Acceptance of Myself

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My study of Buddhism isn't what I expected it to be.  I have probably mentioned this before but it is so true.  I had this whole idea of Buddhism in my head, of what it is and what it was going to do for me.  I felt like I would change.  I would become Enlightened and turn in to this new, wiser person.  That is not what is going on at all.  Sure, I feel calmer.  I almost feel like things around me have slowed down in some way or I can just see them a bit better.  I am also getting this feeling of... maturity.  I feel myself thinking less about what I want and more on what I have.  I don't dwell so much on where I want to go, I am savoring where I am in this moment.

I thought there would be rules.  I was almost hoping for it.  I wanted things to learn and to study, but I feel like I know it as I read it.  Nothing is muddled or confusing, or coming as a big surprise.  It makes perfect sense.

I don't think wanting to better oneself is a bad thing.  I know I can only control so much but I do hope to grow as a person as I dive deeper in to Buddhism.

I know I only live once.  I know I will die some day.  I know I will be forgotten.  I do not seek remembrance, only acceptance of myself.

Tastes like the Holidays

Yesterday was a great day.  Nanc' and I spent it hanging out and doing a whole bunch of baking.  Snickerdoodles, oatmeal cookies and puppy chow!  I probably did way too much sampling.... and I'm still not sure which is my favorite.

Things have been quiet lately.  This week we're getting ready for Turkey Day.  This will be the second one I've ever done on my own.  I'm pretty excited!  We aren't doing a ton of dishes, just the favorites but it will hopefully still be nice.  What are your plans for the holidays?

In a rut...

(pinterest)

Discovering Buddhism and Missing the Blog

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I know things have been quiet around here, and trust me.... I am very sorry for that.  I have been doing a lot of reading (Buddhism and Meditation!) and thinking lately and I am in a really good place.  I mentioned awhile ago that I was being a bit more spiritual.  I have always been a bit distracted and empty throughout my life.  The past few days have been some amazing steps to come to terms with my fears.  I am not trying to be vague or anything -- just explaining!  My blog isn't changing directions but there might be a bit more "deep ponderings" going on.  Hopefully there are no complaints!  I've missed you guys and I can't wait to share more with you.

xoxo

College Education?

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My education is kind of all over the place.  Finished high school, skated down the middle.  Went to college, gave up on that.  Firefighter training... loved it and didn't use it.  And yet I'm happy now.  I love where things are going and I'm finally becoming really comfortable in my own skin.  But I feel like there is something missing.

I am thinking about going back to school.  Online, to be specific.  I'm not positive on where I want to go with it but I'm really thinking about web design.  What do you guys thing?  Do any of you have any experience with online school?  The only thing I am nervous about is falling behind or losing focus.  Any advice would be more than welcome.

xoxo

Take A Moment #5

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Creativity Confessions

All through my late teens and early twenties I wanted to be a photographer.  I was constantly snapping photos and loved editing and playing with them.  Most of the time I was shy about my past time, but I never gave it up.  Some of my best memories from my younger years were driving through the country trying to find something interesting to snap some shots of.  It didn't matter if it was private property or if the building seemed dangerous.  There was never any hesitation if it meant getting an awesome photo.

Now it feels like things are different.  I've been struggling with my creativity and lately have been having a hard time finding the perfect way to channel it.  I have dabbled in so many things that sometimes I feel like it is hurting me.  I am a person who is afraid of failure and I have always given something up before finding out if it is truly my passion or just a phase.  Taking pictures has been one of those things off and on but it is the one constant I always come back to.  And now I am rambling to you all about it in hopes that getting it out there and in writing will help me stick to what I love.  Being nervous or unsure isn't going to get me anywhere and it's not going to make me any better.  I need to just do it and I need to do it now.  So no more holding back.

Now I just need this nasty rain to clear up so I can go on a little photo adventure.......

Have any of you experience something like this?  What did you do to get yourself out of a rut or to give yourself that little extra needed push?

Pinterest Last 5 -- Vol. 6

Adorable.

