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Hi everyone, I'm moving my blog to WordPress come join in on the fun!

xx
Black-Haired Blondie

Feasting on Festivities

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Rain has been falling from the sky, cold air is rushing through the trees, and burnt leaves cover the ground. No complaints on my end...

This is the time to catch up on that much needed R & R. Thanksgiving is sort of like a buffer--you know like the thing that softens before the blow? We rest, we eat, we relax, and we eat some more. But with this super-short week comes anxiety because come Monday, the scramble begins. 'Christmas cheer' filled with hasty festivities, not to mention the avid shoppers on an obsessed mission to buy the perfect present.

Thanksgiving eCard via Pinterest

Regardless if you choose to honor the celebrations or not, let's take it slow this year. After all, we only have one more month until we're expected to carry out those exaggerated goals in hopes of creating a better identity for ourselves--no pressure!

It's completely natural to get caught up in the holiday rush. Think about it, we fret over what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, or if you're hosting--the concern lies in what to cook in accordance with what your guests actually like. There's Aunt Emma's newfound vegetarian-thing, and don't forget cousin Liam's gluten intolerance--at this point you're probably better off resorting to lettuce for everyone!

Next comes the shopping, oh my--the shopping! If you're one of those prompt individuals who already has the holiday list checked off before the end of Summer, bless your little heart. Now that November is coming to a close, what about the December soirees? Surely December is of a completely different nature--with a calendar full of things-to-do and places-to-be--I'm still stuck on deciding whether I need to buy a new outfit or not?

Since this time of year can be somewhat of a headache for all, what do you say we pop a Motrin and ride the wave of love--with love--for everyone? It's so easy to breeze through the holidays, so easy to fly pass these moments that should be stopped in time. Let's be patient, let's be kind, and let's give the gift of appreciation to those who are so deserving of it.

I've always had this fantasy that one day I'll have a Thanksgiving dinner party just like the families do in the movies. You know--the huge clan gathered around an enormous table about to give thanks, when suddenly everything goes perfectly wrong? What I love most about the cliché is when they somehow all unite with love. Regardless of how this holiday turns out for me, I can't wait to walk around the house with a new glass of wine on-the-hour, to stuff my tummy with food like there's no tomorrow, and most of all I can't wait to be surrounded by my loved ones.

I'm not in a hurry to finish November, in fact, I want to swim in the moments of tomorrow for as long as I can. Keeping this idea in mind--let's remember why we love our tribe, and let's thank them for loving us in return.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
xx

Alternative Thanksgiving via Huffington Post

Fresh November Thoughts

Stagnant thoughts wallowing in white,
a blank page before me,
on this dark November night.

At a crossroad 
which direction to go?
Which idea to chase,
or which one to throw?

Well look at that, it isn't much up there, but it's something. My first stanza typed from my laptop! I didn't write it, I typed it, and it felt pretty nice. 

Written Word via Tumbler

The best part about brain-storming is the actual process of brain-storming. While working on a paper for one of my classes, I found myself at a roadblock and couldn't convey my thoughts into words, so I shot out a few rhymes to get my mind going. I always resort to poetry or short stories when I find myself in this situation, which reminds me of a situation I'd run into about technology and writing in the past...

When I used to write I was very anti-technology, I say this in reference to my beloved fascination with the act of "writing" itself. I had even asked my creative writing professor, "Why call it writing anymore if you're typing?" I was the girl obsessed with the smell of books--the old fashioned kind. You know, doing research in the library from an actual rolodex? There's nothing quite like floating through the library isles in search of the perfect book, or especially gliding a pen onto a piece of paper.

While I am so very thankful for technology propelling us forward in our endless search on the internet--among many other things, I never thought I'd get used to typing my work. Let me clarify, I could type up an A paper within minute's notice, but when it came to pouring my thoughts--it had to be done on paper. I'm still the "old-fashioned book girl," but I've come to the realization that typing doesn't cause the hated "writer's cramp."

After giving in to the modern movement of typing our every thought onto a keyboard, I've learned that change comes in all different shapes and sizes. We can choose to look at these modifications as obstacles (even roadblocks) that hinder us from living our comfortable lives, or we can look at them as ways in which the universe is testing us to push ourselves, to evolve with the conventions of today. 

The Inspiration Archive

Why change? Well, humans adapt--it's what we do--and the true mark of intelligence is based on how well we can adjust to our environment. I'm not referring to actually conforming to every societal norm in the book, I am simply referring to letting go of what was, and looking forward to fresh air--something new. We learn and grow when we open our eyes to change. Once we open our eyes we are able to see everything in its natural light. Adopting this idea of adjustment and development allows room for further invention. 

