Bella Vita

Lessons From The Most Beautiful Woman In The World

2012-02-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Guest Post By: Nicole Nix

Years ago I came across an article that described the embodiment of happiness. I’ve forgotten some of the peripherals, but the central image from the story has never faded from my memory.

The piece was an aside by a journalist covering the horrors of war, famine and destitution in Africa. On this particular day she rushed from interview to interview through unpaved and dusty alleys among now-permanent “temporary” shelters in a refugee camp. The area lacked running water and basic sanitation, and people were crowded together in an impossible density. The journalist was there to cover unmitigated human misery, and she was jaded from years of such stories. It was there, in the morning when the numbing heat was bearable, that a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in the world stopped her in her tracks.

The woman was sitting on a rough wooden step outside the front door of her shack, braiding her daughter’s hair. Nothing distinguished her condition from that of those around her. Her clothes were simple and worn, her feet were bare and dirty. And yet, as she sat on her front step with her young daughter in front of her, humming a tune as the still-gentle sun shone down on them, it was clear that she was sublimely content in that moment: There was nothing for which she wanted, no other place in the world she wished to be, nothing else she would rather be doing. The happiness that radiated from her was transformative.

I don’t know anything else about this woman. Her name wasn’t mentioned, nor were the specifics of her life. But she is real, and she is my hero. I have learned so much from her. She reminds me that happiness is a synonym for contentment, not for euphoria. She reminds me that the gift of abundance can obscure the path to that quiet happiness. I draw on her image when I feel there is something big and scary in my life, because no matter what I have to face it can’t compare with what she has had to confront. I think of her when I am struggling with finding the purpose of my own life. I imagine that she would shake her head in disbelief at all the time and money we as a society spend to discover something that has always been with us, if we could only live our lives one moment at a time and be thankful for everything we have.

###

Nicole Nix is a mother, writer, photographer, and world traveler. A Missouri native, she currently resides in Moscow (Russia, not Idaho) with her husband and adorable baby girl.

Editor's Note: This is part of our ongoing series, Happiness Is... Project, which features posts from guest bloggers answering the question "What is happiness?" If you are a writer or blogger and are interested in participating in the project, please send me an email.

{Images via Contemplation}

Unanswered Prayers

2012-02-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

There’s an old Garth Brooks song about the gifts that come when life doesn’t turn out exactly how you wanted it to. It’s a song about meeting an old flame and seeing them through the clear lens of hindsight.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that song this week. It seems like many people I know, myself included, are recovering from break-ups and other disappointments in their lives right now. In the midst of all that heartbreak, all those unanswered prayers, it’s sometimes difficult to believe we may be headed for a happier ending.

One of the things that sometimes helps me is a little game I invented called “What If...” Ok, so maybe I didn’t invent it exactly. The first time I put it to good use was during a conversation with my sister, Haylee, last year.

At the time, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself; lamenting my many dating mishaps throughout the years. The conversation turned to an old boyfriend. One that had been especially difficult to get over. She asked me “Would you want that life now? Would any of those guys have created a better life with you than what you created by yourself?”

For being a baby sister, she can be mighty wise sometimes.

I thought back through all of those old flames. I thought about the choices they made since we parted ways and the lives they were living now, and I asked myself “What if that was my life now? Would I be happy?”

The answer was a resounding “NO!”

For starters, it would have made this last year nearly impossible. When someone else is counting on you, you can’t lose your job, hop on a plane, and get lost in Europe for 3 months. You don’t get to just throw caution to the wind, move to London and write children’s books.

What I know now is nothing I dreamed with any of them was as big as the dream the universe had for me.

A little sappy, I know. But when you know that there's a bigger, better plan than you can dream up, it’s easier to see the setbacks and disappointments and even the ex-boyfriends as a path to happier days. So for anyone who is struggling to come to terms with a disappointment in your life, some wise words to help you on your journey:

“Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

-- Garth Brooks

{Images via Lies Young Women Believe}

WTF!?!

2012-02-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

If you listened carefully, you may have heard a collective "WTF!?!" coming from women (and men who have progressed beyond caveman status) across the country this week. Miss out on the action? Let me bring you up to speed.

