"It really is just a closing off of what can be the most breathtaking feeling known to man"

I told a friend once, "the heart is a muscle, if we don't use it, and often, it will go into disuse atrophy!" I exclaimed loudly. HA! Well, I didn't mean that in exact terms, my point was, to get our muscles to grow and become stronger, we have to use them.

When you're living a single life, it can be difficult for some to allow themselves to be vulnerable. And of course, to date, or let someone get close, inside your inner circle, the vulnerability occurs. It just does. A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, I promised myself that I wouldn't ever be hurt by a love interest again. I was adamant, and steadfast, and stubborn, and, well, quite frankly, pretty darn happy in life. I enjoyed my friends, my family, took a few outstanding vacations to other countries, and found myself along the way. I forced myself, without even realizing I was doing so, to get to know me. What were my interests? What did I want from life, was it a simple equation or was I a high maintenance girl that demanded attention and fanfare and spangle and sparkle?

I found the answers to these questions, and the truth of it is, I was rather fond of what I found. I love to watch movies, and I love to quote them. I like Scary movies! and Romance. And action. My love for reading knows no bounds, and I am certain that in most cases, the book is always better. I love the water, whether it be saltwater or fresh, ocean or lakes and streams. I know I could live on a lake and be as happy as a clam. (Are clams happy?)

I love Fall, but I've always known that this was my favorite season out of the four. Football and swirling leaves of red and gold, pumpkins and crisp air and leather boots and bonfires.....Halloween.

I like that I have friends that care about me enough to show up when they know something is wrong. To have a good friend you must be a good friend. In this instance, I must have done something well because my friends are remarkable.

I'm not sure if anyone can summarize what they want from life without pulling out the standard "I just want to be happy". Well that's a given obviously, but I think a more fruitful way to answer would be to try to say what things that life could possibly bring us to light up the happy like a firecracker.

I want to be able to live a life without a strict schedule. Easier said than done while we're working for the man, eh? I want to spend quality time with people who understand me, know my flaws, and like me, or even love me, anyway. I want to sit in silence by myself, and I want to do this again with someone beside me. A comfortable silence. One that comes only with knowing that person has a kind heart, and good soul. Words aren't always needed, yet a conversation is still happening.  It has taken me an unusually prolonged amount of time to say, "I want someone beside me". That in itself, if you know me well, is a feat. I feel like I've conquered something, and more than likely that something, is myself. You know the phrase, "you need to get out of your own way", right? I've been standing in my way for quite some time.

Am I high maintenance? in no way. Do I demand attention? the exact opposite. I don't like to be in spotlights. Well, I mean, unless I'm on the KC Chiefs football field at Arrowhead meeting Trent Green or something. Come on. I have standards.
Have you SEEN Trent Green?

Anyway. Spangle and sparkle. Hmm. Well, I love the 4th of July and the incredible lights popping up above our heads as we watch the night sky turn into a sparkly show in honor and celebration of our free country that we live in. I like that spangle and sparkle.

But I'm a fairly simple girl, when it comes to the rest. I don't need a dozen roses on Valentines Day, or even "just because". I'd rather have one stargazer lily if flowers are a must, and a handwritten note, or my hand held while walking, or sitting down and discussing the day.
I don't need a fancy dinner in a 5 Star restaurant. I'm not against this by any means, I just don't require it. Give me a bucket of wings and a cold beer, or a day spent near a swimming pool with a barbecue grill nearby. Or take me to a KC Chiefs game! (now see, I just can't let that lie, I might mention them again soon, because I have no self control).

So the answer to the simple equation, is yes. Very simply; time spent with someone, is more important to me than anything else. Even doing mundane things can bring the happy if you're doing those things with someone that you love, that you know for sure, loves you right back. And yes, I know that this person is difficult to find sometimes. I understand friend, and I hear you. It can be effortless, and seemingly perfect. Or, it can be strenuous and not without complication. But is it worth it?

Here's what I've come to know in recent months.

