Hello, January

Holy smokes, folks! 

It's been a while, I realize that. 

Are you settling into this new year comfortably?
I hope so. 

November and December were quitethe grand finale
of our year gone by.

I ushered in 2012 guns a' blazing.

And although I didn't say my final goodbye to 2011 quietly, 

I released the past with a respectful tip of my hat.

My weeks back east were the perfect balance of calm and chaos.

image is my own

Of late nights spent laughing with old friends,

and meals shared at home by candlelight.

Of donkey neighing and hawk sightings, nature walks and old high school track runs.

The perfect storm of past meets present.

Oh, but it's true. I love a new year. 

New pledges and promises.

 There's something so romantic about writing out our resolutions.

And I quite like qualifying my traditions.

 So far, the freshness of January is proving to be most agreeable.

I hope the same rings true for all of you! 

xo

New Beginnings, and a Pause

I'm taking a pause,

to collect my thoughts

and embrace the new beginnings 

of a fresh year. 

 image

Back soon.

Happy New Year, friends.

xo

A Book for Christmas

Since I'm not being gifted with rural farm life any time soon,

and days spent chasing chickens 

and baking pies will just have to wait...

I'll hope I get this book for Christmas to keep me inspired.

One day I'll have that change of pace

among amber waves of grain.

Until then... 

Happy reading!

 

A Golden December

Sharing a December beach scene from 

Northern California's coastline this weekend. 

image is my own

And as the sun kissed the sky goodbye

and sunk into the ocean, 

the fire quickened it's flicker

and the stars began to dance...

Here's to more golden days and star-filled nights, friends.

xo

Mini Donk and Three Lil Pocos

I can barely handle this picture.

It is an adorable overload and an abundance of cuteness!!!!

What. The. Heck.

image 

Mini donks and three little pink feathered Pocahontas princesses?

Give me a break!!!  

It's straight up awesome with a side of heehaaaw.

xo

Living in a Snow Globe

Last week, I had declared that standing at the top of Lyon Street Stairs,

and peering out over this beautiful city, all lit up and stretching to the bay,

was equivalent to looking into a snow globe. 

All the city lights twinkled below me as I stood atop of the city,

steadying my breath and seeing it's condensation mix with the cold air of the night. 

I have started on a new workout routine,

which is proving to condition my spirit as much as it is the body.

It is as much a mental challenge as it is physical.

Last week, after my session ended, 

I opted to walk home in the cool, dark of the night.

image unknown

It was a slower stroll, as I walked down from what felt like my perch  on the top of the city. 

Walking the city at night is one of my simplest and purest pleasures.

It is so peaceful, my walk of silent solitude. 

I steal glimpses into windows,

exchange smiles with  dog owners out on a brisk evening stroll. 

There is a softer glow cast onto the sidewalks in the evening.

It's well after dinner, but not quite time for slumber,

and the type of light softly spilling out from windows and into the street

reflects this phase of the night.

Everyone is settled into their places, calm and rested.

And I realize, it still feels like a snow globe, even on street level.

 as the swirls of snow and glitter come to stop, so does the frenzy of the day.

Happy snow globing, friends.

xo

 

Settling Waters

Let the waters settle. 

You will see stars and moon mirrored in your being.

-Rumi-

image