Cherry Blossoms

"Upon waking, many people consider the coming day with trepidation.  Because of the natural human tendency to focus on what we fear or dislike, it is easy to unwittingly send a message of unrest into the future that negatively impacts the quality of our day.  However, while our lives are busy and frequently replete with challenges, they are also rich with joy and experiences worth savoring.  We can attract this natural bliss by starting each day with a message of love.

When you send love ahead to your day, that feeling will manifest itself in your interpersonal interactions, your professional endeavors, and your domestic duties.  Tasks and circumstances once made trying by your own anxiety are transformed by your caring, and you will find yourself approaching life's subtle nuances with great affection."

"If you are commuting to work, transmit love to the roads upon which you will drive, your fellow commuters, and your parking space.  If you have colleagues who arrive at your workplace before you, send them good wishes... Sending love ahead to everyone you will meet and everything you will do can ensure that your day is suffused with grace.

If you have difficulty directing love to those situations and individuals you deem particularly frustrating, consider that the warmth and tenderness you project can change your life for the better.  Each morning in sending this love, you will exercise your power to control the ambience of your existence and color your day with a positive force."

The passage above is from one of my companion books, DailyOM.  A source of inspiration and comfort for me.  And I think we all need a small dose of positivity for this day in particular as we are awake an hour earlier than usual! :)

And I hope these photos of the always lovely cherry blossoms can remind us of the beauty that surrounds us.  I might be stuck in an office during the day but when I venture outdoors this time of year I can't help but love the beautiful blooms I see all around me.  These trees are at my parents' home and they're close to 20 years old.  See the knobby tree trunk?

Happy Monday!  

Pushkar [India]

"Pushkar is one of the pilgrimage sites for Hindus and the whole city has a magical feeling.  The city surrounds Pushkar Lake and so many of the buildings are painted a very light blue - the reflection on the water is beautiful - and we watched the sunset and the lighting was perfect!"


(See the temple sitting on top of the tallest hill?  That's where I hiked!  See below...)

"I can safely say this has been the most interesting Thanksgiving holiday I've ever had!  My day began with a hike before sunrise to a temple on one of the mountain tops overlooking the city. It was a steep climb but worth every step!  I watched the sunrise and gave my thanks for everything in my life.  The sunrise was a bit hazy but I welcomed the day - and so did the monkeys!  They were everywhere!"

The picture directly above is of a country home - there were the cutest puppies running around the yard!


"And for the grand finale to Thanksgiving evening!  An evening camel safari to the sand dunes 
outside the city.  Wow!  We had dinner by a bonfire and watched gypsy performers (and joined in ourselves!) and enjoyed the evening."

See You Soon

Dear Readers (all two of you!),

I'm taking a short break from this space.  I feel I've been running dry on inspiration and I need to regroup!  There are a few areas in my life that need some attention at the moment but I'll be back soon - I can't leave this space for long!

Love,
D

The Getty (Part Two)

In addition to the fantastic art and architecture (oh, and you can't forget the tram!), the Getty has a great garden!  Bright, colorful flowers, plants, green grass, a stream, and even a maze.

What is your favorite museum?

A Coastal Wedding

The weekend before last James and I dressed up, packed into the car and headed to the coast for our friends' seaside wedding.  What a beautiful drive it was through the farm lands in the rolling green hills to the foggy cliffside where the ceremony took place. 

I really enjoy visiting the ocean and we are so lucky to live only a couple hours away.  Enjoying the sea air and views reminds me to slow down and enjoy.  It also reminds me of how much I love the beach and I'd like to plan a fun day trip and a picnic before the summer ends!

The sun came out just in time for the reception!  Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Brown!


And a special Happy Birthday to my great friend Elham!

Tiburon Weekend Hike

All I kept thinking was:


1)  I'm so out of shape.
2)  Will this hill ever end?
3)  I can't breathe but this view is to DIE for!


James and I did a hike in the Belvedere hills, just a few minutes from Tiburon.  The hill was steep but the views were such a reward.  On the way up we were able to see the entire bay with sweeping views of Belvedere, Tiburon, and Angel Island.

And then at the very top of the hill we said hello to the ever-gorgeous San Francisco, Golden Gate, and Pacific Ocean.  Loving the high-zoom lens!

Stunning.


The way back down was refreshing.  The breeze was rustling the leaves of the Eucalyptus trees (my weakness) and I felt so fresh!  (And I absolutely adore my new Anthropologie glasses!)