Sometimes I wish I could be an event planner and just plan beautiful events and weddings all day.  I think it would be so quaint and pretty to be married on the rocky coast near a lighthouse?  I think my inspiration comes from my sudden interest in Maine.  Hope you find the inspiration lovely too!

Just wanted to share a picture a came across of the Maine coast. I have never been anywhere in New England & I would love to go to Maine. Doesn't it look lovely?

The worst thing in the world

Is to simply not care.

To go about the day

As if time is just a waste.

The best thing in the world,

Is to value what you have,

To soak in every moment,

And remember to be glad.

The worst thing in the world,

Is to not to have empathy.

To pretend that you don’t understand,

The pain that someone sees.

The best thing in the world,

Is to have compassion for all kind.

To love and care for those around,

No matter what they strive.

The worst in the world,

Is to cry the tears you cry,

And to have someone that you love,

Cease to wipe them dry.

The best thing in the world,

Is to share in a laugh or two.

But to also have the friends and family,

That are there when you are blue

The worst thing in the world,

Is to pretend that you care.

But at the end of the day,

Not respect who is there.

The best thing in world,

Is to have a relationship,

Built on trust and respect for both,

Even as the tides shift.

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." 

I can't wait to decorate our own home one day!  I love everything cottage, rustic, vintage, and shabby chic.   Below is a picture of my favorite house in Auburn ( which I miss already!) and a few rooms I found on the internet that I love.  Enjoy.  

“The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others." — William Lyon Phelps

I don't believe the world goes 'round with money, with business, or with the politics of life.  Of course I understand that this world would not function without these things in a civil manner, but it is not our job, or the money we have, or the politics that we believe in that brings meaning to this life.  These should not be the things that define us.

I believe the world goes 'round with great conversation.  It goes around with the experiences we have with the ones we love.  Life is sparked when our minds our stimulated; when we are opened to a new idea, a new thought, and a new ideal.   We bring meaning to our lives when we challenge our minds and meet people who bring this life into a new perspective.

Sometimes I feel like the art of conversation is dying.  In the world of social media, we don't have to sit face to face anymore to know what is going on in each others life.  Sometimes I also feel that the art of conversation is dying because people can't talk to anyone with different views without getting mad.  It seems this world is in a constant fight of who is right or wrong, who is left or right, or purple or green.  I hate that we can't talk if we disagree.

We don't have to agree with the way everyone thinks.  We don't have to agree with everyones lifestyles.  But I firmly believe that as long as someone is not physically or emotionally hurting anyone, they have a right to live their life the way they wish.  Everyone has a right to be happy, so everyone has a right to live a life that makes them happy as long as they are doing no harm to others.  I also firmly believe that we should take the time to get to know those who live differently than us.  It is with this new perspective that we will grow. 

I promise you.  Some of the most influential people you will meet in you life will be those who challenge the way you think.  Take the chance and step outside.  Take the time, to have meaningful conversation.

“There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them.” — Anthony de Mello.  

Mark and I spent the weekend in Destin for my good friend's (Mel) wedding.  It was wonderful!  We boht went to high school together and found our way at Auburn for college.  Our families use to tailgate together at football games  and our brother's are also in the same grade.  Her Dad was a great friend of my Dad and her family has been a great source of strength for my family.  

What is so wonderful about our friendship is that our families are not only there for each other during the hard times, but also the happy times.  I believe that is what friendship is truly about. Sometimes it is easier to extend a hand to someone when they are going through a rough patch.  If you have any kind of compassion towards people your heart goes out to them when they are going through obstacles or grieving in their life. As humans, I would hope that we want to reach out during those times.   As life gets hectic though, and the road for our friends is smooth, we often forget to pick up the phone and let them know we are thinking about them.  I have not only learned this past year the importance of being there for someone when life gets tough, but also being there with them to celebrate life itself. 

I am so happy that Mark & I were able to share in Melanie & Patrick's special day.   The wedding was beautiful and the weather (thankfully) cooperated.  Mel could not have been a more gorgeous and composed bride.  It is nice to see a bride so relaxed and so able to enjoy every minute of their day.  What I loved the most was that the wedding was a reflecting of their personalities... a laid back,intimate, and simple understated (yet gorgeous) elegance with the people they love.  I wish them a wonderful life of love, adventure, and happiness together!  

You never know the biggest day of your life is the biggest day. Not until it's happening. You don't recognize the biggest day of your life, not until you're right in the middle of it. The day you commit to something or someone. The day you get your heart broken. The day you meet your soul mate. The day you realize there's not enough time, because you wanna live forever. Those are the biggest days. The perfect days.

This quote really struck a cord with me the other night.  The statement may seem obvious, but I think a lot of times we take for granted how important the day to day decisions we make are.  A simple decision can change your life forever.  It always seems that it is the simple things, that turn into the biggest things. 

I think these words touched my heart so much because of what my family and I have been through the past year.  When I look back on all that we went through, this quote rings so true.  My world was turned upside down in a split second.  What had been such a normal day turned into a life defining day.  You never know when that might be.

I feel really strongly on trying to embrace where I am now in my life, no matter the stage or what is thrown at me.  To take the time to have a quality conversation with my mom or brother.  To take the time to talk to a friend, no matter how busy life gets.  To understand that the small things are often the  big things.  To treat each day as a big day. You see, every day is a big day, because our time on this Earth is way to precious to waste.