Yes. It can be worth it. It may not happen perfectly the first time. It may not be without injury to that muscle I mention. But this entire time that I've been periodically telling myself that I "will never be hurt again!" and so adamantly, I now realize that not allowing myself to be vulnerable, and not taking a chance once or twice, and saying yes instead of no, does not shield me from any sort of torment. It really is just a closing off of what can be the most breathtaking feeling known to man. That heady, I feel like a teenager, starry-eyed, head-in-the-clouds feeling that if we could bottle up and sell, we would be wealthy until the end of our days.
I've found that I'm incredibly strong emotionally, I was stunned and also relieved to become aware of this. When I was younger, let's say in my 20's, shall we? I don't believe I was this way. I allowed red flags to flap in the breeze, all the while looking the other direction, paying no attention to them. I told myself often that I was imagining things, and making mountains out of molehills, when the gut spoke of possible misdeed and broken trust. Ah youth.
I also found that I won't disintegrate when I allow someone to get close to me. And I won't wither and fade when I say yes, and come extremely close to feeling in love, and that love is taken for granted and the fairytale ends.

THAT fairytale I mean.

Where I live, there are many possibilities to begin anew.

I think I'll say yes again. One day. Someday. Maybe tomorrow.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS Breakfast at Tiffany's in the summertime is filled with alllll of the fresh fruits. I so love Farmers Market, don't you?

"You cannot find peace by avoiding life."— Virginia Woolf

Last summer (2010) I stumbled upon a blog that had me so riveted I read every post written, from beginning to end, in one day. It was like reading a book I had just bought that I fell so in love with, I couldn't put the book down.
Her name is Whitney, and her story really does resemble a fairytale. Her bio begins with "I'm a 25-year-old former anti-romantic who followed my heart 4,757 miles to London to find my Prince Charming....."
That had me at hello. I told you I was a romantic at heart. (sshh don't tell anyone)

I've yet to meet Whitney but I know I will at some point, thank you social media. She lives in Dallas and we know some of the same people, one day I will be asking for her autograph.

Every once in a while Whitney shares stories from other people who write to her. As Valentines Day 2011 comes to a close, I've just read one that reminded me that I need to stick to what I've recently said. Live life out loud. Get out. Do more. Say yes. Go go go and go some more.
It's been a great year so far, and there's a lot to look forward to.

If you are in a place where you need to be reminded how truly short life really is, read Whitneys February 14, 2011 post.

Go here:
http://www.fairytalebeginning.com/

You should probably have kleenex handy. I'm just sayin.

I hope you had a day filled with love. Mine had lobster tail that can only be described as succulent, a toast of champagne, a chocolate covered strawberry, warm hugs, phone calls from neices that I would hang the moon for, and an Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet that falls perfectly in tune with Whitneys post today.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet needs by sun and candlelight. I love thee freely as men strive for right; I love thee purely as they turn from praise; I love thee passion put to use in my old griefs and my childhood's faith. I love thee with the love I seemed to lose with my lost faith. I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears of all my life! - And, if God choose, I shall love thee better after death."



See you soon friend,
Tiffany
PS The Virginia Woolf quote is one I am giving a standing ovation too. It's true.

We don't have all of the answers, do we?

When I hear several people saying "I refuse to go see that movie!" adamantly, I privately lean towards the conversation to see why they are so against whatever movie they're discussing. Sometimes I agree with their thought process, but I have to tell you, it's rare.
My mom will tell you I was born stubborn. I don't like to be told what to do, how to think, etc. Don't misunderstand, I minded my manners when I was growing up, and I followed the rules at school. Most of the time.
When a friend says to me, "you will hate this movie don't go see it", I have to know why. If it's really just based on their likes and dislikes, and it still sounds intriguing to me, I'm going to see the movie.

When I first heard about Eat, Pray, Love it was through a book recommendation from my sister. I really was listening, but at the time didn't make a concentrated effort to purchase the book. I seem to have this running list going in my head, "I want to do this, see that, go there, read this, buy that, hear this" etc. It's endless, and sometimes fills my head with so many thoughts I'm left with, "if I don't start writing this down it's not going to happen".

So I didn't buy the book. And still haven't, but, I will very soon. I will remain steadfast in my idea, that the book is always better, and should be read before the movie is viewed. But I stepped outside the box and watched the movie first this time.


I was with friends getting ready to watch the movie, and I remember thinking, "open your mind Tiffany". It seemed as though when the movie was released the reviews were mixed. There are actually quite a few people that refused to go see it. But I will say this, those that loved it really loved it. I just wanted to have my own opinion, so I cleared all thought, and pushed play.
My friend told me that the movie made them "want to make some big changes in their life". I've seen many movies that made me want to travel. This one was no exception. I'm not in an unhappy marriage, I'm not unhappy at all really. It's rare actually for me to be not content. Yes I'm the "count your blessings" type, I'm not unhappy to report that to you. But who wouldn't want to go to a different country, live like they do, eat like they do, and breathe in their culture? *I'm raising my hand*. I don't want to stay forever, I just want to go.


