Family Time

This weekend, we're headed up north to visit family. I've spent a lot of time here, especially at my grandparents' home, which has always been a natural -- and very lively -- gathering spot. We often came up in early July to celebrate my grandpa's birthday. He would have been ninety this week, but he passed away a few years ago. Still, when my grandma, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, and all the spouses and kids come together like this, we tend to feel like he's still with us. Here's a photo of my grandparents in their younger, carefree days. Weren't they cute?

Have a great weekend!

Favorite Things

Last week, we celebrated my husband's birthday by honoring his favorite things. Each day, I'd give him a little gift -- a new shirt, his favorite scotch, the aftershave he loves -- and this weekend we did some of his favorite things. We went out for sushi. We relaxed in the mornings, him with a movie and me with a big stack of magazines. We had beers at his favorite brewpub and brunch at a lakeside restaurant. We met up with friends one night, went to the symphony with his parents and cuddled with the pup at home. Here are a few glimpses of the fun weekend:

Photos by me. 

'Love Hard'

Today is my husband's birthday. It's hard to believe he and I have known one another for a third of our lives. It's been such a blessing to grow with him and share so much over the years. I admire the incredible sense he's always had of who he is and I love the combination of strength, quirks, wit and compassion that make him uniquely him. The way Bob Marley describes it, I think he's the one guy who's perfect for me, and I can't wait to celebrate his birthday this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Photo from here. 

Happiness

I had such a nice birthday weekend. I went out with coworkers Thursday evening and girlfriends Friday night. But the best was spending Saturday and Sunday with my husband and the pup. We slept in, went out for a bit and then happily flopped back into bed at night. Since life has been so busy lately, this simple, sweet, low-key weekend was the absolutely perfect way to celebrate.

This photo brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. It captures that quiet moment between a couple when everything is right and nothing more is needed.

Photo from here. 

Birthday Weekend

It's really snuck up on me this year, but tomorrow is my birthday! Last year was a milestone -- the big 3-0, with a big bash to mark it -- so this year I haven't made many celebration plans. I'll do some fun things this weekend -- I'm just not sure exactly what yet! Birthdays are a natural time to reflect, and I feel so blessed. I love my husband, dog, family and friends. I have a good job and a comfy home. I'm happy and healthy. And I'm excited for what this next year might bring.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Photo from here. 

Sister Acts

Today is my sister's birthday. She's nearly two years younger than me, but I feel like I glean more wisdom and inspiration from her than the other way around. As I reflected this morning on how thankful I am to have her in my life, I thought about some of the things I've learned from her:

* Be yourself. Like what you like, and don't let anyone stop you.

* If something bothers you, do something about it.

* Love animals.

* Work hard and passionately at what you want.

* Be good to your friends.

* Allow yourself to change -- and to change your mind.

* Throw in a little mischief. And lots of laughter.

* Care deeply.

* Surprise yourself with how big you can love and how much you can do.

Happy birthday, sista!

Photo by my dad.

Stitched Together

Yesterday was my grandma's eightieth birthday. While I can't comprehend that number, I do know I'm so blessed to have this incredible woman in my life. She and my grandpa were quite a pair. While he was outgoing and jovial, she has always been loving in more quiet ways. She's ultra-organized, with Tupperware stacked and individually labelled in the refrigerator, and she's part of a lineage of women in my family who are very particular about things (when my husband first met my grandma, I think he understood me a little more). She's always doing kind things for others, whether it's baking seventeen different kinds of cookies so everyone has their favorite when they visit, or knitting blankets, baby sweaters, hats and other items that will keep people feeling warm and cared for. Grandma is constantly knitting and it's a good symbol for what she does. She keeps our family stitched together.

Photo from here.

His Day

Today is my husband's birthday. When I met him nearly eleven years ago, I was was struck with his assuredness, this quiet strength and confidence he has in knowing who he is and what he stands for. Getting to be with him all these years has been a privilege, and seeing him grow into the man he's meant to be a joy. I love him with all my heart.

Photo from here.

