i love new york

Walking around this city does wonders to my soul.

And my heart.

still here.

I haven't disappeared.  I've just been a little distracted, savoring in happyland.  The other day, I thought, what's the difference?  Because there hasn't been any major, life-altering changes. ...

Then, I remembered, I'm here.  Immersed in the present.  In the beauty that surrounds me.  And in the faith that tomorrow will take care of itself.  So, the weight of worry has been lifted.  And there's just the combined sense of relief, awe and excitement for the unknown that follows. 

"Two" - taken during one of my neighborhood walks.  (Someone thought I was a bird watcher.  Lol.)

"Rays" - during a September afternoon walk.

"Van Gogh sky" - I'm a big Van Gogh fan, and when I saw this, I felt like I was in a Van Gogh painting.

I can't wait for the official fall season ... just a few more days!  I know it is still super-hot, but the evenings have been a little cooler, and the days have been getting shorter.  But the best part of fall this year is that I'll be in one of my favorite cities!  Can't wait!!!

 

a beautiful day.

it was my kind of day.

simple.

no birthday frills.

but lots of love.

and what better way to end the day

than to get a book by my other favorite author in the mail:

it's been a very inspiring and hopeful day.

what more can i ask for?

hope you all had a wonderful monday, as well. :)

best pieces of advice i've heard lately

Focus on the things that you do have,

instead of the things you don't.

Focus on the things you can do something about,

and let go of the rest.

Forget the "could've beens" and "should be's,"

and see what is.

Stop punishing yourself for someone else's choices.

Stop punishing yourself for your past choices.

Those moments are gone.

There are new choices to be made.

Be patient.

wishes come true

Had quite a weekend!  I'm finally home, with my feet up, and ready to go to bed.  Had been running around all day on two-hour sleep.  Yesterday was my niece's baby shower, so was on my feet all day long: setting up, taking pictures, organizing games, and trying to fit in meaningful-conversations in between.  Then, for some insane reason, I decided I wasn't tired enough so, after the baby shower (after more running around cleaning up), I met up with friends for dinner, and had an all-night chat fest.  My friends and I finally went to bed at 4:15 a.m., but I was up 2 hours later, so I can go to church, and then, spend the rest of the afternoon helping my niece prepare her room for the baby.

I'm tired, but happy.  I realized that nothing makes me happier than spending time with my favorite people: my family, especially my niece and nephew.  We laugh together.  After a long, rough couple of weeks, nothing is better than hearing my nephew tell stories, my brothers and I reminiscing, my niece and I talking, and all of us together - laughing.

So, I had a great weekend!  My only regret: I didn't taste the desserts at the shower.  And they looked delish!


the cake

strawberry cupcake

chocolate cupcake

cake pops

the ensemble

 
Check out the adorable diaper cake from my mom:

 wish list

I know this is wish list Sunday, but today, I'm not posting any photos of things that I wish for.  Today is about wishes coming true.  You see, watching my family gathered together this weekend, talking and laughing together, has made me believe that we grow, we change, and with a lot of love and a lot of faith, wishes come true. 

been one of those days

When I need music.  When my body thirsts for it.  Craves it.

I love these two.  Didn't even know they toured together.  :(  I love this Death Cab for Cutie song, and Mat and Ingrid singing it just blows me away.  The moment Mat started with "love of mine", I was completely drawn.  In awe.  And I felt happy.

That's the thing about music.  It can break me to pieces (in a good way), turn me into a sobbing mess, and make me happy (in the best way) all at the same time.  It really is the best therapy.

Hope you enjoy their cover as much as I did.  I can listen to these two all night.  All day.  And I'll be the happiest person alive.

Have a good night!