Thanks & Gratitude

Looking back on 2013, I am astounded by all the things I am eternally thankful for. And being that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I would spend some time expressing my gratitude for all the little to big things that have occurred over the last 11 months. It’s amazing, really, how delightful this particular year has been. From finishing my Master’s degree in English (a goal that I have been pursuing for quite some time now) to visiting the magical and inspiring Paris and London to just recently reconnecting with a friend (+) who has awakened my mind, heart, and spirit, I’ve been blessed with quite the robust and lively year.

But even if those things hadn’t happened this year, there are still those minor everyday moments that I’m grateful for – an unexpected compliment from a co-worker, a stranger’s smile, a silly conversation with a friend, or a fun movie-dinner-night with my sister. It’s those things – combined – that have made the year full of meaning and grace.

And even when life unexpectedly brought me sadness, I tried my hardest to look for a glimmer of hope and gratitude that could buoy my soul when it needed it most. Losing my grandmother this summer was difficult, but what kept me afloat and resilient was knowing that we were all there with her near the end, kissing her, telling her how much we loved her, and keeping her memory alive. And now, with her soul firmly in the ether of heaven, I am grateful her spirit lives on in my dreams and in my heart.

So, here we are – Thanksgiving 2013. And, I am grateful – grateful for the insignificant moments, the milestone moments, the melancholy moments, and most importantly the hopeful moments that remind me how thankful I am to be surrounded by amazing family and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

And, just for some giggles, here are a few poignant, silly and outright random excerpts from my personal gratitude journal.

Gratitude for 1.7.13: I am grateful for love. Despite feeling lost and confused in this emotion, I readily allow it to enter my mind and soul as a hope and continually have faith that I will find it, whether through someone or more importantly in me.

Gratitude for 2.22.13 & 2.23.13: I am grateful for patience and keeping my mouth shut. 

Gratitude for 3.26.13: I am grateful I was raised to stand up for what I believe in and not be afraid to express it. 

Gratitude for 5.14.13 & 5.15.13: I am grateful that I enjoy cooking and, well…eating.

Gratitude for 7.4.13: I am grateful for the simple joy of saying “I love you” and hearing someone say it back. 

Gratitude for 10.18.13: I am grateful I didn’t get a ticket for talking back to a traffic cop today. 

Gratitude for 11.5.13: I am grateful for unexpected things in life.

Sweater Weather

Colder temperatures have finally arrived in Phoenix. After a rainy and cold weekend, it looks like the desert summer has finally bid the city adieu and fall into winter has settled comfortably into its cacti and creosote milieu. And with these cooler-than-normal mornings and pleasant afternoons, I now have the chance to change up my wardrobe a bit and add some real-winter wardrobe staples to my fashion repertoire.

The sweater -- the fashion equivalent to a warm cup of tea. They are a source of comfort, warmth, and sometimes even whimsy. They can be bold or nerdy, sexy or silly, and most importantly, they can be stylish and affordable. Here's just a small sample of the array of sweaters that run the gambit of styles and purposes.

 Clockwise: Gold Leaf Pullover, Anthropologie, $98; Leather Sleeve Pullover, Anthropologie, $328 (yikes! a bit pricey.); Tulip Riding Coat, Anthropologie, $168; Cozy Crafter Sweater, Tulle Clothing, ModCloth, $62.99.

Musicians, Artists, Inspirations & Delights

It has been an amazing week full of exciting news, inspiring moments, and renewed interests. In fact, the last five weeks after returning from my Paris/London trip has been a joyride of creative, lyrical and intellectual experiences that have left me feeling hopeful and impassioned about the things that are important to me.

I've been blessed to reconnect with friends from long ago and not so long ago, and learn about their lives, their interests, their dreams, as well as hear about their new adventures and goals. These last few weeks alone have been filled with so much newness and replenishment. From being introduced to a bevy of new-to-me musicians, artists and their work to being inspired to make a difference in the lives of young girls and to being informed that I'm going to be an auntie in about four months, it has been a whirlwind of happiness.

So, to commemorate and carry on the inspiration that all of these wonderful moments have provide me these last few fall weeks, here is a peek at some of what has stimulated, roused and delighted me.

Musicians

Artists

ROMANIA. 1975. In a train.

ITALY. 1951. Abruzze. Village of Aquila

SPAIN. 1933. Valencia

. (© Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos)

Inspiration

Excerpt from Robert Frost's "Birches"

The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine Council

Delights

Hello I'm New Here Baby Gift Set, Egg-A-Go-Go

Olive & Sinclair Chocolates

A Phoenix Fall Wardrobe

It's officially fall in Phoenix. For most of the country, fall has been around for awhile with winter lightly knocking on the door. But for desert-dwellers like me, the season has fully arrived with brisk nights and crisp mornings and that shift in light that makes everything a little less harsh and a little more soft.

And now that the summer sun is no longer suffocating my sensibilities, it's time to start thinking about my fall wardrobe. I had a hint of its possibilities while in Paris and London, but with my days back in the Southwest mostly spent in work-wear, I fear I'm lacking sufficient options. So. I'm setting out on a journey to find some tops and dresses for a Phoenix Fall -- which thankfully also encompasses winter and early spring. And this is what I've found so far. But stay tuned. My search has just begun.

 1. Ann Taylor, Moonlight Lace Top, $89; 2. ModCloth, Amaryllis Adventure Top, $37.99; 3. Anthropologie, Texture Twist Pullover, $49.95; 4. The Limited, Faux Leather Trim Ponte Sheath Dress, $98; 5. Anthropologie, Chevron Pencil Dress, $79.95; 6. Mango, Belt Color Block Dress, $89.99.