FIRST things first – HAPPY SEPTEMBER! Love September, it’s by far my favorite month. Yes, I realize I say that every other month but 1 – It’s my birthday month. 2 – Back to school memories. 3 – FALL! Is anyone else already feeling pangs of desire for fall? Sure, fall fashion has been on everyone’s lips for weeks now, but these past few days there has been just the slightest hint of chill in the morning air, confirming that fall is in fact coming soon- and it’s made me more eager than ever for the changing seasons.
By the way, that’s got to be one of my favorite moments of the year – the minute you realize something smells different, feels different, looks different – and fall is on its way. I remember the exact place I was last year when I first felt that, it was around this time of month – though about a week later. You may argue that it isn’t really fall in LA until November, but I trust my instincts and darn it, fall is on its way.
Aside from my birthday party (autumn themed, naturally), I’m really looking forward to spending cozy mornings drinking coffee wrapped in blankets, sleeping without the ceiling fan on, cooking heavier dishes and not feeling guilty about it, walking to the coffee shop for our favorite seasonal drinks, and of course planning for the holiday season. Yep, I’m that girl that is ready to start decorating for Christmas in October. No shame!
What’s your favorite thing about fall? And you aren’t allowed to say “sweaters and boots.”
Edited to add: Just heard another heat wave is on its way tomorrow.
This weekend was even more exciting than I had originally planned, because among other things, I got a new camera. For the past several months and years, the only camera I’ve had access to is that of my iPhone, Blackberry or Macbook. When Julian came into the picture, he brought along a very expensive and very fancy camera, but one that I not only didn’t know how to use, but that I would probably drop and/or break. It made for very few opportunities to fully document trips, parties, and life in general.
“life in general”
But that all changed on Saturday when we decided to just bite the bullet and get a camera! After much research, husband settled on one model that seemed to be better than the rest in the point-and-shoot category – the Sony CyberShot DSC-TX5. It’s touchscreen, has a sweet (and wide) lense, is drop proof (awesome) and even WATERPROOF up to 10 ft. We’ll be putting that to the test next time we are on vacation, for sure. It was kind of a splurge, but everyone needs a camera, and this is one that we’ll have for years to come.
Here are some of the shots from my first day with the camera. As I’ve said before, I kind of suck at taking photographs, so if you see something good on here, chances are Julian took it, not me.
On another note, I’ve decided it should be illegal for me to work on Mondays. It is not only hazardous to my own health, but detrimental to the sanity of others. Thank you & goodnight.
At long last, Friday has come to the rescue again! It’s been a dreadfully busy week, but we’ve got lots of happy times in the near future to redeem us. Sadly, none of them involve Santorini (shown above). I’m looking forward to: a birthday dinner party, a sleepover with some newlywed friends from Virginia (in town on their way to their honeymoon), LA brunch, drinking copious amounts of coffee, movie dates, a trip to the farmers market, cutting up the fat watermelon in my kitchen, researching Labor Day trips, and much more.
Ready for some Monday inspiration my friends? I sure am. Mondays are the hardest day of the week for me to swallow, but today I found this quote on my sister-in-law’s Facebook profile and it’s excellent brain and heart food. If you’re a believer, I think you can agree that it’s so profoundly true, I want to read it everyday for motivation.
“To be a Christian is to live dangerously, honestly, freely — to step in the name of love as if you may land on nothing, yet to keep stepping because the something that sustains you no empire can give you and no empire can take away.”
Just to spook you, because we all love that terrifying feeling of narrowly missing a major disaster, check out this collage video of some folks avoiding disaster by just a fraction of a second. It’s a strange combination feeling of relief and terror.
I’m not so sure this is all due to luck, but it sure is crazy to watch, regardless! Thanks to my buddy Brandon for posting this one on Facebook.
Today I’m cheating. And by that I mean I’m reposting something written by someone else, because quite honestly, she (Deena Munsamy) says it better than I ever could and you really don’t need me chiming in with more input.
Three-Word Phrases, can be tools to help develop every relationship.
There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words. When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships that have soured.
The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.
~ Let me help:
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.
~ I understand you:
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know – in so many little ways – that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.
~ I respect you:
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.
~ I miss you:
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other “I miss you.” This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say “I miss you.”
~ Maybe you’re right:
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting, “maybe I’m wrong”. Let’s face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person’s point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying “maybe you’re right” can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.
~ Please forgive me:
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.
~ I thank you:
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.
~ Count on me:
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating “you can count on me.”
~ I’ll be there:
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase “I’ll be there.” Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us.
We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.
~ Go for it:
We are all unique individuals. Don’t try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only.
Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to “go for it.”
~ I love you:
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person’s deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: “I love you.” Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.
Wonderful, you found my blog! I'm Sarah, a writer, activist, believer, artist, lover of pretty things and cats. I'm also a newlywed (aww). To learn more about me, just click here. I hope my blog brings you a little bit (or a lotta bit) of happiness today.
fun fact: sapphire is the September birthstone
