coming to a close

I sit here in this moment
Reminiscing through memories of the past year
Moments created
Trips taken
Adventures right around the corner

There was growth
Wings spread
Flight
Soaring higher than I even imagined
I learned how to fly, all on my own

I am grateful for my photographs
They tell the tales of where I have been
What I have encountered
What I triumphed over
And what filled my heart with love

Moments with friends
Deep conversations
Brainstorming ideas
Love, light, laughter
Sitting by the fire, appreciating the beauty of the moment

Years seem to go by with the blink of an eye
The warm sun soothes my skin
And then before I know
The cold days of december rush in
Another year under my belt

Bidding farewell to a year is bittersweet
Happy for the time and the space to create
Grateful to have been here to witness it all
Sad it is coming to a close and a new year begins
A fresh start, a clean slate, a new chance to get it right

I am looking forward to 2013
Excited about new adventures
Getting my act together
Creating the life of my dreams, each and every day
And soaking in the beauty around me

What has moved you in 2012?
What are you looking forward to in 2013?
I would love to hear all about it.

winter days

The cold days of winter have us hunkering down
Staying inside where it is cozy and warm
Twinkle lights on
Music playing
Hearts singing
Feet dancing
Cuddling up close
Sharing stories
Laughing
Be together with one another
Simple times create beautiful days

What gets you by in the winter?

lucky

Lucky
For the family I have
The laughter
The love
All of it swirling when we are together

Grateful
For the moments
Gathered around the table
Telling stories
Being with one another

Amazed
At the strength
The beauty
The wisdom
That is in each of us

Looking forward to
More time together
Laughing until I cry
Memories created
Love swirling

Wishing each of you a very happy holiday season and a beautiful end to this year
Lets dive into 2013 with our hearts open and love spilling out

xo

you matter

In this very moment
Reach out to someone you love
Let them know how much they mean to you
Hold there hand
Give them a hug
Be right there with them
Soak each other in

Know that you are deeply loved
The world needs to see your sparkle and your shine
You provide light to everyone around you
You are a guide for others
You are needed here in this world
And you matter
You are beautiful

Believe in yourself
Believe in who you are
Know that you possess the power to make positive change
You bring smiles to peoples faces
And laughter deep into others hearts
You showing up each day
Is important, so very important

Celebrate each other
Give thanks
High fives
Show gratitude
Laugh
Have fun
Enjoy this extremely precious life

free ebook - your heART makes a difference

Open publication - Free publishing - More creative

The free ebook from your heART makes a difference has arrived and it is packed with 40 pages of inspiring words and images from some amazing folks including:

Lori Portka, Louise Gale, Thomas Dunleavy, Tracy Verdugo, Devi Kirin Kaur, Liv Lane, Kelly Barton, Danielle Daniel, Regina Lord, Cathy Kirwan, Diane Gallatly, and me. 

You can download your free copy by clicking on the folder icon underneath the book when you are on the website.  You can keep the interactive pdf forever. 

I hope you enjoy it. 
xo

your heART makes a difference

Something very speical is arriving tomorrow on 12-12-12 to celebraete the one year anniversary of your heART makes a difference.  It is a free e-book featuring some inspiring stories from some of the 2012 contributors (including me), a welcome note from Louise, resources to help you radiate your energy, and free artwork to download.  It is going to be so good and we hope that you love it just as much as we do. Check back in tomorrow for the link.   

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to share my words over there each month.  The site is jam packed with so many inspiring individuals including one of my dear friends Kelly Barton.  Hop on over to check it out.   

grateful, so grateful for my brothers

It can be so easy to get upset over words said
Comments made
But the truth is
I love these guys
They are my world
They make me laugh that side splitting kind of laughter
And no matter where we stand
No matter what was said
If they called me in the middle of the night and needed something
I am there, wherever there is
We grew up together
They teased me mercilessly
But they also had my back
They stood with me in the kitchen in the middle of the night
Telling me they loved me, and that they were glad I was home
They worked along side me
And let me tag along at Yankees Games
They are my brothers
And they are amazing
I adore who they are
And who they have grown into
They are strong, compassionate, and loving
And they all have an amazing sense of humor
When I am around them I am always laughing
I am lucky to have them in my life
And so incredibly grateful
We may not always agree
There may be moments where we don't understand one another
But we are always there for each other
And we know that
We are family, and always will be
And we are so happy for that
I am so grateful for each of them
And all that they bring to my life

beautiful YOU

photo by Thea Coughlin

Do you struggle to stand in your light
To see your true beauty
Accept and acknowledge what it is you are truly awesome at

