Gratitude

peace. in my heart and my world.


creation. the beauty, the opportunity for exploration, and the infinite cultivation of wonder.
them. siblings. her uniqueness, beauty, sensitivity, creativity. His humility, heart, strength, tenderness, individuality. they will forever hold a piece of me.


mom. heartfelt compassion. fiercely interested. devoted. always a little different. never afraid to dance, even to her own beat. I will always admire this."


big dad. simple. quiet hearted. invested. genuine. intelligent. Usually thinks he's the funniest, and can always laugh at himself.I would like to be a bit more like him, big fish and all.

the power of choice. the good, the bad. and the possibility of growth.

the best friends you could ever ask for. honest, passionate, giving, always hilarious. Ample amounts of the middle finger. They love with open hands and broken hearts. They teach me to dream and to be real and unafraid. I become more alive because of them. The ones I walk with everyday, for the rest of my life.



a soul mate friend. raw, unabashed honesty. the most inappropriate things you have ever heard. her ability to live out compassion with vulnerability. She helps me break my heart open to the world.

the cutest thing you ever saw and her unconditional love


an old friend, who I love just as much today as I did 12 years ago in 7th grade. adventurous, strong, accepting, honest, dependable. best dancer ever. great choice in disney songs. someone I will have all my life.


writing. and the ability to leave the burdens behind or to put my heart on a page.

wilson. college girl friends. their five liner updates. great dance parties. the beautiful differences, the love and the joy that they bring to my life. "


coffee. a little comfort in my day.


cousins. people I love. their support and encouragement and ability to have a damn good time.

COOKIES! there is never a bad time for a cookie.


the beautiful, messy journey. discovery. companionship on the road.


deb. incredibly wise, kind, compassionate and invested. My mentor, my friend. I think I am forever indebted to her. and Phil, whose heart and leadership I admire and trust. They love people well.

independence. finding a quiet strength somewhere deep inside. knowing I can make it, and will. fresh air, the outdoors. the feeling of being fully alive. adventure.

[love. even in the broken mess, the smallest rays shine through.

.... new friends, like Laura, who have already become dear and trusted, and make me laugh at all the times I need it the most. The kind of laughing where you are bent over no longer breathing, and then, just when you think you can't laugh any harder,  someone snorts.

.... a very long journey of education, that is about to come to a close.

.... The people that enrich my life in all different sizes and ways through;

wisdom, insight, differences, depth, joy, boldness, spunk:

Jackie, John, Janel, Polly, Melissa, Amy, Sara.

.... Jesus

.... good food. good music. sweet white wine

.... community. interaction, exchange, sharing.

.... finding beauty in the mundane.

.... simple days.

There seems to be much to be grateful for. If only I choose to rejoice.