New Year's Eve

It's the eve of a new year, and I am feeling so grateful for all that this past year brought into my life.  Sitting with my family, and a few friends who spontaneously dropped in, I am aware of how truly blessed I am with loved ones, my furry babies, my home, and my health.  My Gratitude Project has been a beautiful practice in getting me to slow down and be present with the gratitude of everyday moments, big and small.  Looking through these past 365 photos, I see that what I am most often grateful for are the people and animals who inspire me, make me laugh, or fill my heart with love.  Thank you all for touching my life in such profound ways, and for giving me daily reminders of the many blessings in my life.  My wish is for a peaceful and joyous 2012 for us all - my camera and I are ready for a new year!

Contortionist

And, for her next trick, Fergie will perform the supine half twist upside down snuggle. I love this dog so hard.

Baby Buddha

Five months ago, I had the honor of being this sweet baby's long distance doula while his mama was in labor. Today, I had the great delight of meeting Vittorio and his awesome mom in person. This little boy had the most lucious and squeezable rolls, smiling eyes and enough love to make every person in the room feel like she was his favorite.

December Sky

Today was full of gorgeous light, cloud formations, and skylines - it was difficult to concentrate on the road!  Skies like these inspire me, and make it easy to stop, be in the moment, and feel gratitude for this day and this life. Was happy to snap this photo (at a stop sign, of course) on my way to work today!

Winter Warmth

New cozy flannel sheets + Meg on vacation = extra cozy winter morning.

Day After

I love Day-After-Christmas - vegging out with kids, dogs, pj's, toys, leftovers and NO place to be!

Christmas Joy

Feeling so full of love and gratitude for the best gift of all - this amazing Sweeney family!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star
upon the highest bough.
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now.

Christmas Eve

My first Christmas married to Meg and I have so much to be grateful for!  I'm giving thanks for new traditions: Christmas Eve with Meg's family, Aidan and Evan in new pj's and new snow tubes, Jen's amazing feta avocado dip, staying up far too late with Meg to finish wrapping and packing, and a heart full of Christmas joy and love.

Museum Break

It's been years since I've been to the Boston Museum of Science, and today I was reminded of just how awesome it is!  I'm grateful for today's break from the holiday frenzy to join Lee, Andrew, Sarah, and William for some fun at MOS.  I especially loved seeing little A and Will explore the various exhibits and games!

Sacred

Thursday morning walks with Maria and the dogs is one of my most sacred rituals. So grateful for this escape to the woods with this sister of my soul. Thank you for always keeping it real. 

In the Spirit

Once again, I am grateful to Meg for teaching me how to slow down, and stay in touch with what's important.  While I sat there blabbing on and stressing out about all I had to get done before Christmas, I realized that Meg was actually whistling a tune and making a gingerbread house.  Needless to say, I put the list down and spent the rest of the night just being in the spirit and the moment with Meg.

Sawyer and Meg

A surprise visit from Meg and sweet Sawyer for some early afternoon smiles and giggles absolutely made my day!

Handmade

Today was a day of much receiving from clients and friends who are in the spirit of giving.  I especially love the amazing handmade treasures I've received - delicious soup, a funky zip pouch, and a hand-stitched tea towel from Jill, and a special package from Oregon bearing Erika's latest gorgeous handicraft: fused glass.  So grateful for these generous and thoughtful people in my life!

Slutcracker

Not only am I grateful for this fun and festive night with Meg and friends; I am grateful to the Slutcracker for celebrating many different bodies as sexy and beautiful in its irreverent and playful parody of a Christmas classic!

Oh Tannenbaum

Tonight I love: the smell of pine filling my home, Christmas music, the warmth and glow of Christmas lights, each memory and story connected with each shiny ornament on our tree, and creating new Christmas rituals with Meg.  Tonight, I am feeling such deep gratitude for the many blessings in my life!

Doctor Gibbons

This amazing doctor made a special house call today to make ear impressions for my custom-fit Christmas gift.  I am so proud of the work she does, and grateful that she generously shared her gift with me!

Christmas Love

One of my most favorite parts of Christmas preparations - choosing a tree with Meg! 

Mini Lights

Small treats to share with my women's group - I love their vibrant colors and delicious smells!

To The Woods

A last minute client cancellation on a crisp sunny day means only one thing: escaping to the woods with the girls for a blissful late morning hike.  Heaven.

Getting Closer

Major breakthroughs lately on the sister front - Luna has started to snuggle up with her rambunctious little sister on these chilly nights.  I am so grateful for this sweet family of mine.

Deck the Halls

Feeling so grateful for my family traditions and rituals this time of year, and love sharing them with this precious next generation.  So delighted to catch this sweet moment with Solana admiring my favorite childhood Christmas decoration. 

Girls Night

Movie night with Mom and the sisters! Can't remember the last time the four of us got to spend quality time together - my heart is so full of love for these women.

Self-Care

The only two things scheduled on my calendar for today: Yoga and Massage. Giving thanks for this decadent day of rest and self-care.

Tinks

I'm always happy when Jenna and Eamonn go out of town...because it means the girls get to have their cousin Tinker stay over!  I just LOVE this sweet girl.  She's the perfect addition to our pack!