Do you fight your way through the every day
Not going with what is easy
Making it harder than it has to be

Do you say yes
When what you really want to say is no
Your response wearing quickly on your soul

Do you battle with your inner critique
Every single day
Their voices shattering your hopes and dreams

Today is the day to begin fresh
Wipe the slate clean
Stand tall in all you are

Today is the day you listen to your heart
Go with what is truly calling you
Accept the easy path, for that is the path of your soul

Today is the day you say yes
Only to what you really want to do
And quickly say no to what will wear you down

Today is the day you believe in yourself
Acknowledge your strength, courage, and beauty
And really let it sink deep into your heart

What comes easy to you are your strengths
Do not fight them
Dive deep into them

You are uniquely you
No one does things the way you do
Believe in yourself

See yourself the way others see you
Look through the lens of their eyes
Allow your heart to open to what is true

You are AMAZING
You bring so much to this world
You shine a brilliant LIGHT


~~ Share here with all of us what makes you, YOU~~
In this space we will encourage and support the beautiful light you shine

It can be difficult to see yourself the way others do.  But when we take a step back, let a friend reflect it back to us it can be the most precious gift of all.

slowing down

Forced to slow down
Take a step back
Sit, and just breathe
Allow this moment to be

I am constantly on the go
From here to there
Always moving
Rarely taking a moment of stillness

But here I sit
Feet up, heart open
Soaking it all in
Healing

Learning that I need to listen
To my heart
My body
My mind

Learning to rest
Not try to get it all done
Allow space
Let time pass

Breathe deeply
Heart expanding
Hopes and dreams filling my head
As I stand back on my own two feet

Love Notes Post Card Project ~ an invitation to you

The Love Notes Post Card Project is dear to my heart.  Each round that I have hosted it my heart has grown a little bigger.  It has been wonderful to see images of the postcards that are getting sent through the mail and hear the stories of people who connected because of the project.

The holiday season is filled with lots of hustle and bustle.  The Love Notes Post Card project invites you to slow down.  Take a moment to pause and reflect.  Provide a little bit of sunshine to someone who may be feeling overwhelmed with all that the holidays brings along with it.  You may need that bit of sunshine yourself.

So I invite you to join us as we send some Love through the mail.  To find out more about the project head on over to the Love Notes site or if you are already familiar with the project sign up HERE.  It is going to be good.

staying on your path

In the midst of the chaos I want to carve out time.  A moment to sink my teeth deep into the ideas that blossom in my mind as I sit at my desk each day.  Upon their arrival I want to drop everything and begin.  But alas, I cannot.  The world in front of me has stolen my attention and I must respect that.  A notebook full of ideas never started.  Projects begun, but never finished.  Time slipping quickly.  A landfill of excuses of why I cannot accomplish these dreams piling up beside me.

Boundaries need to be set and strictly enforced.  "Office hours" for my creative endeavors must happen.  I need to say no more often, and stick to the plan.  Too easily I get enticed by friends and family to go out and play.  I need to have enough rest, and eat well.  Stay focused and push through.

It is so easy to say I do not have the time, but really the time is there.  Instead of letting thirty minutes of browsing the internet slip by, I need to pick up my own pieces of inspiration and begin.  I need to quit dilly dallying and letting that time disappear.

Bold here I am declaring that I am going to start getting serious.

How do you stay on your path?  How do you carve out that time and stick to it?

glistening in the sunlight

This is what I know to be true
Doors, windows, people, opportunity
All open up to us at the most unsuspecting time
Feeding our souls in a way we did not know it needed to be fed
Stirring up ideas
Opening hearts
Moving obstacles we thought we could never move
A path
A clear path for us to walk down
For us to experience and take in
Amazing things happen when we just
let
go
When we are open and see what falls before us
Things unravel
Each day by doing what we do best, living
We are doing the work
Writing the story
Having the conversation
We are weaving this fantastic life together
Our inner strengths glistening in the sunlight
Our world expanding
Life, our life in all of it's glory

filled with thanks

On this day of thanks I am filled with so much gratitude and love.  For family and friends and the life that we are creating each and every day.  My mind is filled with memories.  My heart is overflowing with love.  I feel like the luckiest person alive to be living this life.  To get to experience so much laughter with those around me and to be right here, right now in this moment.

