Quotable Quotes

The concept of hanging on to a few key phrases or ideas was something that I learned in High School (thanks, Mrs. Pedersen) and continue to do to this day. As a writer, i'm drawn to words. I collect them. If you shuffle through my bag, there are quotes written on receipts and scraps of paper. I keep a journal with me almost all the time and write them there. I thought I'd share a few of the quotes that I'm finding particularly relevant right now.

"For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This persective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one." --Souza

**I try to live this way. I try to treasure the little moments and remember that life is about the journey, not the destination. Most of all, I DO NOT want to be one of those people who says "I'll be happy when...". This quote reminds me of that.

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

**This quote, which currently is residing on my bathroom mirror, reminds me to be alive and in the moment, and make choices and spend time so I feel that way. Who cares if what makes me feel alive does not conform to society's view of normal and important? I'm the one who is living my life. And I'm living it for me.

"I want this music and this dawn. And the warmth of your cheek against mine." - Rumi

**Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Rumi? His words just make me melt. In my opinion, this sums up exactly what true love is about...shared simple pleasures and feeling at home with the one you choose. And, yes, this is one of those "non-negotiables" I am holding out for.

"Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that's why I made works of art." Felix Gonzalez-Torres

**This is why I write. For all of the reasons listed above, and for many more.

"...I fully aim to get my soul known again..." -Jonatha Brooke/Woody Guthrie

**I'm not sure how to reference this quote. It's from a song by one of my favorite artists ever, Jonatha Brooke, but the words come from Woody Guthrie's previous work, I believe. No matter what, though, it sums up perfectly what I'm looking for in a relationship. I want someone to know my soul. (wow, lots of relationshippy things on the brain lately. Wonder how come?)

Just thought I'd share some of the words that are bouncing through my head these days. What about you? What quotes/words/songs make your world come alive?

After much debate, talking myself in and out of it, and trying to convince myself I didn't want/need/have time to go....

I JUST SENT MY REGISTRATION IN FOR SQUAM ART WORKSHOPS!!


Party in my cabin? Who's in?

Gratitude Friday

First off, I noticed that I have a few new readers here! YAY! I love getting to know new people and I especially love new blog friends. If you are so inclined, please leave me a little note in the comments and tell me about you. Also, I'd love your to check out your blog, if you have one, so please send that along.

And now, a list of things I am particularly thankful for this week:

~My daughter, as always, is the joy of my life. She hasn't felt well for a while and also had the dreaded ear infection over the last weekend. She's feeling better and is acting so much happier. I'm grateful she is healthy and whole.
~My friend, Molly, who just gave me the best advice ever. She said "We don't make rules for ourselves necessarily to follow them. We make them to make us think about it." This is particularly relevant in dealing with a recent issue, and she totally gets where I am coming from. I am so thankful to have such a wise, kind, caring friend who just gets me.
~And speaking of friends who just get me, I'm so very thankful for my friend and soulmate, Candace, who needs girl time, who believes in energy, who understands the need to shop for fishnets and Orgasm, who has taught me how to heal, who inspires me to work harder for what I want, and who lives for happiness at all costs. I couldn't have made it through a few hard times without her. She also called me "the coolest mormon she has ever met", which I am taking as a HUGE compliment. Love you, girl.
~ I am thankful for "my six month to one year plan". For those who know what I'm talking about...I'm also thankful for your encouragement and enthusiasm.
~I am grateful that it has not snowed much lately. I understand that I live in Utah and most people like the snow, but I do not. I am grateful not to be tortured as much this year. :)
~I am thankful for a full nights sleep, which has left me a little giddy this morning. Who knew that 8 straight could make you feel like a million, even with two ruptured eardrums.

As always, this is just a sneak peek at all the amazing things in my life. So what about you? What are you grateful for?

Love Looks Like This

I'm a writer. I express myself through words.

I've been trying to find the words to express how beautiful these little boys are. How, when their tiny fingers gripped around mine, I felt them grip my heart, as well. How amazing it is to see the personalities already. How giant the spirits are that are housed in the tiny bodies. How beautiful my sister is, and how fully she has come into motherhood. How strong and steady their father is, and how he is such a great example of the type of man they will become.

I can't find all the words I need, and so I offer these photos to show you: This is what LOVE looks like.