a moment of wonderful.

change of plans.

2012-02-13T19:45:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing I have learned lately, it's that plans can change. And often, plan B is better than plan A.

I know you'll think I'm crazy when you read this next paragraph, but know that even as I type it, I am struggling with how I feel about the situation. I haven't really decided what to think about it yet; I'm still processing to be honest. I just know that I did what I needed to do and I am where I need to be right at this moment.

In a previous post, I mentioned that I would be flying this week. Flying isn't my favorite thing to do. In fact, over the past few years, I've had a difficult time with it. Some trips are better than others, and this one was exceptionally difficult for me as we hit turbulence right before landing in Los Angeles. I couldn't shake the anxiety I was feeling, and instead of flying to Maui the next day for a work conference, I decided it was better for me to stay in LA. Yes, that's right. I stayed in LA. No hula dancing, no pina coladas on the beach. No luaus, no ukeleles playing in the background. My trip to Hawaii wasn't in the cards for me, and coming to grips with my anxiety will be something I continue to work on.

I can't say that I wouldn't have enjoyed my time in Maui; I know I would have. But plan B was what I needed accept, and it's what I am keeping in the forefront of my mind right at this moment.

But, that's not the point of this post. Talking about my anxiety will be for another day, after much thought and much work on my articulation.

The point is, I've been in Los Angeles the past few days and I'm enjoying it. In fact, I'm really enjoying it. It wasn't how I envisioned my vacation starting, but I'm soaking up my moments and taking each as they come.

Tomorrow I will be going to where they say the happiest place on earth is (even though I think Italy is this place, for a day, I'll let it slide). I'll be spending the day with a man I love who loves me for me, and we'll be walking the streets with smiles on our faces, simply knowing we are there, together. It's just a bonus that it is Valentine's Day.

Source: disneyparks.disney.go.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Mickey? Here I come.

b-e-a-utiful.

2012-02-10T10:51:00.002-05:00

Source: listal.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Isn't this the most beautiful woman you've ever seen? So happy I was named after her.

If you haven't seen her performance in two of my favorites, West Side Story or Gypsy, give them a rent this weekend. Ms. Natalie Wood at her very finest!

Happy weekend loves!

thankful thursday.

2012-02-09T10:14:00.004-05:00

I have a lot to be thankful for today. Here are a few reasons why...

1. Finding new makeup products that you really love. Am I the only one who is super picky and jumps for joy when you find exactly what you wanted?
2. Friends and family who have an unlimited amount of patience.
3. Making new blogging friends!
4. Knowing someone is just as excited to see you as you are to see them.

Link up or leave a comment because I want to know what are you thankful for today!

spread your wings and prepare to fly.

2012-02-08T10:31:00.003-05:00

{image via pinterest}

If I ever had a tattoo, I'd probably get something written in Italian or a blue butterfly like the one in the image above. And today, I'm taking on wings like this butterfly.

Up in the sky. High above. Looking down on the beauty below.

So, if you find a moment to look up today, whisper a prayer. I'll be needing them as I fly across the country. From snow to sun, it will be a long day. But, I'm looking forward to taking some time to myself on the flights and planning some wonderful things for the blog over the next few weeks. And finally finishing Mockingjay!

Enjoy your Wednesday and don't forget to Spread the LOVE!

l-o-v-e.

2012-02-07T12:36:00.003-05:00

Source: nadjaseale.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Love is a many, splendid thing...Love lifts us up where we belong...All you need is love...

Since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and February seems to be a month devoted to that wonderful four-letter word, I wanted to challenge myself (and you) over the next few weeks.

Three cheers for Spreading the LOVE.

I'll be blunt: A big part of me has always struggled with Valentine's Day. Mostly because I've never really celebrated it. My dad was always good about picking up a bag of Hershey Kisses and snagging me a cute card, but as a girl, even from a young age, I hoped for something more. Something from someone who cared about me in a romantic way.