I am also so grateful for each of you here who show up and read my words and provide so much love and support.  Each little word you leave me makes my heart light up.  Thank you for being a part of my life.

Wishing each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  A day filled with light and laughter.  And hope that we all gather here again next year with stories of a fabulous year!

thankful

I am thankful for...
* Family and all the time we get to spend with each other
* Brothers, and the sisters I never had
* The love of my life and the way he makes me laugh every day
* Deep friendships and the paths we walk with each other
* Having two places of employment
* Creative ideas that fill my head and make me giddy
* Music that makes me want to get up and dance
* Watching the Love Notes Project blossom
* Being right here, right now

beauty around you

Seek out the beauty around you
Look for those hidden gems you usually walk right past
Open your eyes
Open your heart
Let it all wash over you and sink in

What beauty do you see?

the tango

During the day light hours I am deep in the throngs of the corporate world
Taking things off line
Attending touch bases
Circling back
Discussing my core competencies

Two nights during the week I am serving meals to families and individuals
Sometimes I am in the weeds
I 86 mustard
Add avocado
And shake up a tasty Apple Martini

And then in the moments between I am a writer
Pulling feelings from my heart
Giving them a voice on the page
Showing up, letting go
Vulnerably sharing myself

It is a tango of sorts
Dancing between the different languages
Navigating the varying degrees of appropriateness
Knowing when to speak from a place of feeling
And when to analyze based solely on facts

The heart is on a mission to win
Always looking to shed a layer of the corporate skin
Revealing a more confidante and comfortable self
Connections building through conversation
A moment of understanding and awareness

Within the three cubicle walls that surround me, my writer self is concealed
Only few know of my love affair with words
And passion to capture the world with my lens
I am reserved, and thoughtful
The quiet warrior getting the work done

In the hustle and bustle of the restaurant I am JenB
The girl no one really sees
Quickly falling under the radar as I go about the work at hand
Gracefully sweeping the floor, refilling ice, and bringing out the next tray of food
After two nights, I am gone until next week

But the writer self is always there
Weaving words together in my mind
Showing up, day after day
A new thought, a new moment to capture
A poem to be written

I do not always catch these words on the page
Sometimes they come, filling me with inspiration
Making my heart flutter
I say I will write them down
But I let them go

Other times I stop dead in my tracks
Grab my pen and notebook and have at it
The words flowing from my heart
Fueling my days
Inspring me to keep on going

I am a writer
No matter where I am the writer mind is always at work
Weaving words together, coming up with new ideas
Writing page after page in my mind
The writer in me never sleeps

And so I dance this tango
Moving from one job to the other
Constantly transitioning
Dancing, dancing, dancing
But always, always writing the story in my head

Love Notes Special Edition ~ Emerging from Sandy

It is time to rally together.  It is time to spread a little bit of love and hope through the mail to someone who needs the support.  It is time to let others know that we care, that they are thought about and not forgotten, that even though they are suffering they will make it through.  It is time. 

Sandy devestated a lot of the East coast and many individuals and families are still suffering.  Devestation brings along despair, hopelessness, and feeling like you are alone.  We do not want people to feel that way.  Collectivly we can shine a little bit of light on their tired and weary souls.  We can let them know they are not alone. 

Are you up for the challenege of spreading a little bit of hope through the mail?  It is really simple to do.  Head on over to HERE to be a part of Love Notes Special Edition ~ Emerging from Sandy 

Do you know an individual or family who has been devestated by the storm?  Could they use a little hope note in the mail?  Head on over to HERE to provide there information so that we can get that note to them. 

Maybe you know of a shelter that is housing individuals who lost their homes.  They could surely use some love.  Please contact me at lovenotesjb@gmail.com so that we can get some love notes to them as well. 

It is during these times that we must come together and help one another.  Even if it is something small.  The small things can mean the most.  Please join us in spreading some hope. 

begin again

Let's just stop here for just a moment
The world has been a spinning ever so quickly
I need a moment to pause
To breathe
To remember what is truly important

Conflicting points of view
Long lines for gas
People in the dark
Trying hard to warm up
It feels like an up hill battle

Getting blanketed in snow reminds me to hunker down
Crawl under the covers
Soak in my own warmth
And remember that we can begin again
We can always begin again

As the world spins
I sit here
Breathing deeply, in and out
Letting the glow of my heart warm my soul
Creating space for what is to come

I am not sure what is around the next bend
So many dreams and thoughts swirling in my mind
I need to create what I most need
With each passing day I am learning more and more what that is
And so I begin again

I begin right here
Right now
Taking a leap
Afraid, but willing
Knowing I will land safely, wherever I land

After the storm

The storm has passed but the destruction is devastating.  Here in the north so many trees are down.  Fallen in the middle of the road, crushing houses, and pulling down power lines.  Darkness blanketing towns. There is an eric feeling in the air when night falls. Without a flashlight you cannot even see directly in front of you and all you hear is the  sound of generators humming in the distance.

