.Stunner Shades.

If I could capture my Saturday in one image, this would be it.

Day: sunny BBQ...sunglasses

Night: out in Wrigley...shades

I have to admit, I'm not a huge hat or sunglasses person.

But I transformed into one this weekend.

And now I think I'm a believer.

Thank you, Mike Posner.

A moment's grace.

It is in our weakest moments that we show how truly strong we are.

When we prove that we face our fears head-on,

with a bold, understanding

heart.

Happy hump day everyone!

Yes.

Doesn't everyone feel this way...

Everyone:

in every shape, color, form

wants to feel and know love.

We want to be loved for who we are, AND for who we are not.

I admit my

shortcomings.

I know that I do wrong.

But to love, is to love in spite of these.

To know that there is a person beneath the facade.

A real person that wants to be loved for who she is, and for who she is not.

What I know:

When you can't discern-trust Yourself.

There is a distinction to be made between first impressions and gut feelings.

In its truest form,

the latter is invested in hope and faith-rooted in love and deeper understanding.

So when you need to make a decision, think about not thinking.

Throw away your biases, your judgements, your prejudices,

and let your heart lead you.

I admit, it sounds cliche and, granted, way easier said than done.

But it's sound advice; it will not steer you wrong.

Dear Universe,

I am craving this location so badly right now.

Send me here, please.

All I need is a swimsuit and sunglasses and I'm there.

No worries, no stress, no problems.

Slow and easy.

I think I could live here forever.

Sunny and beautiful.

A place for peace and tranquility, in the middle of nowhere.

How perfect.

This is what I think...

1. Everything you do matters.

Your actions may be small,

but they still count.

2. From ruin comes transformation.

Courtesy of: Eat. Pray. Love.

3. there is a beautifully simple novelty in

nine perfect and one chipped nail.

4. Bruno Mars really knows what he's talking about.

You're amazing just the way you are.

When you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while.

5. Sunny and 80 degrees = the perfect summer day.

(Throw in a Cubs win and, whoa, that's pretty darn amazing)

Sometimes the world stops spinning.

And when it does : You know a deep breath will pull you through.

Revelation springs from a simple moment of reflection,

and you consider this before you speak.

The nature of the world will always be tumultuous,

But you've been told to escape to the still, small voice in your heart

-and to listen to it.

It's not easy- and it isn't always even fair-

But when you are your own keeper,

you must keep reminding yourself of this routine.

Or, you can open up, and

let the better person in.

Make yourself vulnerable to love.

It's alright to be scared.

In fact, it takes courage to be scared.

But be courageous in your quest.

To live is an adventure.

A cool word of advice on this sweltering Happy Tuesday.

Everyday, acknowledge the good in yourself as well as others.

Each night, before you go to sleep,

think back upon what you have done that day that you are proud of

-be it grand or small.

But also, think about what others have done

that you are proud of,

and Learn to be a better person.

Throw your heart UP into the air.

Congrats Katie

You're a star!

Our not-so-sunny stroll down Lake Shore Drive.

Lots of pink ponchos.

Go walkers!

Have you ever felt sunlight on your face?

On a day like that,

she takes a towel and her heavy heart

to the top of her studio apartment.

She can't escape the sounds,

but with her eyes closed,

the sirens turn to humming

and the knot in her stomach unwinds.

She can't explain it- nor would she try-

But there's something about that

Glimmer of light;

A beam of golden treasure.

Whether I'm feeling bored or anxious, happy or stressed, I can always count on the sun to make me feel better.

If I could prescribe one cure-all, I would nominate the sun.

Wasup August

Where o where did this summer go?

I know time flies when you're having fun, but seriously?

I heard something the other day that really got me thinking.

We were talking about how to make art that people are moved by because they relate to it on some sort of deep level.

And one person said that you should never try to make art relatable...that just the act of making something that holds meaning to you, and that you can confide in will have the most profound impact on helping people identify with it.

So I hear this, and I stew on it.

And I actually really agree with this.

I mean, think about things that move you.

They probably move you because you relate to them-you've forged a connection to the artist (the painter, the writer, the friend...)

Basically, it boils down to this:

Don't worry about the effect as you're creating something. Just be true to yourself, and confide in knowing that your raw words have the power to move.

Naturally, this ties directly into POSTSECRET SUNDAY! Enjoy a couple of my favorites.

This is how I feel about my Cubbies sometimes.

It's true.