when everything comes together

moving

2014-02-12T23:37:00.000-06:00

Some news! I'm moving this little online home of mine here: kellypollard.blogspot.com

A big heartfelt thanks for those of you who come here and follow along with me. I know I'm not the best at posting on a regular basis, but here's hoping that will change moving forward. In my "new" space, I hope to share a little more of my artwork, as well as the everyday bits of life. I hope that sounds good to you and you'll join me over here.

xo,
k

summer dreams

2014-02-06T21:21:00.002-06:00

Happy February friends. It's two degrees in Chicago and feels like 15 below! This whole winter thing is getting a little old. I'm hopeful things start to turn around soon. In the meantime, I'm dreaming of summer and painting happy strawberries.

a birthday x 2

2014-01-27T11:03:00.000-06:00

A little peak at the birthday cards I created for my parents, above. We celebrated their birthday's with a little dinner and dessert this weekend. Yes, they were born on the same day! How crazy and sweet is that? They can never forget each others birthday's - that's for sure. It was a simple, lovely little evening spent cooking, chatting, eating, singing and laughing. I think my favorite part was singing happy birthday to both of them, yet watching each of them sing to the other. So sweet. It was a perfect little celebration. Happy birthday mom and dad! We love you.

this amazing dress

2014-01-17T12:40:00.001-06:00

Caitlin Fitzgerald blew me away at the Golden Globes. I just adored her dress from Emilia Wickstead's spring 2014 collection. I sat down the next night and recreated her look.

a note on this city

2014-01-15T16:26:00.001-06:00

This is my first view of the city on most mornings. You can barely make out the edge of skyline, but it's there. The snow has almost all melted away in these parts and it's cold once again. But on sunny mornings like this, while it may be cold, it makes me grateful for the view. The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet as everyone makes their way to wherever it is they are going. It's really odd how quiet the city can actually be. As you can tell, I'm already getting nostalgic about living in this great city - we have officially started our house hunt. If we could afford to stay, it would be fantastic, but it's time. I'm excited for this next journey to find a place that's truly ours. To call it home. To make it our own. But until then, I still get to take in this view for a little while longer. We will cherish the next few months in our little apartment and neighborhood where we've made too many wonderful memories.

madewell inspired

2014-01-11T13:12:00.003-06:00

There was such an array of inspiring outfits from Madewell's spring lookbook. This was one of my favorite looks. So fresh, simple and classic. If I could only sketch and paint my entire wardrobe to life, sigh...

I hadn't picked up a paintbrush in quite awhile, but before the holidays I finally found the time. I had forgotten how much I truly enjoyed creating, sketching and painting. So far I can't seem to put the paintbrush down! It has been incredibly fulfilling, so I'm sure there will be more to come.

Our Wedding | Veronica Sheaffer's Blog

2014-01-09T12:20:00.003-06:00

Oh man, I just have to say that I feel so, so incredibly lucky and honored to have had my gown made by the talented dress whisperer that is Veronica Sheaffer. She is a total gem. She made Stepanie Izard's gown for pete's sake! What?! I know, I know....insane. It truly was a dream of a dress. She also was responsible for my custom veil!

Check out more of her work and her blog post on our wedding. A few close-up shots of the dress also here. And if you are a bride-to-be, considering custom, definitely do yourself a favor and call on Veronica, you can read my short review here. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Veronica!

Photos: T&S Hughes Photography (our amazing photographers)

2014-01-08T13:03:00.001-06:00

this year i want to start doing what i love. i want to create. i want to feel inspired. i want to stop letting the little things make me so crazy. this year i want to get over it and move on. i want to start spending time, money, energy on the things that matter and stop all that nonsense on the things that don't. i want to travel more. i want to buy a house and make it our home. this year i want to be present in the moment. i want to worry less and laugh more. this year i want to stop being so hard on myself. i really want clear out my endless wardrobe and simplify, simplify, simplify. i want to take control of my finances. i want to spend more time with my family and friends. i want to take more photos and read good books. this year i want to run a marathon (you heard that right - a marathon!). i want to try new recipes and cook healthy meals. i want to explore this great city. i want to start new traditions and hold onto old ones.

this is quite a list i know.... who knows what this year will bring - that's part of the beauty. cheers to a fresh start!

photo of the beautiful snow blanketed northwoods over the holiday

2013: We Loved You

2014-01-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

can't say much beyond the fact that 2013 was pretty fantastic. we are blessed with such wonderful memories from a truly exceptional year. and so our 2014 chapter begins...

our annual skate

2013-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if "annual" is quite right, as I don't think we went last year, but let's go with it! Ice skating at Millennium Park basically consisted of me trying to not fall on my face. It wasn't unbearably cold, I lasted over 20 minutes and I never actually landed on my bum! All in all - I'd call it a success!

moments

2013-12-18T10:32:00.001-06:00

Reading: the Divergent series, an easy and entertaining read I started on the honeymoon and can’t put down.