Gasoline is hard to come by.  The lines for the open stations are incredibly long.  I have never seen anything like this before.  I tried to capture it with my camera but they are so massive it is hard to get it.  Car after car waiting on the shoulder of the highway with hope in there hearts that when they pull up to the pump there will be gas to fill there tank.

In the south the destruction is even more devastating. Sea water taking out so much. The tide un controllable.  Same in new York city.  The water levels rose and even filled the subway stations.  It is terrible.

Through all the destruction I am blessed.  Although devastation occurred to homes of family everyone is safe and healthy. And that is the most important. Homes can be rebuilt and together we will do that.

Today through all this I am celebrating my 32nd birthday. I am in shock that I am 32. Time flies by so quickly.  So many memories I have tucked into my memory bank.  So much to smile about, so much to be thankful for.  I am lucky and incredibly grateful.  I am typing this from a school parking lot where I have found wireless connection.  Little pockets of hope peaking out.

Think good thoughts for those who are struggling due to Sandys wrath.  They need the love and a little bit of lifting up.  Be kind to each other and understand tht so any are stressed, worried, and just trying to figure it out. Patience will be such a gift to these people who are edge.  Smile at one another. A little bit if love goes a long way.

the storm is coming

There is an eerie calmness in the air tonight.  The wind blows, the leaves rustle.  A sense of uncertainty lurking about what Sandy will bring with her.  We have prepared as best we can.  The laundry is done, the outside elements brought in, the cabinets stocked.  We are ready to hunker down.

I took a walk this evening.  Listening to the leaves as they fell to the ground.  After Sandy all of them may be down.  The rain has not yet begun, but the wind is picking up.  People are on edge, scrambling to get what they can.

The storm is coming and each of us must battle through it.  We must also push through our own inner storms.  The ones we try to calm, but keep rearing there ferocious winds.  We must be gentle with ourselves.  Prepare, push through, hold hands with our neighbors, and together walk through to the sunshine.

May you be safe as the storm swirls and may you find the strength to make it through your own battles. Sending love and light.

bigger than the sky

Here
Beneath this sky, will you find me
Will you stop so we can share our dreams
Hold hands
Swap stories of where we have been

Will you share your heart with me
Be right here, in the moment
Tender love
Honesty
Raw heartfelt emotion

Will it be like the first time we met
Discovering each others beauty
Listening deeply
Fully engulfed in the moment

Or will you quickly move past me
Not even taking notice I am there
New people to discover
A different place to see
A whole new world opening up to you
Sisters taking you under their wing
Me feeling lost and forgotten

Have you grown bigger than me
Hands full
Unable to reach out and hold mine
Have I lost you in the glitz and the glam
Have you become one of the beautiful people

and so it grows

And so it growns
From the deep darkness the forest brings
Reaching for the light
Inching up
Slowly, slowly, slowly

And so it grows
On an unknown journey
Embracing the different paths to be taken
Digging its roots down deep
Head held up to the sun

And so it grows
Day after day
Night after night
Awakening to beauty
Discovering the strength it has within

And so it grows
Soaking in the rain drops
Feeling the breeze as it drifts by
Standing tall
Fiercly hold on

And so it grows
It true capacity and width unknown
Boldly facing each day
Grandly stepping forward
Living, living, living

postcards from the road

twenty years from now

Let's take a trip to the future.  To twenty years from today.  What adventures will I have taken?  Where will I have traveled?  What will I have done?  What lessons will I have learned?  What heartbreak will I have walked through?  

I will have opened up that studio I dream about today.  You know the art studio, where creative individuals gather.  Sharing their stories, creating side by side, supporting one another, laughing, dreaming, and planning for the future.  I will have been brave enough to just go for it and give it a try.  And it will have turned out to be a success.  People arriving unsure and afraid and leaving confidante, strong, and ready to take on their next big dream.  

I will have traveled a lot.  My passport filled with stamps, my heart and mind filled with stories.  I will have captured the beauty of the places I have seen.  Collecting photographs along the way and putting them together in a beautiful book of memories and stories.  

