scenic glory - let your spirit take flight

horse track grandstand.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:15:00 +0000

happy tuesday. it has been a bit since i have been back, but i was taking a much needed break and enjoying myself in the windy city.

my days were filled with lots of sunshine, city skylines, dinner dates, a pop up carnival and a day at the horse track...

we dressed up especially for the occasion (minus the big floppy hats because we didn't have them...sad day) we wouldn't have it any other way. we placed bets based on the horses names like "oh my sweetie pie" and "hello sailor" - we won several races...who needs statistics anyway :)

i am headed back to chicago land again in a few weeks and this time i'm packing my hat for a little extra good luck...one can never have enough of it.

xoxo

windy city.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:47:00 +0000

my baby blue samsonite suitcase is packed and ready to go. sweet home chicago...here i come! i thought i would leave you today with a few more of my favorite photos from last weekend. aren't carnival swings dreamy in every where there is to be?

road trips are my favorite. especially on nice sunny days when i can ride with my convertible top down, feel the breeze in my hair and listen to old tunes from the 50's & 60's. it's the small things like this that remind me life is good.

Runaround Sue by Dion on Grooveshark

xo, lindsay

a day at the ballpark - dreamy photos and a little video too!

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:37:00 +0000

ever since my days of living in the big city of chicago, i have always had a special place in my heart for baseball. the nostalgia of wrigley field, red white & blue, ivy covered walls, peanuts & cracker jacks, take me out to the ball game...this girl is in love.

the cubs have a minor league team here in knoxville and i was all smiles sitting behind home plate with my popcorn in hand. wednesday i am off to visit the windy city...a week with old friends from high school, a beautiful skyline, deep dish pizza and a night of blue's sounds pretty incredible to me. any reason to get dressed up and fancy makes my heart sing.

to all you mama's out there...i hope you had a wonderful mother's day!

xo, lindsay

sweet south carolina.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

well hello friday...you snuck right up on me. i've been spending my day dreaming myself away to sweet south carolina. i visited the beautiful town of greenville a month ago (so sorry it took awhile to share a few of my favorite photographs) and haven't stopped thinking about that lovely place ever since. it was love at first sight...i think the feeling was mutual.

the town of charleston is calling my name...i feel it pulling at my heartstrings - i have never been, but from the pictures and conversations i have had, it seems like just the place for me. i think a trip this summer is in order...something about old pastel homes with matching shutters gives me all kinds of butterflies.

tonight, i'm off to the ballpark. a red & white candy striped dress, peanuts & cracker jacks...this girl has it made! happy weekend loves.

xo lindsay

channeling my inner betty draper.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:46:00 +0000

my favorite yellow pleated dress, pearl earrings, cat-eye sunglasses, red lipstick to match my freshly colored ginger hair & peter pan collars. there is no better combination in my book. i say i am channeling my inner betty draper (the madmen beauty)...it makes me smile and guarantees a day of happiness. all i need is a constant repeat of late 1950's & 60's music hour after hour and this girl is good to go.

Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes on Grooveshark

the flowers are in full bloom here in tennessee...i have always been a lover of all kinds of wildflowers but daisies have always had a special place in my heart. i think it's the memories from childhood of he loves me...he loves me not.

" she promises herself adventure, new places, different views, a chance to get lost. she infuses her day with newness and wonder. she brings a camera everywhere, notices the little things, gets a cup of hot cocoa at a different cafe, takes the long way home. she discovers so much unexpected joy. she begins to love the journey. - i am her "

i am her.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

via

remembering mr. sendak

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:04:00 +0000

rough sketch created by me just this year

he took children's books to a different level. i can remember first reading where the wild things are. i was captivated by the story but even more captivated by his amazing illustrations. his work motivated me to pick up a pencil and begin drawing again...i'm certain he did this for many.

so today, let us all have a day filled with adventure...

dreamy. my love for carnival rides.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:36:00 +0000

happy monday. my weekend was filled with plenty of rest and a little adventure park fun. when i saw they had a county fair section my heart skipped a beat and my little penelope (my trusty camera) didn't catch a break. the site of a carnival ride instantly takes me to a place of magic, whimsy and dreams come true. i wanted the end photo to embody all of these things...and a little something extra.

i was also inspired by this wonderful music video by dave matthews band - crash into me...it is pure beauty don't you think?

i hope i am able to capture the beauty in every photo i take just like this...i love the story. i love the adventure. i love the dream.

