Hot showers, hot stone massage, steam rooms, fireplaces. Hot, hot, hot. 4 months ago

For some time the place I’ve lived in has more resembled a hotel than a house; roomies and couchsurfers come and go. I’ve done my share of complaining about things people do or don’t do. In other words, not much gratitude for what’s right in front of me.

But after spending a week alone in the house, I’ve come a deep appreciation for the people in my life. Running out of coffee filters or tripping over recycling doesn’t matter so much anymore. I didn’t know it, but the family I’ve wanted has been here all along. 4 months ago

On long winter nights, I like to fire up a kettle and make hot tea. Simple as that. 4 months ago

I admire her grit, her cleverness cloaked as confection, and her accessibility despite all that superstardom. 4 months ago

1. Long walks through the park(s)
2. A good night’s sleep
3. Waking up refreshed after a good night’s rest
4. Pots of succulents and terrariums
5. Noticing synchronicities and serendipities
6. The feel of organic Cotton
7. Smiles from strangers
8. Hints of egyptian musk
9. Friendly and curious quadpeds
10. The refreshing and soothing qualities of Aloe Vera juice
11. A good chunk of time spent in a corner of an independent bookstore
12. Culinary/Aromatherapy herbs: Rosemary & Basil
13. Fresh Oysters! by the waterfront
14. Weekend brunch with good company and laughter
15. Warming up with a big bowl of soup
16. Watching jelly fishes at the aquarium
17. Sushi, Sashimi; fish in general
18. Counterpoint
19. Learning/discovering new gems in/about my city
20. Spinach – Arggg!
21. Books! -the smell, the feel, the essence of holding a whole world within your grasp.
22. Surrendering to the present moment
23. Bubbles : champagne & baths (enjoyed equally together / separately)
24. Full moons
25. Chai Lattes
26. Film cameras and manual prime lenses
27. Hearing a solo saxophone echoing through the downtown streets at night as I am leaving work
28. Kale with citrus
29. A cold IPAin a frosted glass
30. Lavender infused: ice cream, vodka, chocolate, shortbread
31. Gel pens that glide on the sheet with the precision and grace akin to an ice skater
32. Trivia Game nights
33. Candlelit dinners
34. Conversations that last until the late evening/early morning
35. Seeing “Wish Granted” on the email subject line
36. Hearing a familiar, friendly voice at the other end of the receiver
37. Textures: Silk, modal, and soft, buttery leather
38. Cheese!
39. Hiking urban and natural landscapes
40. Artisan Dark Chocolate
41. Hello, sexy cello!
42. Rediscovering old photographs
43. Long sighs of peace & harmony. This doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, I honor it.9 months ago

Trolling the Internets for information is in my top five of things I love to spend time doing. Makes the decision to have done a master’s in planning rather than library science a bit suspicious, but hopefully I’ll be combining both loves by writing this book! 13 months ago

This is ridiculous, I know. Sitting in front of the computer, reading, writing, and singing to “She’s Always a Woman to Me.” But there it is. 13 months ago

I’m reading Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project and have decided to list 43 things that make me happy and try to do them as much as possible. I’ve always seen limitations as something to push against, but after absorbing a bit of this book I’m starting to see them as a way to organize a happy, healthy life. :) 13 months ago