I will have found a house to live in with Dustin.  A house that we turn into a home.  It includes a little studio space that I can call my own.  My little oasis that I retreat to, to refuel my batteries, create, and dream.  A place to plan for the future, map it out and push through to the next step.  

I will have taught at different Art Retreats.  Inspiring individuals through my own writing workshop that I created.  Teaching that is is ok to just show up on the paper.  It doesn't have to be perfect, it doesn't have to be beautiful, it just has to be.  

I will have created my own yearly retreats.  A quaint little spot along the ocean where individuals gather for a few days at a time.  A place to disconnect from the real world and dig deep into connecting with ourselves.  A space where laughter rings through out, spontaneous dance parties occur, individuals arrive just as they are and leave fearless warriors ~ ready to take on the world around them.  

I will have married the man that fuels my heart with love and happiness.  Dustin and I will create a uniquely beautiful, thoughtful ceremony and party.  No white dress or tuxes.  But real people showing up, celebrating love and life and the beauty that occurs when the two collide and are fully embraced.  Traditions born.  Stories shared.  Moments captured beautifully on film and video.  A celebration of finding the one who gets you, makes you laugh uncontrollably, and fully loves you for every single thing that you are.  

I will have had my work published in multiple magazines.  My poetry, stories, and photographs shared with the world.  Artful Blogging, Mingle, Taproot, Uppercase ~ each of these magazines gently holding my work and showing it off to the world.  

I will have pulled together a beautiful book filled with my photographs and poetry.  A stunning work of art filled with spectacular photos and inspiring poetry.  

I will have written that book that is living deep in my soul.  You know the one, about letting go of fears, jumping in head first, and learning how to navigate the twist and turns of the world. The book that digs deep into peoples souls.  Lets them see that they are not alone, and empowers them to take that step that they have been fearful of taking.  The book will have taken me all over the states to share my story and meet individuals in person.  

I will have finally become better with money.  Learned how to save, and have saved.  I will have learned how to make more of it by doing the things that I love.  

I will have crafted a rich life.  Filled with laughter, love, joy, hand holding, moments of pure excitement and passion.  Surrounded by individuals that I adore and who also adore me.  Supporting one another, cheering each other on, Raising the bar for each other and nudging the other forward.

I will have created many amazing memories along side Dustin.  Adventures taken.  Memories created. Laughter, lots of laughter.  Love, hand holding, cuddling up close, walking beneath the stars.  Each of us growing boldly into ourselves and going after our dreams.    

I will be sitting here twenty years from now saying "yes, this is the life I am meant to be living"

alone

I know how it feels to be alone
To close the door and know the only way it will open is if you do so

I know how it feels to be alone, you are here, all by yourself
No one else will join you, it is just you

It can feel so amazing in one minute, and then terribly lonely in the next
I know how it feels to be alone

I can't imagine spending an incredible amount of years with someone
And then it is just you, alone

From that moment on, everything must be different
You used to have this way of being
Inside jokes
A way of working together

And now here you are alone

No longer in your space that you called home for so many years
Surrounded by new people, a new place
Nothing familiar
Everything changing

I could not imagine that type of alone
How that must feel
How lonely it could be

All I know is what it feels like to be alone
After being with someone for only a short time

How does one adjust to being alone after years of being together?
How does one continue on, happy, alert, appreciative of just being here?

How?  How?

postcard from the road

healing my soul

photo credit:  dustin pita

I stop here
Soaking in the beauty that surrounds me
Deeply breathing in the air
Reaching my head up towards the sun
Digging my feet deep into the ground

This space heals my soul

I come back to myself
Remember what is truly important
Nature provides me space to be
A reason to pause
An opportunity to stop and capture

This space heals my soul

I need these moments
Reflecting on what was
Dreaming of what is to come
And being right here, right now
All of it weaving together

This space heals my soul

It is medicine for my mind
Love and hope for my heart
A bit of self care that I must remember to practice
Showing up in this space
Lifts me up and takes me home

This space heals my soul

end of the road

photo credit:  dustin pita

Sometimes we come to the end of the road
A road we traveled many many miles on
Along the way we hit a lot of bumps
Got taken off course
Stumbled, fell, and kept on going
Arriving at the end we thought we would be greeted with celebration
Trumpets blowing
Fans cheering
But instead a deep silence envelopes us
Tears of sadness spill out
This was not the ending we had thought it was going to be