Wanting: more of the holiday season - it's going by too fast

Looking: forward to getting back into my running routine (here's hoping!)

Playing: too much christmas music

Wasting: tissues, lots and lots of tissues

Sewing: not much, but I wish I was

Wishing: for more pretty snow (no rain please)

Enjoying: calm nights snuggled up on the couch in comfy clothes

Waiting: for santa!

Liking: the glow of the christmas tree at night

Wondering: what the new year will bring

Loving: our holiday traditions

Hoping: that the boy and girl we bought gifts for this year will be surprised and delighted

Marvelling: at how lucky and blessed we are

Needing: new socks

Smelling: the sweet smell of coffee brewing on a cold winter morning

Wearing: cozy sweaters and turtlenecks

Following: all the new restaurant openings in Chicago. We made it over to Eataly last week and it did not disappoint. I recommend a weeknight outing to avoid the weekend crowds. And save room for the gelato.

Noticing: the little things

Knowing: I married my best friend, makes me so happy. Too true to be cheesy.

Thinking: about chopping my hair

Feeling: blessed and lucky to have such wonderful friends and family to spend time with around the holidays

Bookmarking: too many recipes from pinterest

Opening: too many adorable holiday cards from our friends

Giggling: with David, always

Feeling: so incredibly thankful for each day

Listening: to new music from the mr.

Remembering: our amazing wedding. we keep looking at the photos over and over and over. We are so lucky to have worked with T&S.

*The idea for this post came from Sydney (with a few additions of my own).

Remembering The Best Day

2013-12-03T17:29:00.000-06:00

I read about this recently: writing a letter to yourself to help you remember your wedding day. So I wrote myself a little letter today that I intend to read over and over in the years to come. And yes, I realize this is my first post since July. Time flies. Here's to newlywed bliss.

You married an incredibly wonderful man a few short weeks ago. You were uncharacteristically relaxed the morning of the wedding. The day was brisk, but sunny: a perfect fall day. Everything went smoothly; you were a vision of calm. Your mom and bridesmaids were lovely and they made you feel beautiful. You felt ready, not nervous, but excited. Anticipation. You laid eyes on your husband-to-be for the first time. His smile was bright and you could sense the overwhelming joy in his gaze. He looked handsome as ever, just as you had imagined. Your heart beat faster. You were happy. You kissed and wiped lipstick off his lips. You both giggled. You felt so loved. Photos and incredible views of the lake. A few calm moments with the wedding party. Seeing Dad. Laughing with him before walking down the aisle. You loved saying your vows, you loved staring into D’s eyes and exchanging rings. It was the best moment. Becoming his wife. Laughing with Father John. Rejoicing with loved ones and a colorful confetti exit. The wedding was filled with so many wonderful moments. Being surrounded by loving friends and family. Singing and dancing in the trolly. The beautiful venue. The glow of the lights. The way everyone cheered when you were announced. The incredibly heartfelt speeches. Swirling around the dance floor to Cupid. Silliness. Insanely fun dancing. Laughter for days. Cake. Bubbly. Everything you had imagined. Utter happiness.

Photo: T&S Hughes Photography (our amazing photographers)

Bye Bye July

2013-07-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

/// My future sister-in-law's wedding in Minocqua. It was just plain beautiful, from the location, to the ceremony to the wonderful family I will soon call my own. I'm very lucky.

/// Cubs rooftop and a perfect day for baseball.

/// K+D. A lovely gift and decor to be used for a few special days soon.

/// Roses. For no particular reason. They make me happy.

/// Showering this adorable bride to be. Just a lovely little get together with the ladies to drink mimosas and celebrate. I'm blessed to call her my friend.

/// On a boat. A few co-workers and I rented a little boat and had ourselves a little night out on the Chicago River.