Okay, so.......a married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself".

I think this happens quite often doesn't it? Um no. Unfortunately a lot of marriages do end in divorce. People find themselves unhappy in their marriage and they don't know what to do about it. Etc etc etc.
But not many people have the luxury of taking off on a spiritual journey to the likes of Italy, India and Bali. But let me tell you this: it.made.me.want.to.GO.

When Elizabeth Gilbert came to learn her lessons and understand herself, and forgive herself at the end, she summarized her thoughts as these, labeling them "The physics of the Quest":

If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this movie, but I did.

We don't have all of the answers, do we? I don't think so. But I think most of us are on a quest to find them.

I think the real key is, the answers to which questions? Isn't the question more important than the answer?

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS I really think an Italian breakfast is in order soon. If we can't get to Italy just yet, my kitchen will have to suffice. How about Lemon and Basil Eggs over Foccacia? go here  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/lemon-and-basil-eggs-over-foccacia-recipe/index.html

Heart Shaped Thoughts

Love is the best four letter word ever written. I wish I could write a love story. I don't know if I'm talented enough to bring my characters to life in an amazing, can't put the book down, kind of way. But I have dialogue coming to me in my head all of the time. I've been having heart shaped thoughts lately.

.........A man and woman are sitting in a restaurant, meeting for the first time in fifteen years. When I say meeting for the first time, I mean, they've never met in person before. They became friends the old fashioned way. Writing to each other, and talking on the phone. With geographical distance, separate lives, different careers being unfortunate obstacles, they eventually uncrossed the paths that were crossed some time ago.
Now they sit across from each other, each in wonder of this thought, "I can't believe I'm looking you in the eye. For the first time ever" They didn't plan to meet, or be in the same city at the same time. Fate placed them there. The conversation flows as easily as it did during their first one. Laughter ensues just like it did as they got to know each other, with them sharing similar senses of humor. Toward the end of the evening, when it is clearly time to go, the woman is overcome with this thought; "if I don't tell him now, after all of this time, I may never get the chance again". She brings up a favorite movie, one they discussed so many times. A line from the movie states, "he knew I loved him enough, to bear the not knowing". She explains that this quote, was how she felt when she walked away from him so long ago. She came to understand that she couldn't hold his hand while he walked down his own path. Him falling in love with someone else, inevitable.
She told him......."The thing is, I've loved you since the day I realized it"

I was thinking about all of my favorite romantic movie quotes.
Runaway Bride
"Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me"
You've Got Mail
"Yeah. I would have asked for your number, and I wouldn't have been able to wait twenty-four hours before calling you and saying, "Hey, how about... oh, how about some coffee or, you know, drinks or dinner or a movie... for as long as we both shall live?"

An Affair to Remember
"There must be something between us, even if it's only an ocean"

The Notebook
"So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day"

Bed of Roses
"Every now and then, um, everybody's entitled to too much perfection"

My own quotes:
"The other half of me who thinks things through with the first word being, "Us", rather than "I"

Quotes from others
".....the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life." regarding Soulmates, Elizabeth Gilbert

Song lyrics
Ryan Huston "Daydreams"
will you save me, and I'll save you....will you love me.... like I'll love you.....will you need me..... like I'll need you...
Taylor Swift "Love Story"
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.....it's a love story, baby just say....yes"

Had enough of my heart shaped thoughts? =)

I mentally just heard you ask, "but wait. What does he say after she tells him that she has loved him all along?"
Visit for breakfast, maybe you can give me ideas on how you think it should end.....

See you soon!
Tiffany

How important is chemistry?