This year, I'll get to enjoy Lovers' Day with my someone special, and for this I am exceptionally thankful. It only took 27 years people! Of course, I'm out to make every day Lovers Day, but putting extra emphases on 2/14 is just fine with me.

I can type this next portion of the post because I have been single on Valentine's Day. I have mumbled under my breath, wishing that I had someone's hand to hold. I have turned on sad love songs while journaling in my room instead of being out and about. I have gone to sleep extra early so it would be February 15 sooner. So, for all you single ladies out there, please don't fret. Know that your Valentine is on his way. I just know it.

But, whether you have someone to call your own or not, this challenge is for you! Try to do one, two, or even three of these this month! Let me know how things go :)

Spread the LOVE...to someone in your family. Write them an e-mail or leave them a voicemail to let them know one thing you love about them that they have no clue about. It will be a pleasant surprise.
Spread the LOVE...to someone you work with. Leave a post-it on their desk with one of your favorite uplifting quotes. Feel free to sign it or make it anonymous! Either way, I guarantee you'll make their day.
Spread the LOVE...to your boyfriend, girlfriend, lovah, hubby or wifey. Walk right up to them. Give them the biggest hug and the sweetest kiss. Look them right in those baby blues (or if your significant other has another color, look right at those too!) and say something to let them know how wonderful they make you feel.
Spread the LOVE...to a dear friend. Take him or her out for a cup of coffee. Or hot chocolate. Or tea. Or dessert. And while you're at it, let them know how much their friendship means to you.
Spread the LOVE...to yourself. That's right! Even you deserve a little love. So splurge on those shoes you have had your eye on. Or sleep in extra late next weekend. Or plan that getaway weekend you've been dying to plan. No matter what it is, show yourself a little love too!

I'll be sure to tell you how my love spreading goes. Let's make this Valentine's Day one to remember.

Because the Beatles (and of course, Ewan McGregor) said it best: Love is all you need.

it's chic to be a geek.

2012-02-06T12:32:00.006-05:00

I'm a self-proclaimed word nerd. I write for a living. I love to read (another post on that later). And I'm like a kid in a candy store when I walk into stores like Papyrus or Poeme. Anything and everything related to paper, pens, organizing, making lists, the English language or writing is what I am about. Heck, I even started a business because I love writing and words so much.

I'm flattered when someone asks me to edit their resume or wants me on their team for a word-related board game. "Why yes, I do know a seven-letter word that begins with a R and means 'a round building...'"

And I'm happy to be a nerd, although I think I'll take on the geek term in the future as the title of this post suggests.

(image via: http://dailyinfographic.com/)

It appears that Dr. Seuss knew what was up.

Here's some proof of this word obsession if you don't believe me. I'm lusting over items like:

Source: etsy.com via Natalie on Pinterest

and someday will own one of these:

Source: etsy.com via Natalie on Pinterest

It seems to me that a lot of people like to hide their "nerdy" or "geeky" qualities. Young women who like to knit. Men who are still into comics. It's as if in some way we are frowned upon for liking things that are deemed inappropriate for our age and/or gender. (I get many a crazy look when I tell people how much I love football.) I'd argue that these aren't nerd or geek-like qualities at all, but rather, passions that each person hangs onto and finds as a source of great joy.

So what if I know a lot of grammar rules? And who cares if can sing about prepositions to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat?" I know what I like. I know what I do well. And I know that at some point, even in that off chance I'm on Jeopardy some day, my writing expertise will come in handy.

And that's enough for me.

Do you have any hobbies or passions that are seen as nerd- or geek-like?

peculiarity pieces.

2012-02-03T12:31:00.003-05:00

I was looking through my photos on facebook last night and I stumbled upon this one:

You know how sometimes you see something and you can't really provide an articulate explanation, but for some reason, you connect with it? That's how I feel about this photo. In reality, it's not even that great an image. My eyes are closed; I have no feet; you see a random arm coming in from the right side. And yet, this photo gets me every time.

