Do we look shiny & beautiful? We should, because we'd just had a beauty make-over! Five of us got together for an evening of hors d'oeuvres (I single-handedly devoured an entire plate of cheese!) and fun! You can tell by the smiles on our faces that our task was accomplished!
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The Break-Over

Tonight my girlfriend & I went to the most fabulous event...Greg Behrendt (author of He's Just Not that into You) and his wife held a book signing/talk about their new literary venture, It's Called a Breakup Because it's Over!). Imagine 200 ladies (no exageration here) packed into an intimate, candlelit venue (we strategically placed ourselves upfront & center on the nice cozy couch with a Super Fox each), while Greg & his wife bantered about the hilarity of our girly break-up brains (drunken phone calls, wearing his sweater, thinking there's "hope" even though he's got a new girlfriend!) We were laughing our pretty little heads off! And to top it all off, my friend won the raffled "Break-up Kit," which included, amungst other things, a voodoo doll! Hehehe...Seeing as her divorce was final just one month ago, I found this very appropriate! As I type she's probably sitting in her bubble bath, eating chocolate & stabbing her little heart out (or his!) Hehehe...
I highly recommend anyone pick up Greg's book...Even if you're not currently going through a breakup, you've surely suffered through one before...and I know you need a laugh!
I'll leave you with an excerpt from the book:
It's past two in the morning. You're on your third glass of wine. You're wearing his sweater because it still smells like him (and quite frankly, he never really smelled that great, but we'll give it to you). Stamp out that dumb French cigarette and put down that phone. No really, don't make that call. Why? Because you're not that girl, looking for another chance with someone who has proven himself unworthy of your greatness. You're not that girl, sitting alone with a box of tissues when a world full of possibilities waits outside her door. Starting right here, right now, it's time to dry your tears, put down that pint of ice cream, log out of his email, and open this book to chapter one--and start turning your breakup into a break-over.

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A Letter I Wrote Today...

Thunder cracks overhead in an announcement of autumn's arrival, and sheets of rain turned to ice hit the pavement with a pounding roar outside my open window. I have just stepped in from an afternoon in the city and am thankful that Mother Nature waited for my safe return before opening up her skies for my enjoyment. The clouds may have turned gray, but my mood is lightened instantly by this beautiful, stormy display.

These are the moments that I am reminded to slow down, "smell the roses," and be thankful for the glorious days I've been given. For a storm calls me to be still...to close my eyes and pay close attention to each of my senses, and to listen to what is going on not just outside, but inside as well. Today I have chosen to feel the electricity in the air and allow it to energize my spirit. For fall is a time of renewal, and today is just the beginning!

Realization

Do you ever have those moments when you realize that all your choices made up until this point have lead to where you are right now? I've been having those moments all week. Many people look back at their lives with regret...regret over choices made, opportunities not pursued, ended relationship...But what I have learned is that regret has no place in my life. I am thankful for lost opportunities, because they only lead to opportunities found. Sure, there are things I could've done thingsdifferently in my life...but where would I be right now had I made other choices? Could I be better off? Yes...but I could also be worse off...really it's 50/50 isn't it? So why do we often leach onto the idea that our lives might've been greater? -- Me, I like to believe that every choice I've made has lead me to the happiness I've found today. The hard times have made the good times easier...the sadness has made the happiness that much brighter.

Quote of the Day

"Love puts the fun in together...
the sad in apart...
the hope in tomorrow...
the joy in a heart."

Action Hero

You know those moments when you look at someone, and you realize how much you truly care about him/her? It may be your spouse, your sweetheart, your best friend, or a parent…but something inside you springs to life, and you’re filled with love for another…I urge you to put those feelings into words…Tell them!

Love is the most powerful action on earth…Be an action hero.

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Queen Anne

My family often questions the sanity of my choice to live in the city. It’s “too busy, too crowded, too noisy,” they say. What they don’t realize is that their excuses are my reasons for being here. I love the city life.

Having been raised in a valley on the outskirts of town (the closest bus stop was over a mile away!) The fact that I can step out of the stillness of my apartment and into the bustle is amazing to me.

My neighborhood is, quite simply put, perfect. At any given moment I can nap in a secluded garden, take in a show at the theater, sip a cappuccino at a corner shoppe, spend hours reading in the sunshine, disco the night away at a local hot spot, or take in the most beautiful view the city has to offer– And this is all within walking distance!

So ask…What’s not to love!?

The Magnificent Unknown

"Life does not always go your way. And in that truth is a world of magnificent possibilities."

