On this monday evening

Tonight, I am...

*feeling very grateful and very protected and very pleased with how my life feels these days.
*reviewing my photos from a photo shoot with my brother's family. Want a little sneak peek?
(I shot this in manual - I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.)
*marinating in Liz Elayne's words; here. Powerful words, powerful emotion. I'm amazed and inspired by her bravery and grace.
*cleaning up after a weekend full of out of town fun and goodness. There is so much laundry - I swear it multiplies while I am at work.
*listening to some newly added music: Jack Johnson, Sara Barielles and a new to me but older Ray LaMontagne (my love affair with his voice continues....mmmmm....).
*deciding that having Riley skip her afternoon nap might be a good thing - she's out cold by 8:30, giving me some desperately needed "me time".
*treating myself to some new books from Amazon. It's been too long since I had a "to Amy, with Love from Amy" package arrive. (what are you reading these days?)
*missing my girlfriends and my sister. Some serious girl time is needed this week. All you local girlies take note-let's ride, let's run, let's eat, let's play, let's dance! Those of you who are far away - be warned...you're next!
*Enjoying the little things that brightened up my day - a text with a video of the twinners, a sweet, slightly goofy and fully adorable message from DMV, the dessert my neighbor just dropped by for me, a phone call from this woman.
*anticipating my phone date with my friend/therapist/life coach/personal psychic/all around wonderful friend, Stormy.
*Loving life. I gotta say, it's pretty great....pretty great, indeed.

**Randomness**

Me and my shadow

Just some random stuff that has been wandering through my head-space today:

*I have been playing classical music in the mornings, because I find it to be a soothing and non-assaulting way to wake up. The unexpected benefit is that it seems to help Riley stay a bit more calm and focused on getting out the door and on our way. Win-win.

*It's so nice to have a friend who shops online and forwards suggestions to you, especially one that knows what you need because she knows every item in your closet, and instinctively knows what will look good on you. And it's even nicer when you don't like to shop and don't have time for it.

*I've been enjoying experimenting with new, healthier ingredients in everyday cooking. Things like agave nectar, greek yogurt and different whole grains are easy to use and a better option than many of my usual, go-to ingredients.

*Riley spent the evening with some friends last night, and came home with feet that were filthy from playing outside.
When we were getting her ready for bed, I asked "What does it mean when you have such dirty feet?"
The answer I was looking for: "It means I need to wash them."
The answer I got: "It means I had FUN, Mama!"
I liked her answer much better.

*When one of your favorite people lives in Hawaii, it's pretty much criminal not to visit her there, right? I need to start looking for tickets.

*Mae West was right: Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.

*I've been finding inspiration in the most unexpected places lately. I love it when the Universe hands out small gifts like this.

*A little bit of yoga is better than none at all.

*I CANNOT wait until Squam by the Sea in October. I'm dreaming of days on the beach, lighthouses, time with my girls....heaven.

*I want some brown cowboy boots....the more beat-up, the better.