There was joy in that moment. Pure and simple joy to feed Crackerjacks after a ride through the city. There was slight hesitation on my part that his gigantic tongue would take my hand right along with the treats I was giving him, something you probably can't tell by looking at the photo. But, something I felt nonetheless.

And, considering I've never ridden a horse (only an elephant), you can understand the hesitation even more.

I always wished I had some grand artistic talent. As a kid, I envied the way my mom could color inside the lines and blend different shades together with crayons. She really had a gift. My grandfather painted as a hobby. A distant cousin of mine could teach watercolor classes she's so amazing.

But I decided that if I were an artist, I'd paint these kinds of moments. Moments that don't always make sense. Serendipitous moments. wonderfulmoments.

Last fall, on my drive home one day, I saw an old man crossing the street with a sousaphone. The leaves were falling from the trees and the breeze was blowing them in such a way that it looked like they were swirling into his horn. Utter perfection.

A few weeks later, I was driving on the highway in the middle lane, and in between singing along to the radio, I noticed the most magical thing: three yellow cars right in front of me, one in the left lane, one in the middle and one in the right. Each car was a different make and model, but they were in perfect alignment across all three lanes for just a few seconds before one of them sped up and zoomed on down 71S.

And just last night, I saw a toddler with blueberries all over his mouth and not a drop on his white bib.

The paintings I'd paint really wouldn't be masterpieces like Starry Night by Van Gogh or Mona Lisa by Da Vinci. But, they'd certainly make an observer pause for a moment. Maybe even reflect on the oddity of the piece. At least, that would be my hope.

I take pleasure in those little idiosyncrasies of life. I promise the next time I am a witness to one I'll snap a photo if I can. Then you, too, can share in my bliss.

Have you ever experienced these kinds of moments?

thankful thursday.

2012-02-02T11:58:00.004-05:00

Remember yesterday how I mentioned wanting to do some wonderful things with this blog? Well, I'm starting with one today.

I warmly introduce, thankful thursday.

The idea behind thankful thursday is to list a few things I'm thankful for each Thursday...things that I might often take for granted or things that I need to drill into my head more often. Big things. Small things. wonderfulthings. Anything.

I'll work on getting a button designed super soon so anyone can link up. But for now, please leave a comment with whatever you are thankful for on this first Thursday of February.

1. Drinking a cup of green tea each morning this week. It's my newest love.
2. Sixty degrees in February. Yes, you read that right.
3. Getting a text that says, "When can we get together, for serious?" I heart dear friends.
4. The unconditional love of Ms. Arabella. Who could resist this face?

5. Wonderful mix CDs to listen to on my commute each day. Especially those that end with this:

What are you thankful for today?

work in progress.

2012-02-01T12:31:00.004-05:00

I have quickly realized that this little blog of mine is going to be an ever-changing, work-in-progress kind of project. Something that might take a little time, but something that has quickly brought me great joy. I have big plans for a moment of wonderful and I intend to see them through. I promised myself to use this forum as a creative outlet, and a promise is a promise.

I also realized today that 2012 is really going to be a creative year for me (and started off on a great foot with the launch of this wonderful space). Stay tuned for more details, but just know that I have some ideas up my sleeve that have been a long time coming and I couldn't be more excited. I should probably make a list of all my creative hopes for the year. In fact...it has already begun in my head as I'm typing this sentence.

So while the title of this post is "a work in progress" and I've just shared my sentiments about the future of my blog, I should probably try to remember that phrase more often and apply it to myself.

One of my favorite quotes is, "I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship." (Louisa May Alcott).

Each day is a learning process. Some things I'll do exceptionally well (making my cup of tea with just the right amount of honey in it this morning) and some things I'll fail miserably at (flawless skin without a blemish in sight). But in spite of the things I do well and the things I could do better, I'm growing. Inch by inch, closer to the person I want to be. The completely content, happiest of happy, emotionally stable, perfectly articulate, kindred spirit of a girl.

This little Italian is a work in progress.

the curse of comparison.

2012-01-31T11:59:00.002-05:00

Maybe it was just me, but yesterday's Mondayness found its way into my demeanor last night. I ended up in quite the rut, and mostly because of my own doing. Does this ever happen to you?

