Day 57 {Touch}

February 26th, 2014

Babies touch the world with love


Sleeping children are my favorite. They are just so peaceful and carefree. I think they sleep better because they have nothing to worry about. They don't know what's going on in the world, and they have nothing to do tomorrow or things they should have done today. There aren't any fears or concerns clouding their minds, they can just sleep. I wish I could sleep like that.

Day 56 {Rewind}

February 25th, 2014

Went by so fast, oh so sweet


Sometimes I wish we could travel back through time. Not because I want to change anything but, I would love to relive some moments and enjoy full days all over again making every second count. I'm guilty of not always living in the now and always looking for something more. I guess being ambitious isn't a bad thing but, it's at the end of weekends like these where I wish so much I could turn back time and live in the now and re-enjoy every second of it.

Day 55 {Loss}

Conner let me cut his hair tonight...I promise he's not bald...he really had this much hair that needed to go

February 24th, 2014

Loss


Whenever you lose something that was a part of you it's tough. Be it your friend, family member, pet, or even inanimate things like run out of your favorite perfume or loose a bracelet. Loss is a part of life but, not one of the more fun parts. Little children often fear getting their haircut because they can't quiet grasp the concept that their hair will grow back and what is cut off is not gone forever. I do not think that we should all morn the loss of our hair but, I do think that in the rush of the world we sometimes forget to morn things, not spend days, but it is okay to be upset for that which you have lost.

Day 54 {View}

February 23rd, 2014

Point of View


Life is all about your point of view. You can be a glass half full or half empty person but, at the end of the day your point of view mostly just effects you. There is always bad to be found, in every situation if you dig deep enough you will find it. I could sit here and complain that the truck window is dirty, it's -15  degrees outside, I am tired, and I am bored out of my mind. But, what good does it do to find the bad? It certainly doesn't made the bad go away, rather it exemplifies it. Instead I could focus on that I'm inside a nice truck, the heater is running, and I can be grateful for where I am and who I am with. Your point of view can make a world of difference on the kind of person you are, and find a positive point of view and people will want to be around you and share the same point of view.

Day 53 {Reflection}

Glacier National Park

February 22nd, 2014

"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection" ~Thomas Paine


It always amazes me how much more we can see when we look back and reflect on past events. There is always a hindsight bias, something we should have, could have, would have done differently. Sometimes I think we forget, though, that we can't change the past. We can only reflect on it and learn from it so that history doesn't repeat itself. And sometimes I think the reflection is just as important in the learning experience as the original experience was.

Day 52 {Attention}

We picked up Hunter from school today so he could come play with us for a little while.

February 21st, 2014

Attention


What captures your attention? Television? Sports? Concerts? Cooking? There is something that captivates each of us, we all have a weakness for one thing or another. And isn't it great that we can all enjoy different things? These kids love the television, if it's on their eyes will be drawn to it. I love taking pictures, if I have a camera in my hand I can zone the rest of the world out and for a moment I don't notice anything else except what I can see in my lens. I think it's important to have something that you can always turn to and know that it will bring you happiness.

Day 51 {Happy}

February 20th, 2014

What makes you happy?


Are you happy with the little things in life or do you seek more extravagant things to find happiness? Do you smile just because you're here to live another day? Are you thankful when things are good? It is so easy to complain when things aren't going your way. When you have a stressful day and your stuck in traffic, you fail a test, have a fight with a friend: everything just seems to be against you. But, if you take a step back you'll see it's just one day, it's a bad day, maybe even a bad week or month but, it's not a bad life. You're here and you're breathing, find happiness in the life's little pleasures. Someone has it worse than you, be grateful for what you have and don't wish for anything more.

Day 50 {Smell}

February 19th, 2014

Smell the roses

I'm slightly obsessed, I'm aware that it's an odd obsession, with this glade commercial, http://www.ispot.tv/ad/72gE/glade-best-feelings. "No one says to wake up and touch, or see, or taste, or hear the roses. They say to wake up and smell the roses, because scent makes us feel like nothing else can." It's just so true. Smells can relax you, make you anxious, and they can bring back memories and take you to another time or place or remind you of a person. It's amazing how much one smell can trigger.

Day 49 {Shoot}

February 18th, 2014

Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you'll land amoung the stars

I firmly believe that we should bloom where we are planted, and make the most of every situation, no matter how tough it may be. But, that being said, I also think that there will be times in our lives where you have to make the choice to take a risk. Because, if you simply sit around and wait for something to happen, it won’t. Our lives on earth only last so long, there’s no time for procrastination. Make a goal and go for it, in your own way. Do what works for you and go at your own pace, just because something works flawlessly for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you live your life to please others, you will never be happy. Whatever your dream may be, give it a try and even if you don’t arrive at the end point you were hoping to, you still learned from it all and are stronger and have lived a little more because of it.