I love lyrics and songs.  I think they have a powerful way of bringing me back to a memory, a moment in time, or thinking about the ones I love.  I was looking through my music collection and stopped at "Have a Little Faith in Me."  It's been awhile since I sat and just listened the lyrics, and I have to say, it made me smile.  This song is not too cheesy, and it is not too sappy, but in my opinion it is one of the few ballads that represents true love.  

The song doesn't claim that the road might not get bumpy or that things won't get tough.  It doesn't claim that you should always be able to put your feelings into words.  And, it doesn't say that there won't be times when sadness is all you can feel.  Life is not always an easy road and I don't think that we should pretend that it is.  Love, also, can not cure all things.  I believe that is an unrealistic expectation to have.  What I love about this song, is it only asks of love..... one thing.

 It simply asks to have a little faith in me.

I believe that faith in your partner is not believing that they always save the day and make the worries disappear.  The faith lies in knowing that your partner will always be by your side through the good times and the bad.  That faith is understanding that you will never have to go through this journey alone.  That faith is very simple, but it's very real.  And for me, that kind of faith, is a very beautiful thing.

When the road gets dark 

And you can no longer see 

Let my love throw a spark 

And have a little faith in me 

When the tears you cry 

Are all you can believe 

Just give these loving arms a try baby 

And have a little faith, faith in me 

Have a little faith in me 

Have a little faith in me 

And have a little faith in me 

Have a little faith, faith in me 

When your secret heart 

Cannot speak so easily 

Come here baby 

From a whisper, start 

To have a little faith in me 

And when your back's against the wall 

Just turn around and you, you will see 

I will catch your, I will catch your fall 

Just have a little faith, faith in me 

Have a little faith in me 

Have a little faith in me 

Have a little faith in me 

Have a little faith, have faith in me 

Well, I've been loving you 

For such a long, long time 

Expecting nothing in return 

Just for you to have a little faith in me 

You see time, time is our friend 

Cause for us there is no end 

All you gotta do is 

Have a little faith in me 

This Bittersweet Ride...

I am officially an Auburn Alumni. How bittersweet.  

I have to say that I am so thankful for the opportunities, experiences, and people I have met the past five years.  My journey has been filled with much happiness and also some sadness.  I have had moments where I felt victorious and moments where I have felt defeated.  I have met wonderful people, struggled with my relationships, and learned along the way what it means to truly be a friend.  I am forever blessed and just want to take a minute to reflect on some thoughts I have.  And yes, I'm feeling very sentimental.

Auburn will always be a second home...

I feel so lucky to have called Auburn "home" for the past five years.  Unless you go to school at  Auburn it is hard to understand, but there is something about it that gets in your blood and stays with you forever.  There is a special spirit with the people in Auburn.  It's a place where they become your family. I know that as I continue my journey forward I will randomly run into people across the nation while wearing Auburn apparel and receive a "war eagle" and possibly make a new friend.  That makes me smile.  

I will miss....

the fact that my friends were right down the street... Although throughout the years, we all scattered at different times.  I think in college we take advantage of the fact that your best friends are two steps away and can be at your place in a heart beat. I will miss the spontaneous moments with my friends.  I will miss Saturdays in the fall and 87,000 people getting together for something they all love.  I will miss being able to wear flip flops at every occasion ( I hope I find a job that does require a business suit, yuck!).  I will miss running at the fisheries and the hidden dirt roads that turned into treasures. I will miss the DT and the nights that made so many memories.  I will miss being in a town where I have such a strong connection with each person because we share a love for our school.  And of course, with many more things,  I will miss the small town charm.

But I'm thankful.....

As much as I will miss Auburn in my heart I know it is time to take a step forward.  Instead of thinking about how much I am going to miss these days, I am trying to be thankful for the fact that that I went to school that I loved and so many amazing experiences.   I believe that life will always be a bittersweet ride.  When one chapter closes it is always hard, but we must learn to that as that chapter closes another one is opening.  Life is about embracing the place you are right now.  I will cherish the memories I've had at Auburn and look forward to those special reunions with football and the ones I love.  But here's to moving forward, embracing each stage in my life, and more importantly remembering to cherish the ride.

  

War Eagle! 

So I have had a little bit of time on my hands lately and have been thinking about wedding ideas.  I think that Mark and I have narrowed it down to two venues.  This is an inspiration board I made for the Farmhouse Inn that we are thinking about.  I think if you click on the picture it will enlarge for you.  The pictures used of venues are the actual in (the tree, the farm/barn, and the reception area).  We really want something laid back and fun, mixed with rustic elegance.  I know it's a little different, but what do you guys think? Comments welcome and encouraged!  :)

Today I thought of you,

like everyday that's passed,

but today I tried to smile,

and celebrate the past.

I tried to appreciate the moments,

that I had spent with you,

the time that you enriched my life,

and taught me to be true.

A time of deep reflection,

to be thankful for your life,

to remember on this day you were born,

to not cry but rejoice.

I wish you a wonderful birthday,

from Earth to up above,

and know that everyday,

you are so very loved.