I recently reconnected with a friend (I love the word reconnected) and had an awesome conversation about dating, and what makes men and women do the things they do. Human nature, always something I'm interested in.
It was a long day of working, on a weekend no less, so I welcomed the break when he called, and walked away from the madness that is my worklife.
Our discussion led with: why do we ignore what's right in front of us, completely absorbed by that shiny object in our peripheral vision.
One scenario:
A guy, who seems very down, tells me about a girl that is frustrating him. The one thing I continue to hear over and over is, "she's very pretty" and I hear emphasis in his voice on the word pretty. I ask, what do you have in common? What does she like to do? Knowing this person well, I can judge for myself if they are compatible based on his answers. His reply to my first question is, "well, she goes out to bars and does shots" etc. Hmmm okay, you're not really a drinker but let me dig further. What does she like to read? "She doesn't really read". What t.v. shows is she interested in? "She doesn't watch t.v." (say what?)
Does she have any favorite movies? "Well not really". Okay are you sure you're having a conversation with her? I say this tongue-in-cheek, and not out loud, I'm just thinking to myself. He admits that it's a struggle in trying to have dialogue when obviously they don't have much in common. Yet.....he seems very down about the fact that she's not really engaging in conversation with him. Regardless of having nothing in common, he wants to do everything he can to talk to her and make this connection.

How important is chemistry?

I've asked a lot of people this question. The answer I received the most was, very important, especially when you first meet someone. Unfortunately, in the dating world these days, I've learned that the way someone looks, to the observer, plays the biggest role on whether a conversation can even begin between the two people. I say unfortunately because I've learned that it's so much better to give the conversation a chance even if he doesn't look like Brad Pitt. I don't look like Angelina for godsake. =)
The person attempting to talk to either the beautiful girl, or handsome guy, also has a totally compatible friend who they are comfortable talking to, and laughing with, and sharing their life story with. But what does human nature do? It bypasses the compatible one standing right in front of them, and becomes distracted by the shiny one they can barely talk to.
This happens with both men and women from what I've come to understand, in listening to my single friends stories about their dating lives. Depending upon maturity levels, the list of must-haves evolves from one thing to another as we grow and learn about what we want in a life partner.
When I was in my twenties I am sure that what someone looked like was the main thing I cared about. I can admit that here, I'm being honest. As I grew more mature, I've come to realize that it's not as important. But chemistry is.

"Do I love you because you're beautiful, Or are you beautiful because I love you?-~Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

What's more important to me now, is what's inside their soul. What motivates them? And is their 'core' one that matches my 'core'? When my grandpa passed away would this have been someone I could have comfortably stood next to, knowing that they would make me feel less sad just by being there? When we turn 70 years old and can't physically do as much as we used to, is this someone I enjoy having a conversation with? Someone whose opinion means something to me, and mine to them?

If I ask my single male friends what they are looking for in a mate, they insist they are looking for someone who brings something more to the table. And yet, when it comes time to make their selection they often choose just the opposite. Let me clarify, not all, just some. We know what’s good for us and yet at times we choose differently. And some of my single women friends do the bad boy thing. "I know Chris is bad for me and yet, this weekend I called him and when he didn't return the call, I was sad".

I read something recently that said "Ever notice that our looks fade about the same time as our eyesight starts to fail?" It was enlightening to me in a way. When you fall in love with someone and then spend your life with them, you're going to see them aging along with you. But that won't change how you feel about them if that love you grew into at the beginning, is real. My grandparents used to see the 15 year old they fell in love with, (yes really, 15) standing in front of them at the age of 60. I'm sure of this because of the way they treated each other. That thought was cemented when I watched my grandpa go to her hospital room where she was recovering from a stroke, every single day and stay with her until nighttime and she slept.

I am so attempting to resist making this all about one of my favorite movies, The Notebook. But this scene comes to mind. Noah is elderly, and Allie is suffering from Ahlzheimers, and living in a home where she can be cared for. He goes to visit her every day. When talking to his children who are trying to get him to just go home, because she doesn't even recognize her own children, he replies with "That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is"

I will end with this, I do believe chemistry is important. We can't help who we are attracted to in the dating game. I just think that when it comes time to ask the important question, "will you spend your life with me?", or even just "will you go out with me?, that the person we are asking should be one we can enjoy in all ways, not just enjoy looking at.