We fought so hard along the way to keep it together
Make it work
Figure things out
There were moments of deep hurt
But also times of intense joy
Together we trampled each others hearts
And nudged the other forward to their next success
A constant up and down
Never knowing what was going to be around the next corner

It is here at the end that we both know we must go our separate ways
Struggling to say that final goodbye
Reminiscing about the good times
Forgetting momentarily about the scars that have been etched

But the time has come
Each of us must step bravely into the future
Carrying the lessons learned
Tucking the memories safely into our back pockets
Moving forward
Finding ourselves
Going after our hearts truest calling

postcard from the road

the beauty of retreat

There are certain moments in life that become milestones.  You use them to measure the passing of time, like you use the days of the week or the hours on a clock. Holidays, birthdays, new years can be like that.  For me, art retreats have become a measurement of how far I have traveled.

When I was shy and unsure of myself I was standing on the edge of squam lake for the very first time.  A whole new world of creative possibilities spilled open for me.  Standing amidst that beauty I vowed to myself that some way, somehow I would incorporate into my life one art retreat a year.

In 2009 I hoped on a plane and traveled all the way across the country to Oregon.  I discovered bravery inside me that I did not even know existed.  I sat amongst a group of women and openly shared my writing.  Through their love and support the seed that I may be a writer was planted.

It wasn't until the following year when I was standing alongside the ocean on the east coast that I knew and felt deep within that yes, I am a writer indeed.  Fabulous women surrounding me.  Laughter bubbling up.  Beautiful sunrises calming my soul.   Magic swirling, swirling, swirling.

In 2011 I worked with two others to create a s.p.a.c.e to sink deeply into.  Gathered in the warm sunlight of Sedona Arizona I witnessed firsthand dreams coming true.  Connections blossoming.  Life unfolding beautifully to the music of my own creation.  A divine bonus moment in time.

Later that year I traveled back to the sea.  A bit battered, unraveled, vulnerable.  I was held gently.  Created passionately.  Healing words poured from my heart.  Deep conversation and creating long into the night fueled my spirit.

This year I went back to the place it all began five years ago.  I stood at the edge of the lake; strong, confidante, happy, open.  My heart overflowing with love and support.  Soulful conversations spilled open.  I felt seen for me, exactly as I am.

Each year has stretched me in so many unexpected ways.  Growing, healing, giving, learning.  All of it guiding me back to me.  Providing me a space to retreat.  A place to heal.  A moment to just be, as I am.  My life has been forever changed by each of these little getaways.  The destination doesn't matter.  What is important is the journey that it takes to get there, the openness to just be there, and the courage to keep that fire burning throughout the year.

When you are passionate about something and you gather with individuals who are passionate about the same thing.....magic....pure magic happens.  You can't control how wide it will expand, or how deeply you will be touched.  All you can do is stand in it, soak it all in, and say yes.

between two worlds

My mind is struggling to focus
Pain running through my body from sitting in this seat
Dust falling onto the pile of work
Unable to begin

Ideas in my mind are blooming
Jotting notes down
Reaching out for advice
Wanting to begin, right this moment

Caught between two worlds
Getting pulled and pushed
Struggling to navigate both paths
Seeking balance between the two worlds

postcard from the road

returning :: re-entering :: reflecting

I just spent five magical days in the woods of New Hampshire gathering with friends and like minded souls.  Stories were shared, dreams nurtured, words of love circling around.  Something powerful happens when individuals gather.  You see it at sporting events, feel the electricity at a concert, and even come upon it deep in the woods.

I entered these same woods five years ago ~ shy ~ quiet ~ unsure of myself ~ not knowing who I was.  This time I emerged ~ grounded ~ strong ~ glowing ~ with a strong sense of who I am.  It is beautiful to look back on the journey.  To see where I was those five years ago and feel the strength, love, and courage I know embody.  I am blessed to have witnesses to these moments.  Individuals who were there five years ago and who stand beside me today, reflecting back to me all that has evolved.

I have many stories about moments in the woods.  Words rolling around in my head that I want to share with you.  But for now I will leave you with some words dear friends of mine have written.  Hop on over to there sites as they eloquently share what it was like to gather, to be seen, to show up, and to just be.