xo lindsay

mint & peach - colors that make my heart smile

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:26:00 +0000

all photos sourced here

oh my. i could look at this color palette all day long and never have a care or worry in the world again. my closet has quickly been taken over by a wardrobe filled with varying shades of peaches and hints of mint (there would be much more of this pretty shade of green if i could find more of it to buy!).

i was driving around in my vw beetle convertible just yesterday wishing i could have mine painted just like that beauty up top...i may just have to settle for a sea foam vespa, it's been on my wish list for years.

what colors are you crushing on this spring? i have a feeling this color combo will be a favorite through the summer if i do say so myself :) XO, lindsay

the next chapter.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

it's taken awhile to get here. the point where you realize that one chapter of your life has ended just so the next chapter can begin. as much as i resisted it, as much as i tried to make my reality something different...i realize now that the best is yet to come.

i have learned so much more about myself in the last 2 months than i ever thought i could...

i am far stronger than i gave myself credit for...this is something that i will always carry with me. i am so lucky to have discovered this about myself during my young years because down the road, when life throws me another curveball i can look back at this time in my life and remember that i got through it...i made it. i survived.

forgiveness really is what matters most. learning to forgive is hard. it forces you to dig deep and face all the things that make you want to curl up in a ball and give up. it wasn't something that happened over night...it was a progression of time that i am so grateful came sooner than later. the day i was able to find forgiveness was the day my head and heart thanked me endlessly. my soul feels light again...my mind is becoming clear and the pieces of my heart are slowly mending back together. of course, there will be tough days ahead, but knowing that i have found it in me to truly forgive makes those days few and far between.

i am a fighter. a true fighter...even when i didn't know what i was fighting for i continued to fight because it felt right. unfortunately, life doesn't always give you the things you want. as much as i wanted to save my marriage i quickly realized that that fight was lost and the person that i should really be fighting for is myself.

throughout my entire life i have always been the one that had so much love to give. when i love...i love with all of my heart. as i move forward to this next chapter i will stay strong, continue to forgive, always fight and take the time to love myself. in the end that's what really matters most.

sunshine & watercolors

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:45:00 +0000

i am happy to say that my days have been filled with plenty of sunshine and beautiful views. the smokey mountains are lovely this time of year...all the different shades of colors leaves me feeling nothing less than inspired. i think it's time to pick up a paintbrush and start using these watercolors that i bought for myself a few months ago.

Waking Dream by Natalie Walker on Grooveshark

in a few days i am making my way back to nebraska for a week long trip. it's been a month since i left and i couldn't be more excited about seeing my amazing friends. each of them has been there for me in ways i could never thank for enough. i'm crossing my fingers that the blue skies and sunshine will come along with me for the ride. wishing you all a happy monday and a beautiful week ahead! xo

27 candles & setting balloons free.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:19:00 +0000

a backyard barbecue with family was the perfect way to celebrate 27 candles. i wore my favorite peach dress, put on red lipstick and made a special birthday wish for this new chapter of my life. i expect this year will be nothing short of an adventure...i look forward to the journey.

as a gift, i bought myself a few balloons and set them free. letting go is hard, but being free is beautiful.

southern hospitality.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:37:00 +0000

the sweet south has welcomed me with open arms, lovely weather and beautiful scenery. i wake to the sound of chirping birds and to the site of the smokey mountains. i am surrounded by so much history and culture...i now just need to embrace it. live it.

they say home is where the heart is...today my heart is here.

let it be.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:31:00 +0000

i never knew i could have so many thoughts in a minute...often i end up in a state of confusion, other times i feel content, sometimes i just feel lost. there is no rhyme or reason...it just is. i have accepted this part of my life for the time being...no it hasn't been easy, but i see sometimes you just need to let it be.

let it be. never did i imagine that these 3 little words would be so meaningful and therapeutic. in a time when i thought i had complete control of my life, in a time when i thought i had all the answers to my questions, in a time when i thought i saw my future so clearly...i realize that no one, no matter how powerful can see into the days ahead. the future will always hold uncertainty. it is scary, but at the same time it is thrilling...exciting. it is the uncertainty that makes life worth living.

so here i sit, listening to the current theme song to my life - knowing that in time there will be an answer...let it be.

