THE DALIA LAMA IS AS WISE AS MY MOMMA

Happy Monday! I've been thinking recently about my goals for the year 2012. Have you heard of anyone's goals that are unusual or insightful? I'm still working on mine... but one of my missions in 2012 is to become like Buddha. It may sound silly, but the themes I studied in my Buddhism class truly enlightened and influenced how I interpret my surroundings.I found these three photos in the SheWanders' collection they took while traveling the globe. I don't think they are all taken in places where Buddhism is the main religion, but they certainly invoked a religious presence. The patterns in the middle photo are especially enticing. SheWanders' photographs of non-traditional religious weddings have always been a favorite of mine- especially ornate, Indian weddings.

I found a few quotes that embody the Buddha- all spoken by one of the most influential people in the world- the Dalia Lama.

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."

"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry."

“Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.”

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

"Always be kind". OK, those are my words of wisdom. Have a nice week! xoxo... Jessica of the Wanderers

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy Monday.... and New Year!! I'm sorry for my missing post last Monday... I admit to getting caught up in the holidays. As the baby of five in family with children living in San Diego stretching all the way to Charleston, South Carolina, we always have a lot of catching up to do when we get together. Like in any big family, between the storytelling and listening lies a few misunderstandings and quarrels. Everyone has their own distinct perspectives. I could go on and on about my wacky, unique, loving family... but the point that I wanted to get across today is that few situations or ideas can be looked as black or white. When we disagree with friends or family, we shouldn't automatically shake our heads or stop listening. It's not always wrong or right, yes or no. With so many personalities and view points crammed together during the holidays, it was so important for my family to truly listen to each other and attempt to understand one another's perspectives. There are so many gray areas in life; nothing is simply black or white. Except these gorgeous photos! xoxo... Jessica of the Wanders

Speaking of black and white- The new Black Keys album is a-mazing. I received it for Christmas and I can't stop listening to it! Here is one of my favorites- coincidentally named "Sister"!

i love you December

Well Christmas has come and gone. I hope everyone had a magical time with their families, i did! I was sad to see my mom and Larry go to the airport. Mike's mom Mary is staying with us through the New Year.As hectic as December is for shewanders, it's still my favorite time of the year. We sang Christmas Carols at the Old Globe Tree Lighting, saw Some Lovers at the Old Globe, ate amazing pastries with dear friends and Ben and Grace's 10th Annual Holiday Pastry Party, got an awesome shampoo gun at Kristen and Trevors 8th Annual White Elephant Party, Game Night, won Apples to Apples at the Elf, Board Games at Craft Beer Night at 98 Bottles, dressed up as a penguin and passed out candy to the children on Point Break Finance's float at the OB Christmas Parade with some of the craziest people I've ever known, ate at the food trucks at Balboa Nights (Christmas on the Prado) with Courtney, Ashley, and Miss Ella after Root 75's open house and the Coronado Christmas Parade, cookie decorating at CAKE, photographed a holiday inspiration shoot with Brightly Designed, Luxe Events, Ray Thomas, and Blush Botanicals, made great holiday presents for some friends with Organic Elements, A Sweet Addition, and Cork and Platter, went to a holiday mixer with Naomi -At First Blush and created beautiful Holiday Cards, albums and prints....

and then my family came and we got a tree from the lot, decorated it while listening to christmas carols and ate a lot of sweets and played a lot of yahtzee. I hope to eat less candy canes, brownies, and cookies in January. Hmmm I wonder if December is busy or I am just insane for wanting to be a part of it all. I didn't get to go to SantaCon this year, i had a cold. I'm curious if it is as good as it sounds. I also missed Anette and Scott's Apres Ski Party, although I was dressed for it, we ran out of time. I also bought 2 ugly sweaters at a thrift store in indiana last year but did not get invited to any ugly sweater parties. Every year I imagine we will have enough time to fly to san francisco to go to one of the Sing Alongs at the Castro. There's always next year right? Somewhere in the middle of writing the last paragraph I concluded that part of the reason I've been home really sick the last two days is that I love Christmas too much and probably need to tone down the craziness a little. Maybe next year I'll try not to do everything, but probably not. Happy Friday Everyone, I hope your new years dreams come true. xoxo Suzanne

Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies. - Diane Arbus

Winter Wedding Loveliness

Mike and I shared a gorgeous afternoon with some friends of ours creating a collection of beautiful winter images.  We hope that they inspire you to create something beautiful during the winter party season.  The final creation certainly knocked our socks off and made Mike and I want to make out by a fire.  Please head on over to the Wedding Chicks and check out some more images.

Hope you are enjoying all of the holidays!  Much Love Suzanne

Event Designer & Coordinator: Luxe Events Hair and Make Up:  Ray Thomas Venue: Flavor Del Mar Dress Designer: White Flower Flowers: Blush Botanicals Stationery: Brightly Designed Linen: Wildflower Linen Chairs: Hire Elegance