Butterfly

I awoke in a cozy cocoon this morning and did not want to spread my wings and go to work. But, as I stepped outside, the scent of salty sea air and the sun on my face changed my mind…Today will be a good day I’ve decided. *happy sigh* Ahhh…the difference one moment can make.

Be Yourself

"It's better to be hated for who you are rather than loved for who you're not."

My Gift

I don’t know that he realizes how much I truly love and appreciate him, as I don’t always behave as if I do… My past is littered with unfaithful partners, untruthfulness and unfulfilled promises that have lead to fallen relationships and broken hearts (namely mine). Because of this a wall has built up around my once trusting self, and it has been difficult to undo the damage caused by past hurts…and he is the one who pays the price.

Yet he is patient with me…

Having never experienced this true happiness, it is often difficult to accept at face value... But when I am untrusting, he vows his faithfulness always. When fears of abandonment surface, he promises he’s “not going anywhere.” And when memories of the past cause me to doubt, he continues to love me through my pain…

He is…quite simply…amazing.

I have never in my life felt so beautiful, so adored, so loved…Throughout the years I have dreamed of, prayed for and asked God to bring this man into my life…At times I wondered if it would ever happen, but in His great timing, He waited for the right moment…the right man…and He blessed me with the most precious person he could have placed in my life…

And I will cherish him forever…

Kyle

This is the face that lightens my every minute. The depth I have fallen for him is beyond measure...and the fact that he returns my adoration to the same degree simply amazes me. He has become my brightness...my love... for all of my days.
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On Fire

"Love is friendship on fire."
~author unknown

Forgiveness

As I sat on the median I'd jumped after turning the wrong way down the one-way, I realized something...I am one of those "crazy drivers" I often shake my fist at...With that revelation in mind, I think I'll be a bit more forgiving moving forward...

New

Always remember that spine-tingling, butterflies-in-your-tummy, giggly type of new-relationship bliss...It is the recipe for love's endurance.

FROG

As I took a stroll in the sunshine I passed a pond where I inadvertently frightened a frog…He jumped from my path, and splashed me in his haste to get away…I laughed aloud!

– Notice something around you today that you usually wouldn’t…It’ll make you smile & lighten your mood!

Pathway to Sunshine

Today a friend called...She trusts my advice she tells me. "Mine?" I thought...funny to think that only months ago, soliciting the advice of all my friends had been the norm.
Her questions were so familiar to me, as I had struggled with many of the same issues not so long ago. And as I answered them I realized that my past experiences were being used to help guide her today...
Looking over the tough decisions this year has brought my way and the strength I mustered to finally make them, it was an "ah-ha" moment for me when I realized how far I have come, and how happy my life has become by making the right choices.
There really IS a light at the end of each dark tunnel...Some tunnels are just longer than others...Each of us has what it takes to walk the path & step into the sunshine!

Postcard from Venice

Every time someone I know travels to Venice, I always ask them to send me a postcard...To this date, nobody has ever actually followed through! So...going with the "if you want something done right, do it yourself" philosophy...while in Venice, I sent myself a postcard...I received it the other day, and it brought me back to that day that I stepped out of the train station & realized I had arrived at my dream!

A Lovely Thought...

"Hearing his name by chance, A light would pass over her face."
--Sara Teasdale

One of the many "window shots" I took. This is my favorite.
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I'm Back!

I returned from Italy on Sunday evening. Oh what a wonderful time I had! You can still check out my adventure log at www.jillinitaly.blogspot.com. I should have some picture up by next week sometime!

My Italian Adventure!

Thursday I will be embarking on my trip to Italy! My travels will bring me to Rome, Florence & Venice. Check my Italy blog for updates during my trip!

www.jillinitaly.blogspot.com

Ciao!

Daddy's Little Girl

I love you dad!
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Pigtails...A Self Portrait!

The other day a co-worker told me she was "too old" to wear pigtails of her own...I laughed aloud at that one! I mean...you're NEVER too old for pigtails!!!
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Finding a reason to smile, "the girls" took a trip to sunny Hawaii! Here we are after our trip to the spa! ... smiles were abundant that day!
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~ A Picture of Happiness ~
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Open Windows

When God closes one door, He always opens a window to opportunity.

True happiness has often eluded me…I have climbed out the proffered window, however, and am basking in the sunlight that comes with 2nd chances…

Let me say, I am delighted by what He has given me.

TGIF

Today’s sunshine put me in a playful mood. I braved the cool weather by cracking my car window…and as I blasted my stereo (The Killers was my CD of choice) I sang along and bopped my head. And when Kyle called, I sang to him too! (smile) Oh what a grand way to begin the last day before the weekend!