--------

no thank you could EVER be enough to each and every one of my readers...my friends. your words of wisdom, encouragement and love has lifted me up during a time when i thought i could never see the light of day. i thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. each comment, every personal email sent has been read (and re-read!)...please forgive me if i have not had an opportunity to respond...i will in time, i promise.

with love, lindsay

picking up the pieces

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:07:00 +0000

i've been gone for awhile and must say that i am happy to be taking the steps back into this part of my life. every day people become a victim to life changing events...unfortunately for me that day happened last week. i didn't see it coming, i didn't get many answers to my questions and very quickly my world was shattered. my heart was broken.

i remind myself that one day i will look back at this time in my life only to realize i have become a stronger person for getting through it. each day i work on picking up the pieces. soon i will be whole again and the moment when i can love with all of my heart will be a very beautiful day.

i find comfort in knowing that i have the support of my friends and family...they remind me every day how vibrant i am and that wonderful things are waiting to fill my future. i can hardly wait.

i sit here today feeling fortunate to have gotten answers to many of my questions...with this i know i will be able to move forward and become the best person i can be...for myself and for all of those around me. in time i hope to be able to share more about my experience...i hope to be able to help others that have suffered from a broken marriage or relationship. maybe we can all help each other...maybe, we can all pick up the pieces together. xo lindsay

shades of green.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:15:00 +0000

my days have been filled with design projects of all kinds. today i am off to one of my favorite local boutiques to work on their newest window display for spring. i am excited about this one...it includes pretty shades of green, paint brushes, a window mural and hanging terrariums!

only a few more days until matthew and i leave for our vacation in the mountains...my heart is smiling and can hardly wait. xo

conversation hearts.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

i hope your day of love was everything you hoped it would be and so much more. i went on a date with a handsome young man, we walked the halls of old buildings and admired the beautiful stair cases, artwork, old photographs and everything in between.

we grabbed a bag of conversation hearts on the way home for dessert, kept each other company by the fire and called it a night. pretty romantic don't you think? yes indeed. xo.

dear valentine.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:43:00 +0000

dear valentine,

i want you to know that i love you today, just as much as i love you every other day. thank you for making reservations at my favorite thai restaurant for dinner (even though i think secretly you don't adore it as much as i do), i have been looking forward to it all week. of course i'll be wearing red to our date...cliche i know, but you won't judge me. you'll probably say it looks cute and offer to take pictures so i can share it on my blog...i love you for that too :)

happy love day mister. i'm so lucky we get to celebrate it every day. xo.

be inspired. getting to know chandra part.2

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:20:00 +0000

not too long ago i introduced you to one of my nearest & dearest friends chandra - there were far too many charming things to share in just one post about this gal...so here is just a little more.

can you share with us some of your other interests? what do you like to do for fun?

I could spend hours in the kitchen cooking, which I oftentimes do (hence the blog with lots O' food experiments!) I like grocery shopping, which I realize is kinda weird. I also love subjecting my family and friends to my experiments... In my opinion, there's nothing better than amazing conversation plus yummy food and wine with people you adore. I also really love going out to eat!!

When the weather is nice I really enjoy going bike riding, running, or rollerblading with my daughter and my boyfriend, as well as visiting local farmer's markets. I'm madly in love with summer! Anything I can do to be in the sunshine is pretty much my favorite. In the winter, I spend most of my time snuggling under big cozy blankets, trying to keep warm. As well as taking spinning and yoga classes at the gym with Lindsay :)

At any given moment, I'm usually in the middle of 2 or 3 (or 4), non-fiction books of the motivational/spirituality type. I'm a bit of a nerd. I don't really have the TV on much, but if I do watch something it's usually anything on The Food Network, or anyone of Oprah's Lifeclass series or cool documentaries.

I love, love, LOVE to travel although I don't do it as much as I'd like at this point in my life. And I could lay on a beach by the sea for years.

Speaking of the Sea, here's my favorite quote right now:

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." -I. Dinesen

I'm also a philanthropic quote whore: I put out (quotes) everywhere I go. For free.

not only are you completely and totally amazing because of all of these things, but your food is top notch too ;) just had to throw that out there. let's do something fun...would you mind sharing the ABC's of chandra?

