Life Happens: At Times

Sometimes life just happens showing its effect on maturing children, aging parents, (and ourselves), instilling the realization that time is precious.  At other times, one makes life happen by opening oneself to new people, new places and new endeavors with the potential for success or failure.  Over a year ago, when I began work on The Cass Clutch, I knew I had to see this project through despite being unfamiliar with the leather industry, the manufacturing process and being a bit fearful of the unknown.  I put myself out there and now it's finally here and, although still a bit afraid, I am now determined.  Grateful for what the entire experience has taught me and no matter what becomes of it, I now know that I will be a better woman for having seen it through.  

Don't let your dreams fall by the wayside.  Make life happen, even if it scares you... 

Meditation: 5 Inspiring Quotes

For a long time I resisted pinning inspirational quotes on Pinterest, but at some point I came across a quote that resonated with me and I decided to start a  meditation pinboard.  From time to time I read through it and somehow I manage to find sayings that reflect how I'm feeling at that particular moment.  Today I'd like to share a few of my favorite ones.  They all encourage authenticity, courage and self love.  

Do you have any favorite motivational quotes to share?

Scenes From A Holiday Tradition

Two and half years ago (when we first moved to California) we embarked on what has become a brand new Christmas Eve tradition.  With few friends and family members nearby, we felt the need for a new way to mark the holiday for the children and for us as well.  Honing in on my  Italian heritage and our love for pasta, we decided that an early, hearty dinner in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood would do very nicely.  Combined with a Christmas Eve service, some shopping for last minute gifts and yummy regional treats to savor at home while preparing for Santa's imminent arrival, this new tradition felt just right.  Our return home later in the evening (physically and spiritually fulfilled), still allows for time to tend to unfinished holiday details.  This outing has become something we all look forward to and our very own hallmark for the holiday.  We hope that in years to come both local and visiting friends and family members can join us in our  [fairly] new Christmas tradition.

I hope that all of you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season filled with fond memories of old traditions and/or  fun times creating new ones!

The Power Of Simplicity

I often leave books and magazines open to pages with images or texts that inspire or resonate with me on our coffee table.  One of my all time favorites is the cover page of  the November 3, 2013 issue of The New York Times Style Magazine.  The title:  "The Power Of Simplicity"  is as relevant today as it was a year ago when I first read it.

I'm not sure when it became a direct influence on how I've been approaching life lately, but regardless, I'm pleased to announce that I've been applying its simplifying message to just about everything.  The daily expectations I create for my personal and professional life seem to subconsciously prioritize themselves in my mind.  This  allows me to organize tasks more efficiently or remove some altogether.  I must admit I'm not feeling any shame in doing less, I would rather be grateful for the ability to embrace more.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,  let's  all remember to keep things simple and enjoy the quieter, less frenetic times.  Simplify and allow them to happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Family Photo Session

During our stay in Cambridge this summer, I had the chance to catch up with my photographer friend Kristen of Kristen Joy Emack Photography.  Having always admired her personal style of portrait photography, I asked Kristen to take pictures of our family.  She accepted and invited us to a spot that she chose very carefully.  Her ease with the lens and the people in front of it shows through the realness of her approach to photography.   Here are a few images from our morning session with Kristen.  I'm so pleased with the results.

Over the summer, Kristen was named best photographer by Scout Cambridge Magazine.  To see more of Kristen's work check out her website here.

Thank you Kristen for capturing the essence of our family.