It all started when the Obama Administration came up with new rules requiring health insurance plans -- including those offered by Catholic hospitals, universities, and charities -- to provide birth control to female employees free of charge. The question was whether it is appropriate for government to require a religious institution (that may oppose birth control in its teachings) to pay for the coverage. Many people said no, so a few days later, the Obama Administration announced it was altering its policy and requiring the insurance companies to cover the cost instead.

You still with me? Good.

Never to miss out on an opportunity to mix sex and politics, yesterday, the House of Representatives convened a hearing to rehash the whole birth control kerfuffle. Take a look at the 'experts' they called for the hearing. Notice anything missing from this picture?

If you answered 'a uterus,' you are absolutely correct. Apparently, the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Darrell Issa, didn't feel it was necessary to include any actual women in a panel discussing birth control coverage for women. Because middle-aged men have so much experience with all of that getting pregnant and delivering a baby stuff.

Sidenote: If this isn't a case study for why there need to be more women elected to Congress, I don't know what is.

Anyhoo, about the same time this was going on, Foster Friess, a financial backer of the Super PAC working to elect Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum, went on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports with his own WTF!?! view on contraception:

"Back in my days, they used Bayer Aspirin for contraceptives. The gals put it between their knees and it wasn't that costly."

VIDEO:

Yep. That just happened. Friess has since apologized for his comments.

By the way, anytime you find yourself on national television suggesting the key to preventing unwanted pregnancies is for women to just keep their legs closed, you need to stop talking.

But this week's coveted WTF!?! prize goes to Fox News pundit, Liz Trotta, who accused the Pentagon of spending too much money supporting women who are being "raped too much" while serving our country in the military. She also suggests that women who volunteer to serve in some of the most dangerous jobs (i.e. front line combat positions) should expect to be sexually assaulted. Not by the enemy, mind you, but by their sex fiend fellow soldiers who can't withstand the "close contact" combat sometimes brings.

Naturally, this leads me to question how it is I ever managed to wedge myself onto a Metro train during rush hour and avoid sexual assault for nearly 9 years. I'm just lucky I guess.

Happy Weekend!

{Images via Houston Press and Planned Parenthood}

Come On, Get Happy!

2012-02-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have some bad news. You might want to sit down. Ready?

I think you may be depressed. I know this because not one of you came up with a guest post for our Happiness Is... Project this week.

I know, I'm as upset about this as you are. I just used a picture of the Partridge Family in a blog post. That's how upset I am.

Please don't make me do that again.

Cheer up America! Let me see your best happy face.

America's Happy Face

That's better!

Now, if you are not depressed AND you also happen to be a blogger/writer, you are a perfect candidate for our Happiness Is... Project. ~~Every~~ Most Thursdays, talented writers from across the country answer that age-old question 'What is Happiness?" I want you to be one of them. Send me an email.

In the meanwhile, check out our uber-talented Happiness Is... Project contributors.

{Images via ShareTV & Holding Ballons in LaLa Land}

How to Snag a Husband (And Possibly Be With Child) In 3 Easy Steps

2012-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. When I say 'they,' I am, of course, referring to grandmothers dispensing relationship advice circa 1954. But if there is any truth to that old saying, I may have discovered the holy grail of husband wooing; the very ingredients of happily ever after.

Actually, I stole the recipe from a friend, Melissa, who affectionately nick-named it her "Husband Cookies." As in, any man who eats them will have no other choice but to propose on the spot.

Granted, she's still single, but that's really beside the point, don't you think?

Melissa's Husband Cookies
1 pouch Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix*
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon water
1 egg
2 tablespoons sugar
36 Hershey Kisses milk chocolates (unwrapped)

Step 1: Heat oven to 375 degrees. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, oil, water and egg until dough forms.

Step 2: Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. (Or for a fun Valentine's Day twist, gently flatten dough with your hands and use heart-shaped cookie cutters).

Step 3: Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately press 1 Hershey Kiss in center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Store cookies in tightly covered container.

Step 3.5: Leave the window open slightly to allow smell of Husband Cookies to waft through the neighborhood. Sit back and wait for the marriage proposals to roll in.

