.
- Bean sprouts also have a high nickel content.
- Whole wheat and multigrain flours are high in nickel content. Avoid wheat and oat bran, oatmeal, brown rice, and flower seeds (such as sunflower and sesame).
- Foods with baking powder
- Peas
- Pineapple
- Prunes
- Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts
- Seeds
- Soya
- Canned meats and fish, such as tuna.
Foods low in nickel content (these CAN aggravate nickel allergy)
95% of this list have items that I consume if not daily, multiple times a week - ugh!
- Raw tomatoes, onions and carrots
- Apples and citrus fruits and their juices
- Beer
- Wine (especially red wine)
- Fish such as herring, mackerel and tuna
- Poultry, eggs and fish (except salmon)
- Asparagus
- corn
- cucumber
- dill
- mushrooms
- parsley
- potatoes
- Yeast
Foods that you CAN eat on a nickel free diet
- Fruits including peaches, pears, raisins, rhubarb, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and other berries. Any of these can be eaten fresh or cooked, but not canned.
- Most vegetables are allowed on this diet. Recommended vegetables include: bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and cruciferous greens (cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy). Vegetables may be fresh or cooked; canned items are discouraged.
- All plain dairy products eg. milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt etc. are allowed.
- Grains: Refined wheat and most corn products are permitted on this diet. Pasta, white rice, cornflakes, cornmeal, and white breads are all low-nickel foods.
- Most kinds of animal protein are low in nickel content. Chicken, turkey, beef, and eggs are recommended. Do not eat canned meats and fish, such as tuna.
- Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea (though not from urns or machines) are allowed, as are sodas, and juices from low-nickel fruits.
Watching: Sons of Anarchy - this show is my jam! Everyone seems to be obsessed with Breaking Bad, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, ect... but SOA, in my opinion tops all other shows. Season 6 of SOA is proving to be the bloodiest. IT. IS. JUST. SO. GOOD. Anyone else a SOA lover?
Creating: This painting - it's for my friend, Kate. It a work in process and hopefully I'll be finished with it by next week. Ah, love painting!
Monday, October 7, 2013
EXPENSIVE: Music Mondays
I think the Mr and I just went to our last gig for a while. We saw Break Anchor, awesome punk band from Michigan, at Reggis Rock Club this past Saturday night. It was a stellar time and show. My friend Kate's little brother is the drummer in the band and we've always had a conflict every time Break Anchor has played a gig in Chicago, so we were delighted to finally catch them.
I say "our last gig for a while", because the price of keeping up our live music addiction is becoming too much.
As much as we LOVE live music, we don't always love the price tag that come with it. Very few venues have a flat fee anymore. When the gig is advertised at say, 20 bucks that doesn't include all the taxes and surge charges that get tacked on bringing that 20 dollar ticket to grand total of $37.50. I mean, really, I just made that price up, but I'm not far off from accuracy. Concerts are EXPENSIVE. Then times that by 2 for the Mr. and I and already walking into the gig we've spent somewhere between 70-100 bucks .. just.for. the. tickets! THEN factor in drinks, possible merch and maybe a late night burrito after the gig. Easily the concert has cost more than I need to note here. And, times that all by 3 or more a month.. yeah, a lot of moolah! We both know that we have to curb this hobby of ours.
Here are some gigs in October we'd love to go to, but know the money is better staying put in our bank account. Also, we are POSSIBLY going to see Alkaline Trio/New Found Glory on Nov. 17 and those tickets will be a total of 77 bucks! If we go - it's my birthday celebration event. I swear.. Matt Skiba if we go, you better not be a hot-drunk-mess during the show.
(click on the band name to watch a video)
What do hobby do you spend a ton of money on?
I say "our last gig for a while", because the price of keeping up our live music addiction is becoming too much.
As much as we LOVE live music, we don't always love the price tag that come with it. Very few venues have a flat fee anymore. When the gig is advertised at say, 20 bucks that doesn't include all the taxes and surge charges that get tacked on bringing that 20 dollar ticket to grand total of $37.50. I mean, really, I just made that price up, but I'm not far off from accuracy. Concerts are EXPENSIVE. Then times that by 2 for the Mr. and I and already walking into the gig we've spent somewhere between 70-100 bucks .. just.for. the. tickets! THEN factor in drinks, possible merch and maybe a late night burrito after the gig. Easily the concert has cost more than I need to note here. And, times that all by 3 or more a month.. yeah, a lot of moolah! We both know that we have to curb this hobby of ours.
