“Old friends are memories personified.” — Richard Paul Evans My second big adventure of October was with my oldest and dearest friend, right here in my home town. Is there a bigger hug in the world than spending time with someone you can just be your authentic self with in the place that you call…
Category: blessings
Urban Bourbon (and More)
“We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home, for the old Kentucky home far away.” I’ve been a little slow getting things posted lately, but I had a few wonderful weekends in October that I wanted to share. First up: a Kentucky adventure with my oldest son. Always my gracious running buddy, he…
Above…
“The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson The skies have been putting on a serious show lately! Just wow…
It Was Always About You
“You’re going to realize it one day — that happiness was never about your job, or your degree, or being in a relationship. Happiness was never about following in the footsteps of all of those who came before you, it was never about being like the others. One day, you’re going to see it —…
Filled
“Spend the day appreciating every little thing that comes your way, and you’ll end the day feeling deeply grateful for your life.” The other day I posted an exercise from Bella Grace, my favorite magazine. Today I’m following it up with another. This exercise poses the question: What are some of the things that may…
Sunday Blessing
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the greatest of these gifts — the love that has been given to you. May you be…
When I Grow Up
“We are constantly invited to be who we are.” – Henry David Thoreau This week I bumped into a woman at work whom I haven’t seen in several years. She is exactly as I remembered her: strong, elegant, dignified, confident, impeccable. I’ve always admired her. More accurately, I’ve always been awed by her. Everything about her…
That Was Quick.
How much fun was that?! I had my youngest home this weekend. I took Friday off and we hit the ground running. But just like that, it’s over. Highlights included “Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds” and a bit of wandering around at the art museum… And our fourth time seeing U2 together (first time here…
Moments of Happiness
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown, researcher The first flowers of the season… A smile in a tree stump… A smile caught in a window box in the rain… And a heart in a…
Goals
If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know my longtime employer is Catholic, sponsored by an order of nuns. Over the years, their numbers have dwindled, both in our facilities and within the order itself. With uncomfortable regularity, a death announcement for yet another Sister will appear on our intranet news section. It…
Better Than Therapy
So normally I wait until the end of the year to complete my annual “Day in the Life” challenge. In fact, I just did mine for 2017 just last month. But this weekend brought with it a work trip that had me feeling pretty anxious. Since this photo exercise tends to keep me focused on the…
Blessedful
“blessed-ful (adj.) Sacred, holy; blessed, blissful” – Middle English Dictionary Earlier this week, I had a woman tell me to have a “blessedful” day. Now that’s something I’d never heard from a well-wisher before. I honestly thought she’d made the word up. But I looked it up and found the above description in the Middle…
Kindness is Magic
“The two most powerful things in existence: a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.” – Kenneth Langone, philanthropist So I came back from lunch yesterday and found this little guy sitting on my desk, a surprise delivery from a lovely friend and colleague whom I don’t get to see very often. This thoughtful gesture silently…
So Much More
“When you start to feel like things should have been better this year, remember the mountains and the valleys that got you here. They are not accidents and those moments weren’t in vain. You are not the same. You have grown and you are growing. You are breathing, you are living. You are wrapped in…
Let’s Go.
“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” — Hal Borland , author It’s freezing outside and I’m happily hunkered down at home, creating my favorite annual post: the year in review. It’s always been amazing to me that even…
Unplanned Stop and Lessons Learned
This morning, I had a small window of time between mass and work in which I’d originally planned on picking up breakfast, enjoying a chai latte, and making a leisurely drive to the office. But the early morning sun rising over a nearby lake made for an unplanned stop along the way. It was a bitter…
Cup of Gratitude
“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” Now that both of my kids are living in different states and have obligations there, the holidays just became a little more complicated. My youngest couldn’t make it home due to his work and…
Big Birthday
“If I didn’t have you as my mom, I’d choose you as my friend.” Earlier this week, I got to spend a day with my mom to celebrate her birthday. Perfect weather, favorite foods and places, and the best company. Totally fitting for a big birthday. Here are a few photos from time spent at…
Finding Balance and Sense
“What’s the line between acknowledging the turmoil in the world and depriving yourself of joy? There’s a sweet spot somewhere that balances seeing harsh truths about our world, facing that with equanimity, trying to change it, and also being a joyful person. I’m trying to find that place because self-flagellation helps no one. I see…
A Sunday Wish
“May your coffee, your patience, and your wifi be strong. May you look for beauty and find it, especially in the ordinary moments. May you laugh often, even if no one else knows why. And may your sense of humor, wonder, and weirdness remind you that… you are and always have been worthy of joy.”…
Life Lately on the Run
“September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” – Helen Hunt Jackson, American author and poet Best of weather indeed. Running lately has been an absolute pleasure. It’s cool enough to be comfortable, but light enough to still see the gorgeousness along the way. Roses are still blooming in the…
Because…
…it’s Labor Day. There’s been a little bit of rest. Got a few runs in…and saw a few flowers along the way. Paid a few bills, did a little laundry, worked on my book, got pedis and coffee with friends. And watched a whole lotta US Open tennis. There’s just something about having no obligations and…
On Rainbows, Hearts and Funky Faces
“I’m not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say, ‘For the same reason I laugh so often — because I’m paying attention.’ I tell them that we can choose to be perfect and admired or to…
A Special Eclipse
So…I know I’m weird, but I wasn’t caught up in the eclipse hubbub before today. I’d seen the t-shirts, articles, Facebook posts, etc., but I hadn’t given it much thought and didn’t really care to. I hadn’t even bothered to purchase the glasses just in case. But today I finally caught the bug. There was…
Who Would Have Guessed?
“Everything has changed and yet, I am more me than I’ve ever been.” – Iaia Thomas It’s going on three weeks now since my kids moved to other states and started their new life adventures as adults. Prior to their leaving the nest, I was anxious and more than a little sad with anticipation. I…
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