Oh July. We had some good, good times...

BACK.

2013-06-26T17:00:00.000-05:00

And just like that friends - I'm back. As usual - life has gotten in the way and I suppose I just haven't been inspired to write. I have been a very busy bee over the past few months and somehow May and June have just flown by. It is practically July. JULY! The nervous girl over here in the corner is just thinking about the dozens of things yet to planned for this good old wedding. Meanwhile, I really just want to take time to enjoy the lovely summer...

So, here's what's been happening:
>>>WEDDING PLANNING! oh yes, it has been a joy. I'm that bride who's like "oh yeah" I've got a wedding to plan. Sometimes I feel like I let people down when they ask me about my planning. I feel like I should feign some excitement for their sake. [Sorry if that is you.] Don't get me wrong. I'm excited, but just not about the planning. I'm excited for Us and the ceremony and our friends and family uniting and the actual day! And the dress, of course. But all these wrinkles and details and dates and DIY stuff, it is so overwhelming. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the details and forget the reason your are getting married! I'm just lucky I have a WONDERFUL husband-to-be who IS excited and talented. Did I mention he is designing pretty much EVERY piece of paper (and our website) for our big day? Yup. One piece down (our save the dates - yippee!) and a dozen more to go....

>>>ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS! Oh yes, after much deliberation on what I might wear for our photos, and if it would rain, it all turned out very well. Our insanely brilliant photographer team, Tony and Sharon, are so sweet and talented. We are so blessed to be working with such a rad duo.

>>>THE DRESS! Yes, this baby is getting made as we speak. The dress I wanted just didn't exist for me to purchase, so the next best solution was finding someone who could make my dream a reality. It is both an exciting and truly terrifying process. But, a few fittings in and I'm feeling good about it. Not to mention the fact that my designer is amazing and talented and sweet and just plain wonderful. I don't know how she does it. It has been somewhat nerve racking, but also super exciting. Plus, all the fitting amount to extra time spent with my mom. bonus.

>>>CAKE! Tasting at SMB's was the best. Amazing. We pretty much knew what we wanted, but they were so flexible and made the tasting one of the more stress-free things we have done.

OK. Non-wedding stuff:
>>>BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS! Mother's day! Father's day! And wedding season! Oh My. Plus David's birthday too! We had a nice little low-key birthday celebration for him a few weeks back. We went on a little mini brewery tour in the city and even stopped for pie at one of my favorite spots. He may be a pie eater yet.

>>>RUNNIN! I caught the bug and ran the Soldier Field 10-miler a few weeks ago and finished my first half marathon on Sunday. It was a sweaty one, but I was proud to have finished. I'm still kinda amazed when I think about it.

>>>RANDOMNESS TO SHARE: things that have caught my eye and/or put a smile on my face. Just think: it's no biggie. Enjoy this tee. Peggy Olson rocks.

>>>SUMMER! It is officially summer in this here city. Looking forward to more picnics in the park, open windows, cherries, farmers markets, icy treats, morning runs, sundresses, summer storms, rainbows, nights spent on lovely friend's new rooftop drinking bubbly, I could go on....

Happy summer to you, my friends.

XOXO

2013-04-26T18:02:00.001-05:00

The events of the last week or so have been, well, in a word, surreal.

Last Monday started off as a beautiful, sunny day in Boston and I happily watched the amazing runners cross the 20 mile marker, including David. He was one of the lucky ones who finished the race unharmed, but only just barely. I was with his parents only three blocks away when we heard what we would later find out were the two bombs. Everything that followed was unreal and so incredibly sad. We are beyond blessed that no one in our family was hurt. We all walked away from Boston safe and alive, but still shook up by what had transpired and the many what-ifs that could have changed our world forever. That is not to say that the world has not changed. I continue to pray for all those involved and hope that they can start to heal and move forward.

I could not wait to get back home, but was still hit by more sadness upon my return. Tuesday night was spent visiting my loving grandpa for the last time. He didn't talk to me, but I think he knew I was there. I told him that we were home safe and that I loved him. He passed peacefully on Wednesday in the early morning hours with my grandma beside him, holding him. I'm so thankful I was there to see him and listen to a little Sinatra with him on his last night. He was a great man, a wonderful man. A man who treated everyone around him with respect. A kind, loving grandfather who always knew the right thing to say and who could always make you laugh. We will all miss him terribly, but I know he's looking down on us now, and smiling.

