A Satisfied Sigh for 2011

Last year, my New Years word was Transform. A word chosen to embody the goals and passions that would be 2011. I certainly fulfilled all my definitions of that word in the last 364 days.

I transformed myself physically, with a healthier lifestyle and changes of appearance. New hair, new smile and a new respect for myself. I feel more confident in my body than I ever have.

I've transformed spiritually, narrowing down and defining how I feel. Being able to grasp it and share it. And be challenged by it.

I've transformed mentally, wiser now and more clear. An improved professional, a promising scientist, an understanding friend. I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought. That I can love more than I ever knew.

I have transformed my world around me in little ways. And hopefully big ways.

This year was about change. Learning from 2010 and applying this new knowledge to 2011. I believe it was successful. I'm proud of myself. I grew up. I leaped over hurdles that would have boggled my mind years ago. I made new friends, I bravely let go of the not-so-good friends, I had faith in me and my abilities. I put effort into the relationships that really mattered, I focused on the more than frivolous. All along the path to my most desired future. Still admiring the details of life, but fully aware now of the big, glorious picture.

So this year's New Year word is this:

INSPIRE

To be inspired, and pursue those things that mean the most to me. To seek out new sources of inspiration. And to inspire those around me. To help those in need, and give as much of myself as I can. To inspire my friends to love their bodies and be healthy. To inspire them to live to the fullest and see the joy of the everyday. After a year of learning and growing, I now want to share it with the world. And see what else that amazing world has to offer me. :) Here's to 2012! A year of Inspiration!

I wish all a very prosperous 2012, filled to the brim with happiness, joy and love. I sign off now, the last blog post of 2011, as I pack my bags for a weekend of skiing with my best friend. A pretty good way to ring in the new year, I think. Nature and family. Back to the roots I go. :)

What an amazing Christmas...

I can hardly sum it up in words. There was love, happiness, laughter, joy, generosity, excitement, and lots of surprises. I surrounded myself with family and enjoyed every moment with them, all of us together. We ate till we were full, we laughed until we cried, we smiled until our faces hurt. We gave gifts and shed happy tears over sentimental tokens. Never have I felt so complete, joyful and blessed. We played games till midnight, sipping on our vintage glasses of Malibu or wine, listening to the Christmas classics. We tricked each other into ending up under the mistletoe and ran around those hardwood floors like we were kids again. A perfect Christmas. I couldn't be more lucky.

Christmas Morning

Orange rolls and cinnamon coffee!

Bear waiting patiently for presents to be opened.

My Mom marked all our packages with old photos of
ourselves this year instead of normal tags. Awesome!
I displayed them all on my mantel.

Getting ready to head to my Aunt's house for Christmas Eve!


A sweet moment captured between the parents :)

I hope you all had wonderful holidays!

Mosaic Monday: Cookies!

Oh I love Christmas Cookies! Who doesn't?! With the house to myself on Sunday afternoon, I turned on the oven, pulled out the sprinkles and got to baking. Such a calming (and delicious) task! Please go visit Little Red House for more fun mosaics!

Sunday Morning Sweetness

Christmas lights are on in the house, even with the morning sun streaming through the windows. I am enjoying a cup of gingerbread coffee and a Christmas cookie--which I've determined is the best way to begin a day this holiday season. I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday! A week from today is Christmas!

Among the Lights

My house is quiet and still. Just me and the cat are up at this hour. I am relaxed and enjoying every Christmas light in the house. There's something truly magical about a house lit only by these little bulbs. Every room has a romantic feel. I feel warm and festive, and my tired smile can be seen in the soft glow. What a wonderful way to end a week and embrace this holiday season.

Mosaic Monday! My Favorite Holiday Accessory

It's the time of year when I love to window shop all the new fancy dresses (occasionally buying a new one for parties!) for Christmas. Cocktail dresses in silk, satin and taffeta, in the most beautiful spectrum jewel tones. New shoes pop up in the Mall, jewelry counters are full and the sparkliest-rhineostone-encrusted-must-have-clutch is on every end-cap. I love the new holiday party fashion! My favorite accessory for events this time of year, though? Red lipstick! You simply can't go wrong! My favorite kind surprisingly came from O.P.I and is called Suzi Loves Sydney (from the Aussie line). Nothing makes me feel sexier, fancier, and more holiday-ish than red lips. What do you folks think? Do you rock this look?




Go over to Little Red House and check out all the other Monday Mosaics!

Mosaic Monday! Mom and Me

Whenever my mother and I take self-portraits together, we always take more than one. And by that, I mean we take a dozen. 'How's that one look? Nope, my hair is odd. Do another. How about that? No, I'm not smiling right. Go again. Who's that guy behind us?' Finally we get one that we both agree is Facebook worthy. Well, today I'm celebrating all the "duds" from last week's Christmas concert we attended. They make me smile! :)



Please go to Little Red House to see other beautiful mosaics!

Sunset Skies

My trip down the highway yesterday was one of my favorite types. The Eastside Highway was empty, and each windy curve gave me a new look at the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. The sun set slowly, showing off a color wheel of shades as it went. Alpenglow highlighted the snowy peaks to the west, and dark tree silhouettes framed the eastern ranch-land. Acres and acres of quiet fields under a bright, hooked moon. I couldn't have asked for a better night out under the Big Sky.