lovely things, things of joy.

I must say, life is crazy. However, to the degree it is crazy, it is also beautiful.


So here are a few things that have made life lovely and joyful in the past week:


...the dusting of snow that lasted for all of 30 minutes this morning. But it was beautiful for those fleeting moments


... my Bialetti moka. It has been a sort of saviour to my mornings. It's that taste of espresso, and the way I've discovered I can froth milk within my blender (with a small spoon of nutella), which helps me get up in the mornings. It puts a spring in my step as I hike down the hill to work or study.


....speaking of things that put a spring in my step. I've only recently started to listen to my ipod on my walks to school. I don't know why I didn't earlier. It makes my walks much faster, and certain songs just make me smile as I walk to school. And this song by the incredible Peter Fox has made me especially happy today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD0A2plMSVA


...Chocolate soy milk. a half glass and I'm instantly happier. (especially since there is a new deal on chocolate soy milk which is a whole dollar cheaper than usual. my wallet and I are both happy that way.)


.... adorable blogs that make me smile and hope for simple beauty, bright colors, and warm hugs. That's a lot to ask of any website, but sometimes it happens. Example for tonight? http://www.designlovefest.com/ It's very easy on the eyes.


...mail from my grandparents. They have an especially good talent at making trivial things seem so wonderful. Like getting packages of kleenex, homemade cookies in unique tins, and small notes that come detached from the package a day later because 'Grandpa sealed the box too quickly." And what made me really happy, was one of the typical random stories my Grandma wrote. She said she had gone thrifting with Grandpa, and she found a 'Gucci' purse for $15. ...Fifteen is a lot at a thrift store. But it was leather, and Grandpa persuaded her to buy it. And then they went to to department store to see if it was legitimate. The saleswoman said a similar bag was worth $1,500 and that 'someone didn't know what they had.' How adorable is that? My grandma is nervous about a $15 purchase and it ends up being worth that.. but with a couple zeros at the end.


...and this idea. I really want to take  my friends when I'm back home and photograph them and their closets. I think it would be such a good way to get to know them better, have a fantastic time, and share a piece of them and all their joy with the world... or at least to my realm of friends. I think that would be a beautiful project, however long it lasts. Here is a look at the website that gave me the idea:  http://closetvisit.com/


.... and finally, I am immensely grateful and joyful because of my friends this week. Their smiles, silliness, insight, struggles, and encouragement have made anything bearable. Thank you, friends.


..and actually finally, thanks be to God, who humbles, provides, lifts me up, and gives me joy when I don't deserve it. I am blessed to be provided with a new identity, as an adopted daughter of Christ. I will never understand that fully, but I'm thankful.


here's to the end of an old week, and the beginning of another.


and Kaelie, I'm thrilled for you finds. It brings me joy. And I'm glad you are surviving school and and also joining the thirst for turquoise :) This is a long post. But hopefully it let's you in to what is my life at the moment.