I’m not very good at being sick. It makes me sad. Sick and sad. But after months of being sick and convincing myself it was “just a cold” I finally cracked and went to the Dr. last week when it got so bad that I was barely able to breathe. That was actually pretty scary. But after a long lecture, many prescriptions, and a very un-sexy inhaler I am feeling a little bit better. Thank goodness!

So the other night I was lying awake (it’s surprisingly difficult to sleep when you can’t breathe) I was thinking about how miserable I was: sick, wheezy, sleep deprived, and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. I mean, I couldn’t even have a coke with ice which, sadly, is probably one of my favorite treats ever.

But mid pity-party a little voice told me I should count my blessings. So I did.

Even though I feel like hell, I have a warm and comfortable bed to rest in.

And even though all I felt like eating was OJ, toast and chicken soup I live in a place where those things are easily available and I have the money to buy them.

I may not LOVE my day job right now but I have one and it has health benefits.

I can buy medicines and cough drops and vitamins and whatever else I need to make my sickness more bearable.

I have an adorable little pup dog who loves me and will warm my lap and will forgive me even if I can’t take her out for long walks right now.

Things like TV and internet and books and magazines and movies to distract my fevered brain.

And other things like hot showers and clean air to breathe (even if I can’t breathe all that well) and clean clothes.

So you see, it really could be worse and I am 100% grateful it’s not.

I hope you have a great weekend. I fully intend to get back to blogging next week. I haven’t even told you about my macaroon class!

xo

photo credit

Sorry I’ve been M.I.A. but I’ve been really, really sick for the last week or so. I promise I’ll be back soon. Think healthy thoughts for me, k?

The catalogs from Anthropologie keep getting better and better. The only problem is they are too pretty to throw away! I’m on the verge of being a catalog hoarder…

photo credit

I am heading down to LA this weekend for a four day weekend. Four days off IN A ROW. You guys! This NEVER happens. Sorry, I’ll stop talking in caps. I’m just excited. Clearly I spend way too much time at work.

I’m going to take this class with Helen. Macarons, anyone?

And hopefully I’ll meet up with Alyssa and get to hang out for awhile. (ps You should totally check her out.)

And of course I’ll go to the LA Temple – my most favorite place in Los Angeles. My most favorite place anywhere.

Other than that I will probably just putz around with friends, shop, eat, and take lots of pictures. I won’t be in LA for all four days I don’t think. Sometimes a day at home is what a girl need.

And who are we kidding – I can’t stay away from Harlow for that long.

Have a lovely weekend!

photo credit

maybe put a Gummi Bears Chandelier in their room.

via Swiss Miss

I took my camera to the beach after work on Saturday. I was feeling a little “blech” and a short walk on the beach did a world of good. The sound, the smell, the air… Even for a few moments, it was perfect.

The more I use my SX-70 the more I like him. Or her.

More of my photos

Thank you all for the kind, positive comments lately. I like my little blog home and it makes me happy that you like it too.

But I’ve made a terrible mistake. Last night when I was reading everyone’s Blog it Forward posts I realized I’d made a mistake in my own post. A big, huge, slap-my-forehead-in-the-middle-of-the-night mistake.

Of all of the things that inspire me, with perhaps the exception of my faith, nothing is more meaningful to me than the people I love. I am blessed with an incredible group of people in my life- family and friends from whom I’ve learned so much.

My father is generous and loves his family unconditionally. My mother is fearless and steadfast and selfless. My siblings are brave and loving. My cousins and uncle and aunts and grandmothers and nieces and nephews… I couldn’t love them more. And my friends…

“You do not know how much they mean to me, my friends, and how, how rare and strange it is, to find in a life composed so much of odds and ends… to find a friend who has these qualities, who has, and gives those qualities upon which friendship lives. How much it means that I say this to you -without these friendships – life, what cauchemar!”
T.S. Elliot

My life would truly be a “cauchemar” (nightmare) if not for my friends. They are so incredible and important in my life, each in their own way. I watch them live their lives with grace and courage and humor and integrity and I am in awe. This list would also include those people who have come and gone but who’s influence and inspiration is undeniable. I wish I could tell you about each of them and the impression they’ve left on my heart. Maybe I will, but not today.

Who inspires you?

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I’m very excited to be a part of Blog it Forward. The idea came from the Victoria as a way of sharing love and inspiration with fellow bloggers. Nancy has passed the torch on to me and so it is my turn to share with you what inspires me.

::polaroids::

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I love my magical little camera(s). Taking pictures of the world around me is eye-opening. My camera is teaching me to see beauty everywhere.

::music::
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I find so much inspiration in music. It calms me down, lifts me up, motivates me when I’m feeling lazy and smoothes my soul when weary. Right now I’m loving:
Devotchka
The National
Coeur de Pirate

::evening::

My favorite time of day is probably about an hour before the sun sets when everything is winding down for the day. When the whole world mellows and gets a little quieter and everything is tinged with gold. That’s when I can think, walk, sit outside and find some stillness.

::travel::
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I love to be going somewhere. Honestly I think I get inspired just by packing my bags. Whether I’m going to Utah or London or Minnesota or Mexico it’s always an adventure and a change of pace. I love the anticipation of leaving my daily life behind, even if it’s only for a weekend. I hope to travel a lot this year – as much as possible.

::words::
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I am a collector of words. I have notebooks full of quotes, stories, and poems that have at one time or another been an meaningful to me.

::faith::

I can’t tell you what my faith does for me. I don’t know enough words to tell you how it restores my soul and strengthens my heart. It makes me a better person, a better friend, a better daughter. I love my Heavenly Father so. The knowledge that I am his daughter and that is love for me is unconditional a blessing I don’t think I could live without.

Tomorrow please be sure to check out Polka Dot Robot.

Also blogging today:

The Baker’s Daughter
Her Sunday Dress
S.HOPtalk
Design Fixation
Cafe Cartolina
Angie Go Boom
Lilac & Ivy
Victoria Klein
Nectar & Light

Thank you Victoria for putting this together and having me as a participant.

I hope you are all finding inspiration in your own lives.

xo

I really love these dresses from Built by Wendy. Really, really.

via Simple Song