Little People

A family birthday party in my uncle's backyard and the swarm of little ones running around transported me right back to being a little girl, running and playing with my cousins in this very grass.  Except that now, I'm the "grown-up" and my sister and cousins are mommas to all of these amazing little people playing together.  A Sweeney Family party is usually fills my heart right up, and watching Amaia and Kaiya's excitement over their balloons made my heart just want to burst.

Blossom

The neighbor's cherry blossom tree has exploded this week into big pom-poms of pink!  I took some time to just stand beneath her, breathe in her spring bloom, and thank her for making our street so beautiful.

Fun Kebabs

We finally made our way over to Wakefield to visit Tara and Jen, all settled in to their love nest.  Great food, nice wine, and laughter all around.  I love these beautiful smiles! 

Cat Nap

Oh, BadBoy, how I WISH I could join you on this sleepy summery morning!

STAR!

I'm still not sure I have words to describe this surreal whirlwind night!  Javier's big debut on The Voice; and life will never be the same.  Looking at this photo, however, I love the feeling that some things actually will just never change.  Post viewing party - snuggled up on the couch, watching Jav's segment for the 4th time, followed by his appearance on the local news, and laughing about how unbelievably crazy it all is.  Almost looks like a scene from 14 years ago - except now they have a flatscreen. Oh, and a presence on national television. 

April Flowers

Welcome, Baby Violet!  What a gift to witness you being born.

Easter

So many sweet and beautiful things on this glorious Easter day to feel grateful for!  Meg and I had a really great walk with the pups around a different part of our neighborhood this morning, and I was sorry I didn't have my camera with me when we came to this house.  I loved these festive ornaments hanging from their front hedges!  I made a point to drive back later with my camera, and this time, the whole family was in the front yard.  They were exceptionally nice and happy to let a stranger photograph their Easter decorations. This will be a neighborhood we visit more often, I think.

Lily

I love Easter lilies.  They remind me of my Nina.  My Mom would bring her a lily every Easter Sunday when we would have dinner together as a family.  I don't know when I adopted the tradition of giving my Mom a lily for Easter, but it's beautiful fragrance brings much comfort and gratitude for these women in my life.  I'll hold on to this one and enjoy it's special smell until my Mom gets back from vacation. 

Earth Day

What better way to celebrate the Earth but a hike at one of most favorite spots, the Weston Reservoir?  It felt really good to spend time in nature, breathe her fresh air, enjoy her blooming trees, and give thanks for her life-giving beauty.

Life Alive

Lee's birthday brunch gave me much to feel grateful for - time spent celebrating a friend, fun with three active 15-month-old cuties, YUMMY vegan food at Life Alive cafe, and lots of reminders to feel joyful and present in the moment.  

Solea, Sangria, and Sister Time

A much needed mid-week treat - so grateful to have this time to relax and catch up with Jenna over some tasty tapas and delicious wine.

Personal Assistant

Today was Fergie's trial run at the office.  She quickly learned the ropes and settled into a comfy spot next to my chair.  I think she'll be asked back.

Soak

I never thought I'd be so grateful for this meager bathtub.  I am wondering, however, if I am still grateful for this new personal trainer.  YOWSA.

Mountain Hike

It was a glorious afternoon of being lost in the woods with my favorite pack - Meg, Luna, Fergie, Maria, and Oscar.  We explored the trails at a new spot, Wilson Mountain, and had a fabulous hike....that brought us right into someone's back yard.  Whoops!  Despite the scratches from the briars, the big mud puddles, and the multiple ticks that came along for the ride, my heart was so full of joy and love for this day.

Old Friends

A spontaneous road trip to the women's "Tea Dance" in Ogunquit to see some old friends made for a fun blast-from-the-past kind of afternoon.  I love these smiles, and that it never matters how much time goes by between visits with these wonderful old friends. 

Dessert

A sweet ending, to my sweet, satisfying, and grateful day. 

Front Steps

Luna and I shared a few minutes of just sitting on the front steps; appreciating the warm sun, the afternoon shadows, and this pause in our day.  

April Showers

Thank you, grey rainy day, for making so many beautiful things bloom.

Keep Practicing

I'm honestly dragging through my gratitude practice this week, and today was an especially hard day.  Instead of feeling in touch with all of the things I am grateful for, I've been feeling weighted down by the things I am worried about out - it's no wonder I'm still sick! Tonight, I took some time to look through my photos, and reminisce with these beautiful moments, people, and places that have filled the past four months.  This may be cheating, but I am so grateful for this reminder that I have so much to feel grateful for.  I am going to bed, feeling much lighter, and I'm looking forward to discovering what tomorrow's practice will bring.

Gym Buddy

I give thanks for my sister for getting my tired butt to the gym tonight. 

Feast

Move over George Foreman. We are grilling wizards.

Comfort

"We give comfort and receive comfort, sometimes at the same time."

Helpers

It was Black Friday at Home Depot, so we bought our first grill! Pete and Jose were especially friendly and very helpful in loading the goods into the car. I've invited them to our first BBQ. Let the spring grilling begin!

Home Visit

I am having a humbling body week, trying to work through a stubborn head cold, and today it seems to have settled in my neck. I woke up at 4AM and couldn't turn my head.  On days like this it's especially wonderful to have a partner who practices massage, and more importantly, who is generous and caring and kind. Meg set up our massage table in the living room, and her healing touch has helped so much already. Okay, body. Time to heal.

Jowls

I can't stop pulling on these sweet cheeks!

Bargain

Happiness is: getting a sweet deal on one of your favorite treats.

Rise

100% worth waking up for.

Oceanfront

It is so hard to capture in a photo just how this ocean makes me feel.  It was our first visit of the new year to our favorite beach in Maine - a day of deep breaths, long sandy walks, sun-kissed noses, searching for stones, chasing the frisbee, and listening to the gentle roar of the ocean's waves.  Every time we walk here, I always say the words: "We are so blessed" and feel such deep gratitude for this day.

Just Like Old Times

I can't remember the last time I had a day with Maureen without the kids. It felt so strange to not have them with us, but it was pretty great to have my sister all to myself for a day! Pedicures, lunch, conversation which involves us actually finishing our sentences, spending half an hour testing out body lotions until we smell like floral fruit salads, and just enjoying a day as though she still lived right down the street - these are the things that sister days are made of.

Babies

I am so grateful for every moment I get to spend with my not-so-baby-like-anymore nieces.  Amaia just blows me away - listening to her squeal "Baby!" when she finds her doll, running over to it, and then bringing it over to share with me, I wonder: wasn't it just yesterday that you were a little baby?  I'm pretty sure I'll still be thinking that when they are twenty.