And, if that wasn't enough, we wrapped up our week with even more prayers for other scares that have hit too close to home. But we believe and hope that everything will turn out just fine and it is all perhaps a blessing in disguise.

All of this has really inspired me try and change the way I live. I'd like to say that I don't get hung up on things that don't matter, but I do and I'd like to stop that. I know that wont be easy, but I'd like to try and focus on the good things in life. I'd like to stop waiting to do the things that I want to do. I'd like to start telling those around me how much they mean to me and spending more time with my family and friends. If I've learned anything from this past week, it's that life truly is short and we should all love each other a little bit more.

While life lately has been fraught with worry, unexpected events and sadness, I'm very lucky and fortunate to have the life that I live. I am blessed for all that I have and all the wonderful love and support around me.

Love to all of Boston, we hope to see you again in 2015.
Love to my darling grandpa. I'll find you in the morning sun.
Love to my grandma, may she find peace on the road ahead.
Love to my one and only David. I can't imagine a world without you in it.
Love to you all. Please be kind to one another.

How we decided to hold our reception at an antique store

2013-03-14T17:00:00.000-05:00

Wow. So, we have officially been engaged for six months and beyond our engageme nt story, I really have not put any updates about our big day on the blog. I guess that might be because we've been so insanely busy planning this little shindig! But now seems as good a time as any, so here's the scoop on our venue.

After the euphoria of the engagement craziness wore off a little, we finally got down to brass tacks with our venue hunt. Since Chicago venues book up quick, we knew the venue would be our starting point for everything.

The first step in the venue search was the straw man guest list and budget. Once we had that, David and I started researching and looking at TONS of venues in Chicago. Our estimated guest count really helped narrow our options, but we looked at a variety of spaces: everything from restaurants to blank lofts to barns and museums. I swear, we hit practically every venue in Chicago. Looking back, it was really stressful - I felt like we were searching for an apartment all over again. And the prices!!! I honestly don't know how people afford some of these places for one night. It is INSANE how much weddings cost (that's a whole other post altogether). Anyway, ultimately we had an idea of what we were looking for: something non-traditional, unique and overall, a place that felt kind of like us. Not to mention, a place that wouldn't break the bank and had some fall dates available. So, when we stepped into Architectural Artifacts, while on a run one night, we both kinda knew right away that it could be the place.

Architectural Artifacts is a huge antique store on the north side that moonlights as an event space on weekends. It has three floors of antique goodies and a beautiful light filled atrium. It's definitely not a space for everyone: its quirky and a bit eclectic--but that is what we liked about it. A few other pluses to the space was the fact that the whole place is ours, we have access to the outside courtyard, and we can use pieces from the space in our decor - and really make it our own. No two weddings look alike at AA. Not to mention the fact that we have ample photo-ops all over the place. The only real downside to the space (beyond the purple paint) is that we have to bring everything in, (catering, chairs, tables, etc.) - but ultimately we would have to do that with most venues. And even though we have to bring everything in, we estimated it being cheaper than a restaurant (most of which have pretty hefty food and drink minimums for weddings - of course they do).

So after a week or so of hemming and hawwing, and frankly debating about AA over a similar space, Salvage One, we finally made it official and selected AA. Plus it helped that my mom even gave it the thumbs up prior ot us booking.

After we booked our date, we "crashed" a wedding a few weeks later to really get an idea for what the space felt like at night. The space really transforms itself in the evenings, all the candelight and low lighting really helps it feel cozy and romantic. Needless to say, it solidified our decison - and it was one of the bigger ones! It was such a relief to have that big thing crossed off the list - since it sort of set the tone for everything else.

p.s. My iphone photos don't do the place justice, check out a recent wedding held at the space here.

Snow + Illusions

2013-03-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

This was the scene earlier this week. An abundance of snow greeted Chicago. It was really, really beautiful, unless of course the wind was literally blowing the snow right at your face as you walked down the street. But look at those trees - they are so pretty they almost make up for it. Kinda.

Meanwhile, this song has been on heavy rotation lately. Looking forward to seeing these guys again in May.
Shout Out Louds "Illusions"

These days

2013-02-27T16:30:00.000-06:00

These days having been filled with:

A whole lot of wedding tastings, meetings and emails!!!

Nights out with friends at fantastic new restaurants - so, so good.

