an email

I am sure we've all sat in the seat of offense.  A place where we've been wronged, scorned or deeply wounded.  Perhaps its words, a insensitive comment or perhaps it's something that 'didn't' happen that hurt even more.

I think I used to think of myself as a very forgiving person.  A person that got over the hurts easily and moved on.  Only recently have I realized that it's selective.  It's sometimes a hard battle when you can let go of some hurts and others you hold onto with no plan to let go of...

I received an email from someone this week.

It had some 'surface' type talk in it but something in it blew me away.  It was a simple phrase...but one I am not used to hearing....and sadly, not used to saying either.

"I'm sorry for how I hurt you."

Those words, just black letters on a screen, grew legs and walked into my heart.  They melted the scorn...peeled away the bitter...and something soft was underneath...healing began.

It's hard to stay upset with someone who is humble.
Its hard to hold onto hurt when true remorse is evident.

It's a good week. I let go of some stuff.

healthy...nourishing...creative

Starting weight watchers this week with a dear friend....

I am inspired by recent culinary endeavors of friends and chefs alike - I feel more empowered to expand the realm of healthy eating in my family.

Made this whole grain pizza with garlic, tomatoes, light mozzarella and spinach...drizzled with olive oil for an amazing 7-point meal.  Added a salad with balsalmic and handful of almonds for a delicious vegetarian meal.  AND under 10 points!

I have to keep writing about it so I stay inspired....inspire me with your favorite healthy/vegetarian meals!

what is next?

Up until this week, Joel has been crazy nuts with a freelance job.  It's one we are so very honored for him to be working on but I've barely seen the guy since April. 

The great thing is that it (for the most part) is complete.  

I've been thinking of things we can work on together.  

I love dreaming, envisioning, and creating with him. 

So...got some inspiration from here.  I think I want to create a more minimalist style throughout my home.  Keeping the colors soft and light.  The windows open.  The art meaningful.  I want to get rid of a ton of the unnecessary items.  I want to organize and have a place for each item.  I know it won't always stay that way..but I want to give it a go.

Take a look at my current inspiration: 

9 months

Mr. Leland Ryan

9 months old today

crawling 

laughing

eating

playing

I wish I could freeze this age

When I ask you to say "Ma Ma" 

You smile and say, 'Da Da"

When you see me walk in the room with yogurt,

You grunt and flap your arms 

You still love to nurse while twirling my hair

I love that so much.

You crawl around like a crazy person

and you like to get into mischief already

Your favorite show is Blue's Clues

Your favorite friend to watch it with is Jude

Your thighs are chunky

Your cheeks are chubby

You fuss a bit here and there

Nothing calms you down like Daddy playing guitar

Have we mentioned how in love with you we are?

Cuz we are. 

Happy 9 months old, little love. 

~Mommy

HOT

So, as many of you can tell.  I love my husband.  Not just because he's my bff.  But...he's such a talent...a confidant...an artist.  He has taught me so much about faith and grace.

I have to share this logo he created for my friend, Kimberly.  She is the owner of Kajal by Kimberly.  Kajal (Hindi for "Eye Liner") 

She and I have been working together doing makeup for 18 months now...but to see it written..on a card...with a hot logo...and our  names on it.  It just does something to you.

Need design?

a trip to pittsburgh...just the 2 of us

It's insane what happens to you after having a baby.  Not only does your body change dramatically - but your marriage is forced into the ultimate adjustment.  Leland's birth was altogether wonderful...yet the addition of a new life is also so so so exhausting.  Combine THAT with a crazy busy design year for Joel and it makes for 2 people living in a house that barely see one another. 

NOT GOOD.

We remedied that this weekend...it was just us.  Boyfriend & Girlfriend. Hand-holding. Movie-watching. Window-shopping.  Actual Shopping.  Dreaming.  Laughing.  Eating. 

It was JUST what we needed.  And yet...while we enjoyed the freedom we had without kids to care for, it made us so excited to see those little guys again.

Thanks to my sweet friends and family for the wonderful birthday wishes...here's to hoping 29 is as fantastic as 28!

10 things

10 things I am looking forward to this weekend: 

10-Andy Warhol Museum 

9-The adorable B&B we found at a steal of a price

8-The Inclines

7-Date night here

6-Taking naps with my man

5-Celebrating my 29th birthday

4-Stopping here for a few hours.

3-Seeing this

2-holding hands (yea, i really said that)

1-Reconnecting with the greatest friend/boyfriend/husband on earth