Caution: Overserving of Husband Cookies may also result in unplanned pregnancy (risk increases when paired with the Seduction Soundtrack). Please use extreme caution.

Happy Valentine's Day!

*If you're feeling particularly ~~desperate~~ ambitious, you can also make the peanut butter cookies from scratch. In which case, please keep a large stick nearby to fend off potential suitors.

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

10 Songs to Seduce Your Valentine

2012-02-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

"If music be the food of love, play on." -- William Shakespeare

Whew! Is it just me or were the Grammys kinda hot last night? I have a thing for people who create, especially those who create music, and last night's show did not disappoint. Anytime you open with the Boss, you should expect magic to follow. Adele's return, for instance, was an early Valentine's Day present.

Speaking of which, if you didn't see Adele's 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper, you're living a partial life. Go watch it. I'll wait.

Anyhoo, needless to say, I was feeling a little ~~hot and bothered~~ inspired last night, and with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought, 'Why not channel this energy into something positive?' Hence the creation of my Seduction Soundtrack; a compilation of my Top 10 Picks to Seduce Your Valentine.

You're welcome! Put it to good use (wink, wink).

Liz's Top 10 Songs to Seduce Your Valentine
#10 Maybe I’m Amazed -- Paul McCartney*
#09 One and Only -- Adele
#08 Someone Like You -- Van Morrison
#07 Come Away With Me -- Norah Jones
#06 At Last -- Etta James
#05 I’ll Make Love to You -- Boyz II Men
#04 Bed of Roses -- Bon Jovi
#03 Unchained Melody -- Righteous Brothers
#02 Wonderful Tonight -- Eric Clapton
#01 Let’s Get It On -- Marvin Gaye

Get the Valentine Seduction Soundtrack

What did I miss? What are your favorite love songs?

*I have a major crush on Sir Paul. He could sing the phone book to me, and still make this list.

{Images via SheSpeaks}

Happy Weekend

2012-02-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend!

Well, it has started. Valentine's/Single's Awareness Day is just around the corner, and the sappiness is getting thick on the television and the interwebs.

Confession: I am a bit of a sucker for romantic stories and one of my favorite questions to ask couples (especially the old married ones) is 'How did you meet?'

It is the Benjamin Button of questions, capable of transforming a 70-year old grandmother into a lovestruck teenager faster than you can say smitten. I've seen it happen. And no matter how romantic or ordinary the story, the reaction to the memory of love is always the same: Joy!

I love that part.

So I'm head over heels that the Times Union, a newspaper in Albany, New York, asked its readers to weigh-in and share their stories about the moment they fell in love. The catch is readers had to shorten their responses to Twitter-length (140 characters).

Thankfully, we have no such restrictions here. Help a hopeless romantic out, how did you meet the love of your life?

Here are a few other links that are inspiring me this week:

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Visits Sesame Street
Rules for Mothers of Daughters
What Smart Women Read (A Good Resource for Book Clubs)

And another post from me you may have missed:
A Letter To The Girl In The Photo (5 Things Every Teenage Girl Should Know)

Happy Reading!

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Cup of Joy

2012-02-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Guest Post By: Jessica Jo Hill

My happiness comes in a cup. It’s true. I’ve seen it swirling around, its froth sometimes even in the shape of a heart or a smile. But it’s not just in any cup. No, mine particularly likes a little green circle on the side.

There are times when I’m traveling, though, that my happiness is miles away, and in between us are thoughts of home – thoughts of the things I’m missing out on, of sweet puppies left behind, of comfort in the familiar. In places like Northeastern Thailand, for instance, finding a Starbucks is like finding a needle in my father’s haystack.

It’s times like these that I go searching.

And when I finally see that recognizable green sign, I feel a sense of accomplishment – an emotion equivalent to what I might feel if I were ever to find that needle. When I walk in, I see the atmosphere with which I’m so acquainted; I smell the tantalizing aroma that carries with it nostalgic feelings of my mother’s home cooking and the always-brewed coffee at my grandmother’s house.

