Things I've Learned This Week


This past election season has brought out a lot of passion in millions of people. Which is great. I likely take for granted my legal right to voice my opinion when plenty of other countries are not so open minded. But what I've learned this week is that we need to do more listening. We are so quick to share opinion or tell a story or bring the attention to ourselves. But rarely do we take the time to actively listen-whether that's to our family, our friends, strangers we run into day-today...Listening opens up the possibility for a greater understanding and connection. With our country so seemingly divided, I believe we need to take the time to listen and find the things we have in common, not just the things we disagree on.

xxo

Happy Birthday, Mama


I could never express the true extent of my gratitude to be the daughter of this woman. So selfless, always letting me eat the last bite of food, making my favorite treats, cleaning my apartment and filling it with flowers and love notes when I return from a trip, loving me, encouraging me....On and on. God only knows how much we truly love her. When I was little and did something nice for someone else or selfless, my parents would say that God put a beautiful jewel in our crowns for it. She's got the most beautifully adorned crown waiting for her in heaven.

I love you forever, mama. 

Chocolate Tastings and Beer Gardens


If you live in the Sacramento area and have never been to Ginger Elizabeth in midtown, you are missing out (on a lot of sugar intake and calories...but mostly joy and decadence). My brother's girlfriend Natalie and I have taken to going to the monthly events at Ginger Elizabeth, and this past Saturday they were sampling the new bon bon menu. 



Naturally after indulging in chocolates we walked over to Der Biergarten. It was such a beautiful afternoon with the sun out, but still cool enough to not be melting. We spent some time on their patio sipping on beer and munching on french fries. What a Saturday!



xxo


Things I've Learned This Week



1. It makes a huge difference in my day and general outlook when I take the time to find gratitude in the seemingly every-day-mundane. I've always loved the transition to fall. The colors are beautiful and ever changing. I love the symbolism of trees shedding their leaves and conserving energy. It reminds me to do the same: shed the outer layer, and continue to grow my roots strong and healthy.

2. I read Love Warrior this week by Glennon Doyle Melton in about five days. The only reason it wasn't within one day is because things like work and general adulting get in the way...What a powerful book. Glennon is open and honest and deep and dark. She's also hopeful and brave and courageous. I cried at least five different times. One thing I really connected with is the idea that Glennon presents about pain. She wrote that although pain is universal, it's incredibly personal in the moment. Much of my frustration and sadness in leaving the chickens is that no one else I know has been through the same situation. Although everyone in my life that I look to in times of need and find comfort in have no doubt experienced great pain, it's not the same. But Glennon reminded me of something Maya Angelou said that I also connect with: we are more alike than unalike. 

3. I will no longer apply to jobs that work with pre-school or elementary school age children. My heart is for adolescent girls, and I will put all of my resources and energy toward following that path, not the easy and familiar path of young children. 

4. My (ten years) younger brother just performed in his first high school play called 44 Plays for 44 Presidents. I loved every minute of it, even when he wasn't on stage! As a little boy he did some theater and he's always been a musician by playing guitar and piano. So to finally see him performing on stage as a young man was so satisfying and made me so proud of him. His bravery in stepping in to the theater program as a senior has inspired me to go for the things that interest me no matter what. 

xxo
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Happy Halloween


I've never really been into Halloween, especially as an adult. This year is tough as it's the first year I'm not with the chickens to see them dressed up so cute. I don't even know what they're going to be, and it breaks my heart. 

What the conclusion of Halloween does mean though is that I can start setting up for Christmas...yep, this year I'm that freak breaking out the Christmas decor two months early. But really, two months out of the twelve to enjoy my Department 56 village and pretty twinkling lights?! I'd say that's pretty reasonable. 

Happy Christmas season Halloween!!

xxo