Thirty

Today is my birthday ... my thirtieth birthday. The approach of this milestone has stirred up a lot of emotions in me, but today it has me feeling absolutely grateful. I love my life and feel blessed with where I'm at and what I've been given. So I'd like to reflect on the best parts and the things I've appreciated most, in no particular order, of my first thirty years of life:

1. That I was born at this point in history. I think the turn of the twentieth century is a fascinating time. So much is changing and there's such incredible creativity and talent around us.

2. My childhood. I was truly given a childhood. I was loved, encouraged, protected and sheltered from having to grow up too quickly. This was absolutely a gift.

3. Travel. My parents instilled a love of travel -- of visiting new places, going on adventures, seeing how others live, opening one's mind -- in my sister and me at a young age. I've gotten to visit nearly forty countries on six continents. And I can't wait to see more!

4. Being a girl. I love being a girl. We rock.

5. Art. Painting, drawing, sculpting, designing, visiting museums, experiencing other people's art -- these are some of my favorite things.

6. My mom. I'm convinced she's the best mother in the world. She's absolute love.

7. School. I've always loved school and I've been able to study at some great places. I miss the experience but am so grateful for the education I received.

8. Laughing. I try not to take myself too seriously and I relish seeing the humor in something, especially when I can laugh about it with someone else.

9. Books I've read. There's nothing like being taken away into a story.

10. My health. It's one of the most important things one can have and I want to always protect it.

11. The beach. Walking on a beach in the Caribbean, the sun above and water at my feet, is bliss.

12. My dad. He's the most real and truthful person I know and he's shown me the freedom that can be found in seeing things the way they really are and being true to oneself.

13. Home. It's more than just shelter; it's my own little corner of the world where everything is comfortable and good.

14. Awareness. I've always been sort of an observer. I'd rather take everything in than have everyone looking at me. But I've been able to see some pretty beautiful things because of it.

15. Faith. My beliefs, spirituality and religion are my foundation.

16. My sister. She's utterly amazing and the friendship I have with her is unlike any other.

17. Moving. Running, dancing, skiing, whatever -- I am grateful to have a body that allows me to move and push myself.

18. Style. It's a joy to be able to express myself through the way I dress. And I have some pretty great shoes.

19. Him. I met the love of my life when I was nineteen. He's wonderful and a true partner. I still can't believe I'm living out my own love story with him.

20. Family. I adore my crazy mix of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and siblings who love each other ferociously and unconditionally.

21. The pup. When we got our dog nearly five years ago, my heart opened up wider than I thought possible.

22. Simple food. Fruit, fresh bread, cheese, yum.

23. My girlfriends. Whether we met in third grade, middle school or college, I love the layers of bonds, experiences, inside jokes, support and love that have built over the years.

24. Growing. Every year I'm alive, I get to know myself better and learn to trust myself more. I'm grateful for this.

25. Seasons. Maybe it's growing up in the Midwest but I love experiencing the changes throughout the year. I'm attuned to it somehow.

26. My career. Not many people can say they like their job, but I can honestly say I love mine. It's challenging, creative and rewarding.

27. Wine. I always look forward to a glass of wine and the conversations that accompany it.

28. Morning. Waking up and seeing my husband next to me and pup curled at my knees is one of the happiest parts of my day.

29. Now. Having the opportunity to reflect on what I've been given.

30. Next. Looking forward to what's to come!

Photo from here.

A Happy Birthday

Today is my birthday. Yay! I'm now twenty-nine, which I think is a pretty cool age.

The weird thing about this age, though, is that most people don't focus on it. They want to know what you think about your next birthday, the big 3-0.

All this attention on that impending milestone got me thinking. Are there things I ought to accomplish in this next year? Should I make a list of what I need to do before I turn thirty?

Filled with anxiety, I started making a list. And you know what, it didn't really work out. What I put on my list were things I already was doing, things that were already important to me. I just wanted more of them:

Traveling and taking more adventures with my husband. Spending time with the pup (and maybe getting a second dog). Making more art. Doing more yoga. Hanging out with my family. Visiting my girlfriends. Exercising more. Learning to cook a few more things. Taking care of myself, accepting myself more fully, loving myself. Being grateful every day.

Really, my list of things to do became a list of things that have made the twenty-nine years leading up to this very moment so full and wonderful.

So I'm embarking on this new year feeling grateful, blessed and excited for what's to come. And that might just be the best birthday gift I could ever wish for. 

Photo from here.