I started keeping a journal when I was about ten years old. It was very old school and pre-teen-private with a little lock and key on the side. I think Anne Frank was my original inspiration for keeping a journal; I loved her words. In high school my writing teacher had us start each class with fifteen minutes of stream of consciousness writing. This seemed like a dream come true for me: I could write/gush about my how much I loved my boyfriend and not get in trouble. (Ha!) At the time, the art of the journaling process was a bit lost on me but it eventually clicked. The ability to write my thoughts--uncensored & unjudged--is a huge gift and it brings me insight, clarity, a light, airy happiness and peace.

I haven't been consistent with my writing--but that's OK; my journal is always there, ready to help me process things, discover passions, desires, appreciation, relieve stress...and ironically: help me get out of my head. :) It's all within us, patiently waiting.


 
That's my little journal, pen ready. I joke with my sister that Anthropologie even owns my thoughts because that's where I buy my journals. I find it inviting to write in something pretty, but sometimes I write on a napkin or receipt and tuck it in the pages later. Whatever your process, enjoy the loveliness.

Thank you to Davina Fear who reminded me of the beauty of journaling.

Here you go, friends: more images from Chris and my trip in November. We had been wanting to do this trip since we graduated from college (too long!!) so when Chris finished up his Ph.D. (yay!!), it seemed the perfect way to celebrate. :)

I like to travel light and am a minimalist with my equipment so I settled on one camera body and two lenses: 24mm & 50mm. I left the flash at home (too big and bothersome) and opted for a high iso and long exposures. After all, these are just for fun!


(left to right, top to bottom: louvre; tuileries; eiffel tower; montmartre; sienna; arc de triomphe; eiffel tower; cite metro; london hotel; rome hotel; tuscany; arc de triomphe; cinque terre; seine; sienna; rome)

Did you know that people still get married inside the Pantheon? I cannot imagine the splendor of such an occasion because on its own, in its bare bones, the Pantheon is spectacular and such a wonder. Tucked away among the tiny streets and alleys in Rome, it was one of Chris and my favorite sites on our recent trip to Europe. Here's a photo I took of us at night. :)

I love things that are pretty & can multi-task. I purchased this adorable barrette at Anthropologie a couple of months ago & while I love wearing it in my hair, sometimes it's a bit overpowering/flamenco. However, have a cute little outfit that needs a little cinching and pop? Perfection!

My husband, Chris, has been working on his PhD for five years; he's balanced full-time school, full-time internships, full-time jobs, a 300 page dissertation and somehow, sanity. I am in total awe of him. We received news this week that he officially earned his PhD--just in time for the Mets visit against the Giants. In the middle of the fifth inning a message appeared on the scoreboard: Give a HUGE CHEER of CONGRATS to the NEW DR in the house: DR CHRIS HARRISON!!

It was so much fun. Here's a little video

(thanks, tigues!)