Craft Night

Feeling gratitude for an impromptu Wednesday night dinner date with our friends and a fun holiday craft project with Jack and Leo.  Cinnamon applesauce ornaments and s'mores in the fireplace made for an extra sweet night!

Pine

Oh, how I love the smell of Russo's this time of year!

On the Move

I just love photographing this happy little guy!  Andrew, Lee, and I had such a fun time celebrating this sweetheart's SECOND birthday with a bunch of trikes, trucks, rocks, smiles, and my camera.  Happy Birthday Andrew Byron!

Sunday Dinner

Today I am grateful for my wonderful wife, for this bountiful meal she lovingly prepared, and for the surprise outing she planned to my alma mater for their Holiday Concert.  Sunday bliss!

Little Blue Box

Yep. It's THE "little blue box". As if a visit from our wedding doula weren't exciting enough, Gerrie used the occasion to shop at her favorite "little place".  The gorgeous silver chain inside was a generous accompaniment to the pendants she gave us on our wedding day.  I love wearing this special gift from a very special friend!

Postpartum Massage

Oh, how I LOVE giving mommas massage after they have birthed their babies, ESPECIALLY when they bring along their little loves.  Mikayla thoroughly enjoyed herself during mom's session - kicking, smiling up at her mom, and talking to all of her "friends" that we hung from the face-cradle; before passing out for a peaceful nap while mom enjoyed her massage.

Baby Ivy

I get paid to hang out with families and their new babies. How lucky am I?

Baby Ike

So happy to see this sweet baby boy and his momma settled in peacefully at home after their long and difficult journey to bring him earthside.  My camera and I loved all of his funny faces!

Winter Light

With sixty degrees temperatures and autumn colors still scattered around, the only thing hinting of the approaching winter is the low, gray light.  I am appreciating how the light makes these colors even more vibrant, and creates a calm soothing feeling in the woods today.

Time Master

I'm finding it funny that my calendar of choice is the Time Master, as it is an ongoing practice of mine to change my relationship with time.  Nevertheless, I love the feeling that comes with a crisp new calendar for a brand new year.  I'm sure my relationship with time will continue to challenge and reward me, and I'm grateful to my co-pilot, the Time Master for helping me along the way!

Artists

Meg and I were able to stop by the holiday craft sale at the home of one of my massage school classmates today.  Danielle and her partner, Martha, are amazing stained glass and jewelry artists who truly live their art.  It was so inspiring to be in their home and studio today - the energy was so warm, happy, and inviting - and it was so fabulous to see this old friend!

Getting Clear

My front sunroom has been a work in progress since moving in.  With aspirations of making it my art room/meditation space, (shared with my kitties, of course!) it has instead been bogged down as the "everything room".  Waking up early, before the rest of my family, I decided today was the day to tackle the boxes, the piles, the STUFF.  After 4 hours of unearthing, reorganizing, sorting, and tossing, this room is finally getting clear and allowing for more inspiration and space!

Safe Swift and Easy

My doula mantra "safe, swift, and easy" isn't always the case, but I am truly grateful when a birth goes exactly this way.  Happy Birthday, Ivy!

THANKSgiving

So incredibly grateful for the 35th year of gathering with my family on Peaceful Way to share in our abundant Thanksgiving feast.  While our family has grown beyond 33 members, and some are deeply missed, we still manage to fit around one table and take the time for each of us to share what we are grateful for.  This, for me is it.  This family, and our unbreakable circle of love.

Cherry Pie

Grateful to be with Meg's family on this holiday eve to enjoy the heavenly scents of their fabulous pie-making!

Bed Head and Sunshine

Waking up to this little monkey with her spectacular bed head was the most grateful part of my day!

Right Next Door

Tonight I'm celebrating Javier's awesome success and new album release with a spontaneous late night drive to CT to toast with Maureen.  Loved the feeling of just sitting on the couch together, sipping wine, laughing, talking, and watching Javier on Leno - felt (almost) like old days. Like she lived right next door.

Family Time

Fergie and Phia, the two littlest, having fun outside.  So grateful for the beautiful sun, the balmy breeze, and quality time with my loved ones.

Cheers

Happy to toast these fabulously happy brides-to-be!

Healing

Grateful to be sitting in this peaceful space before a blissful acupuncture session with George.

Catching up

Enjoying a cup of yummy ginger nettle tea as I get caught back up with my gratitude blog.  Lots of grateful moments and sweet photos from this past month to post!

Celebration Breakfast

Grateful to begin my Wednesday by hosting breakfast (complete with homemade pumpkin muffins) for this amazing woman and her sweet 2 year old boy!   So happy to celebrate Lee receiving her law degree AND Andrew's birthday!

Scents

I love that it smells like a holiday in my home.

Bare

Grateful for the small bursts of color still present on our front tree...and feeling the pull inward with these shorter days and barer limbs.

Birthing Warrior

This momma definitely came and conquered, despite many challenges in her birth.  I am so grateful she and baby made it though this journey safely, and that I was invited to support them along the way. 

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday Party to my sweet (and sassy) Solana.  I barely remember life before you, and I can't imagine life without you.