not but good

I am not feeling the thrill of being back at work after my vacation. I think it may have something to do with my hours suddenly being restricted (you mean I can't just walk to breakfast and take a leisurely day reading my book and wading in the water on a perfect white sand beach!?). It may also be that vacation triggers my creative mind to bubble with ideas, my life comes into focus, and I have this feeling there are other things that need doing.

I suppose I can still fit work into my schedule, but I'll need to rearrange a few things at home and get my fingers busy working on something beautiful. There are dresses that need designing, projects that need creating, and thank you cards that need writing for all of the wonderful gifts I received over the holidays.

I (this entire post is about me, I hope you don't mind) feel very special for all kinds of reasons. One of which is waking up to someone who says (while practically still asleep) "You are beautiful and amazing and I love you."

Today may not be the best work day ever, but my day got off to a perfect start. Although I groan and grumble, it's not so bad (and really it's pretty good).

Photos via my new luxury item, on a street somewhere in Puerto Rico.

nothing like it

A sneak peek from the wedding! After two years of planning (well, one since they decided where to wed), a whirlwind week of preparations, a day of stunning beauty and lovely moments...

The adorable couple had their moment. It was fun, sweet, funny, memorable, and just about perfect. Even with the tropical monsoon flash-rain at the reception, and the officiant dropping out at the last minute (special thanks to the boyfriend of the author for stepping in and saving the day), the violin played, the vows were made, and their marriage has commenced.

I can't wait to show you more photos! The flowers, the special details that the bride and groom picked (and shipped across the country), the people (you'd be amazed at how big a party 22 people can throw!).

All followed with a week in the Caribbean on a boat or a beach. It was an amazing holiday.

Happy New Year, may it be the best year yet.

Photos courtesy of Bethany Rose Photography

i'm in

Love is something you don't always rush into. Sometimes you're in it before you even realize, and sometimes you know it's coming long before it arrives in verbal form.

It's fun because it's something easy to give, and difficult, too. It's hard to say and easy to shout, intricate in design and topographically confusing. I've been in wrong love, and then just when I really wasn't looking, I found the right one.

Today I'm feeling introspective about all of the loves we feel. For the little ones, the big ones, the funny ones, the far away ones. For the sad ones, the very soft ones, the loud ones, and the tricky ones. Some love is so short, so bright, it leaves you like a spark. These are sometimes the hardest, but also the most beautiful. We can't always hold on, and sometimes it's the letting go that takes longest.

All the loving going on around me makes me feel a little more than a lot lucky. I feel swept away and caught up, and it's been almost 5 years. When the swirling mess of life catches us up, and things seem like they couldn't get any more topsy turvy, I get a love note or a kiss.

From this guy.

(photo courtesy of Elese Moran)