Emphasis Added

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On Saturday night, the night of the elevator breakdown, we stayed in for multiple reasons.  Ryan had been fighting a migraine all day and after the 15+ flight stair climb, he was out for the count.  He gets a migraine once about every 4 months and, oddly enough, I didn’t know they were migraines until this past one because he always calls them “Pirate Eye” because his left eye shuts.  Because of a migraine.  Duh, Nina.

So, since Ryan had a pirate eye and all, we tuckled into bed super early, giving me the opportunity to read Emphasis Added without interruption.  Emphasis Added is a blog I was introduced to by a lovely woman I work out with at  Equinox.  The author is her daughter and seems to be every bit as fabulous as her mom.

I am love, love, LOVING digging into this blog.  I think the best bloggers/writers are the ones that 1) make you go “Me too!” or 2) make you go “Awesome!  I want to try that!”.  This blog definitely elicits both responses from me, particularly in the realms of fashion and family.

You know how in “Eat, Pray, Love”, Liz is looking for “her word”?  I think Emphasis Added and its author’s word is bold. Bold in how much she loves her family and husband, bold in the fun things she does, bold in fashion (love “head-to-toe posts), bold in the mistakes and seasons she moves past.  I enjoy this blog very much for this reason; it makes me want to be just a little more bold.

Starting right now.

Bittersweet

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“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.  When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” Bittersweet

Chicago author Shauna Niequist is releasing her second book in August and I’m eagerly anticipating it’s arrival at my door–the first book I’ve ever pre-ordered.  Titled “Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace and Learning the Hard Way”, it comes out in August and I can’t wait.  I had the pleasure of meeting Shauna through participating in a book club for her first book “Cold Tangerines” –a book filled with tons of delicious “me too!” moments–and I’ve followed her writing ever since.  It just makes you feel warm and inspired and heard, even though it’s her words you are reading.  It’s one of my favorite books, the kiind you keep going back to and reading a chapter when you need some sustenance or inspiration.  I highly recommend it.

The above quote from Bittersweet really struck me.  The good stuff–promotions, babies, engagements, good news, holidays–is easy to celebrate because you know that’s what you’re supposed to do.  It feels good and you act accordingly (preferably with champagne and chocolate).  But the bitter, the bitter is always so much more difficult and, at least with me, I always struggle with knowing what to do.  And I rarely feel grateful for it.  But what if I went into it like that quote from Bittersweet–going into everything with gratitude and then action.  Amazing day?  Thanks, let’s get tapas!   Scary and bumpy cab ride home with a guy who smells and listens to bad music?  Thanks, I’ll take the train next time.  Gratefulness, learning, AND growth.  What a concept. 

High Five of the Day:  The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I ate my cereal this morning while delving into it and bought the ingredients for Lobster Pot Pie to make tomorrow.  Stay tuned.