New and old birthday celebrations.

Valentines day surprises and love notes.

New music courtesy of David.

Deciding on the dress! ekk!

Lots of these in our lunch boxes (we have little assembly lines in the kitchen).

Snow and more snow.

Last minute movie nights to see Silver Linings Playbook and Zero Dark Thirty (I'd recommend both).

A whole month not buying anything! The only exception being groceries and a few toiletries. I'll admit, I'm amazed I could do it. But that doesn't mean I'm not coveting a few things: here and here.

To The Moon & Back

2013-02-14T17:48:00.001-06:00

Although it has already been months since our engagement (I can hardly believe it!), our full story never made its way to this space. Although I never intend to forget, and never could, I wanted to to try and write down every moment and emotion from the weekend.

So what better time to do that than the official day of love?

Years from now I hope we read this and remember how dreamy and special it all was (and is).

This is pretty long and detailed, so click through if you are interested in both the big and little moments from our incredibly lovely engagement weekend. Here is goes.
Read more »

A Pledge to Unplug

2013-01-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

With the new year in full swing, I figured it was time to resolve to do, well, something. I recently read this article and figured that this was IT.

This article got me thinking more about how much time I spend in front of a computer, ipad, iphone or tv. Plus, how much time I rarely spend just being, without the distractions of modern invention. Why yes, I can wait in this line at Chipotle for five minutes without checking my phone. Yes, I can wake up on a Sunday and not pinterest away the morning.

I've had moments in the past where I've made an effort to unplug (specifically from Facebook), but ultimately, I made it back there. I know that no one is forcing me to pick up my phone or check Facebook (but I enable myself more often than I should, because I can). I know that I choose to do these things, but the lesson I learned from my facebook break was that I was a better person for having taken that break. Somehow, it made it easier for me to not feel consumed by it. Maybe part of it was that I felt more secure in myself, I'm not sure, but I felt better about it as a whole.

Over the holidays, I really came to cherish those moments that were simple and easy, a break from all the technology: watching the snow fall, reading a good book (a real one), chatting over a board game, listening to music while baking cookies...etc. These moments without technology screaming at me, or me wanting to scream out to everyone "here's what I'm doing" (not that I share that much anyway...). Granted, I know it probably seems ironic that I'm blogging about this topic, but I think it is a matter of setting aside the time and space for these kinds of things, but also setting aside the downtime. The time to just be - distraction free - nothing more.

So, my goal for 2013? Take more time to unplug. Take more time to be with the ones I love. Share a conversation over a dinner table vs. eating meals in front of the tube. I'm not saying we won't treat ourselves to a little Downton (or going down the black hole of planning a wedding on pinterest), but I am saying that I'd like to try to consciously set aside some time for nothing in particular. I resolve to be less distracted, to take a deep breath a little more often and carve out a little extra time for me and the things that matter most.

Will that mean less time in this space? I'm not really sure, part of the reason this blog started was as a creative outlet, but now I really see it as a snapshot of our life and story... and something I hope I'll look back on and be grateful for in years to come.

It's a Wonderful Life!

2013-01-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

That was the theme of my grandpa's 90th birthday party yesterday - and what a wonderful life he has lived. It was amazing to stand in the room and see the wonderful family he has created and the overwhelming outpouring of love. I can only imagine what he must have been feeling himself. My grandpa even got up in front of everyone with his three brothers and sang a few tunes including "I Love You Truly." Even my grandma and her sisters joined in for a few. I think it melted all of our hearts...

I was so happy to be a part of this incredible life event. I mean ninety years! It is amazing to think about the things he has seen and been through. How much things have changed since 1923! What a life! I only hope to live a life as lucky as his. We love you grandpa!

Twenty Thirteen

2013-01-02T16:30:00.000-06:00

I really can't fathom the fact that it is already January 2. Where did the time go? The holidays came and went. The world is buzzing with resolutions and I'm still stuck in my 2012 holiday daze. Every year is just plain sad to see all the holiday decor come down, the ornaments put away and the twinkle lights turned off. I, for one, will be keeping my tree up for a little while longer and embracing the warm glow on these bitterly cold winter nights.

