It’s no secret that I love music and while I’m only marginally talented at a few instruments, it’s a passion of mine. I feel it. It speaks to me. I can tell time (in years and decades) with it. I know lyrics to about any song (pre-21st century) but I don’t know my license plate ID on my own car.

I’ve been writing for decades too. Bits of lyrics, poems, journals, etc. but they never left the pages they were written on. And, yes, I write mostly with a pen on paper, much like I draw and plan most things before I digitally organize and present them.

A few weeks ago, I had an amazing weekend away with one of my dearest friends. We became friends when I decided that I wanted to take guitar lessons. I walked into a local music store to sign up for lessons. The young man that was working at the store was flipping through the binder of schedules, teachers, etc. It felt like he was looking for a LONG time. He finally landed on Tiana’s page and called her. She took my info and offered me lessons at her home since she had recently moved her teaching from the studio.  How did this guy know we would turn into BFF’s?

Intimidated at first because she was a professional musician and so talented, I had a few months of lessons, we had a lot of fun, we had vacations and grew our families and fast forward several years, we had this weekend. I told her that I started writing a song and I was brave enough to share it with her. (and now all of you) Our Saturday night became an impromptu songwriting session. She had me really dig into feelings, work through lyrics and put words together to make this beautiful song “Brave”.

It’s about life, relationships and not giving up! It’s about being brave enough to face the bad moments and remember that you are on a journey together, that life is a journey. It’s about being your true self and letting your feelings be known, not caring if others judge you. I love it!

It would NEVER have come to life without Tiana’s music, deep digging, writing and beautiful voice and I am adding “Songwriter” to my list of the many things I am. Have a listen.

Todays prompt is BEAUTY

The old saying” Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder is such a strong and true statement. In our world, it’s so easy to get caught up in the societal expectations of beauty. No fat, no wrinkles, perfection on too many levels to keep up with….

I love to look at beauty in nature, in our surroundings and of course in people, but not always in terms of the way they look. I love the beauty of imperfection and asymmetry; The juxtaposition of clean, simple lines with something more organic and imperfect. I admire the beauty in a person willing to help others, or share stories and really connect with people on a level below the surface.

Look for beauty in unexpected places. I am often captivated by the color and beauty in a vegetable garden, a sunset and even the colors that come out of my juicer. I know, it may seem like I’m reaching here, but I’m genuine in my thoughts. And it makes me happy when I spend the time to notice the beauty and details in everyday life. I am grateful for all the beauty that surrounds us everyday.

Today’s prompt is YOUR PARENTS

Today, a short post to say that I’m grateful for my parents. They had an abrupt transition into parenthood directly out of high school. My early memories include my awesome tree-house that was made out of an old boat, spending time with cousins, grandparents and extended family and some serious period furniture from the 70’s including black vinyl and heavy wood. (My first Interior Design observations)

Fast forward a few years and I was blessed with two more amazing parents. (They had absolutely no clue what they were in for). My step-dad built us a club house in the back yard, introduced us to new cousins and added 2 more siblings to my life. My step-mom is an animal lover, care-taker to everyone and added my youngest brother to my sibling roster.

I’m going to skip over the years and years and years of hard times and focus on my gratitude toward all the people I was blessed to call my parents. Thank you for all you have done for me and for being an important part of who I am today.

Today I’m combining prompt 8 & 9 ADVENTURE and SOMETHING FUNNY

These two sort of feel like they belong together. I love adventures, both simple and extreme. (well, not too extreme). A few years ago, I went to Park City, Utah during the Sundance Film Festival with a friend. This was an adventure for many reasons. Tiana is a musician and was on a mini-tour and I was her ‘Tour Manager’. We are both Mom’s and it was our first time being away from our kiddos and for multiple nights. We got to explore the town, see awesome movies, meet great people, watch some amazing musical performances and have some much needed R&R.

Some of the highlights were:

Our morning coffee at Park City Roasters

Delicious meals that we treated ourselves to

Snowboarding for me at Park City Resort

Tiana on Park City TV

And I did promise something funny, right? Well, this ought to do it. Fun and funny adventures! Thanks Tiana!

Todays prompt focus on Skill Talent, specifically “what you’re good at”.

I’m good at many things and with that said, I realize that I still have a lot to learn in this life and I look forward to it. It’s so much easier to focus on the things that you want to improve rather than give yourself credit for your existing strengths. Is that just me? Here are my top three “things I’m good at”.

1. Problem Solving: Whether a complicated building code issue or how to entertain a group of 4 year olds, I usually have a solution. I tend to look at ‘problems’ as challenges and this is probably why I love what I do. Teaching, Designing, Crafting and even being a Mom  has their share of challenges that require keen problem solving skills.

2. Technology: I don’t really know if this qualifies as a skill, but I absolutely love technology in many facets. Learning and applying new software programs for Design projects and teaching to my students, operating 3 blogs and a handful of social media sites for myself and others, keeping in touch and connecting with friends, classmates and influencers are among the ways I’m able to use technology and share with others.

3. Art/Crafts/DIY: I love to make things! I love it even more when I get to make things with friends. I have enough skill at sewing, painting, drawing, etc. to bring to a project and I might have enough supplies and tools stockpiled to qualify as obsessed. Good thing we have created The Craft Shack to share all this goodness with others.

