Being in the Moment

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I didn’t take any pictures today and instead just enjoyed the moments without feeling like I had to capture what was.

Instead, I just enjoyed the conversation, the scenery and just being.

I went for a hike with my BFF and although it was only 6+ miles, we probably could have gone 50 miles and not even noticed or felt tired. We were so happy to just be together out doing what we love and chatting and sharing and catching up that we hardly even noticed where we were.

I love these moments when time just passes by and you don’t even realize it because you are so content doing what you’re doing.

I was going to cook dinner tonight and then another friend dropped by, took off her shoes and decided to stay for awhile. I love when friends do this. I broke out the goat cheese from Harley Farms, some fresh red grapes and sliced the bread i picked up at the produce market today, and opened a bottle of my favorite Hess chardonnay to share with her. We sat together for over an hour and just caught up and enjoyed each other’s company, while our kids played outside.

I love this life. I love the simplicity of it all and just flowing with whatever comes my way.

Life is a miracle and I am loving it.

How was your Saturday?

3Nov2013

GGG – Day 3 – Nature

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Gratitude Gift Giving (GGG) – Day 3 – How do you enjoy and appreciate nature? Where is your favorite place to be?

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Do you feel a calling to be outdoors? Do you feel peace when you’re near the water, the forest, the hills, open spaces?

Where is your happy place? Where do you go to feel like you’re just a little part of this big, wide, open universe?

My favorite place to go in nature is the ocean. I love the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. I love seeing the sealife and smelling the salt water in the air. I love looking out and not being able to see anything else but water and not knowing where it ends. I love watching the sun setting on the horizon and imagining the daylight being transferred to another location on the earth. I love being on the water, especially on a paddle board, but I’m just as happy on any type of boat.

But today we explored the majesty of the redwood trees in the forest of Big Basin, in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Knowing that some of these trees are older than the Mayan Civilization made me feel so insignificant. Our lives are such a small part of the bigger world, but we feel like we are so important right now! Standing next to these trees that have been around for over 1500 years is amazing. Some of the trees are over 250 feet tall. I loved looking up at them, standing inside a circle of them, and hiking through the forest and admiring all their different varieties.

I liked the shadows, the darkness and the light flowing through them. I liked the old and the new, and even the fallen.

Hiking with our family at this place less than 35 miles from home filled me with joy, even though the process of getting us all out the door today together was quite the challenge! It was worth the work and effort and I think I can say we all enjoyed our family outing.

Today I am thankful for the beautiful parks of California, and for family time exploring some place new. What or where are you thankful for?

5Oct2013

Tailgating and Football

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The highlight of today was tailgating and watching American Football. Stanford is ranked #5 and is so much fun to watch. We love gathering with friends out in the Eucalyptus Forest before the game against Washington and just chilling outside together.

Nothing better than finding a big stick and getting dirty!

Red Solo Cup…. I keep hearing Leland singing karaoke about his dear friend!

Best buddies.

Once we finish the party out in the field, we continue the celebration inside the stadium. Tonight’s game began right away with a Stanford touchdown which set the pace for the rest of the game. Here’s a little video clip so you can feel what it’s like to be there.

Tonight was so warm and comfortable to be outside all night long and we never got cold. It was a great evening and Stanford won!

Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!!

3Jul2012

Day 22: Lucky

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“One of these days my luck is bound to change but for now I’ll savor the moment and the chocolate gelato.” – Emily Dodson, FB status 7/3/12

This is how I feel lately – just incredibly lucky and I know it won’t last forever, but for now the ride is so good, I want to savor every moment and don’t want to stop!

My doctor said I need to exercise at least 15 minutes a day to help with stress and to stay healthy. So I listened today and played volleyball with my friends for two hours. Does that mean I’m done for the week? J.k. I don’t know what I loved the most, being outside in the sunshine and not packing or cleaning, actually playing grass volleyball while watching my kids run around the park, or just hanging out with my girlfriends? I guess it was just an awesome triple play of goodness!!