French breakfast on the horizon. I miss Paris and will try to recapture it any way that I can. Croissant and fromage anyone?
See you soon,
Tiffany

In Review......Letters To Juliet

"'What' and ‘if’ .....two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

I will say, predictable. But yet I watched.....and waited to see each scene unfold anyway. Sometimes I'm in the mood for movies like this, where you are reminded time and again, that "true love does not have an expiration date". I'm rarely moved to tears while watching a romantic movie. This is not because I'm not a lover of romance, quite the opposite actually. And maybe tonight I was in acceptance mode, I don't know. But destiny.....that word seemed to be flashing above that movie screen in neon lights. Do I believe in destiny? I do, but I also think your choices combined with circumstances play a huge role in the outcome. Fate may lend you a hand, but you have to play the hand. If you fold, well......fate tried, right?
For myself, there is no way I can watch a movie like this and not think about my own choices along the way. I'm a girl, come on. =)
Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, finds herself in Italy on what could be a honeymoon, yet she isn't married yet. In a fictional lover's Verona courtyard, she finds a fifty year old unanswered letter to "Juliet" behind a brick in a wall of hundreds of them. Because she has already made friends with a group of women who call themselves "Juliets Secretaries" she decides to answer this particular letter herself. That's what these women do, they collect the letters that are placed on that brick wall, where people have visited in droves each day, and answer them, one.by.one. I SO want that job. You're answering someone's question of, "I love, what do I do?" I don't know if I would always have the right answer for them. But I know I would enjoy trying to find it.
The kind of relationship Sophie has with her fiance, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes apparent immediately. At least it did for me. It reminded me of something I said to a friend once, and this is not my own quote mind you. "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference". (Elie Wiesel)
I know movie reviews usually tell the entire story, but I don't want to do that here.

Sophie replies to Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) the writer of the letter she found: (excerpt)
"I don't know how your story ended. But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love - then
it's never too late. If it was true then it why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to
follow your heart..."

And so it goes. The quest to find Claire's true love. Fifty years after she walked away from him without explanation. If you like this kind of story, you're going to love this movie like I did. Don't go in thinking you already have it figured out though....

See you soon. If there is any way we can have an Italian breakfast I think we should. Google Italia!
Tiffany

For Jenna The Amazing

GIRL. POWER. Is what I'm sayin today.

In knowing my love for all shades of pink, ("my culuhs are blush and bashful"-Steel Magnolias) my sister wrote on my facebook wall that she bought my niece a pink softball glove, to which I replied "every girl needs a pink softball glove".
This is Jenna, she is the epitome of girl power. I love this picture of her because it shows that there is no better way to play softball; pigtails, pink softball glove, cleats, and total concentration in her expression. She's in the game!
I started thinking about what it must be like to grow up as a middle child. I went straight to the subject and asked her how she felt about being the child in the middle, growing up between an older brother and younger sister. Her first answer was, "Good." It made me laugh because I realized that you can't put someone on the spot like that, you have to give them time to think about what you're asking. She did think about it, and expanded a little. "Well, I help my mom take care of Julia. I help clean and fold laundry. When we go outside to play I watch out for Julia". Julia, aka Jewels, is baby sister. And a love she is. What I sensed from Jenna's thoughts was, "I am a caregiver".
I read an article "Middle Child Syndrome - Fact Or Fiction" ( found here http://tinyurl.com/yyw75qn) that stated: Middle children tend to be the family diplomats. They dislike conflicts and seek fairness and justice. They’re “people pleasers.” I think Jenna definitely seeks fairness and justice, she is absolutely not afraid to speak her mind when something isn't going as well as she would like to see it handled. I love that about her. I'm constantly saying "you go girl" in my mind, since I don't have the luxury of seeing her on a daily basis. She can bake cookies, kick a soccer ball across a field, wear a tutu and her hair up in a bun, and ice skate for the first time by herself with no help. She's not afraid to try anything, I can learn things from this girl!

My next source of opinion was my middle sister. She feels that the "middle child syndrome" is mostly a formed idea from everyone else, because she didnt grow up feeling different because she was sandwiched in between myself and our youngest sister. When talking to people about her view of things, she often heard "oh that's probably because you're the middle child". When you're young you just think "oh" and move on. The "I can do everything better than you" stance she took at times came from "the middle child seeing the older sibling do what they do, and then forming the idea that they can do it better". That makes them self confident. Having a younger sibling also means they get to be the boss of them, what fun for a kid right? A "self imposed bossyness" she called it. That made me laugh out loud and I'm quite certain my youngest sister will comment about this. I agreed with her regarding "the parents are more relaxed with the second child, so they learn to do a little more for themselves than the eldest sibling would".

