Two
September 28th, 2011 § 4 Comments
Day 271
I know we just had a birthday around these parts two days ago, but there’s still a little more celebrating to do.
Today marks the second birthday of The Twenty-Fifth Year. In true nostalgic form, I went back and read my first post and the one I wrote on this day in 2010. I guess you could say I was searching for something to say in remembrance and reflection of what this date marks.
I came up with nothing. Really, I came up with too much.
As is usually the case, there are just so many things I could say about what this last year has brought. Lessons learned, experiences had, places traveled, people met.
What I will say is this: things in my 26th year continued to change just as much if not more than they did in the 25th.
I spent the whole year “settled” in the same place. I use the term loosely (and with quotations) because it took me a solid six months to actually be OK with the idea that I was, in fact, in Texas rather than Pittsburgh or my beloved New York. I can finally (finally) say that I am happy to call this place home.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t think about having to change addresses again some day in the future. I know that my life’s destiny is not for me to decide. What I do know is this: right here, right now is exactly what it should be.
My twenty-sixth year taught me how to be tough in matters of the heart. It showed me how to miss, appreciate, meet and accept people. It broadened my circle of friends and filled gaps that had been appropriately opened.
Twenty-six made me more comfortable in my own skin. I gained the confidence to stand up for my beliefs, share my faith, not settle and take more risks. I found a new job, a new hobby and a new outlook on just why things panned out the way they did.
Also? I’ve developed my style, coming to depend on signature pieces in my closet. One of my favorites are my blazers. I’ve been adding to the collection over the last couple of years and I’m pretty sure you’d be hard-pressed to see me go a week without wearing one. The assets are obvious – versatile, flattering, classic. Considering I live in perpetual air conditioning, this part of my wardrobe is one I reach for year-round making it one of my favorite things.
And, yes, I wore one on my birthday. Would you expect anything less?
Looks Can Be Deceiving
September 27th, 2011 § 2 Comments
Day 270
What looks like an ordinary lens for my DSLR…
Is actually a travel mug in disguise! I received this gift from Alex who found it on Photojojo. I love that it brings together two facets of my life that I can’t go a day without. I mean, who thinks of this stuff?? It’s so. great.
On a side note, my birthday was everything and more I ever could have asked for. Many thanks to everyone who commented, tweeted, sent various messages or gave gifts and cards. I was definitely treated like a princess (and didn’t turn a single thing away.) I am blessed beyond words so thank you, thank you thank you.
27
September 26th, 2011 § 6 Comments
Day 269
It always amazes me to think of how much time can truly change us. It’s one of the only constants in this life and yet it’s never afraid to shake things up, throw us for a loop or leave us wide-eyed, opened-mouthed and full of questions.
A lot of aging has left me this way and having only woken up on this day 26 times in my life with the exception of my grand entrance into this world, I know I have a lot of this whole figuring it all out process to go.
When you’re young, birthdays are a day of monument, milestone, confetti and balloons. As we approach our big day, the excitement builds until it’s the night before and sleep is the furthest thing from our young minds.
I don’t know about you, but the night before my birthday, I seem to sleep less like a baby (up every two hours, wanting to eat) and more like a granny (passed out cold at 8:30, stiff as a board, possibly a little snoring.)
Balloons, games and cartoon-themed parties with your best friends on the block are replaced by the pings, zings and whirs of emails, text messages and Facebook notifications from friends and family now living around the world. It’s so different, yet it’s all the same – a celebration of you. Your life. Your purpose.
Yesterday, Teresa told me something I’ll never forget. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.”
I’m glad to say I’ve had that realization this year – and many others, too.
This week, I’ll be sharing my favorite things with you – kind of like Oprah, except you won’t be screaming at the end because you’re getting A BRAND NEW iPAD FOR EVERYOOOOONE! (you have to say that in her sing-song voice.) I hope you’ll come back and enjoy.
And just for the record – yes, that really is my body wash. It’s my birthday and I’ll smell like cake if I want to.
Serene
September 25th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Day 268
There’s been a whole lot of this going on since I rediscovered my favorite candle – Crisp Champagne by Voulspa – at Anthropologie a few weeks back. Candlelight is the perfect companion to editing.
Put A Ring On It
September 19th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 261 & 262
Expect to see a lot of studio work for the next week – I’ve got over 650 photos to sift through and edit from two shoots in Pittsburgh this weekend. I can’t get over the bokeh in this shot. Jay – the groom-to-be – suggested we get a closer view of the city lights Friday night and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
Seated
September 15th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 258
It should be noted that worn, smooth wood, wrought iron and exposed brick make a fabulous combination.
Arts & Crafts
September 13th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 256
I’m up to my elbows in DIY projects for an event this weekend. I can’t say that I mind, though. There’s something simply amazing about watching your vision come together just the way you planned.
You, Making An Impact
September 7th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Day 250
I talk about perspective a lot.
How to look at life, perhaps a little differently.
Oftentimes I’m forced to pull the old foot in the mouth move and take some of my own advice. It certainly isn’t the easiest thing to do, but at times, it’s exactly what’s necessary to do.
I was listening to a podcast from a friend’s pastor today and he made a very relevant point – our generation is exposed to more information than any other before us. We have the technology at our hands to get an account of what’s going on across the country and around our world.
But what happens when it’s in your own backyard?
We have been fortunate enough to be spared from the devastating wildfires that swept across the Austin area recently. Many are still not contained.
Throughout the course of the panicked days, we were glued to social networks and the news for updates. We scrambled to put together and pack what we deemed our most valued possessions in case our neighborhood was the next to be evacuated. Hours before, I was complaining about the cost of L’Oreal makeup at my neighborhood Walgreens. When I realized just how trivial it was, I was back in the old take-your-own-advice seat.
For me, this means finding the best way to help out in my community. Donate, volunteer, whatever it takes – I’m on a mission.
What about for you? What impact can you make on someone that could use your help? It’s not about the money, the amount or being the biggest giver. I find it’s the little things that I can do on a more regular basis that bring me more happiness than one large donation or effort ever could. I buy the Breast Cancer Awareness stamps, respond, “Sure,” when a cashier asks me if I’d like to donate to a relief fund or charity when I’m checking out at the gas station or drug store, throw a $5 bill to the Boy Scouts. Instead of going out to lunch or grabbing that extra latte, energy drink or magazine, why not pay it forward?
Shift your perspective.
Shuffle your priorities.
This might mean taking your eyes off the horizon and setting them on the harbor.
I promise you won’t miss the five bucks. In fact, it might be the best money you spend all week.
