happiness

Summer Changes

For me, summertime seems to be a time for change. While such change used to mean the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, this summer I found myself moving from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. My move was the result of a rather unexpected and intriguing job offer. In a month’s time, I accepted a new position and travelled 1,656.4 miles west, agreeing to move to a city where I knew no one and knew even less about what my new job entailed. Although much of my recent move is daunting, there are many exciting aspects. My job is interesting and challenging, I have the opportunity to make more friends, and I get to explore a new city and region. In the coming months, I hope to share these experiences, and show that while big life changes can be daunting, they are also a wonderful opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and see what you’re capable of.

~ C.

Monday Musing

The best things in life are the people you love,

the places you’ve seen,

and the memories you’ve made along the way.”

MM

“Promise me you’ll always remember:

You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

~ A.A. Milne

“Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life,

but will surely add life to your years.”

These kids are off to a good start!

Every neighborhood needs a great lady who:

Shows up to a backyard BBQ in pearls and pumps and makes it look great.

Dances in her kitchen even though the neighbors can see in the window.

Remembers to bake a birthday cake for every kid in the neighborhood.

Sings “I Want to Dance With Someone” at the top of her lungs.

Isn’t afraid to mow the lawn. But only every now and then.

Always has the fixings for an impromptu cocktail hour.

Waves hello every time she sees you.

Is charming. And witty. And kind.

Spring, is that you?

What better way is there to spend a glorious Tuesday afternoon, than in the park with a yummy dinner and a good book? Today I found myself doing just that, and it was marvelous! Winter in the Upper Midwest tends to be longer and colder than you can imagine, and with today’s 60 degree temperature, everyone was out and about. Young and old, new friends, old friends, children on bicycles, dogs eagerly sniffing the smells of spring. While another snow storm is possible (it is only March, after all), everyone seems to be taking advantage of the sun and the fresh air I love this time of year, and as witnessed today, so does everyone else.

Confidence:

a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.

Sunday Brunch

There are few things more wonderful on the weekend than having brunch. Brunch is more than just a meal – no one needs brunch to survive, yet in so many ways, brunch is essential to a life well-enjoyed. It can be as simple or eventful as you wish to make it, but at its core, brunch is about time spent in the company of dear friends and loved ones, delectable breakfast foods that normally don’t make it into your daily hustle and bustle, and a reason to look forward to the next weekend!

Today I had brunch at a local diner. It was simple and straight-forward, no frills brunch. As an avid foodie, I will be the first to admit that I love a place with a good bloody mary bar and gourmet crepe made from scratch. However, sometimes a stack of buttermilk pancakes and mug of coffee is all it takes to hit the spot. What are some of your favorite brunch plates and places?