where is the love?

Happy New Year, dear readers!  Since my last post, we've celebrated a wonderful Christmas season and rung in the new year (who ever thought 2011 could come so quickly?!) we've also adopted two adorable kittens to add to our family (making us a 3 cat home with a dog who comes to visit occasionally)

I am not one for new years' resolutions, however I do often spend the holiday season reflecting on life, on the past, on the future, and this year is no exception.  I have spent a lot of time considering just how much love is my life and being supremely grateful for that.  There have been many many many trials in my life the last couple of years, but love and support from friends and family have gotten me through, and I am so thankful that they have been there for me!

Today's photo reflects that warm fuzzy feeling love gives me, as I was in Traverse City this summer, and found this heart randomly painted on a bridge.  The sight of it not only made me smile, but made me instantly think about the intent someone may have in painting a heart on a bridge in the middle of the city.  It made me think of the times in our lives when we just need to be reminded that we are loved.  I hope this image brings a smile to your face as well today, and that you can be reminded that YOU ARE LOVED!! :o)  Happy Monday all!

transitioning fall

  I *love* fall.  I love the smells, the colours, the flavours, the fluctuating temperatures, the glorious afternoon suns... I *love fall.  I was so excited that I got to have a fall wedding because it meant I was in fall mode through the entire planning process, designing our invitations, the decor, everything!  What I didn't realise, was that getting to stay in fall mode for a year meant I would get cheated out of the actual season this year.  Due to a laughable influx of really crappy life events immediately visiting my husband and I upon our return from our honeymoon, I barely even got to celebrate Halloween, one of my all time favourite holidays.
  As I sit here in my office, the cold winds are ripping the last of the leaves from our trees and it feels as though winter is well on it's way.  Having never been really into Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the fact that this year it is my last chance at truly enjoying my precious season.  All of these things played a role in my photo choice to share with you for today.  The muted colours reflect my sadness and frustration I've dealt with these past few months, the shadows emphasise the patches of light and dark that make up our lives, and the pumpkins themselves are an expression of hope that I can cling to what little is left of this fall beauty before entering into winter (which holds it's own beauty, but is often quickly overshadowed by slush... my arch nemesis)
  What season do you love?  What inspirations do you pull from the seasons?  Share your inspirations with us, and please feel free to post any work you'd like to share that you feel connects you with this posting!