Into the Blue…

Hi there friends…okay so this is a rather random post but I was swept up with inspiration this morning when I heard this song by my friend and local singer/songwriter, Naomi LaViolette! I’m totally enamored with it and it has been playing over and over again on my iTunes. I can’t get enough of the lyrics – which she wrote herself, by the way – yeah, I know, seriously talented! I couldn’t help but want to share the beauty of this song’s message…

Here take a listen:

You must read the gorgeous lyrics…

Into the Blue

So many circles you’ve been running
With all your little fires burning
You’re racing to put them out
You’re looking for an escape
Eluded by the peace you crave
Fighting your doubt

Come to the water
Today is a search for you

You see the forest in symmetry
Standing tall, reflecting free
With nothing to prove
Looking down, what will you see
So what if you were like a tree
With nothing to lose

Come to the water
Today is a search for you
Drink of the stillness
Let your eyes fall into the blue

We all approach carefully, removing our disguises
The shore will hold you
All unsure of who we will see, our own surprises
The shore will hold you, hold you

So give into transparency
And let it ripple into clarity
Where circles only dissipate, no it’s not too late

Come to the water
Today is a search for you
Drink of the stillness

Let your eyes fall into the blue
Come to the water
You can now release what is true
Unlock your dreams
It’s all waiting for you in the blue

To me, the words resonate so deeply and beautifully describe our struggle with authenticity – that constant pull in our hearts that wants us to delve deeper into our true selves. Beneath the path we all walk in this life, under the day-to-day tasks, obligations and role-playing, resides our authentic spirit, the quiet voice inside. The one we so rarely listen to. We all yearn to connect, to learn, to grow, to be loved and heard and ultimately to find our place here in this world.  I guess that’s why the “little voice” inside me loves this song so much. It reminds me to honor the quiet moments, to be grateful for all the beauty in my life and to never stop searching for the true me. I hope this wonderful song uplifts your spirit too.

Thank you Naomi, for inspiring me!

Check out Naomi’s site here!

xo,

All images can be found here.

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My Parisian Baby Shower

When it came time to pick a theme for my baby shower, I couldn’t think of anything more suitable (or pretty) than Paris! After all, this little baby was with me on my adventure to the City of Light and her nursery is Paris inspired, so why not just run with it? My hostesses were kind enough to oblige and together we put on a lovely day! I felt so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many fabulous friends! Plus, I also got to use all my vintage goodies to decorate with – such fun! Here’s a peek at how the day turned out…

Obviously the dessert table played a lead role in the decor! What’s Paris without sweets? Oh and pink champagne!

My dear friend Katie was kind enough to make up a batch of petal pink macarons for the event! Aren’t they gorgeous? They tasted amazing too!

Speaking of sweets these lemon bars were to die for and made up fresh by my gracious hostess, Kathy! Thank you Kathy – I now have a new addiction. I will be making up a batch of these this week for sure. The recipe is here.

Here are my beautiful hostesses! Thank you Lauren and Kathy – I could not have wished for a better shower…

And to all my friends, thank you for all your love and support. My life is more beautiful because of you.

Feeling like a lucky girl…

xo,

Capturing Fall

Hello there. Hope all is well in your world. Things have been a little crazy around here – good crazy – that is…but it hasn’t left me much time for my blog.  I was grateful to find a slow afternoon last week and a bright Autumn sun in the sky. Our sunny days are numbered now, so I knew this might be my last chance to get out into the garden and take pictures of all the gorgeous Fall color.

Are the leaves still turning where you live?

Have a beautiful Wednesday.

xo,

Into the Wild

A couple of weeks ago we traveled to Sisters, Oregon to meet up with my parents and have a little vacation in the mountains. We rented a sweet little condo right in town so we could walk everywhere. It was a beautiful couple of days, sunny and warm and in sharp contrast to the dreary wetness that had moved into Portland. Gotta love the high desert! On the way home, we stopped at Detroit Lake. Such a gorgeous spot! Here are some of the pics I managed to capture…

Grace found herself the “perfect walking stick” and declared herself an explorer! Her zebra T fit in nicely for this romp in the wild. As did her head of untamed curls. (It was brushed and in a ponytail when we got in the car…I swear!)

I loved all the beautiful colors and textures!

What a fabulous end to a great weekend away.

xo,

Etsy Love: joojoo

Last night, I went to my fabulous book club. It is an amazing group of women that I feel so lucky to be a part of. After glasses of wine, a good healthy book discussion and plenty of delicious food we did our usual round of sharing what’s been going on in our lives.

One lovely lady had just been to Panama with her husband on a wildlife adventure! They are both passionate and devoted birders –  I hadn’t known this about her. Both me and another bird fan squealed with delight as she described the amazing birds they had witnessed. I love it when you discover something about someone that connects you in a new way. By the end of the night, the three of us were talking about going on guided bird walks put on by the Audubon Society. I can’t wait!

With birds on the brain today, I stumbled upon joojoo on Etsy. Artist, Afsaneh creates the sweetest bird illustrations! I had to share…

Aren’t they precious? You must also visit her beautiful blog, here.

Hope your week is going well…I’m holding out for a sunny weekend!

xo,

Etsy Love: Macaron Magic

Lately, I’ve been wanting to buy macarons. Not because I have a craving, or I want to give them as a gift…I just want to take pictures of them. Yah…I know it sounds weird but I have seen the most gorgeous photos of macarons and I want to give it a try! I’ve almost ran out to Pix to get some…but I decided to head to Etsy for some inspiration first! My dear friend, Amy referred me to the beautiful work of Havilah…a local Portland photographer! Her Etsy shop – dearmachine has some lovely images!

Check out these delightful photographs of this most famous French cookie…

So pretty right? I love that something so simple as a baked good can look so special. Almost as enchanting as a cupcake…

xo,

 

p.s. want to try making them yourself? here’s a recipe from Martha. ;)

 

all images via dearmachine