Here's how it began: Lovely dinner with my lovely boyfriend. Followed by me oh-so-lovingly describing the horrors that were my expectations for my life, followed oh-so-quickly by tears running down my face. Yep, I was hit, smack dab in the middle of the forehead by that sneaky curse of comparison.

"Here I am, doing what I think I should be doing, and yet, feeling so anxious and ready for whatever is up next," I told him. But, of course, never really pinpointing what that "next" is exactly.

Crystal clear, right? Ha.

I see others around me and their lives and am so incredibly happy for them. So happy sometimes that when I hear good news my emotions come out of my eyes and big smiles erupt on my face. But inevitably, somehow, the questions begin to pop up and the floodgates of wondering open.

And what's funny is, I come back to the same conclusion every. single. time.

Be patient, Natalie. Be still, Natalie. Take a deep breath, Natalie. The puzzle pieces that are your life are finding their way into the right places, Natalie. Chill out, Natalie.

I'm so sincerely happy with where I am right now, I really have no reason to compare. There is a reason I am where I am, right now. Right in this place. And, it goes without saying of course, that the same is true for you.

Source: onederstrucked.tumblr.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Today I'm choosing to banish that curse of comparison to the black hole from whence it came. Begone you!

you'll find that life is just worthwhile, if you just smile.

2012-01-30T12:02:00.004-05:00

If you're like me, you have attached yourself to a few certain songs over the course of your life. Take my childhood for instance: whenever I hear any Elvis Presley song, no matter what it is, I instantly think of my dad. Making pancakes every Saturday morning, blasting Elvis on the stereo, dancing in the kitchen. Or, there's the Beach Boys', "Barbara Ann." Yep, I can see it now: there I am, standing on top of the picnic table in our backyard, crop top and matching yellow shorts, bustin' a move like the five-year-old that I was.

We attach ourselves to the melodies, the lyrics, where we were, who we were with. We pick songs that define our relationships; we dance to romantic tunes at our high school prom. We have that favorite church hymn, or that one song that no matter what, cheers us up.

I was thinking this morning on my way to work about my grandma. I got to Skype with her yesterday afternoon so she's been on my mind ever since I suppose. She relocated to Naples, Florida last year after having a stroke on my birthday in 2010, and lives in a beautiful assisted living facility. She's become quite the social butterfly there, saying hello to everyone she passes by in the hallways, and probably giving a little wink to those little old men who think she's cute. And let's be honest, who wouldn't?

I was thinking of her today because her favorite song is, "Smile."

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

And, as simple as it may sound, I want to remember to do that more often. I like to think I'm a pretty positive and upbeat person already, but I heard someone say over the weekend that "a smile is the quickest way to connect two people." And really, isn't that what life is all about? Making connections and spreading the love?

She's a wise woman, my Grandma Josephine. Or, as I called her when I was young, Grandma Jo-Jo.

So on this Monday, a day that seems to be enemy of all, make an effort to smile. Whether it's to someone you care about, or to a total stranger. Even if it's just once. I promise it will be worth your while.

let's start at the very beginning.

2012-01-29T15:09:00.005-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Natalie on Pinterest

Because, as we all know, it is a very good place to start.

So, here I am. After months of reading dozens and dozens of other blogs, I felt something pulling me. Something tugging at my creative spirit. Something telling me to just give it a shot. And yes, here I am.

A newbie. A clean slate. A simple beginning.

Where this blog will take me, I'm not quite sure. But, I do know that it is something I want to put effort into. It's something that I want to use as a space to write, to inspire, to give my two cents. Like other bloggers, I too have goals of my own. I hope that in this new endeavor I am able to create new friendships, learn new things about myself and the world I live in, and most importantly, pay attention to those moments of wonderful. Or, on some days, that one moment. And, of course, it is my hope that someone else might take time to realize those moments too.

And so it begins. This new venture. This new journey. This new endeavor.

I'm excited.