Moment of Sunlight . . .

Sunday night I was stunned by bright light coming through the trees into our sunroom.  I just knew it was a moment to be captured.  And as most sunsets go, or sunrises for that matter, you have to act fast before the colors and light change right before your eyes. 

I shot this image with my iPhone 4 through the window screen.  As I was looking at the image those words popped in my head.  This is filter free.  I am crazy about filters but this stood perfectly on its own.  I used Phonto app to add the text.  

Thought I would share the inspiration 

xo

Beauty Is Everywhere . . .

While out shopping at a local store the other day I was stopped in my tracks at the amazing sunset happening before me.  We had just stepped out into the parking lot and as we headed to the car I glanced up and saw oranges, purples, and pinks in the sky. 

Rarely do I take advantage of these moments.  But this time I grabbed my iPhone (one of the perks is the camera you always have with you)  and snapped away.  The colors change so very fast that if you pause, you could miss it.  Funny how I can't even tell this was shot in a store parking lot.  

I am glad I stopped for a moment to soak it in.

Wishing you moments of beauty today . . . 

Remembering Bliss . . .

In all of the craziness that is life lately I find myself looking to the past.  I find myself looking for memories of happy times, of blissful moments.  

I do realize that all of the looking back distracts us from the present moment.  What I did find though is that sometimes it can help sustain us.  It can give us focus, something to look forward to. 

I was searching through my iphoto albums on Saturday morning looking for a couple of images to use for digital collage.  What I stumbled upon was this photo.  It was taken on my birthday back in July of 2008.  I look at this and feel the happiness and bliss that I clearly remember from that moment.  We were out in Newport.  I  had just lost my Dad to cancer a month prior and was heartbroken.  Lou surprised me with a weekend away in one of my favorite places for my birthday.  It was just the thing I needed, that we needed.

I was able to feel happiness in the midst of all my pain.  

I plan on framing this photo and keeping it in our living room where I can be inspired by this moment everyday . . . 

Wordless Wednesday . . .

A Moment In Time . . .

9/9/02

Our lives are filled with moments. Some good, some bad,

some that change our lives forever.

10 years ago today was one of those moments for me. A great moment that changed my life for the better. This picture of Lou and I was taken all those years ago about 5 months into our relationship. We met online and today is the anniversary of our very first date.

I remember feeling so nervous. I was bald from chemo, very self conscious just hoping this guy I was about to meet would not run screaming when he saw me. I put my wig on that night and a little bit of makeup. Some eyeliner, lipstick, and mascara on the 2 lashes I had left. I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself although I hoped this new man I was to meet would see past all of that.

It was a simple date. We met at a local diner for coffee which turned into hours of chatter, sharing, and getting to know each other. He was a complete gentleman, one who held doors open for me. At the end of the night he walked me back to my car and held out his hand. It was in that moment that I figured he didn't like me. I was not used to a guy being so polite. As he shook my hand and we said our goodbye's I hoped to see him again. And that I did. We began our relationship as I was recovering my chemo, while my hair was growing back, and as he was surviving the loss of his mother.

Everyone thought we jumped in too fast. At that point each of us had gone through experiences that showed us how short life can be. We didn't want to waste a moment. One month after that photo was taken he proposed. And we married 8 months later.

These are the moments I love to reflect upon especially when life gets to be overwhelming, when maybe stress gets the best of us and we just need to remember where it all began . . .