I’ll leave you with the ‘talent’ that I wish I had: I really want to be good at playing the guitar. I really wish it was a natural skill. Since it’s not, if I really want it, I have to work at it.

What are you good at or wish you were better at?

Day 6 prompt is FREEDOM

Appropriate as today is Veteran’s Day, that the prompt is Freedom. Born & raised in the post-Vietnam era, I grew up oblivious of the sacrifices our Veterans made. We learned in history class and heard stories from my Grandfather who fought in WW2 and my step-father in Vietnam,  but it was felt most as friends were deployed to Desert Storm in the early 1990’s. Onward to to the millennium where so many young people have sacrificed their lives with the ongoing war.

Today I am grateful for all who have served our country so that we may live in freedom.

Todays prompt focus on EMOTIONS, specifically “what brings you joy?”

Emotions are something we all have. I’ve dealt with a full spectrum of emotions in my life and what a pleasure it will be to express gratitude for what brings me joy. I think a simple list ought to do the trick here….and a limit, say 10 things that bring me joy (in no particular order):

1. Coffee – If you know me at all, this should not be  surprise.
2. A sunny day – I love that when my daughter makes a wish in a fountain, it’s usually for “a sunny day”.  I tend to agree with her, whether warm or cold, the sun makes me happy.
3. Time spent with a good friend – Nothing compares really. I love my people.
4. My daughter – She’s kinda awesome. Joy is a “me and you” day or a day with friends and enjoying her happy adventures.
5. Seeing the joy in others – It brings me joy to see others happy. A child. A student. A dog running on the beach. Joy is contagious.
6. My family – My little family of 3 brings me so much joy (and other emotions too!) and my extended family of nieces and nephews, brothers & sisters, parents and in-laws, I am grateful for.
7. The beach – My happy place.
8. Giving to others – To show gratitude for all that I have, it brings me joy to give to others.
9. Doing something special for myself – Those moments when I escape for some retail therapy or a pedicure bring me joy.
10. Noticing the beauty in things – Natural things. I love to look at all the color in an apple, or a sunset.

The list could go on and on…I’m grateful that each day, in some way, I feel joy.

Top photo courtesy: http://www.abcbysue.com
Awesome Alphabet photography and you can order prints!

Day 4 prompt is TEACHER

I’ve had some AMAZING teachers in my life. I had to think a lot about how I would address this prompt in terms of gratitude. I will do my best to note some of my most influential teachers and how I am grateful to them.

To my undergrad English Comp teacher “Kitty”: I am grateful that you were the first Professor that I had actual conversations with and showed me that teachers were in fact ‘human’.

To my freshman Algebra teacher – I am grateful that you gave me a C.

To LS: I am grateful that you helped me get back on track after a not so great semester in a studio class. I am grateful that my skills at detailing improved with your direction.

To SC: You continue to inspire me and push my boundaries further than I would have ever dreamed to do myself. I am so grateful to know you, to still be learning from you and for all that you have offered me in opportunities from college and beyond.

To PS: The best cadre-padre I could have hoped for. My grad school experience was epic on many levels. Your patience, consistency, knowledge and advice are something I will reflect on for years to come.

To DK: A teacher and a friend. I am grateful for and admire your passion for learning, your philosophies and your priorities. I look forward to learning from you and with you and exploring new tool (digital and physical)

To my many mentors that were not formal ‘teachers’ – I am grateful that you were and are part of my life. Thank you for your time, patience and knowledge.

The best part of this prompt is that I am a teacher. My road to this career was not exactly direct, but I feel I was led to this position by a series of ‘signs’ and I’m exactly where I need to be. As thankful as I am for the teachers that influenced me, I’m equally thankful for the students that I am honored to be with each day, each week, each semester. There are some talented folks that will soon be entering the world of Interior Design and I will watch them go and be proud.

Day 3 prompt is KINDNESS
I desire to be kind to others and for my daughter to learn this at an early age. She’s doing well so far, a kind and caring soul. I love all the quotes that I constantly see on Pinterest, usually at just the moment when I need to see it. I’m sharing a few of my favorites both as a reminder to myself and an inspiration to others.

Everyone deserves to be treated kindly.

In case anyone is actually reading my blog, I appeared to have skipped Day 2 with the prompt ‘Health’. I wrote it…just not ready to share.

I found a prompt list of “21 Days of Gratitude” on Pinterest. Since I’ve been neglecting my personal blog for some time now, I thought this would be a nice way to get back into it and reflect on the important things in my life.

Day 1 prompt is FRIENDSHIP

I would not be where I am or who I am today without my friends. I’ve been fortunate to have many people in my life to call friends. They are all different, unique and amazing in their own ways. They have each touched my life in a special way.

Some friendships have lasted, while others have faded. While this is sometimes hard to cope with or understand at the time, the important thing to focus on is the importance of that friendship when it was active and the memory of the purpose it served in my life at the time. Through technology, I’ve even been able to reconnect with friends who live far away or that I had lost touch with.  What I absolutely love about most of my friendships is that they can pick up right where they left off, even if months or years have passed.

I am thankful for my friendships. I enjoy watching my daughter make friends. In her young life, she makes friends easily wherever she goes. She is already experiencing lasting friendships and lost friendships when people move or change schools.

To my friends old and new. Thank you for being part of my life. I’m grateful for you.