Magic.

You know those happiness moments?

The ones where the weather is perfect,

the sky is the right shade of blue,

when nothing seems to be the matter,

and you curl up with a blanket and a book,

or take a hot bath.

Those moments when you feel so content,

where everyone around you is smiling,

and you just can't seem to wipe the smile off your face.

When you sing loud in the car,

or catch a glimpse of something breathtaking,

when the snow is falling so magically,

or you feel loved perfectly despite your imperfections.

I love those moments. 

I live for them.

Magic is real,

I just know it is. 

I remember walking home from class my freshman year on my birthday.

It was in the end of February, and weather is never very good then.

But the sun was shining and it felt so good on my face.

I can remember exactly where I was at that moment, and I remember how it felt.

Magic.

I remember seeing my kids waiting for me at the front of the orphanage when our bus pulled in.

I remember dancing with them all night to the sounds of Peruvian voices and guitars.

I remember Jerry holding my hands and walking on my feet and smiling up with that toothless grin.

Magic.

I remember coming home for a weekend in the summer of 2009 and sleeping under the stars with my family.

Magic.

I remember driving down dirt roads this summer with the music up loud...singing at the top of our lungs,  and catching frogs in the muddy banks of the pond.

Magic.

Life is never perfect. 

But I think He gives us moments in which we glimpse for a moment what pure joy feels like.

It's that peaceful, calm, happy moment when nothing else seems to matter. 

Where even if all other things are wrong, you just know it will be ok.

I think that might be what eternity feels like.

I suppose I'll have to wait to find out.

These are some of my favorite "magic" pictures on my pinterest account.

I think the older I get, and the more I make the distinction between what matters and what doesn't,

I have more and more "magic" moments.

It's more of the feeling than the circumstance or action.

That swelling in your heart. 

Magic.

In those moments, and always....

truly, my cup runneth over.

How to successfully survive....

a day at work (dare I say "enjoy"?)

so we had a conversation yesterday. me and dad.

we have lots of conversations these days [seeing that we spend nearly every waking hour within 10 yards of each other] but anyways, we were talking....and by we I mean I think I was doing most of the talking at this point....about how I love being busy. thank heavens I have a 9-5 job, because I think I would go crazy without it. so I thought I would share a few of the things that are essential in getting me through.

Step 1: Moisturize..

Or keep something on hand that you like I guess....

I, personally am obsessed with Bath and Body's Shea Cashmere Hand Cream and Rose Salve.

I'm also a huge anti-fan of dry skin and lips. Soooo...

you best believe these are constantly on hand.

Step 2: Hydration! 

When I'm sitting at a desk all day it's easy to keep water on hand and sip.

Sipping is better than snacking, no? 

Because they're equally as easy...

Step 3: Tunes.

If at all possible, I highly suggest it.

 

Step 4: Keep snacks on hand.

My guilt-free treat of choice is gum :)

Step 5: Look decent. 

Nobody can look great every day

[wait, don't I have a sister that accomplishes that feat?]

but for the majority of us... decent is totally great.

Ok, so some of you may be calling me a hypocrite right now for that last one. [I'm a large fan of sweats and I never blowdry my hair] but what I'm trying to say here is look presentable! When you feel cute outside, you feel better about yourself inside. Girls are emotionally connected all over the place...if you are a girl you understand what I mean. If you are a boy.... [are there many of you out there reading this...?] just trust me. Last summer I didn't quite have this one figured out. Mostly I didn't wear any makeup [not a bad thing... but it wasn't due to great skin and summer freedom. the culprit was laziness...] and didn't care what I wore. I figured I was seeing my dad's clients all day....and Donny too I suppose.... so why would I care what I looked like? That happened to me my senior year too. I think I went through at least a few months where I wore a large sweatshirt, jeans, and vans every. single. day. [aka do I not sound sooo frumpy? don't judge me]

Sooooo what changed? Well, my sister always has been really good at being cute. Like wears cute outfits all the time, portrait of perfection, etc etc. and I used to ask her sometimes why she got so cute when there wasn't always what I thought was a "reason". Then I read an article one time where somebody was talking about putting on mascara before she went to the gym....not because she was looking to impress anybody....but that was the one thing that made her feel presentable. So I figured out that everybody has something that makes them feel better about themselves inside. Some people don't need makeup. I happen to feel about a thousand times better if I have two things: mascara and lipstick. Some people need to do their hair to feel presentable: I don't care enough in that department. I feel fine with crazy hair. In fact, the crazier, the better. 

So take the extra five minutes. Maybe it only takes two. 

Whip out your cute shoes.

Blowdry your hair.

Paint your nails. 

Wear a headband.

Put on a dress.

Put that sparkly, shimmery something to good use [hey, can't every day be a special occasion?]

For me, I'll keep my mascara and lipstick close at hand.

Feel pretty today.

Because you are :)

[someday remind me to blog about confidence... I have had some major life discoveries in that category over the years...still learning.]