more than i am

i'm not always the most upbeat or optimistic person in the world. i'm sure we can all agree to that. sometimes i'm so overly analytical that i refuse to see the thing, or situation at hand in a remotely positive way. 

so, i decided that today, despite all of the cleaning i need to do, and the other things i need to work on that i don't really want to work on...

today will be a good day -- or at least the rest of the day will be a good day. 

last night i was reminded of how much ugliness is in the world. how much pain, and sorrow, and evil, and nastiness. it took me a long while to fall asleep because i was so uneasy.

so today, i'm determined to focus on the beauty. on the things that make you believe in life again. not in the world, mind you, but that it is possible to accomplish good things in life. that we shouldn't just hand things over to the evil which is constantly trying to creep in by ceasing to try for good. by ceasing to do what we know is right.

so, here goes. beauty. goodness. grateful heart.

fall temperatures

the smell of fallen leaves

wearing boots and comfy sweaters

{via starbucks.com}

pumpkin spice lattes from starbucks

thoughts of cinnamon rolls and the

macy's thanksgiving day parade

{via target.com}

comfy warm throws to snuggle under

roasted vegetables

fragrant lighted candles

bonfires

thanksgiving!

and all the people and traditions it entails

the jazz stylings of ms. melody gardot

{via potterybarn.com}

pumpkins and gourds everywhere!

autumn bouquets on the table

{via potterybarn.com}

reminders of our heritage

the holiday season

bringing joy

goodwill towards all men 

{via williams-sonoma.com}

 breakfast goodness

flannel pajamas

hot coffee and hot chocolate

[and peppermint mochas]

visiting family

happy memories

evening walks

the beauty of devotion

and of history

traveling goodness

the gardens at versailles

walking hand in hand

the one who walks beside me

when the light hits just so

and you have to pause

to drink in the wonder

of where you are

the fabulous combination

of GOD's nature

and man's God-given

design talents

abundance

the comforts of home

roasted pumpkin seeds with sea salt

pumpkin pie

pumpkin anything!

farmer's markets

exercise

football

family

friends

HOPE

STRENGTH

GRACE

xo