Then I sit in an oversized, cushioned chair, and I curl up like I would on my own couch before, finally, sipping my signature Americano. All the melancholy thoughts I’ve gathered on my journey flow through my mind, one by one, gradually becoming enjoyable memories until my cup is empty and its sweet liquid has filled the aching hole that once thirsted for home.

My self-pity turns to gratitude then, and I realize how fortunate I am to have a home I actually want to go back to, filled with friends and family worth the world. If there’s one thing my travels have taught me, it’s that everyone is not so lucky.

Suddenly, I’m back on the road, parched for adventure instead of home, and those same thoughts that saddened me before now fuel my every step forward.

Espresso + water + white chocolate = happiness. And all it takes is one perfect cup.

###

Jessica Hill is an American writer and English teacher living in Thailand. She writes about her adventures and answers age old questions like "How often should you shave your legs overseas?" at her blog: MissAdventure.

This is the part where I take up binge drinking

2012-02-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret I’ve been struggling to finish up my graduate school writing portfolio. You know you’ve reached a whole new stage of desperation when you use the term granny panties in a blog post. Happily, I think I may have finally found a solution to my writer’s block thanks to my friend, Cori.

Cori, you will remember, was a key player in the now infamous headlights in the headlights incident. Despite this, I trust her judgement on public nudity and a host of other things too.

Here now, an interpretive reinactment of our recent conversation about writers’ block:

Cori: You know, I was thinking about your problem. I think you’re being too hard on yourself. Have you ever tried free flow writing? Just writing without worrying so much about getting every word right the first time.

Me: Well, I’ve got to try something new. I’m still stuck on political mode, where every word is put on trial.

Cori: Or maybe you could take an acting class. Then you could learn to channel your characters another way. It might be freeing.

Me: Uh huh (Translation: Just what I need! Another venue for public humiliation)

Cori: Or you could start a new routine where you drink a glass of wine before you start writing.

Me: (Pause)

Cori: Actually, forget that, this is important. Better make it three.

Me: I want you to know, this conversation right here is why we’re friends.

If anyone needs me, I’ll be pouring myself a glass of Oregon Pinot and knocking out the next Caldecott Medal winner.

Salute!

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Attention, everyone, I am offended

2012-02-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

I’m confused. Is Clint Eastwood running for President? Also, could someone please get the man a throat lozenge?

If you're like me and schedule your bathroom breaks to avoid missing the big commercials, then you probably saw this little gem for Chrysler during last night's Superbowl game. It was nestled right between Madonna's World Peace halftime extravaganza (I salute anyone who can do cartwheels in 5-inch heels) and the ho hum third quarter.

I love this ad, and not just because it was produced by Oregon-based Wieden+Kennedy. It made me want to wave an American flag, hug Lady Liberty, buy a Chrysler.

Ok...so maybe test drive a Chrysler (Let's not get carried away, it is just a commercial).

So I was a little surprised to find out that some people (I'm looking at you, Karl Rove) were 'offended' by this ode to American resiliency. You know the political establishment has gone off the deep end when the posterboy for American toughness can't give us a halftime pep talk without drawing political fire.

Am I missing something? Is Karl Rove's "offended-ness" justified or is being offended just becoming trendy? Like color blocking and drop waist silhouettes. In which case, I would like to announce that I, too, am offended. About what? I'll let you know.

Judge for yourself. Here is the heart of the commercial, which I liked so much I'm making it this week's Happy Thought (sorry if it offends anyone):

"I’ve seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. And, times when we didn’t understand each other. It seems like we’ve lost our heart at times. When the fog of division, discord, and blame made it hard to see what lies ahead.

"But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right, and acted as one. Because that’s what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can’t find a way, then we’ll make one...

"Detroit’s showing us it can be done. And, what’s true about them is true about all of us.

"This country can’t be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines.

"Yeah, it’s halftime America. And, our second half is about to begin."

What do you think?

Happy Weekend

2012-02-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Men, you may want to step out of the room for this one. You're about to enter a heavy session of girl talk. Things could get sappy. Or raunchy. Either one. Don't say you weren't warned.

First, let's all take a minute to celebrate National Wear Red Day, the one day it's acceptable to dress like a hooker for work. I kid. Actually, the American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to wear red today to raise awareness about the threat of heart disease to women. For instance, did you know heart disease kills more women than all of the cancers combined? Take care of your tickers, ladies, and check out this website for ways you can help.

