Today it's Raining

Motivation Monday: Wonder

Between the foster puppies and the flu, no one is getting much sleep around here, but should we, isn't this a wonderful though to have upon waking? "Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen" -author unknown

On a completely unrelated note, did you miss the puppy sleeping head first in the pillows in the photo? It's ok, I saw it in person and I almost did. 

What thought got you through getting out of bed this Monday?

A Look at Family Life

Good Morning! Hope your Monday is absolutely lovely. If not, you can relish in the fact you didn't have to be a part of this family photo. 

Every year, around Thanksgiving, my wonderful family takes a photo to send in our holiday cards. Every year we fail... miserably. 

To paint you a picture: No one is given any sort of advanced warning that the photo will be taken. This year, my dad was wearing the same cloths he did the day before, and Sarah hadn't brushed her hair yet. After threatening, coercing, and forcing us into one room my poor mother has to figure out how to get everyone to sit still. You would think this would be easy, but it couldn't be further from. Between the dogs, my hyperactive sister, and my adhd, we struggle. If, by some divine intervention, we can all sit still, we later have to flip through the shots and find what is often a single photo in which no one is making a funny face. (Which has almost led us to send a photo of my father, cross eyed and sticking his tongue out to his wonderful coworkers) 

This year was even better, as we bypassed the self timer method and had Anthony snap a few for us. By this I mean, we're all sitting on the couch, and in the first minute or so he's taken fifty frames. No one really noticed, and no one was ready, but we were done. We always get a laugh out of the process. It's more of a joke than a family photograph, but looking back, taking the photo means more to me than whatever the result may have been. Looking back I see the moment just after Sarah decided she would sit on my lap, and before my dad reminding us to look normal as my mom tries to get the puppy, who's decided he must sit on someone's head, to behave. So if and when you take a family photo this year, remember: no one's family is normal, you look absolutely beautiful, and it's the memory, not the print that matters most. 

*My mother emailed it to me, which is why it's so blurry- and it will probably say something different... (but knowing my family, probably not). 

So let me ask you this:

Do you take a family photo for the holidays? 

How does your picture day unfold? 

Motivation Monday: Back to the Blog

Now, you may have noticed I've been a very bad blogger lately. Well, that's all about to change. Today I have a little motivation for myself. All of the craziness that has been my life lately is starting to subside. Which is giving me a nice break before the craziness to come that is the holiday season. I'm taking the opportunity during this time to work on being a better blogger. You'll hear from me every day this week (and I'm hoping that's a good thing)! 

So what have I been up to? Well, You saw our foster puppies. The last one was adopted out and picked up by his new family on friday night. 

Motivation Monday: I'll Drink to That

Good Morning, and happy Monday! This morning my motivation for you is a little different than usual. As you know, it's been busy busy busy around these parts. Some of the healthy ideas, taking care of yourself, and other concepts I try and promote have fallen by the wayside. I'm here to bring you an easy health habit to keep in mind this monday. 

Motivation Monday: Get Outside

Good morning! I've got a different kind of motivation for you today. This weeks challenge is to motivate you to get outside. Even if only for a few minutes. When your feet hit the floor when you wake up tomorrow morning, head outside. Take a few breaths and enjoy the fresh air. I promise you'll feel better the entire day. 

Motivation Monday: Unwind

Can you feel the irony coming on? It's Monday, and I'm going to talk to you about unwinding. Monday is a stressful day for most, and I bet there's a lot of people out there who wait until the weekend to unwind. That means your going through your whole week in the clutches of Monday's tension. While I'm sure we would all just like to say screw monday, and skip it, I'd like to suggest taking a little extra time today to do some unwinding.

Motivation Monday: What's your Message?

Good Morning, Monday. 

Last Weekend, My boyfriend and I spend some time camping in northern Michigan. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place, should you ever get the chance to visit. The world moves slower here, and you get the chance to take a deep breath and enjoy the serenity.

