closet carnage.

From how my closet looked this morning, I think it's been a busy week.

On one hand, this horrifies me. (I dislike mess.)

On the other hand, look at all the pretty shoes! (I really, really like shoes.)

Just keeping it real, people.

Hope your Thursday is happy!

where the green grass grows...

Six Lanes, tail lights
Red ants marching into the night
They disappear to the left and right again

Another supper from the sack
A ninety-nine cent heart attack
I've got a pounding head and an achin' back
My Camels buried in a big straw stack

I'm gonna live where the green grass grows
Watch my corn pop up in rows
Every night be tucked in close to you
Raise our kids where the good Lord's blessed
Point our rocking chairs towards the west
And plan our dreams where the peaceful river flows
Where the green grass grows

Well I'm from a map dot
A stop sign on a black top
I caught the first bus that I could hop from there
But all of this glitter is getting dark
There's concrete growing in the city park
I don't know who my neighbors are
And there's bars on the corner and bars on my heart

I'm gonna live where the green grass grows
Watch my corn pop up in rows
Every night be tucked in close to you
Raise our kids where the good Lord's blessed
Point our rocking chairs towards the west
And plan our dreams where the peaceful river flows
Where the green grass grows


Why these lyrics?

Because this was on the radio this morning, and because it makes me happy...that's why!


*image via tumblr

another good quote

When talking with a few of my closest girls this weekend, I shared this quote - and thought it was good enough to share here too.

Sometimes it's easy to assume that tears are the wrong response, and try to stop them too quickly, isn't it?

After all, what does it mean to rejoice/mourn with those who are rejoicing/mourning?

I know, big questions for a Tuesday morning...any thoughts?


*image via tumblr

goodbye, friend.

Yesterday, Twin and I received the sad news that we lost our good friend, Ms. O.

She lived a full, happy life - and one much longer than most dogs her size - but it's still sad to know that we'll never again be greeted by her larger-than-life bark and giant smiling face.



Goodbye, friend. We'll miss you.

stuck in my head...

I'm pretty sure we all know this song. Maybe you don't love it like I do, but that's okay.

(I'll try not to judge you if that's how you feel.)

Anyway, ever since hearing this last weekend, I've been randomly breaking out in into song. Poor Twin always looks a little confused when I just start belting out whatever pops into my head...and with such a long song, you never know where I'll start singing, which adds to the adventure.

After waking up this morning and singing random snippets all through breakfast, you can only imagine my pure joy when what came blasting out of my car radio when I left for work but my beloved Don McLean. (and by beloved I mean he sang two songs I like...)

For almost half of my sunny drive to work, I happily sang along - content that some songs never change, and that childhood memories can make a Friday morning really fun. I just adore that feeling when the right song comes on the radio at the right time. It's like for those few minutes of blissful singing, all is well with the world.

What's been stuck in your head lately?

good thoughts.

I like this.

(and I really like that font!)

Sometimes we need these little reminders, don't we?

Hope your Friday is happy - I'm determined to make sure mine is!


*via tumblr

just because

It struck me this morning, as I drove in to the office, that there are so many small happy things going on around me every day...and if I'm not stopping to celebrate them when they happen, then I'm missing them.

So here are a few happy things I've observed today (in no particular order):
* It was warm enough when I left the house that I didn't have to wear a coat.
* We have some genuinely friendly, lovely clients. How amazing to actually enjoy the people you work for.
* Some quality Bob Dylan tunes were on the radio earlier.
* Sir H happily greets me every morning when I get to work.
*One of the giant potholes that threatens to eat my car every morning has been filled.
* It smells like summer rain outside. (and it's warm enough for our door to be open so I know that!)

What about you? What happy things have you been noticing lately?


*image via tumblr

wishes

Wouldn't it be nice to spend today perched by the water, reading a good book?

I can hear the birds singing outside this morning, and it makes me wish for a long, lazy day out in the sunshine.

Hope you see some sunshine today, wherever you are!


*via tumblr

sweet

I've had this picture tucked away in my files forever, and it always makes me smile, so today I thought I'd share!

Hope you find something to smile about today!


*via tumblr

oh monday.

It kind of feels like a Monday today.

Not in a terrible, everything's-gone-wrong sort of way, but more of a sleepy, why-is-the-weekend-over sort of way.

For instance, when talking with my boss about a particularly annoying vendor this morning, I may have referred to the individual in question as "Mister Picky Pants."

Yeah, it's Monday.

I think I'd like to go home and eat a lovely ice cream sandwich like this one. Anyone want to join me?


*via tumblr

weekend

Lots of relaxing this weekend, folks. And it's been wonderful.

I slept nice and late yesterday, then Twin and I made the most delish french toast and watched 500 Days of Summer.



Holy cute, amazing movie. I loved the characters, adored the music, and laughed my way through the entire thing.

(Can I please be Zooey Deschanel? Or at least have her wardrobe?)



Then we got to hang out with a few of our favorite girlies - because what could be better than girl time on a rainy weekend evening?

We ate lots more yummy food (including this cheesy wonder) and watched Bride & Prejudice.

And no, that's not a typo. If you haven't seen it, it's a Bollywood style Pride & Prejudice story, full of dancing and Indian culture and incredible cheesiness.

Watch it and giggle - you won't be sorry.



Then, because we hadn't had our fill of tv yet, Twin and I finished Season 4 of Criminal Minds this afternoon.

(Yes, I know...it's another cop show. But you know what, we really like them!)