Day 48 {Arachnophobia}

February 17th, 2014

Arachnophobia

I'd say that most people would not make the choice to go to a pet store and play with a tarantula. And although personally I don't find them frightening in pet form, I respect those who do not wish to hold them or be around them. We all have our little quirks, things we love and things we hate. When it comes to animals there aren't really any that I wouldn't like to surround myself with, but some people hate the idea of animals altogether. Everyone is different, and like and dislike different things; it doesn't mean you are good or bad or better or worse than anyone else. 

Day 47 {Sweet}

New recipe we tried tonight. Pie crust, cookie cutters, and dove chocolates.

February 16th, 2014

Sweet tooth

We all have a weakness, an addiction, something we just will always fall for. Be it a television show, sleep, food, or puppies. I am a sucker for anything sweet: candy, cakes, cookies, you name it I will eat it. I don't "have to have it" but, given the opportunity I will likely eat it. I wouldn't say that it's a problem, if I struggled with my weight it may be a problem but, I don't. But, I know that refined sugar and processed treats aren't healthy for me. Which gets me thinking, where do we draw the line and decide that enough is enough? How do we decipher whether what we are doing is right or wrong and where the line in the sand should be?

Day 46 {Anticipation}

The anticipation of a 3-point shot.

February 15th, 2014

“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Anticipation can have a negative connotation or a positive one. Anticipation means waiting for something, or looking forward to it happening and often it means you are excited. We anticipate a lot of things: consequences, test results, phone calls. Excited for a meal, or someone's return home. Anxious for hospital test results. But, in any sport anticipation of points is positive: goals and touchdowns. Sometimes the anticipation, like in the case of Winnie-the-Pooh, is the best part of the situation. We get so excited for something to happen that we forget to enjoy it when it's happening.

Day 45 {Love}

February 14th, 2014

Sometimes love is war but, sometimes you win

“Sometimes love is a white flag, sometimes love is standing tall. Sometimes love is a feather; sometimes a cannon ball but, it’s worth fighting for. Baby, sometimes love is war.”

On this day of love I can’t help but think about all the love that surrounds me. I have people willing to help me get across the country, people willing to find me a job out here and people who just want to make sure that I have everything I need and am happy with where I am. I am so unbelievably grateful for all of the people that I have in my life and from valentine’s goody bag this morning and valentine’s packages in the mail I realize how much love is surrounding me and how much everyone is willing to do for me. Love comes in so many different ways and really makes a world of a difference.

Day 44 {Cream}

We've decided 25 cent ice cream cones are the best.

February 13th, 2014

Ice Cream

Who doesn't love a good ole' chocolate ice cream cone? Cold on your tongue, sticky on your face, creamy as it starts to melt in your mouth, and messy on your hand as it starts to drip. It's a simple joy with so many ways to describe it. You eat it, quick so it doesn't melt, and then it's gone. A short-lived but unforgettable enjoyment.

Day 43 {Cold}

Pretending that it was summer today, and not freezing, swimming at the gym. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFatVn1hP3o

February 12th, 2014

The hot and cold are both so intense, put them together it just makes sense

Olaf, the cute little animated snowman in Disney's Frozen, sings this song about summer and how he can't wait to experience summer and the heat, beach, and flowers that come with it. It's a funny little song you should definitely give a listen. But, it kind of makes me think about how similar we all are to Olaf. We live in a world full of mystery and things we don't entirely understand. Yet, even though we don't know much about certain things, we still want them and want to experience them, even if they could bring us danger.

Day 42 {Fierce}

February 11th, 2014

Though she be but little she is fierce ~ William Shakespear

Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that no matter what is going on and no matter how small you might feel, you’re not. Because no matter how big the problem seems it can always be fixed. And no matter how little and insignificant you feel, you’re underestimating yourself. You have a purpose and are seen and heard. Give yourself a little credit and do the best you can. You may be little but, you’re fierce and you can do anything you put your mind to.

Day 41 {Entertain}

My entertainment today, at least for a little while, was braiding this little guy's hair

February 10th, 2014

Entertainment

In a world of tablets, television, phones, video games, and computers it’s easy to keep yourself entertained. But, all of the technology entertainment is a blessing and a curse. Our entertainment doesn’t really involve other people anymore. Some people never touch board games; there are kids who will never play a sport. Isn’t it amazing how much entertainment has changed? When I was in kindergarten neither of my parents even had a cell phone, and now most kindergartners know how to operate an iPhone better than their parents. Rather than coloring and painting a piece of paper they color on the iPad. It’s just a different generation. 

Day 39 {Mountain}

February 8th, 2014

That mountain you’ve been climbing is just a grain of sand

At one point in time or another, all of us will struggle with something. And sometimes it will feel like we’ve got the world on our shoulders and we will wonder how much more we can take and what more we can do. But, it’s the times when we are struggling the most that we most need to keep going. You have to make it through the storm to see the rainbow. And when the hard part is over you’ll be able to see the good and see that, at your weakest moment, you found strength. 

