Friday Fav - Turning the Down ... Up

Happy Friday! This week was full of nights staying up way too late and mornings that were way too cold. I'm a fan of seasons, but not a fan of warming up cold, leather car seats. I'm a fan of the summer, but despise the humidity. Life always gives you some ups ... and some downs. This week, I had a mix of both.

While 2013 has so far been amazing, I still have a void in my heart that will never fill up. I know this feeling won't go away, and I know there are going to be hard days, many hard days, ahead. Sometimes I wonder how I have gotten to where I am today without my Pops. Some weeks are good ... some are bad. Some days are harder than others and some days are a breeze. Some moments I feel like I'm drowning in tears, and some moments I'm caught with the biggest, belly laugh.

Life without my Pops is really really rough. Over these last few months without my dad, I've come to one conclusion. Life is far too short to live in the downs.

Today's Friday Fav - Turning the Down ... Up

Whether it's a bucket list tucked away in your nightstand, dreams of writing a book and designing your own stationery, or driving 3 hours for an ice cream cone ... go there. Go to the list, the dreams, and the place that lifts you up.

I recently came across my dad's YouTube account. I don't think anyone has ever been more organized on YouTube than he was. This makes me so happy. I have to think about the amount of hours he put into finding his favorite videos and categorizing them. I think about how this may have been the place he went when he was down, had a hard day, and maybe ... just maybe needed a big, belly laugh.

This week, through the tears when driving home and just wanting to talk to him to watching some of his videos, I turned my down up. I've learned there are going to be more hard days ahead. That's life. I've also been reminded of all of the good, the laughter, the excitement for my future, the stationery designs that draw through my mind, and the 3 hours I'll drive for ice cream. That's (my) life.

Along the way and when we're at the end, we need these ups. Go there.  

 

                                                                                         Source: piccsy.com via Brittanie on Pinterest

Friday Fav - Chicken Fried

Happy Friday!!! Now that we're 18 days into Twenty-Thirteen, I think it's about time I start focusing in on some of my resolutions and goals. While I've been in love with this band for sometime, I've learned one thing - anytime I hear one of their songs I can't stop thinking about seeing them in concert. So 2013 is where I make this happen.

I've always been the last person on the wagon when it comes to latest and greatest music. I fail at "Name that Artist." I'd rather spend money on 5 ice cream cones than a concert ticket, but when it comes to this group, I've got titles, albums and tour dates memorized.

Today's Friday Fav - Chicken Fried

You guessed it, the Zac Brown Band!!! If you love this band as much as I do, clear your schedule and follow me (and hopefully my mom) as I cross off one my goals. 

While I have other things planned for 2013 such as tone up, cut the sugar, and save some pesos, I really am focusing in on seeing the Zac Brown Band in concert. There is nothing like ending a week with a late night drive, singing out loud to "A Little Bit of Chicken Fried!"

So go ahead, start YouTube-ing some of their songs and fall in love. Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to see you and Zac Brown this year!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Sometimes I think I get more excited over other people's birthdays than they get of their own day. Sometimes I think your day should be everything and more. You should wake up swimming in a sea of balloons, eat cake for breakfast, unwrap everything you've had your eye on, enjoy the the day off from work, jet set anywhere your heart desires, be treated to your favorite dinner, and again enjoy some more cake. If there is anyone in this world who deserves this plus everything else amazing under the sun ... it's my Mom!

I have been blessed with the best Mom and best friend in one. This girl knows more about my quirks and tantrums, she is the best at playing the question game because she's had to be my go to person for each round, she's dealt with my hair fiascoes and heart breaks, she's always put my shopping needs/wants before hers, she's given me 1 million shoulders to cry on when the tears wouldn't stop falling, she's let me take whatever and everything that is hers, she's picked up every 2am homesick phone call I've given her, she's helped me travel and move around the world when she's sat still, and above all ... she's been the mom that every daughter dreams of having.

Today, as she gets ready to make a wish and prep for a new year ahead, I hope she's granted the most fabulous year and I hope I can help make it a possibility!

Mom, My Little Wish Waiting on a Candle, I hope you have the most amazing birthday!!! From the little girl who followed every footstep you took, to the girl I am now dreaming of being just like, I love you!

Enjoy your day and new year ahead! 

