GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS // APRIL 26, 2016

Gratitudes

This gratitude is a long one but a good one, I promise.

I have a serious collection of gold jewelry. As a kid I always wore yellow gold due to an allergy I had as a kid. I have earrings, necklaces and rings that were gifts all of the way from childhood until now. Each piece is unique and symbolizes a time in my life where there was a need for celebration. I have a few pieces that are especially dear to my heart a bracelet from my God Mother Patti who passed away in the 9/11 attacks and a necklace that was given to me by my Grandma Ruthie before she passed away. I tend to wear these pieces daily as it helps me remember them and cherish certain memories.

I’ve lost my bracelet 4 times, like seriously lost it. It wasn’t within eyesight for days. I felt heartsick. Each time though it came back and wasn’t broken. The clasp must have caught something. It always comes back. I wore that bracelet everyday for 11 years. I jokingly say that it’s a reminder that Patti is here looking over me. I retired it recently because if I actually loose it… devastation wouldn’t even begin to describe the feeling.

The exact same thing happened to the necklace my Grandma gave me. She passed away in my parents home after living on hospice for 3 months. As her time was coming closer to an end we sat down together and went through her jewelry box. I asked her about each piece and she told me a story and decided who she’d like to give it to. I wrote it down, put each piece in an envelope and sealed it. I was gifted a time gold chain necklace and a pair of diamond earrings my Grandpa Freddie gave her. I wore the chain with a tiny gold letter “n” charm that was given to me by my Mom on the day of her funeral. It sat softly on my collar bones but I felt proud to wear it, as I got my last name from her side of the family. It wasn’t but a few days later I noticed I lost the necklace. I searched for it everywhere: in my room, in my car, in the office but I never found it. It’s been a year and a half, and last weekend I was moving furniture in my office and I lifted the cushion on my favorite office chair and there it was. A tiny little chain carrying a gold letter “n.” It came back to me. The necklace wasn’t broken, in fact it was fasten together without a single tangle. With this found treasure came a renewed hope and comfort knowing that again I’m being watched over.

Dinner parties also top the list for gratitudes this week. I love the shit out of a good dinner party. Friends, centerpieces, place settings, cocktails and food, you better believe I’ll be there. I was invited to my dear friend Lara’s for this shin-dig. 12 of us shared cocktails, conversation, appetizers, dinner, conversation and  dessert. Most of us have grown up together so it was nice sharing a table with friends and parents. We’ve gone to middle school, played on sports teams, went to prom, graduated from college and attended each others weddings together. We continue to grow and transition through life together and it’s always comforting to sit at a table where there are no strangers. A La Carte Catering in Haymarket did an amazing job with dinner, if you get a chance book them for your next event. It was delicious especially the dessert.

Nail polish update, it’s an oldie but a goodie. I’ve got OPI’s Gargantuan Green Grape this week. It’s a creamy mint green. I love how mild it is and in my opinion neutral enough to match all spring time outfits. There is something about it that just makes me smile. I will warn though you definitely need three color coats as it’s a little thin. Paint on party people.

Breakthroughs

I know this might seem silly especially those of you who don’t own animals. But over the weekend as I was cuddled up on the couch with Ava, I realized I have had her for almost 9 years. I’ve celebrated 8 of her birthdays, 9 of mine, 3 moves, 4 jobs and so many more life events. I’m overwhelmed by how fast time has passed and I look at her little doggie face and see the gray coming in strong. I think Ava is going to be my one special dog, that once in a lifetime pal that no animal will ever fill the hole she leaves in my heart when she is gone. I’m hoping with this breakthrough that I’ll be more present with my time with her, enjoying our long walks, couch snuggles, tangled bedsheets, her wiggley nub, her love of trash and rolling in poop and her willingness to be my dog. Uh-oh getting a little sappy over here – Ava you’re my girl.

As always, thanks for reading. xoxo.