While we were exploring the town, we caught the finish of a twenty mile canoe race. The winners finished in two hours, which was absolutely amazing to watch. Even more so, the fourth or fifth boat to finish was captained by two older adults. These gentleman finished the race in just over two hours and in the middle of  a group of young men and woman. The older of the two, probably in his late sixties, seemed to be the happiest contestant in the race. His joy was passed on to the other participants as they congratulated each other. While many of the racers were commenting on their disappointment in times, the pain or fatigue they were experiencing, or other negativities, this man just seemed happy to be here. 

While I hope I can remain as acting as this man when I grow older, what I took from the experience was his positivity and happiness. 

Seeing this man's simple enjoyment of the day was inspiring. Sometimes I forget that my life, as everyones, is my message to the world. What am I saying to those I meet, or even those I don't? 

What would you like your life to say? Does it?

Also, Stop by tomorrow to check out an interview and giveaway with Heidi of Etsy's
 Tree Tango Photography.

Motivation Monday: Working Together

"People who work together will win. Whether it be football defenses, or the problems of modern society." -Vince Lombardi

Some day's you can take on the world. Other days, you may need a little help. Look around, maybe you're having a conquer the world day, but that woman next to you, her day was yesterday, and today she's tired. Lend a hand. Maybe you help someone carry in groceries, maybe you show that freshman holding a map how to get to class (It's only the third week, they're still lost!), who knows?

Whatever you do, remember, there comes a time when we just can't do it on our own. The weight of the world's not so bad when everyone's got a piece. So this monday, I challenge you to work together, you can't lose. 

What is your motivation today, and who will you help?

Motivation Monday: Quiet Places

Good Morning Gorgeous, 

I know I usually have a pretty picture and some motivation for you monday mornings, but today's a little different. 

Today I have a crappy instagram photo and a word on when life gets to be too much. 

Lately, I've been a little overwhelmed. I realized I wasn't happy with how parts of my life were going. I decided I needed some time to clear my head and start over.  This weekend, I'll be headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a camping trip with my boyfriend and favorite aunt and uncle.

Heading out into the woods is a great way to put yourself back together. If you don't believe me, good images "paradise, mi" or "lake on the clouds, mi" or wait for a photo post next week! How can you not feel grounded, happy, and wonderful in these places?

What do you do when you need a complete "reset"?

Motivation Monday: Attack the Day

Today's going to be one of those days.

I arrived back at home last night, classes start tomorrow, and there's a whole host of "to do's" starring me down.

It's one of those days where your to do list looks more like short novel. But none the less, it is one of those days to face head on in a take no prisoners sort of way. 

 So today I challenge you, 

take the day and accomplish something great.

Maybe it's preparing yourself for the week. Maybe you'll check off that last item that's getting stale on the bottom of your to do list. Maybe it's even that project you've been meaning to find the inspiration for. 

Whatever it is, today is your day. 

Seize it.

What will you do today? 

Motivation Monday: Understanding Love

Pretty pictures and lovely words can say a lot. 

I know most weeks my motivation mondays come with lovely pictures- many times of gorgeous vacation spots. 

This week, you get my living room- and a little lesson I'm working on learning.

This is my absolutely amazing boyfriend. He's staining my living room floors. 

My living room is huge- like, unreasonably large.

He helped, because he's that guy. 

Well, sometimes I'm a little hard on the guy. He's absolutely amazing, but I'm a perfectionist. 

Sometimes I forget that he's not me, he can't read my mind, and he really is doing the best he can. 

Last night, he asked me to come to his apartment. His friends were over and they were watching a movie. I didn't like they way he asked me. (in my defense, I was exhausted, and it wasn't very nice, but he didn't intend it to be). We argued and he went home. After he left I got to thinking. How many guys invite their girlfriends to boys night? How many would work on their girlfriends house?