Dear Jenna
I love and adore you to the moon and back three times. You can do anything you want to do, and go places you haven't even dreamed of going to yet. When I miss you and the Jenna-ache occurs, I will call you and ask about your day, that always makes my day go better. Dream BIG, because you are destined for great things. And I am so glad I will get to see you achieve them, one by one. Rock on ballerina, you're awesome!

This post is dedicated to Jenna, with love

See you next time!

Tiffany

PS Are you a middle child? What was that like when you were growing up?

Celebrating Love

You didn't think I would let today pass by without discussing did you? Come on, you know me better than that. If you don't, please, read on.

It's Valentines Day! Today celebrates love, of every kind. I heard so many of my single friends doing the "woe is me" thing some often do around holidays, especially the "I heart you" day. I won't say I don't understand, that would appear as though I don't care about what they're feeling. I care, of course I do. But seriously, is it THAT bad, being single?

Love comes in many forms. All different kinds of love, to be celebrated today. A friends love, very important to me. A parents love. Love from your child, can't get any more unconditional than that. How about your grandparents, that soft, warm place to go when you think no one else in the world cares. Siblings, if you're lucky like I am, give an awesome kind of love as well, you share your childhood with them. Even your pet if you have one, that's some love right there. The most celebrated one for todays events is of course, the romantic kind. Your spouse, or significant other. I "heart" each and every kind.

I am single, yet I had a Valentines weekend, yes weekend not day, filled with wine, flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, a spa day, shopping, STARBUCKS, card playing friends....I found myself thinking how awesome is this?

Do I need any of those things to survive? uh well maybe Starbucks =). But the rest is just gravy as they say. I am single, and I felt lucky. I squeezed the hell out of love this weekend. Every kind of love I currently have in my life.

A few friends mentioned Cupid today. I found myself thinking, I bet he's very busy on this holiday.
Today, Cupid and his arrows have become the most popular of love signs, and love is most frequently depicted by two hearts pierced by an arrow, Cupid's arrow.

"Cupid, draw back your bow.....and let, your arrow go.....straight back to my lovers heart, for meeee" -Sam Cooke.

I think that Valentine's day is awesome. But what I want, is for everyone to show the love for whoever their chosen valentine is, every.day.of.the.year.

Yes, some say I'm living in fantasyland with thoughts such as these.

Fantasy Land has rollercoasters right? And snowcones? Okay good, I think I'll stay.

Much love to you this Valentines Day,
Tiffany

My friday favs.....in list form

<-------My namesake, who is not afraid of color.


One of my favorite bloggers, check her out at www.amyvenezia.com, does a "Top 10 Things she loves on this Friday" sometimes, and I always enjoy them.
I'll share my favorites with you today, because I know you're dying to know. Right? (I know, right? practicing that east coast accent). And that would be number one. Enjoying my own sense of humor. I've always enjoyed it. Especially when I make my best friends laugh until they can't breathe.
#2) I woke up to the sound of rolling thunder and rain hitting the window. The curtain was open just enough to let a sliver of light in, not bright light mind you, there's no sun today. Those small, whisper-quiet moments, are when true clarity comes for me. Whatever thoughts I have shoved way back into the recesses of my brain, come forth and make me think about them. And I love that. Even if some of them are hard to think about. *just sayin
#3)I love wearing pigtails, when one can have the luxury of working from home, one can do these things.
#4)I love that my laundry is almost done. Yet another luxury of working from home.
#5)The first text I received this morning was from my sister, with a picture of my niece, and namesake, Julia Christine, aka "Jewels" with pink sunglasses on and a little bit of sass showing through in her smile. Saying I love/adore her doesn't cover it. I'm taking that little love to Paris one day. *see her above
#6)Kind words. I.love.them. I am SO grateful everytime anyone takes even a few seconds to say kind words to me, or anyone for that matter. I have a bucketfull already and the day isn't over. "I'm a better person for knowing you" Does it get any kinder than that? I dont think so.
#7)Knowing that there are books on my shelf waiting for me to read them, LOVE.
#8)Tonight there will be a "Wolf Moon". I love the moon, I speak with it on occasion, we're tight.
#9)"Unassuming". I love this as a trait. When a man appears to not even notice how awesome he is. Pretty attractive quality in Tiffany's world.

and finally
#10) I love believing in tomorrow. No matter what, the promise of tomorrow brings all kinds of possibilities.

What do you love?

Tiffany

P.S. Coffee. It isn't just for breakfast anymore. =)