It really does seem like yesterday was Thanksgiving. This holiday season flew by: we ate lots of yummy food, shared many a laugh with our family and friends. We tried new recipes, we made new holiday memories and shopped till we dropped. We traveled from the city to the burbs to milwaukee to the north woods and back to sweet home chicago. We smiled bright with Autumn and chuckled at her instant need to make everything she opened into a chair. We had a Smyth skype christmas from Chicago to Latvia to Hawaii. We had our first Christmas knowing we'd spend the rest of our lives together. We felt so blessed and lucky. We finally witnessed snow on the ground in Milwaukee even though it snowed in Chicago just in time for Christmas (or so we heard). We celebrated and played a few too many games of holiday pictionary. We were inspired by the snow covered trees and the magic of looking out the window at a real life snow globe. We discovered the joys of SkipBo and lack of cell phone reception. We rediscovered losing yourself in a good book. We delighted at finally getting back home and curling up on the couch to discover the happenings at Downton. We dreamed a dream and couldn't get it out of our heads. We spent our NYE together making dinner while ringing in the year of us.

We have so much to look forward to, so many things to plan and so much life to live. I'm excited for what 2013 has in store for us.

Thanksgiving Traditions

2012-11-21T16:00:00.000-06:00

I really can't believe Thanksgiving is here. It is crazy that the holidays are upon us - it is both exciting, but also scary that time is just flying by. I want to bottle up every moment! Where did the year go!

Our traditions at Thanksgiving include lots of catching up, a good amount of laughing, maybe a movie quote or two, my mom's pumpkin pie, Trains, Planes and Automobiles, and sometimes, Jenga makes an appearance.

This year, traditions are changing up a little bit, (beyond the fact that half of our family is across the seas) - the big news is that I'm making a pumpkin pie with homemade crust! Ok, that's not really big news, and I am really quite sad that our family won't all be together, but we are all getting older and that's how things go. I try not to think too much about it, or else I might really get sad here. At least we will all be together in spirit (and Skype)....

Back to the pie.

So, in preparation for the big day at Mom and Dad's, I'll be busying myself this evening with a little pumpkin pie making. There's such a simple feeling of accomplishment in making a pie. For some reason it just seems like more of an accomplishment than other things. I love adding all the spices into this pie and smelling them all mix together with the pumpkin, it is pretty heavenly. So, while I may be an old hand at pumpkin filling, I've never really attempted a homemade crust. But I've got her trusty recipe and her number on speed dial. My mom's the real thing - baker extraordinaire, so I really just hope I can live up to her expectations! Here's hoping!

Happiest of thanksgivings to you and yours!

*The photo of the pie above I DID make, but that is a gluten-free crust from whole foods (which is actually quite good if you happen to have gf friends you need to bake for).

Navy Pier

2012-11-07T17:28:00.001-06:00

I live in Chicago, so as a resident, I rarely do any touristy stuff. But, this summer, David and I, for no reason in particular, decided to go to Navy Pier. It was a perfect, warm summer night and he had never ridden the Ferris wheel (and I hadn't in ages). So off we went.

Well, let me tell you. Aside from the fact that it is an expensive tourist trap, it was actually quite fun. And while the line for the Ferris wheel looked like, well...hell, it moved rather swiftly and we were pleasantly surprised. I also dragged David over to the carousel. We might have been the only people over five without a kid on it, but it was well worth it - when was the last time I was on a carousel? Circa 1984 - so it was time.

They even had mini-golf! Who knew!

Our dinner also consisted of ice cream and cotton candy. All of the important food groups.

Unfortunately, now it 40 degrees and winter is upon us. But I do have to say, I am looking forward to a Navy Pier outing next year.

This post is sponsored by Navy Pier. #not.

Election Day

2012-11-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

2008 seems like ages ago, but also feels like it was just yesterday...standing in an incredibly long line for hours waiting to get into Grant Park... commiserating with those around us about whether we would actually get into the park in time...waiting with anticipation for what the night would actually bring...finally getting into the general area of the park and running like happy school kids to make sure we were finally there in time for Obama's speech...hearing the official news and jumping up and down...holding back the emotional tears...celebrating history being made and the joy of the thousands of people all around us.

It was truly a pretty magical night - and not just because Obama won, but because there was so much love and hope in the crowd that evening. It was hard to not feel inspired about what was possible in this world.

Please note that this is not meant to be a political post, but rather my memories of one inspired evening four years ago.

*A special shout out to my Grandma who turns 85 today! I only hope to grow up to be as lovely and wonderful as she is.*