to each, our own

Hello everyone.  Happy Happy Happy Spring!  I can only sum up my absence in these few simple words….

So yeah, believe it or not, I've been at a loss for words, at a loss for answers, and to be frank, I feel like I've been losing my direction.  I know that half of it is suppose to be about the ride - so agreed - but how about when seemingly nothing(!!) is in place?  When I don't have the answer for the cloud of lingering question marks, and when my motivation has hit the fan.  I am a huge believer in "going with, not against," and trusting the process.....90% of the time.  The other ten is spent feeling like just another number - and succumbing to the fear that I won't succeed, that I won't find my niche, and that consequently, I won't live the life I've dreamed of, with the passion I know is alive deep inside of me.  I guess what I'm saying is that while I am the solution, it scares me that I'm also the problem.  And I can also only assume that this is a grave concern and fear amongst us all.  

....and so, while this cheeky art installation invariably brings a smile to my face, I cannot tell you how much stumbling upon this quote today has meant to me....

“life is not easy for any of us. but what of that? we must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. we must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie

Without sounding too dramatic (psssh, right!), it was kinda like a life saver (or at least a Tuesday morning attitude saver).  And I plan to carry these words with me all day long, and keep believing.  

And add some more blogging on my to-do list, too. ♥

(art via, photo via)

room o' the week.

Back to basics.  

(via)

HOMEsweetHOME

My home is….

Where you'd (definitely) find something like this - artfully hung on the wall by my mom….

Where there is lots of love…

 (and lions, duh.) Where my beautiful sister lays her head at night….

Where my heart is…

…and after quite some time, where I'm going tonight.

What's home to you? Have a WONDERFUL weekend guys :)

(all images, pinterest)

day maker, valentine's edition

♥

Happy Valentines Day

(and you're welcome)

Love,

Your new favorite golden doodle, Gracie

*No, she's not mine. But if "technically your uncles' dog but you love her more than any other living and breathing animal" doesn't at least make me like a second mother, then I don't know what does.....

love stories

.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

 Focusing on couples from Brooklyn who have spent over five decades together, Brooklyn-based artist Lauren Fleishman started this project after her grandfather's passing— and upon finding a collection of love letters her grandfather had written to her grandmother.  Ms. Fleishman's raw talent and thoughtful observations has warmed my already full heart on this lovely Valentines Day.

You can find the rest of the series here on Lauren's website.

Paris v. New York

I love this clever idea from graphic designer Vahram Muratyan. The Godard v. Woody gets me every time.  I'd love to frame this one, or maybe this one.

Which do you prefer?

(P.S. While I'm a New Yorker, I'm finding I'd chose Paris for all of the above...with the exception of Woody :)

Via A Cup of Jo

knuckle rings

Welcome to my new go-to accessory: the knuckle ring.  I can't get enough of them, and find myself gazing at my hand during the day when I think no one is watching (secret's out)!  As per my complete guidance, my boyfriend gifted me the yellow gold First Knuckle Ring from Catbird (my new go-to store) for my birthday, and I treated myself to the Threadbare Ring (worn on my middle finger, as evident in the super professional photo of my hand below).  I'm thinking about adding another Threadbare to wear on top of my first one, or maybe adding this chained beauty from BRVTVS and wearing it as a knuckle ring on my middle finger.  THE OPTIONS! I hope it's not just me, but I think the delicate knuckle ring look is completely fresh and statement-making, in a smart and chic kind of way.  Thoughts?  Would you guys ever wear a knuckle ring?  By the way, you think it would fall off but it stays secure (just be mindful of it when you're washing your hands). All kinds of magic! And hey, upcoming birthdays- sign up for their newsletter to receive something sweet on your day ♥

(top photo: Catbird, bottom photos: Catbird, me)

full of blessings

So guys, today is the day.  At 10:30-something, I entered my 25th year! So far, so good. And as my best friend Eugenie reminded me, "Remember what I told you ... For an upstate New York deli worker named Sandy, 25 was the best time of her life."  Thanks, Sandy.  But really, I am feeling good about this quarter of a century mark, largely because of the glorious blessings I carry with me, always, but especially today after someone very special to me pulled through a major surgery like an absolute champion.  Today my Grandfather is my biggest blessing, my most special gift.  This 25 year old is thanking her lucky stars.  I'm also looking forward to sharing more with you after the sunny day has run it's course.  For now, just putting some good vibes out into the world wide web, and am hoping you'll do the same for my Grandfather. 

Continue to count your blessings, friends.   

(top image via / bottom: my grandfather and I)