Good. Clean. Fun.

Jack & Ellie

I am happy to announce that I have become a contributing blogger for Jack & Ellie, a website created by my friend Alexis. Jack & Ellie is "a realistic take on parenting and the everyday balance between work, play, relationships and raising a healthy family." I'm so thrilled to be a part of an outlet where mothers can be inspired and be heard. My contributing blog is called Young Hearts, a spin-off of Among the Young at Heart, that focuses on my role as Leo's mother. Take a look at my profile below for my new blog and be sure to follow Alexis and I on our new journey!

I am a stay-at-home mama who runs a whimsical home surrounded by the people I love, the photographs I cherish, and the things that inspire me. I embrace motherhood with the same drive I apply to my life. I have a creative spirit and enjoy indulging in all things fabulous, delicious, artistic and lovely. I have a passion for photography that I have been able to explore with my son by my side (and through my lens). My tight-knit trio consists of my loving husband, Marco and my free-spirited son, Leo. This boisterous baby of mine is embarking on a chapter that some might consider (present party included) to be utterly terrible. With my blessings counted and my coffee inhaled, I try to live my life with one ambitious mantra - to follow my bliss. 

So, I invite you to follow me, as I follow my bliss. 'Cause if Mama's happy, everyone's happy :)

Young Hearts

A Dog's Purpose

A few days ago, I received a forwarded email from my sister about the purpose of a dog. Unfortunately, I do not know who the writer is, therefore I cannot give due credit, but I was so moved by this that I just had to share. Read on...

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.'' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live. 

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,  “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.”

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. 

Love the people who treat you right. 

Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Valentine

My heart has found the sweetest love I ever could have wished for.

I love you,

             Valentine.

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Daniel Doke Photography

Happy ♥ Day

"General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."

                                                    - Love Actually

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This photograph was taken in my sister's backyard. A branch used to grow in this space, which over time has molded into the shape of a heart. An organic occurrence that so beautifully portrays the art of Nature. After all, it is in life's ordinary moments that love happens...

Puppy Love

"Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" 

                                          - A.A. Milne

Life Begins..