Speaking of red dresses, I was recently introduced to The Bloggess (aka Jenny Lawson). In addition to being pee-your-pants hilarious and possessing an extensive vocabulary of swear words, The Bloggess has started her very own movement. It's called the Traveling Red Dress Project. It's got women, empowerment, and pretty dresses too. All the makings of my favorite kind of revolution. Get your kleenex handy and read this for more information on the project and how you can get involved.

Since we're on the subject of strong women...

Strong + Funny = Beautiful

Here are a few more links that are inspiring me this week:

Why Not Girl (Stories about women who are doing cool things)
Susan G. Komen Reverses Course, Will Fund Planned Parenthood (CBS News)
How to Write a Thank You Note
Hot Guys Reading Books (Just Because)

Happy Reading!

{Images via The Bloggess}

The Note

2012-02-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Guest Post By: Jackie Shannon Hollis

When I was nineteen, and home for the summer after my second year of college, I had a terrible fight with my parents. It was near the end of summer and almost time for me to return to college. All summer, the three of us, Mom and Dad and I, had stepped around a big fat question. A question I knew they had but would give them no opening to ask. Was I going to return to living with the 31-year-old boyfriend I’d taken up with during the school year?

I’d been a difficult teenager in high school and I’d continued to be that way in college. I partied, I kept secrets, I was wild. I was also a good student with good potential and they wanted me to get a degree. But, now, they were scared. With the grades I’d been getting since moving in with this man, there was a good possibility I might not make it. Since moving in with him I’d created a rebellious and sullen distance from my parents. I think they were afraid that pushing too hard would drive me completely away from them. But I’d come home for the summer and there was that, I was there.

That night, I was upstairs in my bedroom, getting ready to go out to a party. Mom and Dad both came up to my room. They’d never done a thing like that before. Both of them together, having “a talk” with me. They asked me, “What are you going to do? Are you going back to him?”

Things blew up from there. I didn’t want to go back to him and I didn’t know how to end it. And I didn’t want them to be right. I hated that they were trying to tell me what to do. I hated them for being right. I felt trapped and did what a trapped teenager will do. I yelled and cried and told them to leave me alone. Told them it was none of their business.

I left the house, slamming doors and spitting gravel with my tires (in the car they had given me, filled with gas they paid for). I came home late that night. Mom and Dad were asleep. Mom had left a light on in my room. There was a note propped up under the lamp, written in Mom’s big loopy letters. “All I want is for you to be happy,” it said. She went on and said other things. Things about a desire to be proud of me, things about me not short-changing myself. But something shifted in me with those first words: that moment when a girl takes the smallest step from being a teenager to being an adult. The moment when I understood what it was like to be in someone else’s shoes. My parents’ shoes. To see the world from their eyes, to see me from their eyes. And in those shoes, with that view, I understood for the first time that all they were doing, all they had ever done, every argument, every worry, every limit, was with that thought in mind. All they wanted was for me to be happy.

I went back to college and ended things with my boyfriend. It took me more years to find happiness. But I am happy. It’s a slippery inconstant thing that lives along side pain and peace and struggle and silliness and deep, deep joy.

I kept that note and, from time to time, I pull it out. Isn’t it what we all want for ourselves and for others…happiness?

###

Jackie Shannon Hollis lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. Her short stories and essays have been published in a variety of literary magazines including The Sun, Rosebud, Inkwell, and High Desert Journal. She is seeking representation for her novel, At the Wheat Line, and is working on a memoir. If you’d like to read more of Jackie’s work, go to www.jackieshannonhollis.com.

{Images via Jackie Shannon Hollis}

Logos, Like Legos Only Less Fun

2012-01-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

A belated **THANK YOU!** to everyone who voted and weighed in with your suggestions on our new logo design. I decided to go with the crowd favorite and chose Option #1 (Handwriting). Why argue with great taste? I'm so excited to start slapping this little baby on business cards and beer koozies.

