25 and holding

And then I bought a golden.   Why?  Because I wanted to...because I wanted one for 10 years and why not. As I went to the ATM I remember thinking....I wonder if she will come with a leash (she did not). 

I found her in a barn in Middlebury.  The puppies smelled of hay and wet dog, yet I picked one up and she stole my heart.  She crawled into her food bowl, laid down and had a snack.  At that moment, I knew.  The breeder took my money and gave me a pamphlet on Born Again Christianity and I asked her what to feed the puppy.  She looked puzzled and told me to wait and sent me on my way with a bag of food.

I never thought I could love something so furry so much.  A little ball of fluff came into my life this July and changed it completely.

I had no idea how much work she would be or how much I would worry about her if she ate a bug, or a bee or a dead bird, but I soon found out.  

The first three days she didn't even know how to bark.  She whimpered through her first night.  I fed her, put her out, held her, played with her, but what she wanted was to just know she was home and she was loved... and boy is she loved!  She's my side kick, baby girl, and playmate.

No matter what kind of day I have had this little face meets me, tail wagging and full of smiles.  It's hard not to smile back at this little golden fur ball.  I'm glad I followed my heart on this one and took home this little puppy.

Day 1 - just adopted

1st week/7 weeks

puppies love art therapy too

doggie ice cream at 16 weeks

Today my life just got REAL yo!

So excited our wedding has become a real date on the calendar!

Sometimes I can't resist being punny...since I work with Substance Abuse Clients (BTW I love LOBSTAH)

Feeling inspired to write this morning in a cottage by the sea. Enjoying my last few days of vacation with my family.  It warms my heart to have everyone under one roof (now I understand what my grandma meant when she would talk about having the family together).  This has been a wonderful summer...enjoying family and friends and "the nature"...as they say in Sweden. 

In other news, I have decided that my 30s are for people that add happiness to my life and the lives of my loved ones. Helpful advice I have received from friends and family include: keep the drama to a minimum (if someone is all about drama maybe reevaluate that friendship); do things for you, that you enjoy, everyday; your family will always be there for you and love you and you will know who your true friends are because they will do the same...no matter what!  And...just breathe.

With Valentine's Day approaching I am inspired to write about LOVE.

What is love...

Love is willing to share your favorite food with someone, even if it is the last bite.
Love is sharing your blankets once you got them all nice and warm.
Love is making someone else's coffee and lunch before your own.
Love is falling asleep on the couch, so that at least you can be near that person, even if you are asleep.
Love is knowing exactly what the other person likes and how to make it, without asking.
Love is shoveling, doing the dishes and cleaning the bathrooms.
Love is a night out on the town, or at home with fleece pj pants and a hoodie.
Love is being able to look at the other person, not saying a word and them knowing exactly what you mean.
Love is being happy doing whatever, just as long as you are together.

This is true about my favorite people, especially Mom and Dad and Andre.
Love you guys and all my good friends!

Goodbye 2012...

2012 you came and left many memories in my heart, from completing my Master's Thesis, to being hospitalized with cellulitis, to graduating my my Master's Degree and being offered the job of my dreams, sailing, hiking, the summer of Funemployment, the epic move and wonderful family, friends, a wonderful condo, and holiday season...I am thankful.  I am thankful all of the life lessons I have learned, wonderful memories, photos, family, friends, laughs, tears and sweat this year has brought!

2013 you are gonna rock!  I know you offer challenges and promises and I am ready for you...13 you don't scare me!  I look forward to publishing my first professional article, taking my Board Exams, traveling to my first professional conference, and working on certs to name a few.

Ready or not...2013, here you come in less than 6 hours

Old Railroad bridge at the beginning of our hike

Milo's Mill - 1.7miles in, home of the praying mantis!

Seneca Mills Falls - 3.8 miles in, where we stopped for lunch!

Cascade Falls - 4.8 miles in, where I got tired!

We Finished! 7 miles - Lake to Lake

Garrett Memorial Chapel/ Chapel on the Mount - Keuka Lake, Bluff Point

Last week I had my first official Etsy sale.  I have sold orders to family and friends, but this was a turning point in my etsy store!  I have been designing and making original onesies for almost 2 years now.  IT was an idea that started because one of my friends was pregnant.  She is funky and different and nothing in the stores would do, or so I told myself...and so I designed 5 original onesies (two of which are featured in my store).  She liked them so much that I decided to start selling them online.

Well last week I expanding my product line to include baby bibs.  Today is another turning point for the store....I am selling my photographs.  Slowly the store is expanding and my artwork is getting out there in the world.  It's a process, but a very rewarding one.  I would love to sell my artwork as a part-time job, or ideally for a living and this store fulfills part of a larger dream and allows me to thank that one day....one day it may just come true.  I will slowly be adding more artwork, as time permits!  Thank you for your support and interest!

Check out BeeDZigns Etsy Shop Here!

This past week and weekend, more so than usual, I have embraced my summer.  The last summer for awhile I imagine that I will not be working... I have made pickles, salsa and stewed tomatoes all with my mom; visited my parents and relaxed, while eating great food and laughing; took advantage of the nice weather to include a beach day with friends (possibly one of the last for the season), went walking and running and even got a pedicure!  I enjoyed my wonderful boyfriend cooking breakfast, enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared at a friend's house with conversation and catching up with long-lost friends; we cooked meals in preparation for the week and even enjoyed housework.

To sum it all up...it's been a great week/weekend!  I am thankful for my life and my love and my family and friends.  :)

It was a great weekend for people to lose shoes, which means a great day to take pictures.  Park Ave Fest is notorious for craziness and fun, so lost shoes are to be expected.

Lone Shoe: Park Ave Post-Park Ave Fest

Brunswick Pair

Righty Lefty