365 Project: Day 136

This is my new favorite chair. I love chairs that my entire body can curl up in...especially if they're vintage. Things are generally looking up lately. I still haven't found my inspiration, but other things are happening in the mean time to keep my mind busy. Like this chair.

Today was far from uneventful. My "I'll Fly Away" print was purchased by ABC for the set of Modern Family. I'm so excited to see if it shows up in any episodes! I just found out that I was accepted into a financial planning program that I've been on a waiting list for since February. After months of waiting, a depressing application that forced me to realize that I am well on my way to becoming a financial mess at 27, and a page full of interview questions I'm finally in! I'm really stoked! Hopefully I will now be set on the right path to financial freedom and responsibility. I figure its better to get a grip on these things while I'm still young.

I was almost in TWO car accidents on my way to the grocery store this evening. Both near misses were caused by jerks who were trying to beat red lights. Its always a GREAT idea to floor it through a busy intersection while driving directly into the blinding New Mexico sunset. Right? Idiots. When I finally got to the grocery store, I witnessed a hugely pregnant, not to mention pissed off woman kick a man in the ass right in the middle of the bread aisle. It took everything I had not to laugh out loud. I actually had to leave the aisle. I am so grateful that my life is full of these little moments. I can't help but stop and laugh. I see the craziest things every day and, ironically, those crazy little moments keep me sane. 

On a side note, I am so thankful for all of the comments, emails, phone calls, and text messages that I received after my last couple of posts. They were all so full of hope, encouragement, and support. If nothing else, this project has been a place where I can vent my frustration to the world and get nothing but positivity, comfort and understanding in return. I appreciate you all so much. I am feeling a little better. I'm trying to just go with the flow and keep myself busy until my inspiration returns.

365 Project: Day 123

I think I'm sick....again. I really hope I can shake whatever this is quickly. I've got a fever and my body is radiating heat, but I couldn't resist getting out of bed to soak up some of this beautiful summer sunset.

Now I have to get back in bed.

365 Project: Day 91

No one knows I come here, but I come here all the time. Its quiet. Its beautiful. Its the perfect place to watch an amazing New Mexico sunset. I can always be alone here. I sit, I think, I pace, I listen to music, I watch the people walking down below, I observe the people in the offices across the street, I listen to the sounds of the lives going on around me, I enjoy the breeze. Spending time up here gives me great perspective both literally and figuratively.

Its nice to have a place in the middle of a city where you can hide out for a while and find a little peace.

365 Project: Day 67

Sometimes you just have to pause, take a deep breath, and let the beauty around you sink in. I had to do more than pause this time. I had to pull over and get out of the car. I couldn't enjoy this amazing sunset at 80 mph. I sat here for 20 minutes watching the sun sink into the horizon.

I have these little moments sometimes when the beauty in the world strikes me in a way that stops me in my tracks.  If you don't stop to take notice, you can miss everything. The glory of a sunset, the touch of a gentle breeze, the way a loved one looks at you when you're not paying attention, the sound of a wind chime in the distance, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sweet smell of honey suckles and jasmine, the tickle of grass on your toes...it only takes a moment to miss these things. They are so easy to overlook if you're not paying attention. But it also only takes a moment to pause and take notice of these tiny little gifts that life gives us every day. In just being alive, we all have so much to be thankful for because we have the ability to enjoy these little things.

No one can take away the moments you cherish. They cost you nothing and they will only make your life more rich. So often we are living for the future. We need to be more present in our lives or they will pass us by while we are looking toward the next step. I am thankful for these little moments...they make me feel a connection to the world and the life that is continually happening all around us. The sun will still set every single day, whether we stop to admire it or not. I choose to stop.

365 Project: Day 31

My sister and I drove to my parents' house this weekend to surprise my dad on his 50th birthday. We spent most of Saturday driving around town running errands and hanging out with the family. We had just arrived back at our house when I realized I hadn't taken my 365 picture yet! Panic had begun to set in when I looked out the back door and saw this gorgeous sunset.

My parents live outside of town on several acres of land. This is always my favorite part of being at their house. I have lived all over this country and there is nothing more amazing than a New Mexico sunset. The unobstructed view of the sky from my parent's land is just amazing. Its never the same sky twice. Every single evening I am in awe of the beauty that is possible in this world if you just open your eyes and look.