Day 38 {Imitation}

When any phone rings, and sometimes even just randomly, she will put her hang up to her ear and say "hi"

February 7th, 2014

The world is full of imitation

Isn’t it amazing how much of our world is made of imitation? There are so many knockoff and pirated items. There are movies, music, jackets, purses, software, electronics, and even money. In China, you have to be careful about the eggs that you purchase as some are fake and inedible.  It’s depressing to me how dishonest the world has become and the extent people will go to in order to deceive and profit from it. I read an article talking about people going into Walmart, purchasing an iPad and then putting a fake weighted paper replica into the box and returning it. All I could think is that it is so upsetting that people would go that far and hurt others to help themselves. The world has bred people to be selfish and dishonest and others see that it works for one person and then imitate it for themselves. It’s frustrating.

Day 37 {Keys}

February 6th, 2014

Keys come in all varieties

The keys on a keyboard each have a different, unique pitch associated with them. And when you play them together you can create a beautiful melody. Most of us don’t have the opportunity to listen to the sound of piano keys playing everyday but, we are all exposed to a different type of key. Each and every lock in the world is a little bit different and they each have their own specific key, and although that is not the one and only key that will fit in the lock, it is the only one that will turn it. I think keys, whether they are the keys of the piano or the keys to a home, are kind of like people, they are all different and open different things, or hold different pitches but, in a way they are all similar; unique but not entirely alone.

Day 36 {Memories}

February 5th, 2014

Childhood memories

Isn’t it amazing how little things can jog your memory and take you back to another place and another time? A smell, a song, an old shirt or pair of jeans, a piece of jewelry, a food item. Most of us probably had mac and cheese growing up. My dad talks about how he remembers eating it with cut up little pieces of hot dogs. Conner, talks about how he always tried to eat the whole box and didn’t succeed until college. Whenever I make it though I think about some of the first times I ever made it and how my dad taught me all of his little tricks and debating with him whether to mix it all together in a bowl for easier clean up, or in the pot. And then it makes me laugh because our memory is funny in the way that it pulls certain things out and leaves others behind, and sometimes it’s the good and sometimes it’s the bad.

Day 35 {Deception}

Waiting at the "stop bus"

February 4th, 2014

Deception

Besides the snow, which is here to stay until it gets really warm for a week straight, the weather outside looks nice and sunny; surprisingly sunny in fact considering that Montana's sunny winter days are few in number. But, with wind chill it was -22 degrees Fahrenheit when I took this picture. It's kind of  captivating sometimes to think about how easy it is for the world to deceive us, not just the weather but everywhere. Sure, it's easy to think it's a nice day because the sun is shining. But, it's also easy to think that that woman on the magazine is what all women should look like. And it's easy to think the same about clothing and language choices and other worldly indulgences. At the end of the day though, the world just winds up to be deceiving and you have to decide where you stand on everything, everyday.

Day 34 {Days}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihOCgdarFg

February 3rd, 2014

Measuring days in the spaces between our goodbyes ~Sam Tsui

This weekend came to a close way too quickly. Missing someone hurts, it’s a real feeling that just makes days seem longer and everything feel lonely. A 10 hour drive is just too far. This guy right here makes my world a much happier place. He is willing to do anything to see me smile and keep me optimistic. About a year and a half ago we figured out that life was better together and I love every minute I get to spend with him. He’s the peanut butter to my jelly and the sun to my shine. I couldn’t do it without him and he makes me want to be the best person I can be. He’s my everything and I love him to pieces. I’ll see you in a little while, babe.

Day 33 {We}

February 2nd, 2014

We

Tonight, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks came together to play a game of football. But, it wasn’t just any football game. It was the event of the year. 111.5 Million people watched this football game, making it the most-watched broadcast ever. It wasn’t just too teams coming together, it was everyone coming together. All over the country people came together, gathered with their friends and family in a common cause and enjoyed food, drinks, and company of others. The 2014 Super Bowl wasn’t the best football game ever, and the final score wasn’t a close one and there weren’t any extremely suspenseful moments. But, it united the nation. We all sat down and watched it together and together we watched as technology united us (http://youtube.be/TCuPT-chaio), a puppy and a horse became the best of friends (http://youtu.be/uQB7QRyF4p4), and saw an eligible bachelor cow (http://youtu.be/dOMrA-BGuLY). It was a few hours where millions and millions came together, regardless of life choices, and regardless of skin color, ancestry, or religion; we all became one unit of 111.5 million people. 

Day 32 {Snake}

February 1st, 2014

Slither like a snake

Lately, I have just been drawn to the meaning of words and how we can say something but, depending on the context it could mean something entirely different. Snakes are sneaky little creatures. They are found on every continent on Earth, except Antarctica. Some live in water, sand, dirt, you name it. Humans, typically tend to be afraid of them. Something about legless, slithering, carnivorous, possibly poisonous little creatures puts fear in people, who would have guessed? And then there are people in our lives, who are humans and nothing else, but we call them snakes. They are the sneaky people, who portray themselves as your ally and then turn out to be your enemy and will not stand for you when it counts.  I guess we should try and rid our lives of both types of snakes, unless you like the slithery kind.