A place for creativity in relationships, the kitchen, the gym, the home, the garden and, ultimately, in life.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Remember to Smile

Having not been the best of weeks, I've been remiss in writing. This is unfortunate in part because writing this blog is intended to be therapeutic, and what use is therapy if you can't turn to it in times of stress?  As an antidote to wallowing I've taken to reminding myself of all the things I'm grateful for, all the reasons I have (and there are many) to wake up and smile. Here are a few of the things I've been thinking of today, in no particular order:

1) Coming home to an unexpected dinner cooked by my man of steak, asparagus and portabella mushrooms, washed down with a lovely glass of wine from my favorite wine region, Santa Ynez.

2) Having a wonderful group of gals who are willing to get up early and meet me in the humid, mosquito-infested park to tackle my dreamed-up workouts, accompanied with laughter and a little sweat. This week they learned deadlift with dumbbells and dumbbell swings, and took on the new challenges with big smiles. I love these ladies, which leads me to...

3) One of these darling ladies, my coworker, neighbor, friend forged by fire, will be leaving us in a few weeks to pursue big dreams in a faraway land. This leaves me feeling bittersweet, joyful, tearful and ultimately, inspired, and for that I am grateful to her and wish her so much happiness.

4) My family.

5) Girls' trip to Port A in two weeks! Last trip with the ladies, a few years back, ended at the local dance club with mostly-naked men, booty dancing and too many drinks. I'm thinking this time around we might settle for a movie night and girl talk and ahhhhhhhh, relaxing.

6) The Jerky-off (I know, I can't help it) that we're hosting with Miss Melicious tomorrow, to help her sift through the mountain of specialty, good-for-you, good-for-the-planet beef jerky. Just saying the name makes me smile, and I dare you to try to say that with a straight face to someone. Go ahead, "We're having a Jerky-off, how about you?" I'll let you know how it goes, and until then, take a minute to remember something that makes you smile today.


7 comments:

  1. I'm smiling right now because I have such an amazing cousin. ;)

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  2. Oh, Addey, aren't you the sweetest. Right back atcha.

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  3. You make me smile everyday!!! You are truly a phenomenal woman! I'm going to miss you so much! I can't believe that all these years I had such a great friend just at the bottom of the hill. I'm not gonna say keep your chin up because I know that is damn hard to do sometimes, but I will say that I am certain, without a doubt in my mind, that a door will open to your soul's purpose!
    I love you more than afternoon chocolate ;) xoxo

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  4. You sure know how to make a girl feel loved. And don't think just because you're leaving the state that you can escape me or my workouts! I'll be sending Mountain Mama challenges your way in no time, always with love.

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  5. You are lovely and amazing.

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