He may not say or do all the right things, but he tries. He loves me, and while I may prefer he says it through dinner instead of sandpaper or flowers instead of floor stain. He says it in everything he does. 

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want, doesn't mean they don't love you with everything they have.

How do you say "I love you" to those in your life? 

Challenge: Have your actions tell the people in your life you love and appreciate them today.

Motivation Monday: Gratitude

Good Morning Gorgeous, 

Hope you're enjoying your monday! 

It's been busy around here. Sometimes in all the chaos, its easy to forget to appreciate what is going right. 

Each day, take time to appreciate something.

Your car starts, and can take you to and from. 

The rain held off. 

You remember you have your favorite ice cream in the freezer. 

Anything works. The act of appreciating alone will brighten your day. 

Have an appreciative monday! 

What are you grateful for today?

Motivation Monday: Amaze them

Good morning gorgeous!

Hope you're having an amazing monday!

I know most weeks I have an inspirational type post for you, but this week I have a challenge. 

Give it your all this week. Push through the last set of your workout. Apply for that job that's just out of your reach. Try that thing you thought you'd never do, but always kinda wanted to.  You may surprise yourself. 

What will you do this week?

Motivation Monday: Nights

Good Morning Gorgeous!

I apologize for the  recent absence, I've been backpacking in Canada; but I'm back now and ready for another Monday!

Since I've been back its been nonstop go-go-going. The day I got back was moving day (for my boyfriend- I'm still here!). And of course, there were many complications in the "back-to-real-life process". 

One comfort that got me through last week of absolutely no sleep was the fun we managed to make out of all the craziness. 

Because of course:

Those nights always come along when you could get some more sleep, or you could find something fantastic and fabulous to do. Because who needs sleep, really?

Enjoy your monday!

Motivation Monday: Silliness

Good Morning Lovelies!

I'd like to welcome you to hell finals week.

For those of you who are finishing up your classes, I'd like to wish you a good luck on all your finals! 

And remember... 

So while your tackling finals, or simply getting through the week, be sure to enjoy those rare moments when silliness prevails. 

Motivation Monday: Take a Breather

Good morning lovelies! 

Hope everyone is having a fantastic monday, and enjoyed a great weekend :)

If the weekend, or lets face it, the average monday, is a little more than you can handle with grace, 

remember to take a deep breath. 

Enjoy your monday! 

Motivation Monday: Be Great

Good morning lovelies! 

Hope everyone's having a fantastic Monday :) 

Here's a thought to ponder, and maybe even put in practice as you're going through your day:

I'd like to thank my beautiful little sister for making this photo possible, 

and being the kind of woman the devil would fear. 

What thought is motivating you this monday?

Motivation Monday: Moving on

Good morning lovelies! 

I know I missed last monday, life got in the way.

This monday seems to be even more chaotic. 

I know it's a little early to be talking about washing this day away... 

But I am. 

Everyone has those days... 

You know the one's? 

You wake up, and from that moment everything goes wrong. 

By noon you've already rethought the direction of life is going... twice. 

You've broke down on a stranger's shoulder, 

and decided this day might actually kill you. 

Well days end. Even these. 

The thing is, one comes around tomorrow. 

After one of these days, you have an opportunity. 

It floats in the moment before you open your eyes. It flutters on your lashes, quietly offering a question. 

What will you do today?

It's not asking your for your grocery list, or mundane errands you forgot yesterday. 

It's asking if you will let yesterday change you today. 

Today will end, don't let it hold you back. 

Tomorrow will begin, embrace the day. 

Choose to be amazing. 

Have a happy Monday!

Monday Mornings

Good morning Lovelies, 

I know my usual mondays contain some harping on the evils of monday mornings, but in reality...

So even though I still think Monday mornings are awful, horrible things. 

I'd take a monday morning, with everything it could throw at me over someone else's problems. 

Enjoy your woke up late, can't find your keys, spilled coffee on your white shirt monday. 

[and please share]

What gets you through Monday?