As I walked Harley today, I was praising God for all of the blessings he gives.  Air, trees, life, friends, family, love... all things that are unmerited and yet He pours them out generously. 

On a less sublime note... 
I thought I would share a few other things that made me smile. 

{Disclaimer: I admit and am fully aware that some of these things are rather meaningless in the grand scheme of things.}

Enjoy!

1. Castle In The Air
I've written about this quaint little shop before.  I just can't get over it.  Dani and I went there this evening... ahhh I love it.  4th Street, Berkeley.  Go there.

Stamps for sealing wax.

...and Bravery.
...and Birthday Candles.

My dear friend Brittany is one of the bravest people I know.  We've known each other since we were little girls - and she's always been bright-eyed -- filled with personality and spunk. 

In high school, this star soccer player was suddenly stretched out in a hospital bed for weeks on end - unable to walk on her own.  The diagnosis was MS... but she faced it with courage.  Soon enough, Brittany had learned how to walk again and has never ceased to be active.  Now she works as a butt-kicking personal trainer... and there isn't a hint of weakness in her.

In true Brittany fashion, she went and married a real-life hero, Michael.  I'm not kidding, he really is a hero!  Michael serves our country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  This week, Mike was deployed to serve in Iraq for the next 7 months.  It was unbelievably sad for all of us to see him go... and, of course, even more so for his beautiful bride. 

Tonight, a few of us girls got together to celebrate Brittany's birthday.  It was good to see her smiling and laughing; facing the time ahead with real strength.  I couldn't help but think about how Brittany has continued to inspire others with the example of her life over all the years and through all difficult circumstances.  And the best part of it is, she'll be the first to tell you that her strength hasn't come from her but from her loving God.

 

Yesterday, I wrote about baby Julian and I mentioned my sweet Granddad.  After writing, my mind continued to retrace old memories.

Granddad was tall... around 6'3 I would guess.  And when you're little, tall people seem extra-gigantic.  I thought of him as the biggest, strongest man in the world.  I suppose the fact that his wife, my dear Grandma, stands at only a little over 5 foot made him seem even taller.  Another distinguishing quality of my Granddad was his thick, black hair that only had a hint of a silver shine.  His hair kept him young.

Getting a smile from Granddad wasn't rare, but it was always special.  To others, his quiet demeanor must have made him seem somber and reserved... but to those who knew him and with those he loved he was hilarious, warm, and completely giving of himself. 

The smell of a newspaper makes never fails to take me back to sitting on Graddad's lap while he worked on his daily crossword puzzle.  Kasper's hot dogs and old trucks with wool seat covers also bring me back to him. 

When I was in 6th grade, my dear, sweet Granddad was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.  I watched as his thick hair disappeared and his strong body shriveled until he looked smaller than me.  I can still see my grandma wetting his lips with syrup... she loved him until the end - and she still does.

It hurts to remember the end of my Granddad's life, and it's hard to think that we're all growing up and he's not here.  But I am thankful for the many beautiful memories that he left behind for those he loved - and for the little glimpses of him that I still see in the world around me.

 

This past Saturday I went with my family to the park for a birthday party - for my cousin's adorable baby boy, Julian. 

One of the last times I had been to that particular park was years and years ago, with my late Granddad.  He was a tall, handsome, quiet, and endlessly kind man whom I loved dearly.

On Saturday I returned to the park to see his great-grandson, Julian.  It was such a special feeling to see my old memories with my Grandfather as well as the present-day happiness buzzing around this little boy -- all in one view. 

Julian is a precious boy who reminds me of my Granddad in so many tiny ways.  His great-grandpa would have been so proud to see this little one, growing up with such wonderful parents and into such a beautiful young boy.


Riding the carousel with his Auntie Valerie...

I love my dog so much, it's almost embarrassing.  I can't get enough of those big, adorable brown eyes or her wide, white smile (yes, she's really smiling!).  When I come home from work or from being out and about... I just have to cuddle up with her on the floor.  She's so big and fluffy -- It's pretty much the closest I will ever come to snuggling with a bear or a lion (two of my lifelong dreams (seriously)). 

I know, I know.  I told you it was embarrassing. 

But if Harles was your dog... I'm pretty sure you'd feel the same way.