Shine. Be. Define.

Remember...

You may think you know someone, 

but you probably don't.

They are their own. 

They are entitled to shine.

They define

themselves.

I'll shine on my own

even if it is always in shadow. 

No center stage can define

me better than my own

shine. 

Music Monday

                                                           Moonlight

                                                                           The Piano Guys

                   

                                                                           also listen here

I am a forever fan of The Piano Guys. 

If you haven't heard of them 

or checked out their YouTube channel, 

you simply must. 

Their story is inspiring and they stand for every good thing, 

bringing peace, joy and love to all ages 

through their inspiring music. 

The talented Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson 

are true entertainers, who simply get to 

share their passion for music with the world. 

They are making a difference with their talents 

and I am one directly blessed by their beautiful music.

Music Monday

                                                      
                                                               
                                                                         
                                     







 The Lightning Strike
 (What if this Storm Ends)
         by Snow Patrol
                                                                     
                                             also listen here

Saw a trailer for the movie "Epic" over the weekend,

and though the movie itself doesn't do anything for me,

the song in that trailer is an entirely different story. 

As soon as this melody

began to surround me in the theater, 

I knew I would HAVE to find it

and put it on repeat. 

And so I did. 

The combination of notes in this melody 

and his breathy reaching voice 

give me full body chills. 

Not to mention the electrifying lyrics. 

"The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planet's last dance
Just for a minute
The silver forked sky
Lit you up like a star
That I will follow"

Just let it take you places. 

 

           

My First Breath

26 years ago in the city of North Conway, New Hampshire,
a little girl was born to an inspired mother.
Young as the mother was,
she bravely chose to release her sweet baby
into the arms of others,
trusting they would raise her uprightly and give her all
the good things life has to offer.
If only that brave mother could know
that her trust was well placed
and her little one has grown
happy, healthy and bright,
with a light that strives for goodness.

As I celebrated my 26th birthday this last weekend,
I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude
for the blessing of breath and life;
MY life...
A life that I never could have imagined
in a place so meant for me.
Even though at times I feel I belong back in the late 1800's,
I know that there is nowhere else in this world
I could belong than with
a family who loves me
and a husband that completes me.

Every moment that passes should be a treasure or a lesson.
My treasures are innumerable
and I pray the lessons I am learning
will continue to find a rooted place
in my tender heart.

Let memories be made.
Celebrate breath and life!

Here's an insta-flash of my birthday weekend...

Started my day off with a delicious 
birthday Asiago bagel and cream cheese 
(no calories spared)

Found out shortly after arriving at work
that they were giving away Creamies...

One of my favorite frozen treats.

 My handsome hubby surprised me with a
weekend get-a-way to Salt Lake

He is the BEST!!

Saw this beautiful tree

Spring blossoms all over

                        Took me to Cheesecake Factory 

for my birthday dinner

Our waitress was awesome and said
"You don't want me to sing,
it would ruin your birthday"

So I blew out my candle in peace.

Always have to document where you park.

Loved our canopy bed...

We stayed in the Peery Hotel downtown.

                        Tried Tuconos for the first time...

Loved it!

We really enjoyed "The Coods"

Highly hilarious and inappropriate
sign on the fake desserts...

Got a delicious caramel apple...fave.

Went to an awesome toy store...

Found Lane's favorite..

...European Bueno Bar

Yummm

Tried Settobellos Pizza for the first time

it was AMAZING!

Topped off AMAZING pizza with AMAZING gellato.

Tried Dicks market special for lunch on our way home

and got yummy doughnuts for the fam.

Mom made me a sunflower cake :)