today.

It's Monday.  But maybe instead of approaching the day as "ugh, Monday," we can simply think of it as Today.

One of the Branch Manager's at our company had this on his desk, as he had just received it from another Manager.  He asked if I wanted a copy and it's now hanging at my desk as well.  I work in Human Resources for an Electrical Contractor.  Not typically a role or industry that involves faith (usually just the opposite), so I count my blessings being able to talk about it almost every day! 

Here's to today! 

two-straps.

I almost forgot about Patagonia pullovers and two-strap Birkenstocks.  (How!?)  This was my summer uniform when I was nine or ten, and I'm thinking it needs to be at 26 as well.  

Can't get these out of my head. One of each, please.

our new friend, adriene.

Michael came across this bedtime yoga video and we've since become Adriene's biggest fans.  I have a hard time falling asleep and he has a hard time touching his toes, so it was a perfect way to end the evening.  She's cute, authentic and very talented - and she's now our new friend. via youtube. normal. Check it out and sleep soundly!

let's make out.

I came across the lovely Jenna Leigh a few weekends ago and have since favorited her blog AND started following her on instagram. #creepalert!
She's quite the photographer, she has a heart for the Lord and her new print shop has me swooning.  I'm going to have to reprogram my gallery wall so I can include at least one of these beauties! 

  

Browse more of her hand-painted prints (and shop!) here. 

gallery life.

My empty-frame gallery needs a facelift.  

It's now been with me through two apartments for the length of three years, and I suppose I'm getting spring fever.  In my first apartment it hung on the wall of my reading nook, and in my current it hangs on the main wall of my living room.  

Though I loved the DIY (post to come), I think its time to bid farewell.  

 Cue the inspiration.  

photos via 

 I adore these galleries!  The character, sass, personality - it's like an autobiography hanging from your wall.  For the past few months I've been searching to collect just the right blend of personal photos, written prints, artwork and other knick knacks to create my ideal look.

I get caught between the refined look of evenly distributed matching white frames, versus the eclectic blend of mismatched frames and organized chaos.  I'm thinking I'll go with the latter, because let's be honest…my autobiography would not be refined :) 

stuck in love.

I'm so grateful for nights like this.  The rainy kind that just barely quench our yearning for spring as it uncovers all of the green from its frozen state.  I always like to think rainstorms and blizzards are God's way of telling us to stop and rest a moment.  So I'm obeying.  Candles are lit, Ben Howard is wooing me in the background, and look at this, I found my blog again :)

It's funny how you can get stuck just going through the motions, cruising in autopilot until something finally wakes you up, realizing that a whole piece of yourself was left a few miles back.  I watched a movie the other night, Stuck in Love (check it out on Netflix!) and was reunited with my adoration of language and the treasure in taking time to simply "be" and reflect.  Outside of faith based, self-improvement, or business books, I have not enjoyed a good piece of literature in I don't know how long.  

"You mean pinning wise quotes on Pinterest don't suffice in fulfilling a passion?!   Whaat."  

This has been my exposure as of late.  Sad truth.

Instead of just dipping my toes in an unfulfilling way, this movie reminded me of my love for diving in and swimming around in words until I'm as pruny as can be.   

  

Stuck in Love inspired me to become reacquainted with Raymond Carver, the mean-muggin gent above.  I vaguely remember studying him in a high school lit class, but I think my brain was too self-absorbed to let anything else sink in.  Another sad truth.  But despite his gruff appearance, the quote below provides a glimpse of a tender and romantic heart.  I can't wait to pick up a copy of the short stories in What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, or Will you Please be Quiet, Please? 

Let the swimming begin. 

not cool, Robert Frost!

i'm late to the party, i know. but if you are like me and have yet to watch kid president, please take a few minutes. it'll make your heart smile. 

give the world a reason to dance...get to it! 

three-peats

my weekend daily playlist. can't get enough. 

for this one, you just have to let it play....all 9 minutes :)
(okay maybe I stop at 6 min sometimes, but it's still so good)

happy weekend.