Friday Fav - Boot Scootin' Boogie

Happy Friday! As much as I want to write about this last week and how long and exhausting it's been, I've only got one thing on my mind ... one thing I've fallen for. Remember when I wrote this post about wandering away from the Wild West? Living on the east is getting easier and doesn't feel as far away from home (unless you check in with me on a bad day), but one thing that has been missing from my life way over here is the sense of country.

I tune into WPOC, only the greatest country radio station, and sing my heart out to Luke Bryan. I catch up with The Pioneer Woman as a way to think I'm still living life on the homestead. And of course, I search high and low for Groupons to adventures like horse back riding as a way to introduce Mike to the great outdoors. In all of these attempts to think I'm living life west coast style, I've been missing one thing ... cowboy boots. I know a girl can't boot scootin boogie her way through a country concert without boots. I know a girl can't whip up buttery cornbread without dosey doe-ing way through the kitchen wearing boots. And I definitely can't be expected to saddle up without some boots strapped on.

While I've been searching high and low for the perfect and affordable pair of red cowboy boots, my heart is now complete (well close ... still waiting for the dog). One of my favorite volunteers, Miss Linda, is an even bigger fan of cowboy boots than I am. This girl has over 20 pairs. Jealous? Me too! Well this week, something magical happened. Linda bagged up a pair of boots I have been drooling over since we met, and she said, "They are yours!" The kindness in her heart is bigger than anyone I've met. Linda, you'll never know how much these beauties mean to me, and how I can't wait to go dancing with you!

Today's Friday Fav - Boot Scootin' Boogie

After another week of learning and loving, some things just can't be beat. I have fallen in love with these gems.

World meet Miss Ruby Slippers

 

Wishing you a wonderful, country-filled weekend!

Quote On

As we're one week deep into 2013, I have big goals for the year ahead and for myself. Some days I'm inspired by 8+ hours of sleep, some days it's the sunshine, some days it's the dream of getting a dog, some days it's a full tank of gas, and some days ... most days ... are based off of quotes.

Today is one of them.

Source 1, 2, 3

Friday Fav - Discover the Stars

Happy Friday, Loves! If this week shows any sign about the year ahead, I'm pretty happy! I plan on continuing my Friday Fav posts and hope they not only continue reminding me everything I've learned and fallen in love with over the last week, but I hope they start encouraging you to think of the same.

You can label me as one of those "inspirational quote" people. I've got several shelves of quote books, I've got a "Life Lines" board on Pinterest, I seem to scribble a phrase down on every picture I frame, and most importantly I start off each New Year with a new quote. Here is what I plan on living by for 2013:

"I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right.
When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, 

that's when you discover the stars."
Nancy Willard

  

Today's Friday Fav - Discover the Stars

These last few nights I've set out on a walk to clear my mind from the day and to dream about everything ahead. These last few nights, the sky has been covered in clouds ... but last night ... last night is where I fell in love. I bundled myself up, turned on some tunes, took in the cold air and looked up.

No matter what stage we're at in life, we've got to take some time for ourselves and all that surrounds us. We've got to discover the stars.

Pick out a quote for the New Year, say it out loud, and have a wonderful weekend! 

2013

Here we are ... one of my favorite days of the year! The chance to say goodbye to the old and toast to everything ahead. 

Thank you all so much for riding with me through the ups and downs of 2012. Looking back at last year's New Year's post, I can't help but chuckle. I think that's what life is all about - looking back and smiling (at least that's what it should be all about). I had many dreams and goals for the past year, I had hopes for things that are still a possibility, and above all I didn't know what 2012 would bring. This past year brought so much happiness, heartbreak, love and growth. 

Every year, I like to update my family and friends on my year through an annual letter. This year's letter was about my Pops and the community who has stepped up and been my support. 

Looking ahead, I'll be counting on a new quote to guide me. We'll never know what the next year has in store, but I have a feeling 2013 is wrapped in glitter and filled with adventures. One lesson I'll always carry at my side from my Pops is to walk outside, calm your mind, breathe it all in, and take a look at the stars. The simplicity and enjoyment for the little things is something he lived for. It's something I plan on doing this next year!

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, healthy and amazing 2013.  
 

Source: iheart--it.tumblr.com via Brittanie on Pinterest