Hope your weekend has been full of good things too!

gray

It's a cold, wet, gray day here.

(some of the dreaded white stuff has even been mixing in with the cold rain, which is decidedly not okay.)

But when I look how pretty these sheep look against the green and gray, I guess it's okay to have gray days every once in a while. And besides, these days sure make the blue sky and sun look awfully good when they come back.

Hope your Friday is good, friends!


*via tumblr

amazing.

How great are these built-ins?

I love that they go over the door frame, and think the loose color organization is pretty beautiful.

What do you think about each shelf being the exact same square shape and size? I can't quite decide what I think about that...


*via desire to inspire

itty bitty

Did you ever pick tiny little flowers like these when you were a kid?

I would always spend loads of time picking bunches of these little gems, and then proudly present them to Momma.

(who put them in water and treasured them like a champ...even though they probably did nothing but wreck havoc on her pollen allergies.)

What are you favorite itty bitty signs of spring?


*via tumblr

love.

I like this.

(And I kind of like those sneakers, which is weird for me.)

How (or who) can you love today, my friends?


*via tumblr

red!

I'm in total spring mode, but this coat stopped me in my tracks.

I adore the shape - the tailored and elegant body contrasts so nicely with the fullness of the bottom...and that belt! And the color!

Ok, I'm ready to go back to spring now. Thanks for listening!


*via the sartorialist

summer nights.

These longer evenings make me yearn for slightly warmer temperatures so that more dinners could be grilled and enjoyed in the back yard.

(Twin and I have started grilling again this week, and it's just amazing to me how much better food tastes when cooked outside.)

Our yard is tiny and not overly glamorous, but the combination of having a quiet spot with loads of candles and twinkle lights makes it cozy and perfect for escaping the world.

With a few more warmer weekends, we'll be able to tackle the leaves and branches leftover from the winter, and then you'll always know where to find me after work!


*via tumblr

purdy.

I love these.

All those purples are so rich and luscious - and that background texture and color is just gorgeous!

The bf and I are off for the weekend to visit my folks, and I'm so looking forward to seeing them. (I haven't seen them since Christmas!) Plus we are doing lunch with sister on the way up, so that will be fun too!

Happy weekend, friends. Hope it's lovely!


*via the bride's cafe

good to remember

Simple but true.

Sometimes I think about how privileged we are to worry about things like wrinkles and extra pounds when others in the world worry about eating and surviving.

(I'm not going for guilt here - just reminding you about how blessed we are.)

Happy Thursday!


*via tumblr

spring is my favorite.

Today is another day with big promises of sunshine and warm temps - and I'm not stuck in the office! I'm on the road all day for one of my clients (totally my favorite, but don't tell the others, ok?) which means lots of time with the windows down, the music up, and maybe even an iced coffee.

This time of year makes my heart so happy. Every time I discover another tree with baby green leaves, or find another flower about to bud I get positively giddy with excitement. Plus this morning the birds were singing when I woke up - best thing ever!

What about you - what do you love about spring?

Hope your day is full of good things, friends!


*via tumblr

yes please.

How gorgeous is this leather tote?

A tad bit more than I ever pay for a bag, but pretty lovely none-the-less!

(plus isn't the listing photo kind of nice? I like that wood floor and green wall combo...)


*via etsy

awesomeness.

This is pure amazingness, people...it combines my love of puppies and fonts!

(yes, I know I'm a total dork - let's not talk about it any further)

What one is your favorite? I think mine might be the Eurostile pooch. So perfect!


*via Cup of Jo

white space

As someone who has opinions about art for a living (I know, sweet gig) I know this is true. One of my frequent critiques about pieces I don't like is that there's too much going on - too busy.

Why is it so hard to apply the same principle to our lives, then? A little while space can go a long way in the busy pace of our lives, but it's awfully hard to come by, isn't it?

Just a little food for thought...

Hope your Monday is wonderful, friends!


*via shutter sisters

happy easter!

Hope your Easter is filled with every happiness!

I will be celebrating the Risen One, eating lots of ham, and enjoying hosting our friends and family in our tiny little apartment!


*image via tumblr

so stinkin sweet

I don't know if you read the Pioneer Woman or not, but you have got to see this.

Holy cuteness.

Just go read it. You won't be sorry.


*via PW

sunshine.

Today it's supposed to be uncharacteristically warm and sunny - and I can't wait to get outside and soak up as much of it as possible!

Other things on the docket? Prayer with my peeps, cleaning out my car, buying a ham, and getting ready to host a little Easter celebration at our place tomorrow!

Happy weekend, friends!


*image via shutter sisters

girlfriends

I love these girls.

Every time I see these photos, I can't help but smile.

(and then wonder what the heck was happening with my hair...you know the thought process.)

Happy Friday, friends!

true story.

There is hardly a more difficult concept to really wrap our minds around, but it's the most important one out there - we are loved.

It's tough enough to truly understand that we can be loved by another person, but fathoming that the God of the universe loves us - loves me - is even more mind blowing.

A good place to start, especially today, is remembering the significance of His sacrifice on the cross. Because when we stop and dwell there - even for a minute - we can't help but know that His love is for real.

And that it's for me.


*image via tumblr

everyday beauty

I love this picture - it's such a good example of the kind of everyday moments that catch my eye and make me so grateful for the small instances of beauty that surround us.

Yes, I know it's a dirty train floor and just a pair of yellow shoes, but isn't it lovely? And doesn't it inspire you to be watching out for those little moments?

Happy today, friends!


*via shutter sisters