Age: 33
Best Vacation: Road trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with Miss M. Just the 2 of us camping on the ocean. Incredible.
Chore you Hate: Laundry... not washing it, just putting it away. I usually just skip that part and get dressed out of the laundry basket in the morning.
Dogs or Cats: Kitty Cats! I have a Yellow Tabby named Cheese.
Essential Part of Your Day: Sweat. Stillness. Gratitude. Creation.
Favorite Flower: Anything tropical.
Greatest Film: I just watched Practical Magic the other day for about the millionth time... I love that movie.
Height: 5'4"
Instrument you play or have played: My voice has always been my instrument, but I would love to learn to play the guitar and piano someday.
Job you would love to have: Someday I will be a life coach and motivational speaker. It is my dream.
Kids: A lovely lady named Miss M. She's only 12, but manages to teach me something about life everyday.
Live: Lincoln, NE
Mom's Name: Debra Joy
Nick Name: Chandi
Over night Hospital Stays: C-Section with Miss M, Broken Femur 4 summers ago from trying to learn how to wake board, Broken back the summer before last from tumbling over a rocky waterfall.
Pet Peeve: Slow Drivers!
Quote: Oh Man!! I don't know if I can pick just one. I'm a philanthropic quote whore. I put out (quotes) where ever I go. For free.
Here's a good one for Valentine's Day: I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts there can be no more hurt, only more love. ~ Mother Theresa
Right or Left Handed: Right.
Siblings: 3 brothers and 1 sister. They are all 7 to 15 years younger than me.
Time you wake up: Usually between 5 and 6 in order to get my bootie to the gym.
University you attended: College of Hair Design
Vegetable you dislike: I really can't think of one..... raw carrots are probably my least favorite. But I love them cooked.
What makes you run late: Creative endeavors such as writing. I totally get sucked into the butthole of time when I write.
Xrays: Oh, who knows! I'm sure I probably got some with all the broken bones, but I really don't remember. I'll blame that on the morphine.
Yummy Food You Make: I conduct Experiments with Earthfood all the time and make all sorts of good stuff. Recently I made a dairy and gluten free Alfredo Sauce that pretty much rocked my world.
Zoo Animal: The zoo makes me sad. I feel bad for all of the trapped caged animals. I am in love with wild cats though... I would love to be able to go on safari and see them in their natural habitat sometime.

be sure to check out all of the amazingness (yes i said amazingness!) that is over at the earthfood experiment. i know you will love chandra as much as i do!

blog / twitter / facebook

green leaves & spring dreams.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:12:00 +0000

our sunday was spent snuggling under covers by the fire. matthew is just getting over a stubborn cold and it seems as though i have caught the bug too. i looked through some of my old photo archives and doing so instantly had me thinking of spring - my favorite season - and reminded me of my love for ivy covered brick...it's charming don't you think? xo lindsay

sixteen degrees.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000

the chill is in the air today...a high of sixteen degrees so far. still the sun is shining the prettiest of rays and the snow is sparkling bright. we ventured out for a bit, but i think it's time to get cozy by the fire with a book in hand...maybe a cup of hot cocoa too! happy weekend. XO, lindsay

coral lips.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:24:00 +0000

oh how i adore coral lips. it's my new favorite color :)

i used to only wear lipstick on special occasions, but have recently decided...every day is a special occasions so why not be fancy all the time. lipstick just makes everything better, don't you agree?

wishing you a lovely & magical filled weekend. oh, and if you're in the mood for something a little retro, visit life as twiggy :) she was so sweet to ask me to guest post ::hint:: it includes a few things that i am currently loving. XO

dreaming of lakeside.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:13:00 +0000

the gray winter skies have me dreaming away back to one of my favorite places. where the waves crash against the rocks, kites blow in the wind and lighthouses shine. lakeside is such a beautiful place...i'm happy that i was able to capture these photos during a recent summer visit with my grandparents. they bring back the fondest of memories from my childhood :)

click here to view the $100 modcloth winner
click here to enter this giveaway. winner will be chosen tomorrow!

come one, come all.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:07:00 +0000

matthew and i made it through the storm that made it's way into nebraska this weekend. 12 inches of the most beautiful white dust i have ever seen :)

i visited my favorite blog today - katies pencil box - and was super excited when i saw her big top post. anyone that has followed my blog knows that i have an unbelievable love for the carnival & circus...

bottom 2 photos taken by corey rourke

...so much so that it was the theme for the most special day of our life. many of you probably already knew this, but any reason to reminisce and relive that magic again keeps me smiling for days.

if you have a second, be sure to visit katie's magical corner of the world for those of you that are already familiar with her...isn't her blog a dream come true? XO, lindsay

ps thank you for all of the sweet anniversary wishes...you made our day :)

buried deep.

noreply@blogger.com (lindsay) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

i woke up this morning to the most beautiful snow...almost 7 inches overnight and still counting. watching the little birds try and find a resting place on the branches has been quite comical...matthew was sweet and cleared off some of the snow for them so they can rest their tiny wings a bit. i'm waiting for the cardinals to come out and play...that would make the prettiest picture don't you think?

picture taken spring of 2006

also this day is extra special because 6 years ago was the beginning of our love story - here we are now married for nearly 2 years and helping make each others dreams come true...we're so lucky.

hope your weekend is as beautiful as mine :) XO