The Spirit of Aloha...

The tropical Hawaiian breezes are calling my name, and Sunday afternoon I will answer. But while the sun, the surf, and the sand are easing my weary soul, they will be no consolation for my missing you...

Something's Missing...or Missing Something?

I know it was me who called it over, but I still wish you'd fought me 'til your dying day...don't let me get away...

-- The wise words of -- John Mayer

Proximity

The proximity of you alone exhilarates me greatly, and my smile in your company never ceases.

Spring is Near...

The crystal clear morning dawned outside my apartment, and across the water the mountains were transformed in their pink and purple hues. With the sparkling bay reflecting the rising sun, the morning had begun…

Valentine

A friend of mine stopped by a flower shop & took a picture of the most beautiful yellow roses I’ve ever seen…I found this virtual bouquet in my email inbox when I logged in this morning. It was my first Valentine of the day! Oh how I appreciated it. In fact, it now pops up each time I open my email and brings a smile to my face!

The Sitting Room

Just the other evening my friend and I were out celebrating his 33rd year. After a fabulously rich dinner (followed by equally delicious dessert), we ended our evening in a wine bar in our neighborhood. This quaint little spot provided the ideal, intimate environment for lovely drinks and delightful conversation.

Having experienced some recent difficulty in our relationship, we have decided to get back to the basics…our friendship. And as we laughed about old times & chatted about the new, I was reminded of all the things that had drawn me to him at our meeting 7 years ago. The ease of our relationship was not lost on me…

And as we left that night, we giggled in remembrance of our evening. It is not every night that we get the chance to lounge on a soft couch in the front window-seat of a dimly lit eatery while discussing upcoming trips to Italy! We felt very stylish & sophisticated for the moment, and our laughter tinkled into the night…

Happy Birthday J!

75

And now I'm sunny with a High of 75
Since You took my heavy heart and made it light
And its funny how you find you enjoy your life
When you're happy to be alive

-- Relient K

When in Rome...

Buonasera!

I have dreamed my entire life of a trip to Europe. Today I learned that I will be traveling to Rome (Italy…not Georgia!) And to top it off, I will be paid to go!

Months ago I placed little yellow stickers around my apartment. On each sticker is the Italian word for the object it is attached to…so far I have learned to say shower, toilet, sink, bathroom, kitchen and cabinet…Think that will come in handy? Maybe I’d better invest in a phrase book ‘eh?

Ciao!

Escape

Feeling alone in a crowd today. Have feelings, emotions and thoughts bottled up inside that I want to let go...Yet at the same time I don't want to voice them. Working on the ignore-them-and-they'll-go-away theory has not been working for me as of yet. Wish I could escape sometimes...

Beautiful Soul

Music is good for the soul, so I hope you're humming something today!
This chorus has been in my head all morning...

I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul

--Jesse McCartney

Exit

This morning I was a bit restless. Traffic had me frazzled, and the thought of driving past the exit to work appeared more than a few times in my mind. Then…as I crossed the bridge, and I glanced away from the road…my attitude was changed.

To my right the mountain towered above the placid lake waters that stretched forever. A quiet peace overcame me, as I thought of the Creator of this magnificent picture in front of me. It is with thanksgiving to Him that I continued on and decided to take that exit…for although I don’t always think so, I am blessed to have work in this world filled with so many who do not.

Love

Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.
--Mother Teresa

Daily Needs

There will be days which are great and everything goes as planned. There will be other days when we aren't sure why we got out of bed. Regardless of which day it is, we can be assured that God takes care of our daily needs.
-- Emilie Barnes

Brighter Days

This morning I noticed that the sun came out a bit earlier & the sky was lighter than usual on my drive in to work. It was a reminder that each day will continue to be brighter than the next. What a comforting thought!

Please Help Me

"...the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Act 20:35)

Oh how true this statement is. While stopped at a light the other morning, a homeless man approached my car with a sign, "Please help me," it said. That simple sign reached me in unimaginable ways. In the moment it took me to make my decision, my blessings flashed before me...a home, warm clothing, plentiful food...How could I not give to this man? "God bless you," I said as I gave him what I had. His "thank you" was heart felt...His smile so humble...Believe me, the receiver was not the only one touched that day.

We are called to give what we can when we can. Please...look around you today and find someone who is in need of something...anything...food, shelter, money...or something as simple as friendship, a hug or a smile...and help them. You will both be blessed beyond measure.