LOVE EARTH ALWAYS

Loving Bing’s picture of the day to celebrate how beautiful nature is: )

I love this world. I’m “nature-y,” or so I’ve been told. To me, the earth has so many stories left untold. It’s this big miracle that people tend to look over without giving it the attention it deserves. I may have accidentally told one person too many how I dream of laying in fields of wildflowers because they are so beautiful to me. It’s a huge joke still- me wanting to lay amongst the wildflowers that sit between highways. Surely you know what I'm talking about.

I owe my recycling habit to my dearest Ashley May who will boldly put herself in front of anyone to say:





On Earth Day- remember to take care of the place that has cared so much for you. She’s a beauty that Mother Earth: )

Springtime

This one isn’t specific to the season- just about what I’m loving this Spring of 2011.

Adele’s “Don’t You Remember.” Hot, humid, disgustingly sweat filled yoga classes. Car shopping. Skype- no, not with my contractors. The hidden boxes of Samoas that I’ve made last for months. Freckles on my cheeks because the sun is out again. Shopping with Mom. Writing at 3am when my dreams aren’t enough to keep me sleeping. Finding the value in friendship. Planning multiple weddings. Not bombing my first attempt at driving stick with Dad (he was a little TOO surprised at this for my liking). ‘Free mail’ from Em and Dave. 27 being better than 26, so far. Being at home, in Charlotte. Lamination. That extra hour of daylight. Switching from bloodys to raspberry lemonade (the good kind). And keeping Guinness around no matter the season. My Aunties. Choreographing dances in my head and playing them out in the dining room when no one is home. Ester Price. Easy breezy runs, and even Spring showers.

Them

This one is for the ones who make you laugh more often than you thought possible. Who leave you smiling long after they have gone. Those who bring you that extra glimmer of hope when yours may just be a little low. And those who aren’t afraid to ask for it back when they need help finding it themselves. The people who add value to your life and love to places you never cared to look for it before. People who show you dedication and selflessness when you weren’t quite expecting it.

They’re everywhere: ) And thank goodness for that.

Birthdays

The one day that is ALLLL yours. You have a reason to be selfish and a right to have your wishes be heard. It’s a time where you can act a little more extreme than normal without anyone questioning why. There are the surprises, the intrigue, and the celebrations of ages. I love how birthdays demand you to close your eyes and make a wish.I love the traditions that go into them and the cluster of wishes from family and friends all in one day. Of course I wish people would celebrate others more often, not just once a year… but if once a year is all you get, it better be a beautiful day.

Oh, I’m a brat about my own birthday I know- but I can appreciate the importance of anyone’s special day. It’s one thing that no one can take away from you (except all those millions of people who were born on that day too… but hopefully you’ll never run into them).

I LOVE making a fuss about people on their birthdays… and the closer you live, the bigger the celebration.

HB!

Our United States Armed Forces

For the sacrifices they have made in the past, the ones they are making now, and those they will make in the future to keep our country safe, and of course, FREE.

I’m grateful for my grandfathers, for my father, for my uncle, and for my sister and brother who have greatly contributed to my admiration and appreciation for our armed forces. It takes immeasurable courage, dedication, and sacrifice to be a part of our military and I imagine the pride is strong, and the honor great to be able to say you are a member. They receive small thanks for a contribution so big.

How blessed I feel to be closely connected to both family and friends who so selflessly and nobly put their lives on the line to protect those rights so many people tend to take for granted. Could you do it?

Don’t for a second forget- this is the Home of the Free- because of the Brave.

"I feel, as never before, how justly, from the dawn of history to the present time, men have paid the homage of their gratitude and admiration to the memory of those who nobly sacrifice their lives, that their fellow-men may live in safety and in honor." Edward Everett

This One Is For Kristie

Happiness for her: Hearing more than one heartbeat. Having siblings just as crazy as you are. Marrying your high school sweetheart. Lounging on Sundays with the girls. Living and loving where you came from. Being blessed with boundless humor. Parents who are truly incomparable. Getting your friends to attach your initials to the front of their names somehow… ie: Kanna Blane and Kally Benney. Working from home when necessary. Resilient faith. A beginner Zumba dancer’s worst nightmare to stand beside. A healthy family. Being a loyal friend to those both near and far. China Cottage around the corner and a fountain for the girls to play in down the street. A genius memory for movie quotes. Being a great reminder to your friends about special dates, certain upcoming events, and pushing for a new blog entry. An unmistakable laugh. Sir Mix-A-Lot’s pride and joy on the karaoke machine. Knowing your worth. Having limitless love. Being able to exude such happiness from these things that it cannot go unnoticed by others.

Waboom.

December

Quite possibly my favorite month of the year...

The Christmas music. The Christmas trees. The Christmas lights.

The chill in the air. The rosy cheeks. The first snowflakes.

How generous people can be. The act of giving. The focus on December 25th of why we're all here.

The time off from work. Seeing family at the holidays. Wrapping up all you need to in the current year.

The traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Baking cookies. Bûche de Noël.

December puts the perfect amount of finishing touches on the past year, and is the perfect lead in to the next.