A special shout-out goes to Annilee Hyre of Copacetic Designs, who patiently guided me through the design process. She's a joy to work with. Check out her work here and keep her number handy for all your graphic design needs (No, she didn't pay me to say that either).

{Image via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Granny Panties and Spinsters

2012-01-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

Lately, I’ve had quite a few well-meaning people (former friends mostly) ask me how my graduate school applications are progressing. To save you the trouble of inquiring, I thought I’d share a recent discussion I had with Ms. Penthouse, which may shed some light on my progress.

Ms. P: So...how are your applications coming along?

Me: Fine.

Ms. P: Have you started writing your portfolio yet?

Me: Uh huh.

Ms. P: Really?!? Cause it kinda looked like you were a pinning queen on Pinterest this weekend, and then there was that movie you went to instead of writing yesterday afternoon.

Me: For your information, I’ve already written 400 words.

Ms. P: Out of how many?

Me: (pause) About 4,000.

Ms. P: Great! At this rate, you’ll be fighting off hot flashes before you finish the first chapter. I told you this was a bad idea. Now we’re destined to be boring, old spinsters living in your parents’ house and pretending blogging is a real job forever.

Me: Listen, I'm 30-something, unmarried, and have -- more than once -- found myself in the middle of a date, wishing I was home with a good book instead. Menopause is nothing to joke about.

Ms. P: Yeah, well, you know what else is a real hoot? Living as a boring, old spinster...FOREVER!

Point taken. So, to summarize: It’s official! I’m in need of a serious kick in the granny panties this week.

I kid!

About the granny panties, I mean.

Try to wipe that image out of your mind and focus on this week’s Happy Thought instead:

“Life is not a dress rehearsal. Stop practicing what you're going to do and just go do it.”

-- Marilyn Grey

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Happy Weekend

2012-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend!

I thought you'd want to know that I've finally tiptoed out of the dark ages and discovered Instagram. For my fellow cave dwellers, Instagram is a free iPhone app that allows you to take pictures and modify them with all sorts of cool filters.

For those who don't have an iPhone, there is a similar program called Flare, which allows you to drop in any image file and modify it on your computer. Flare costs about $20 to download, but it's currently going for half the price at the Apple store. It's my new favorite thing.

Here are a few links that are inspiring me this week:

Finally! New USDA School Meal Standards (Food Revolution)

Wrecking Ball Tour Dates (Tickets for Springsteen's US dates are on sale today and tomorrow. Happy Dance!)

Laughing Babies (Yep. One whole page devoted to the best sound in the world)

12 Things Successful People Do Differently

Happy Reading!

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Happiness is...

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by: Anne Osterlund

An orange kitten curled under your chin
A gray mama cat sleeping on your feet
A winter’s morning cup of hot chocolate

Freedom

To plan the day, the week, your life however you see fit.
Then mess it up.
And mix it up.
And shuffle it aside

In exchange for some new great sweep of the imagination
That comes thundering down from the mountains of mythology
Or hiking up from the canyons of memory
Or galloping forth from the pages of story
Or skipping into the classroom. In brand new Christmas boots that glitter.

Or sneaking close like an orange kitten curling under your chin.

###

Anne Osterlund is the talented author of three books for young adults: Aurelia, Exile, and Academy 7. She is a native Oregonian and cat lover. You can read more about Anne's work and follow her blog at: www.anneosterlund.com.

{Images via Mac Wallpapers}

Stream of Consciousness

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm launching a new segment, which amounts to a disjointed rundown of some of the random things I'm thinking about today.

Kristen Chenowith was Kelly's guest co-host on Live today. First thought, if I could, I would carry her around in my pocket for an occasional perky, pick-me-up. Second thought, I really need to book my tickets to Wicked, which (Jazz Hands Happy Dance!) is coming to Portland in March.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Watch this. Then buy your tickets here.

Naturally, that makes me think about this hilarious Tony moment: Broadway...it's not just for gays anymore!

I don't know if you saw this, but it was a tear-filled day in Congress this morning as Gabby Giffords officially stepped down from office. I found myself in the midst of an ugly cry after watching this scene. My favorite part is Republican Jeff Flake holding Democrat Giffords' hand. Wouldn't it be something if members started showing each other the level of respect shown in that gesture?