** Mindy Lacefield  ~ Squam
** Wish Studio ~  truly madly deeply :: postcards from Squam

he

The journey began
With one single step towards each other
A glance from a distance
A warm hello
And the rest is history

It was unexpected
I was not even looking
Soaking in the beauty of friendship
And self discovery
And then he came along

He never tried to take me off my path
He stood beside me, cheering me on
Wishing me luck on my next adventure
Helping me brainstorm my next big idea
Believing that I could make it happen

He keeps me grounded
Makes me laugh, a lot
Holds my hand
And pulls me in close with a simple look
He makes me feel like I am home

one year

Sitting side by side
One year later
One year stronger
Soaking in all the love
Taking a walk through our memories
Laughter erupting
Going back to our first date
Our first meeting
The very first time he walked in

The year flew by in a blink of an eye
We feel as if we have known each other forever
Going through our memories
We see how far we have come
How much is held dear to us
How close we have grown
How intersected we are

A year ago we were each traveling alone
Carving our own paths
Trying to figure it all out
But now we have each other
To lean on
To laugh with
To remember

It has been a beautiful year

summer time gratitude

How do you sum up an entire summer filled with so much
Where do you begin to touch on all the plane rides you took to far away places
The people you met
The adventures life handed you
How do you explain the laughter
The memories created
The family fun that brought your closer together
Where do you start to tell about the love that filled the air
The warm summer nights
The hot days on the bicycle
The day you finally made it up the enormous hill
Baseball game, after baseball game
Cheering for your favorite team
Sitting around the fire
Wishing on stars
Walking through the streets
Cups filled with ice cream
Pictures taken
New memories created
In a few simple words how do you tell the story
Of where these roads have taken you
New ventures started
Connections made
So much swirling around under the hot summer sun
It all begins somewhere
And all falls into place another day
With Autumn on the rise these memories of summer will settle
A big smile on my face
A heart filled with love
Life is so beautiful
And filled with so much joy
I am forever grateful

feel today

Seek out the beauty that is around you
Look for the rays of sunshine that light up your days
The small glimmers of hope that whisper secret messages to you
Love is swirling all around
Be open to letting it in
Feel the kindness and the tenderness that passes through each day
Be present in today

it is time to begin

The summer is quickly ending
And September feels like the time to begin

I have so many things I want to start
Projects put on the back burner
Thoughts never written down

It feels like the new year to me
I am ready

Ready to
~ Get into action, and start working out again
~ Carve out a space for me to create
~ Create healthy enjoyable meals
~ Get that book going
~ Connect more deeply with creative souls
~ Learn spanish
~ Create more tradtions
~ Start the projects I say I am going to start
~ Then follow those projects through to completion

What are you ready to begin?
Want to do it together?
Hold each other accountable, check in along the way?

I could use a partner in crime, how about you?
Lets take flight together

moments unfolding

Reflecting on the memories
Sharing stories about our camera adventures
The rain falling
Ducking into a little bar to chat
A warm glass of brandy warming our chilled bones
The streets of Brooklyn guiding us
Train after train, after train to get home
Lost in thoughts
Happiness abounding
Grateful for my ability to take a risk
Step outside of my comfort zone
Let the world unfold in front of me

being present

Navigating my way between two jobs
Finding my path on my creative journey
All the while nourishing my relationships
And finding some time to soak in alone

Trying to balance each of these things
And appreciate them when I am deep in them
Not wanting to be anywhere else
Except exactly where I am

Trying to stay present

Love Notes Post Card Project

At times it can feel like a chore going to pick up the mail because you know exactly what is in there.  But what if that changed?  What if a hand written post card sat nestled in between the bills?  Words written down on paper for you to hold in your hands and soak in.  A little sliver of sunshine arriving unexpectedly, just for you. 

What if you had the opportunity to bring this sunshine to someone else's mailbox?  Picking up a pen and writing your own words down.  Sharing pieces of your story and words from your heart for them to soak in.  Would you want to be a part of it? 

Social media is great for staying in touch and easily communicating with friends, but there is something so lovely about holding a real piece of paper in your hands.  Seeing someone else's handwriting and feasting on what they h ave shared brings the story to a different level. 

These thoughts are what sparked the idea of for the Love Notes Post Card Project.  Words shared on a post card, mailed to someone you may or may not know.  Hearts opening, sunshine arriving, connections unfolding. 