On a building in Munich?  Pretty amazing... 

 Grow your own pineapple.

 Barcelona wall art.

Adorable owl measuring cups.

It feels like forever since I shared any pins from Pinterest... but here are some!  I think my favorite is the wall art... though I am really thinking about ordering those measuring cups.  I love the pale blue ones!  What about you?  Which would have to be your favorite...?

Are you on Pinterest?  Follow my boards here and be sure to leave a link to yours in the comments!  I love finding new ones to follow.

Winter is Coming

Most of the time I sleep with a window open -- even in the dead of winter.  I love waking up to that biting chill and it makes sleep come so much easier.  Yesterday however was freezing when I woke up.  My window was open ALL the way and man.... a lot of cold air was let in.  After scrambling out of bed and immediately closing the window, I headed downstairs to let Yama outside.  Frost!  I don't know if it was the first of the season (probably not) but it was the first big one that I have noticed.  It really was beautiful.

Friday Favorites #13

I really love the soft colors of this geometric clutch from sirtom.

 All of the items from moaningminnie are amazing but this neck warmer is one of my favorites.

 Great bohemian feel from these dream catcher earrings from CaprichosaJewelry.

These bobby pins from BitsandBarley are so adorable and have a lovely color theme.

 Beautiful simplicity on this print from TriciaMcKellarPhoto -- might have to get this for my kitchen!

Pretty fingerless gloves from lovelycrochet, love the soft petal look.

Happy Friday!  This week has flown by - I can't believe it's already over.  Today I am heading in to the city to do a bit of shopping.  Mike is down in Milwaukee for a few days... attending a school for the Coast Guard.  I might drive down and spend the weekend there with him but I haven't decided yet.  I keep talking myself in and out of it!  We will see.  :)  I hope you all had a great week and have an even better weekend!  xoxo

Mexican in Milwaukee - El Fuego

While Mike and I were in Milwaukee a few weeks ago we found the most amazing Mexican restaurant -- completely on accident!  We were on our way to *another* Mexican spot when we saw this one.  Hungry and impatient, we pulling in.  The food was amazing and the price was awesome.  Delicious pork soup and tamales!  Mike's enchiladas were delicious as well.  On our way out I spotted the painting in the last photo -- same one is hanging in my Grandparents' home, thought that was pretty neat.

Time For A Change!

It was time for a change!  I loved my turquoise hair but I'm an antsy person.  I like change and I want it as soon as I get the itch.  Pink it is!  I and pretty in love with the color.  It's so bubblegum-like and I have a feeling it's going to fade nicely as well.  Whatcha think?  And also... is it bad if I am already planning my next color?  Hehe......  Oh!  I also changed the style, almost forgot.  Nanc' gave me an awesome inverted bob.  It's really different from what I usually sport but I am really happy with it.  It's always refreshing chopping off my hair -- especially when it's been long for awhile.

Hope you guys are having a great week!!

October Recap

I enjoyed some early autumn animal relaxation.

 I colored my hair turquoise.

 I took a moment to remember Steve Jobs through my favorite quote.

 I found some great fall inspiration.

 I discovered my love of smoothies.

 I went to the zoo.

 I held on to Fall.

 I found a new favorite recipe.

I discovered a new holiday tradition.

This has been an amazing month!  I'm trying not to be too sad that it is over.  Fall is my favorite season and it's a little scary how fast it slips away.  It's getting colder here in Wisconsin and I have a feeling November is going to bring the snow.  I am doing my best to find the positive in it!  I hope you all had an amazing October

Halloween Pumpkins!

Happy Halloween!

My friends and I carved pumpkins the other night, the first time I have done something more than your standard jack-o-lantern.  What do you guys think?  The first one is mine, Nanc' did Hello Kitty and Krystn did the last one.  Tonight I will be passing out candy which I'm actually kind of excited for.  This is my first time living in a neighborhood where I finally get to see all the trick-or-treaters.  Can't wait to see all the costumes!  Hope you all have a great Halloween.