Here are some gigs in October we'd love to go to, but know the money is better staying put in our bank account. Also, we are POSSIBLY going to see Alkaline Trio/New Found Glory on Nov. 17 and those tickets will be a total of 77 bucks! If we go - it's my birthday celebration event. I swear.. Matt Skiba if we go, you better not be a hot-drunk-mess during the show.
(click on the band name to watch a video)
- Restorations @ Beat Kitchen on 10/8
- The Swellers @ Beat Kitchen on 10/18
- Desaparecidos @ The Metro on 10/25
- Into Over It @ Schubas on 10/25 (clearly, I wouldn't go to this one IF I was in the market for shows since it's the same night as Desaparecidos, but this is still a good one!)
- Frank Turner and The Sleeping Soul @ The Vic on 10/29
What do hobby do you spend a ton of money on?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
October kickin' with goodness!
Coming off the heals of Bryan and my 1 year anniversary October rolls in with an explosion of goodness. (a post on that to come)
My cousin Emily and her husband Nick welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world last night. I am over the moon with excitement and happiness for them in their new journey as parents. Also, for my cousin Susan and Aunt Nancy as they both now enter a new journey as Aunt and Grandma. I know my Uncle George sure is looking down upon his family in pure bliss and joy. Oh, and now I have tears in my eyes as I write this - damn overly emotional genes(?) - I'm just a sap. Anyhoo - Cheers to Lois Isabella Lowe!
And, happiest of birthdays to a little boy who proved from day one he's here for the win. My friend Heather and Don's little boy Marshall turned 1 today. Moments after he was born he found himself a home in NICU for what seemed like forever. He is such a sweet and HEALTHY little man. Happy Birthday, Marshall William.
Oh, the well wishes do not stop there..
October 1 is also the birthday to Miss Elisabeth Jean AKA Libby! It rips me apart sometimes when I think of how far I live from some pretty stellar people I'm lucky to call friends. Libby is the daughter of my childhood friend, Russ and his wife Malena who all live in Arizona. Libby turned 5 today and I have only met her twice! However, her painting is so proudly showcased in my family room.
::::searching in photos::::
EPIC FAIL... thought I had a photo of it. ugh.. :-(
Oh, well, Happy 5th Birthday to you Libby!
In other news, I'm just happy to be alive and kicking. No, seriously - lately I've felt a bit challenged and not in a good -growth -for-you- kind of way. Regardless of whatever BS is going on I'm delighted to be breathing and loving. I'm humbled that I awoke today with so many reasons to smile and people to celebrate. The love you give and feel is what matters.
My cousin Emily and her husband Nick welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world last night. I am over the moon with excitement and happiness for them in their new journey as parents. Also, for my cousin Susan and Aunt Nancy as they both now enter a new journey as Aunt and Grandma. I know my Uncle George sure is looking down upon his family in pure bliss and joy. Oh, and now I have tears in my eyes as I write this - damn overly emotional genes(?) - I'm just a sap. Anyhoo - Cheers to Lois Isabella Lowe!
And, happiest of birthdays to a little boy who proved from day one he's here for the win. My friend Heather and Don's little boy Marshall turned 1 today. Moments after he was born he found himself a home in NICU for what seemed like forever. He is such a sweet and HEALTHY little man. Happy Birthday, Marshall William.
Oh, the well wishes do not stop there..
October 1 is also the birthday to Miss Elisabeth Jean AKA Libby! It rips me apart sometimes when I think of how far I live from some pretty stellar people I'm lucky to call friends. Libby is the daughter of my childhood friend, Russ and his wife Malena who all live in Arizona. Libby turned 5 today and I have only met her twice! However, her painting is so proudly showcased in my family room.
::::searching in photos::::
EPIC FAIL... thought I had a photo of it. ugh.. :-(
Oh, well, Happy 5th Birthday to you Libby!
In other news, I'm just happy to be alive and kicking. No, seriously - lately I've felt a bit challenged and not in a good -growth -for-you- kind of way. Regardless of whatever BS is going on I'm delighted to be breathing and loving. I'm humbled that I awoke today with so many reasons to smile and people to celebrate. The love you give and feel is what matters.
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