And that concludes today's Stream of Consiousness...

{Images via Wicked the Musical}

VIDEO: Lessons on Optimism

2012-01-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

First, let's all take a minute to celebrate the news that Coach Chip Kelly isn't leaving my beloved Oregon Ducks afterall. Serious end zone happy dance!

Moving on...

Rather than write my own dissertation on optimism this morning, I thought I'd take the lazy blogger's way out and show you instead. It's our Happy Thought, video-style. Reader, I give you optimism and hope:

So long, Gabby, and God Speed! We'll be seeing you.

{Video via Giffords for Congress}

Happy Weekend

2012-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend!

Fair Warning: I'm about to dip my toe into political commentary here this morning. Has anyone noticed how funny President Obama is? First, there was this little gem. Now we find out the President is moonlighting as an Al Green impersonator.

Having lived in Washington, DC for nearly a decade, I have some inkling of how hard it is to keep your sense of humor in that city. I say bravo, Mr. President, for bringing some much-needed laughs to the place!

Here are a few links that are inspiring me this week:

A Town Where Green Thumbs Prevail (Three cheers for sustainability)

18 Life Guidelines From The Dalai Lama

We Take Care Of Our Own (A Sneak Peek at Springsteen's New Album)

11 Health Habits That Will Help You Live To 100

Happy Reading!

PS Have you voted in our logo poll yet? Please take a minute to cast your vote for your favorite logo for my new consulting firm.

{Videos via Associated Press}

POLL: Help Me Choose My Logo

2012-01-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm moving forward -- one baby step at a time -- on the creation of my consulting firm. I came up with a name, Mighty Ripple, inspired by this quote from Robert Kennedy:

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

I've ventured into the wild world of urls and website hosting; braved the mind-numbing universe of website design with its html and css and all those little <'s and >'s. Now, it's time to choose a logo.

It's not as easy as it looks either. I've narrowed down my color palette and the basic concept, but I'm torn over which font to use. It will be a boutique communications firm, and I want the logo to convey warmth and creativity.

What do you think?

Take our poll and/or post your comments below. I'll reveal my final choice in a post next week.

Option 1: Handwriting

Option 2: Imprint

Option 3: Papyrus

Option 4: Engraved

Option 5: Goudy

{Images via Copacetic Designs}

Which logo do you like best?

The Girl and Her Dad

2012-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by: Diane Linch

If you were there you would know she was skip-dancing through the water and getting lost in the reflections in the puddles. If you were there you would also remember he had to remind her several times that the ultimate objective was not to dance in the cold, but to move out of the drizzly English afternoon and into the small craft show in the leisure center.

And if you were there as I, the grandmother, was you would know both of them were enjoying this tiny moment in time, the added bit of warmth the hand-holding provided, the security of each knowing the other was safe and close. And then you would know what happiness is.

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Diane Linch is a talented blogger with a knack for noticing the little things. Read more from Diane at her blog: Small Thoughts

Editor's Note: This is part of our ongoing series, The Happiness Is... Project, which features posts from guest bloggers answering the question "What is happiness?" If you are a writer or blogger and are interested in participating in the project, please send me an email.

{Images via Diane Linch}

Missives From My Snow Cave

2012-01-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the confines of my snow cave. Last night, Mother Nature dumped about 257 truckloads of wet, heavy snow onto my house. Then that vengeful, little...well, you know...proceeded to knock out my internet connection and limit my choice in television channels to two.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I'm fully aware I live a blessed life. As problems go, this one belongs in the fancy pants category. Still, I live in the bottom of a canyon, the nearest neighbors are a mile away, and when they're not home, you’re more likely to run into a cow than a person in my corner of the world. A connection to the outside world isn’t a luxury; it’s survival.

Me Without Internet Access

This morning, survival dictated I dig myself out and find a wireless connection closer to town. I’m now typing from an undisclosed, high-speed-enabled location. Who’s laughing now Mother Nature? Huh? That’s what I thought!

