horseplay

I have always loved horses, for reasons I can't explain. There is something so magical, so moving, and profound about these creatures, that I have longed to be connected to for a long time.

At the end of last year, I sat down and took inventory of 2011 and explored what 2012 might hold for me. I finished this exercise with a commitment of learning to trust a horse, and having a horse trust me. Above all else, it is being in the presence of something bigger than you and having understanding, confidence, and love between you that defines trust.

Today was the first step of that journey. I spent about an hour and a half with a beautiful being. It was unlike any experience I have had before with a horse. I have historically been jumpy and frightened, but my intention seemed to define my experience. I took care of her, she took care of me.

I can't wait to spend some more time with my new friend.


{taffy}

back to the start

A touching and powerful message. Another reason to love Chipotle.

thoughts on life

A couple thought provoking articles that I came across this weekend...

When life comes at you fast, duck! Read here.

At the end of the day, what really matters? Read here.

abundance

Love is everywhere, maybe right in front of you.


{graffitti at jo's coffee, south congress, austin, tx}

it's a small world after all

There were 4 friends chatting online, one in Canada, one at home in the Rocky Mountains, one in a chair in the sky, and one working late at the office... sounds like the begining of a tall tale, but it's really what we were doing tonight. The things that have become so normal for us are truly amazing.

Just yesterday one of my friends went on a cell phone coffee date. I resolved an insurance claim with e-mail and regularly pay my bills with the push of a button.

Ever wonder what's next?

rules of referability

When I was in design school, one of my professors shared with me something he called 'the rules of referability', I have never forgotten them and I know they have served me well.

1. Be on time.
2. Say please and thank you.
3. Do what you say you will.
4. Finish what you start.

Simple as that.

just thinking

Over the last few weeks there have been several things happen that have made me stop and reflect on how truly lucky we are. I am thankful for the love, friendship and health of those I love. I am thankful that we have work, hobbies and dreams.

I know it will not be smooth sailing forever, and I hope that when the unexpected and weighty things come my way, I have the calm grace to accept them and remember these things.

ah-choo!

It's cold and flu season and I am already down for the count. Although getting sick is never fun, there a few things I enjoy...always better to stay positive...right?

1. everyone is a little nicer...you can't be mean to a sick person
2. the soothing sound of a humidifier
3. napping is encouraged
4. lemons, tea and soup
5. cuddling up in a blanket
6. self indulgence is acceptable
7. potential weight loss
8. creating a little nest of books, tissues, lip balm, and cold medication on the nightstand
9. the world outside looks like a very busy ant colony unnecessarily rushing about

What is your favorite thing about being sick?


{unmade bed by imogen cunningham}

grrr

As further evidence that dogs may be one of our best teachers, I offer you this quote that I saw at a book store today...

"Never bite when a growl will do."

true magic

In case you don't know what a Magic Hankie is, it is a womans hankie that has been turned into a baby bonnet with a couple of simple stitches. The bonnet can be worn home from the hospital or at a christening, and then stored until the young lady's wedding day, when she can use it as her "something old".

When I was born, I received a Magic Hankie and I am told that I wore it home from the hospital. I saw it in my baby book as a child, stored in an old milk bag with the poem describing it's use (below). It seemed so far away...getting married. A couple of years ago while home, I came upon it once again and my mother gave it to me to keep for when I would need it. My little hankie waited patiently for 32 years to make it's official reappearance.

It was very special to have my hankie with me on my wedding day, it had a very special history. It was tucked in the back of my dress for safe keeping while I married my love.

At some point that day my Magic Hankie magically disappeared. I have no idea how it snuck away. My heart sunk when I realized it was missing.

I spoke to my mom about it a few days later, expressing my sadness. "Perhaps it got you to where you needed to be, and now you no longer need it" she said. The more I thought about it, the more I believed it. Maybe it was only meant to be mine for a period of time, perhaps the true magic was seeing me through to a very magical time in my life.

I hope it has found a good home and brings abundace, love and magic to it's new owner.


{the magic hankie, similar to mine}

Image from here.

You can purchase Magic Hankies here, or if you're inclined to make your own, instructions can be found here.

THE MAGIC HANKIE
I am just a little hankie, as square as can be;
but with a stitch or two, they've made a bonnet out of me.
I'll be worn home from the hospital, and on special days,
and then I'll be carefully pressed and neatly packed away.
Then on the Wedding, I have been told,
every well dressed Bride must have something old.
So what would be more fitting than to find Little Old Me,
a few stitches snipped and a Wedding Handkerchief
I Will Be!
And if per chance, it is a boy, someday he still will Wed.
So to his Bride he can present
the "Magic Handkerchief" once worn upon his head.

forgiveness

I heard this on the radio today, and I quite enjoyed it.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it."

-Mark Twain

for today

My wise sister introduced me to the Daily Decalogue when I was home for the holidays. I think it will be one of my goals this year to read it everyday. It is filled with happiness, love and hope, things we can all use more of.

Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.

Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.

Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.

Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.

Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.

Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.

Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.

Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.

Thank you, Dawn.
XO

bonked out

What ever happened to Bonkers? They were so tasty! Anyone want to join my 'bring back Bonkers' movement?

life lesson

"Let go or be dragged."

Tonight I saw this on a bumper sticker. Isn't it the truth?

"it"

It is really hard.

It takes effort. It takes practice. It takes determination. It is knowing your own value, and believing others know if too.

Today I was reminded about the importance of loving yourself, and letting others love you. So today, I wanted to remind you.

Put on your ketchup, your mustard, throw some chili on there if you like, be proud, and know, YOU ARE AWESOME!

Artwork by Natalie Dee

words to live by (i)

"Rediscover the romance of a past aquisition."

I often read or hear quotes that I enjoy, some are nice sentiments, some are thought provoking, some are life changing. I will try and post one from time to time.

Quote taken from Body and Soul Magazine, January 2008, "More than Enough" by Terri Trespicio