This three week project brings the opportunity for sunshine to be sent through the mail by responding to a simple writing prompt.  Head on over to here to find out more about it and to sign up.  I hope you will join in. The project begins August 19th. 

the moments

Life is about the moments
The unexpected things that happen between the plans you make
The small pockets of time that lead you down a new path
Connecting with individuals you just met
Laughing over a shared experience
Creating something from a few minutes spent together

Riding your bike to the lighthouse than jumping into the sea for a swim
Sitting along the Hudson, talking about life and all that you hope it will be
Finding a lake when you decide to take the long way home
Sitting along the waters edge sharing cookies and stories
Going out for drinks with friends and meeting the love of your life

The moments you did not plan for
Become the memories that you will never forget
Keeping an open mind and an open heart allows these moments to happen
Each one created in it's own time unfolding as it is meant to
A life time of moments filling us up and weaving us together

beauty

The rain my pour
But there is always beauty to be found

What beauty surounds you today

beauty is within us

We can quickly look at others lives and think they are so perfect, so right, so organized
But we are only getting a glimpse at their stories
We do not know what is underneath
The scars and heartache 
Wounds that haven't healed and struggles that can feel like quicksand 
It can be easy to see only the good things 
To wish for the perceived perfection 
But their is no such thing as perfection
There is only perception and our inablitiy
To accept and appreciate the divine beauty that lives withn each of us

because

Because we are all struggling in some way
Unsure of the next step to take
Questioning the one we just took
Looking forward with hope and fear

Because we all do not do it as quickly as we planned
Good intentions set
Life flying by
Guilt building up over the delay

Because none of us are perfect
All we can do is try each day
Sometimes we do not try as hard, and that is ok
Other days we push forward, full force

Because sometimes we do not get it right
We may do it again
We may never even think about trying
Or we may accept it turned out as it should

Because the world didn't give up on you
So don't give up on the world
Hold on tight and reach out slightly
Feel the gentle nudge to move

beauty

You must seek out the beauty in the every day moments
Things change quickly
Stay present
Stay true
Keep moving forward

see you soon

What you should know
Is that I am terrible at saying goodbye
Especially when a good friend is leaving
I usually avoid it, quietly slipping away
Unsure of what to say in those last few moments

It feels to permanent to me
It is tough to see it all change
Here one day, gone the next
Daily routines altered
Life moving on at a quick pace

My life has recently changed
A good friend from work is going on a new adventure
I am proud of him for making the leap
Excited to see what doors will be opening up for him
But I am sad to see him go

We had great conversations
We kept each other in check and grounded
And he talked me down form the ledge a couple of times
We got coffee together every morning
And shared more than a few lunches

He was a part of my daily routine
A constant in the ever changing dynamic at work
We would talk, and listen
Dig deep, and laugh
We became good friends

It is going to be different tomorrow morning
When I walk down the hallway seeing his empty desk
Knowing he is off learning, growing, becoming
I am proud of him, and excited for him
And wish him the best of luck on his new adventure

Life moves by quickly
Constantly changing
It is important to appreciate the moments
Right when you are in them, stop and soak them in
Because one day it will be different

And as you know
I am terrible at saying goodbye
So we didn't say it
Instead we said
See you soon

embrace

I am a creative thinker, and feeler
I am a writer
Doing creative work, and placing my words on paper
Feeds my soul and ignites my spirit

There are times I am fearful of saying that out loud
Gently hiding those layers of me right below the surface
Afraid to boldly show this artist self that I am
Feeling it doesn't really fit into this blazing world

But once a conversation begins about creating
My shoulders ease, my eyes light up, I instantly feel lighter
Delving deep into the conversation
Feeling at home in the creative world

Today I am sharing my thoughts of embracing this artist self
No longer stowing her away in the closet
But bringing her out to play, day after day
Giving her space to breathe, and soak in the creative sunshine of the world

Please hop over to your heart makes a difference 
And boldly claim your own artist self today
Together we will stand along side one another
As we peel back the layers and embrace our true calling

colors of your world

You are holding the paint brush in your hands
Pick it up and the paint your world the way you want it to look
Let your hand and heart guide your journey
As you splash the colors around

I have learned

I am learning that we are all on a journey

Searching for the things that move us

The moments that wake us up, and make us feel alive

I am learning that time moves quickly

If we do not stop for a moment and appreciate it

It is gone, in the blink of an eye

I am learning that we will face hard times

We will push through

And we will come out on top, one step at a time

I am learning that love can move mountains

Patience is important

We need to stand along side one another, sharing our love

I am learning that there is joy in the every day

Sometimes hidden

Just needing to be uncovered, and tended to

I am learning that kindness makes this world thrive

We need to help each other

Show we care, it all brings life to this world

I am learning new things 

Every single day

Through the opportunities I receive, and the people I encounter

I am learning

And you are to

What have you learned lately, share it with us here