Change is definitely easier said than done--we all know this--but the mere act of overcoming this obstacle in itself brings growth.

Don't live in your own stagnant thoughts, let them out, and dance with the colorful world of today.

xo

Dead Leaves on the Dirty Ground

The season of falling leaves, Pumpkin Spice lattes, and--oh let's face it-- pumpkin everything graces us with their yummy presence. No matter where we go or what we do, we can be sure that a pumpkin will not go unnoticed. This very thing is what makes me happy. There is something that makes us all feel very warm and fuzzy inside when we see pumpkins or coffee, especially when the two are combined.

Autumn Mornings via Tumblr

Living in San Diego means a few things: our leaves never fall, the weather doesn't cool down, and the sun never disappears. Forgive my negative tone on the particular matter, but our seasons rarely change--extra emphasis on rarely. Us San Diegans can only get excited about the material aspect of seasonal change. Well after all, we don't live in the Desert where there are only two seasons: Hellish heat and colder than ice temperature. I guess we are pretty blessed in the lower region of Southern California, but lately the weather hasn't changed from its current temperature setting for weeks! Warm air and sun-kissed skin, what's to complain about?

Well, for one, we want tawny leaves to fall from the trees, we want glittery wet streets, and we want cool brisk air to brush against our skin once in a while. Obviously this desire is subjective, but am I the only one who craves a change in the weather?

Despite the fact that us SoCal inhabitants don't get to experience the joy of seasonal transition, we do get to experience the transition of holidays, and make use of most seasonal trinkets available on the market--except for beanies. Beanies are off limits over here because it's just too hot all year long to try and look that cool, even in Fall.

Don't get me wrong, Southern California is amazing, and I can already think of a few reasons why without giving much thought:

For starters, we don't have to worry a great deal about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The sun is always shining, and the birds are always chirping. I don't even think the birds migrate from our region anymore. Seasonal Affective Disorder effects people who live in cold gloomy weather conditions. Usually the onset of SAD can be noticed once fall approaches, when the weather cools down, and the time changes. The sun sets earlier in southern Cali, but the weather doesn't really change anymore, so the risk of experiencing SAD is pretty much minimal.

Another reason for joy is that the Beach is never off-limits. Our beaches are always occupied with surfers and sun-bathers, and this is a great thing. We aren't restricted to stay home due to snow storms, blizzards, or even tornados. We don't even have to stay inside when we get a small glimpse of Mother Nature's Cold Fronts. We do get drizzle, and rare bursts of rain from time to time, but these events are rare. The flip flops are still in full effect, and perhaps a hoodie stored inside our trunk in case of an emergency.

Christmas Palm Tree w/Flamingo via Pinterest

Finally, Christmas in Southern California. I highly suggest paying a visit especially during that cheery time of year. When can you ever  go ice skating on the beach? Okay, well not on the beach per se, but a few streets over from the shore. This is a truly remarkable experience for many. The sun is out, the seagulls are yelling, and christmas glee is everywhere! Palm trees are decorated with twinkling christmas lights, and snow without the unbearable chill--because it's fake!

I will admit, it's pretty awesome in this part of the continent. The thought of experiencing something different and new is just that--a thought, so make something of it. We all get bored, and if you can't step outside and instantly experience the changing seasons, I suggest you get out there and go seek them. Go someplace new and experience Thanksgiving surrounded by Mother Nature's naturally changing color palate, where the yards are filled with bushels of fallen leaves. Never let a minute of your life pass by making you wish that you could have experienced something different and new. Go experience it, and don't forget that latte.

xo

Friday

What is it about Fridays?

The day that most employees live for, although to some it's just another day.
I remember when I was unemployed while going to school full-time, Friday was just another day to me. Now that I'm working, (still going to school) I look forward to Fridays.

1. I get to sleep in (even if it's only until 7:00 am) No alarm = sleeping in
2. I guess there isn't really much else..

The mere idea of sleeping in means more than just that. It means no responsibilities that need to be tended to right away. It means the to-do list can wait. Everyone who demands your attention can be put on hold. Fridays are the setup for the beauty that awaits you tomorrow.

Fridays are the day out of the week, that most can unwind, kick off those shoes that are on your tired feet every.single.day of the week, and relax. This is the day of the week that demands acknowledgement for all of your hard work, but Fridays are much more to me than a night to go out for drinks carelessly until 1 am without the worry of having to wake up in 4 hrs for work/class the next day.

Fridays are like the bouquet of flowers someone gives you on a date. They are the gift you receive before something great happens!

Happy Friday.
xx