New Summer Haircut!

I decided to go short & sassy for summer! :) 

Independence Day!

I took this shot while in New York City last weekend...Thought it was very patriotic. :) 

Backyard Discoveries...

I've lived in the same neighborhood for about 4 years now, and I'm still amazed to find new discoveries every day!

I recently purchased a book called "Seattle City Walks." I figure, I love reading & I love walking, so it's pretty much a win-win situation with this book...Anyway, the book is filled with guided walks throughout Seattle's various neighborhoods. The Queen Anne walk started some blocks from my apartment, so I figured I'd start with that (given its proximity and all...I mean, I'm all for simplicity if ya know what I mean).

And when it's sunny in Seattle, you GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! So today I took a 2.5 mile walk throughout my neighborhood. Sure, many of the sights had been seen before, but the "guide" stopped me along the way, making me look a little closer...Historical tidbits helped make my walk so much more enjoyable...Ya'll, Mercer actually saw Queen Anne Hill in a dream years before he ever wandered the Oregon Trail from Illinois! Upon his arrival, he called the area Eden...Who would've known...I'm living in Eden! (Minus the creepy snake & forbidden fruit thankfully...In fact I learned I can actually eat the chestnuts down the street).

The hour and a half stroll ended with the discovery of a gorgeous hidden staircase just 3 blocks from my home! Remember...I've been here four years & never seen this...amazing. I can't wait for my next excursion...Hmmm...Capitol Hill? Belletown? Pioneer Square? What do you say?

Pathway to Heaven...

Slowly I walked along the path, taking time to breathe in my surroundings, yet anticipating what lie beyond my field of vision. For over that hill miles of sandy oceanfront stretched out before me, and I let the waves wash away my cares...
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Real Women

This is not simply a book, but hours...weeks...years-ful of loving work! My friend Sandy (center in photo above) has filled her pages with stories of amazing women who have touched her life. While reading it I guarantee that you will see your own friends through her words...possibly even yourself. You will be inspired to live a life that says, "I love each day!" Run down to your favorite book shoppe and spend an afternoon with some "Real Women."
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Point Atkinson

On an afternoon drive through Vancouver, we found this lighthouse tucked away near the coast. A short hike brought us to a lookout...I sat on the rocks and relaxed into my surroundings. The sky was amazingly blue overhead...the waves lapped softly below me. I was missing my journal, but a photo was snapped in order that this moment could be caught forever. 

Whole Again

As I sat across from her at the table, I could feel the life running through me. We had been apart for so long that I had almost forgotten the deep connection we share. It used to feel as if where I left off...she began & vice versa. Two women in different stages of life, yet learning from each other in unimaginable ways.

Life pulled us apart for a season, but we've found our way back...in some ways the distance will make us closer in the end, as the loss made it clear what we mean to each other.

We caught up for hours & yet barely scratched the surface. I envision many such meetings in our future...chats over coffee...laughter spilling into the darkness of walk-filled nights...hugs and smiles and memory making.

She said tonight that we are soul mates...and I have every reason to believe her.

The World Through a Writer's Eyes...

As a painter sees the world in water color, so I see the world in words...

Me, Myself & I

I have been suffering from a lack of alone-time as of late. Being in a fairly new relationship, I love spending time with my beau (giggle), but being a "loner" at heart, I need time to myself once in a blue moon...and that is what I got today!

My first hour was spent watching football...yes, you read that right, Jill was watching football...alone. (Side note: How did this happen to me!?) Anyway, I pulled myself away after the Steelers won & headed outdoors.

I walked up to one of my favorite coffee shops (El Diablo on Queen Anne Avenue) & treated myself to a Mexican hot chocolate & some Cuban toast (yes, it was a very international affair) while catching up on some reading. *sigh* It was pure heaven. I must not let so much time pass between dates with myself. I'd almost forgotten what great company I am! :)

Challenges & Strengths

I recently began my career as a Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay. I'm have a ton of fun & meeting such a wonderful group of beautiful and sincere women! I mean...where else can you work with a bunch of women who are so incredibly supportive (rather than competitive) of one another? I doubt one could find a place!

I'm at the point where I'm beginning to set goals for my business. I'm going to hold 3-5 appointments each month (at the least!). In order to do that I will need to branch out of my comfort zone & meet some new ladies...This is both exciting & scary at the same time! Being a self-described "shy girl," talking to women I don't know is a challenge for me. But it's a challenge I can and will handle!

As noted in my previous entry...We all have such strength inside us! We need just to tap into it & the outpouring will be abundant! Think of a challenge you're facing today & find that strength to overcome it! You have it!

Along my walk I notice...

On the crisp winter morning the dry leaves cling to their branches, quivering in the wind. Their rustling reaches my ears...I close my eyes and smile, for these leaves have held on while others were unable...reminding me of the inner strength in all of us.