Category Archives: quotes

this is 40

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“I have already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be.”

Joan Didion

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Today is my fortieth birthday and surprisingly, I have not been dreading this day. On the contrary – I’ve been eagerly awaiting it. The quote I shared really resonates with me, as I’ve lived a lot of life in my forty years and have naturally evolved. I’m most certainly not the same woman I used to be, but at the same time, I’m enjoying going back to my roots in many respects. Having been a wife for over ten years now, and a mother for seven, my identity and needs have been somewhat in the background for a bit. I believe my forties will be a decade of bringing those back into focus, finding more balance, and making more time for myself. So many of the women I know and admire are in this decade of life and I hear it’s one of the best. Of course, this age does not arrive without the clichés…despite my excitement, I found myself having what some might call a crisis over the past few months (to include shopping for the motorcycle I’ve always wanted, lol). Reaching a (hopefully) mid-life point does seem like a natural time to assess where you are in life. Am I exactly where I want to be, on both a personal and professional level? The honest answer is no (although it’s close), but to expect things to be perfectly aligned right at this moment in time is of course, unrealistic. I’m really happy though…damn. I am happy.

thank you for all the love + birthday wishes

through the lens

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“Learn to deal with the valleys and the hills will take care of themselves.”

Count Basie

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This is not a post about failure. This is a post about adversity, strength, and love. It may take me a moment to get there, so please bear with me. Lately, I’ve been feeling as if the universe has a vendetta against me…and by lately, I mean the past three years. I won’t bore you with the laundry list of unfortunate events…there are more than I care to recall. Besides my recent (and ongoing) health scare, there’s been a domino effect of troubles that all seem to stem from one big (past) mistake. Perhaps you remember my paper + plans post – at the time we had lofty dreams and exciting opportunities. Sadly, none of those scenarios have played out. Since then, it’s been one thing after another coming our way. Quite honestly, I’m exhausted. Tired of being stressed, tired of living in limbo (both literally + figuratively), tired of fighting to see silver linings. In speaking with my dad the other day, I made the analogy of a boxing match. I/we keep getting knocked down…we get back up, only to get hit again, and harder. A few weeks ago, the referee got to nine (so to speak).

Please know that I’m not saying that for dramatic effect – it was a traumatic event that could have been the end of our life as we know it. I can’t share details and I apologize for being vague, but I can say that the residue of that particular incident will remain for some time. I’ve dealt with a lot of adversity in my life, and I’m thankful for that because I’ve learned my strength. Everyone gets knocked down at some point–life is a series of peaks and valleys. It’s when you’re down that you find out what you’re truly made of. Who are you when things are at their worst? My husband sweetly reminded me that “pressure makes diamonds”, and I had an epiphany–we’re already diamonds, and we shine brightest in the dark. I/we got up…we’re standing, TOGETHER, and that’s what matters. We’re digging deep, with the intention of getting to (and repairing) the core of the issue, so that when we get to the hill (and we will), we’re ready for it. Some diamonds only surface after a volcanic eruption…and I’m a fucking diamond. So are you. The only way out is through…keep pushing.

(insert strong, “don’t mess with me” inspirational end music here)

i believe in you

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“Creativity takes courage.”

Henri Matisse

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This is an unconventional Valentine’s Day post, but it’s a love letter nonetheless…dedicated to my fellow creatives. I’ve been feeling a bit paralyzed lately after embarking on a project that scares me a bit, and another one that I’m gearing up to announce. Sentiments of self-doubt and unworthiness have reared their ugly heads in the face of these new challenges, and I’m sharing my struggle knowing most of you will relate. I recently discovered this interview between Lin-Manuel Miranda and Stephen Sondheim, and took a few key notes from it. Sondheim says, “You have to work on something that makes you feel uncertain. Something that makes you doubt yourself. If you know where you’re going, you’ve gone, as the poet says. And that’s death.” To succeed, we must open ourselves up to new opportunities and accept the vulnerability that accompanies them. Believing in yourself and your talents is at the core of every new endeavor, don’t you think? I’d love to learn about your creative struggles and triumphs, if you’re willing to share in the comments. I’ll close with one more quote from another great artist, David Bowie: “Go a little out of your depth, and when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” Love and courage mes amis.

p.s. – this awesome graffiti art is the work of Philly-based Amberella

bon weekend

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“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

Benjamin Franklin

The day after I shared this image on Instagram of an everyday mantra in our home, the disgusting white supremacist rally and subsequent attack in Charlottesville happened. It rendered me speechless to be honest, and left me feeling a bit hopeless. Then I saw this tweet from Mark Ruffalo on Twitter and realized…I’m not doing enough. I’m not doing enough to resist this presidency. I’m not doing enough to resist hate, and assist love. A few days later many bloggers were able to articulate their thoughts so eloquently, which I’ve linked to below, as well as some direct action links. I’m checking my privilege, educating my children, and channeling my rage into action (and not just sheetcaking). Silence is approval.

BON WEEKEND

this tee supports the splc

thoughts on white supremacy

bedtime stories about race + social justice

balancing silence + action and creating safe spaces