Anyhoo, enough about my little snow tiff, let’s move on to more exciting news. I am thrilled to announce a new feature here at Bella Vita, which I am dubbing the “Happiness is... Project.” Starting tomorrow, I will be introducing you to some of the most brilliant, funny, talented writers and bloggers I know. Each has graciously agreed to write a guest blog post answering that age-old question, “What is happiness?” Tune in tomorrow to meet our first mystery blogger (the most talented woman you’ve never heard of. But should. Cause she's great. Also brilliant. And so much better than Mother Nature. Just tune in.)

Oh! And if you’re a writer or blogger (or know one), and would like to be a Bella Vita mystery blogger, please send me an email.

Stay warm!

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita and IMBd}

Speaking of Dreams...

2012-01-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool, vintage interview of famous writers, Henry Miller and Anais Nin, about dreams and writing. I particularly love Miller's take on death ("Being dead while you're alive, that's real death") and his advice to use dreams as a writing exercise.

Who am I to question Henry Miller, so here goes nothing...

I dreamed of Italy last night. The light sneaking over the horizon and wrapping the countryside into a bear hug. The vineyards, perched precariously on cliffs and hillsides, extending their limbs upward to touch the sun's face. The grapes content to bask in its warmth.

Italy is color; vivid, shocking, familiar. I dreamed about its villages; the patchworks of Crayola inspiration -- reds, yellows, oranges, pinks -- and the showstopping, azure backdrop of the sea.

I dreamed of gelato last night too. Of the little shop in Corniglia, one of only two, tucked away in the crevice of a narrow, winding street. Its tubs of mint green pistachio, yellow lemon, pinkish strawberry, and light brown chocolate beckoning. I dreamed of the cone I devoured there after a long hike; the scoops of coffee, mint and coconut sticky, dripping down my fingers in the bright Italian sun.

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P.S. I'm taking this as a sign that (1) I need to get serious about my 2012 goal to learn Italian and (2) I need to schedule another trip to Europe.

{Images via Elizabeth Farrar for Bella Vita}

Long Live the King

2012-01-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

I’m feeling inspired this morning. Witnessing courage does that to a person. I love this old, grainy footage. I love the power behind the speech -- the way it echoes off the marble monuments and through the halls of history. Maybe it’s because I have a personal connection to it.

When I moved to Washington, DC in the summer of 2003, I arrived with two suitcases and all the courage and idealism I could carry on the plane. For the first few months, I lived in this new city without a job, without a permanent home, and without any real friends or family. Needless to say, there was a lot of sleepless nights and daytime swearing (mostly at the wall of oppressive DC humidity).

One day in late August, I was feeling particularly glum about my situation, and I decided to take advantage of a break in the humidity to take a walk (where I do all my best thinking). I started at Arlington Cemetery, visiting the graves of JFK and RFK, before walking to the Lincoln Memorial. As I made my way around the edifice, I was met by a sea of humanity flowing down the monument’s steps and around its iconic reflecting pool.

At first, I wasn’t sure what was happening. Then a woman emerged from the sea and took the microphone. I found a patch of dirt, sat down, and listened, awestruck, as Coretta Scott King stood at Abraham Lincoln’s feet and recited portions of her late husband’s historic speech there.

Her message: Remember the power of dreams.

Like I said, inspiring stuff.

So today, I’m listening to this cool, Billboard playlist honoring Dr. King’s legacy (seriously, check it out here), thinking about that day in August, and sharing this Happy Thought with you:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

-- MLK

Happy Weekend

2012-01-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend!

I'm looking forward to the premiere of The Iron Lady this weekend. Meryl Streep, England, a kick-butt female world leader, dialogue spoken in an English accent. Sounds like the ingredients of an Oscar recipe to me. Anyone else going to see it?

Here are a few other links that are inspiring me this week. Happy Reading!

Martin Luther King Day of Service (I love this Day of Service idea. Take the kids and honor MLK's legacy by participating in a local community service project, Monday. There are thousands of events going on throughout the country -- use the link to find one in your neighborhood)

13 Intriguing Friday the 13th Factoids (Impress your friends at cocktail parties tonight)

Bookshelf Porn (Give me a moment while I collect myself)

Good News! (HuffingtonPost is devoting an entire page to uplifting stories in the news. Happy Dance!)

{Images via The Iron Lady Movie}