At lunch on Friday my sweet coworker Justin, who happens to be one of my favorite people in San Francisco, cracked open his fortune cookie and said "Oh, Trish, you were supposed to open this one...." and handed it to me across the table. (was he trying to make me cry in public?)
Wow. So humbled. Share your happiness. Apparently, people really do take notice. Love and Light, Trish
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Explain to me again, how I could have ever lived anywhere else? This morning is a morning of "all things are exactly as they should be" and "this life is a beautiful one". Of stretching and deep breathing to my favorite guided meditation, followed by a dance party of one to new music from old friends. Of finalizing creative, exciting plans. Of taking steps to explore more of what makes my pulse race. Of pouring love and light into my hopes and visions, then patiently and faithfully releasing them because I know I will be guided. Of the feeling of cold feet on the hardwood being warmed in a hot shower (hello, Fall, you remind me constantly that I am alive). And of re-reading this piece of writing I stumbled upon this weekend that practically shocked me into one of my biggest Oprah "A ha" moments, ever. Since then, the past few days have been an effortless flow of love, patience, exploration, forgiveness and seeing things (and people) with new light. Areas of life that felt fuzzy and unknown are now fully embraced as exactly that--and suddenly they aren't so scary. If anything, they are now terribly exciting and enticing. What will be will be. The present moment is perfect as well as perfectly flawed because I make it so.
"...The fear that something is missing somewhere in you or in your life is the greatest illusion of all. It is a rogue thought that can wreak havoc with perception, creating much self-doubt, self-criticism, and self-attack. It is a dastardly magician that conjures up mental tricks of lack, loss, isolation, neediness, dependency, and much pain. The fear that something is missing in you is what leads you to search somewhere else for happiness. You overlook what is already “here” as you chase after “there”; you miss the “sacred now” as you ponder your “next step”; you forget to be grateful for what “is” as you prey after “more.” You search, struggle, and strive, but you never arrive because you can’t get past the thought that something is missing. Can you see that all your pain comes from the belief that your source of happiness is outside you? This single misperception—this little fear—is what feeds your mental junk, your learned unworthiness, and your “not good enough” stuff. Notice how all your thoughts of fear and lack are reversed the moment you accept that every piece of universal joy rests already in your heart. Feel this, now." Oh hey life. We're pretty in synch right now, don't ya think? So ready for what's next. In deep Gratitude, Trish I haven't played around with my fancy schmancy camera in a long time, but jumped at the chance to bring it along on a visit with my friend Megan. Her son Parker was quite the easy subject... Parker's big sis Addison is a pretty photogenic little bug, too :) I couldn't resist putting up this photo of Addy tripping and falling mid-sentence to Auntie Jenny....does this make me a horrible person? I'm excited to get back into the swing of photography! Hope you all had amazing weekends :) In Gratitude, Trish Happiness for me can pretty much be summed up in any amount of time I'm able to spend with my sister, even when she blatantly refuses my cuddling requests.... And tries to pretend like she hates/is mortified at the idea... Even though I always end up winning, anyway.... Love and Light and sister giggles,
Trish My roomie from Thursday-Sunday.
No complaints here :) Happy Friday! Love and Light and Puppy drool, Trish After picking up a ton of great fruits and veggies at the farmer's market, Chris let me try out his juicer (much to my extreme delight) to make us a healthy snack. The sequence of photos and video below truly captures how amazed I was/am at the gloriousness that is juicing (they are also proof of how awkward I can be). I'm officially addicted and need to save for one of these bad boys myself! I had the great fortune of meeting up with a college gal pal, Kelly, who lives in Portland for coffee on Sunday morning and I just have to say--it's so refreshing to catch up with people you haven't seen or caught up with in years and find you enjoy their company just as much as you did in the past. I've found that extraordinary women operate on a frequency that is contagious; their energy is so nurturing and inviting to be around. My dear, if you read this, you are truly as lovely as I remember...I wish I'd remembered to snap a photo of us!! I guess that just means I was super present in your company :) Sunday was then mostly spent on a beautiful hike around the Gorge. Once again I found myself feeling grateful for the guys keeping to my pace and encouraging me to keep moving--even when my very out of shape muscles were hating me big time. The air was invigorating, the views were beautiful and the exercise was oh so needed. Even though I thought I may die on the way up at one point (and admittedly considered saying oh screw it, I'm plopping myself down here and reading until you 3 get back) I was really proud of myself for sticking it out and finishing. This next photo cracks me up because the woman who volunteered to take it insisted I pose in that position and kept saying things like "oh yes, perfect, now I've got depth...". The boys think I look photo-shopped in (but I promise I'm not!). After the Gorge hike Chris drove our sweaty group to Multnomah Falls for even more spectacular sights. Then we wrapped up the day with a quiet bbq in Chris' back yard. What else can I say besides...
In Gratitude for a wonderful trip, Trish People have been telling me for the last few years (pretty much since I moved to the west coast) that I would love Portland. That if I loved San Francisco (hmm, let me think about that. yep, I love it here) then I would really enjoy Portland. So, when (sparked by a random conversation on Twitter) a few elementary/high school buddies and I decided to trekk from our respective corners of the world to stay with another old friend who now lives in Portland I was pretty excited. To summarize, it was awesome. The people, the food, the energy; everything was right up my alley. Our host, Chris, was incredibly generous with his home, time and tour guide skills and I'm super grateful for all of his efforts to ensure we had a really great time. To save you from a long winded explanation of the events, I've decided to tell the story in photos, broken up into a few different posts....(a mix of iPhone and Nikon Digital SLR). I knew it was going to be a great trip as soon as I saw this little addition to the SF airport: So eco and wallet friendly ($4 for a bottled water = barf)! I was happy to have my water bottle with me and filled up ASAP :) Don't you just love puddle jumper planes you have to board from outside? It feels kinda vintage (and romantic, especially at sunset). First stop after being picked up from the airport--food trucks! Clam strip po'boy, fresh from a food truck. Nom nom nom. Since Ben was the first to arrive he generously volunteered to wait in line at the famous Voodoo Doughnut to snag us some of the crazy concoctions. Breakfast at The Waffle Window the next am...(a window that serves waffles? I love everything about it). A healthy way to start my day. Ha. (Oh hush, I was on vacation). Next up was biking around the city, to the farmer's market and to the Saturday market. I accepted that safety first also meant me looking like a dork right from the start. The guys were super patient and supportive of me and my rusty biking skills. I really appreciated that they kept to my speed, never rolled their eyes and made sure to never let me fall behind. Considering I managed to sustain only a minor injury from a stray piece of metal on the bike (i.e. I managed not to die), I think I did a pretty good job :) Portland, part 3 to come tomorrow!!
In Gratitude, Trish Beautiful place. Beautiful friends. Tis a beautiful life.
Full Portland post coming tomorrow :) In Gratitude, Trish The temperature was perfect; sunny and crisp, no need or desire for it to be a degree warmer or cooler. Part of the hike was spent swapping child hood stories, mulling over past relationships and sharing heart felt sentiments on life, love and heartbreak. And the other part of the hike was deeply enjoyed and cherished in silence; the crunch of the trail under our feet, the sporadic symphony of birds and the small splashing stream providing a peaceful soundtrack. I'm grateful for the shared comfort of silence between friends; the chance to be fully present together, to have no need to fill space that is already so lovely on its own. As we rounded a corner towards the end of the hike a sudden shift took place. With a single step the air rushed in, salty and cold. The smell of earthy greens so startlingly being replaced by the scent of the Pacific Ocean that we both gasped at the same instant, smiling at the knowledge of what was up ahead...Our reward, 4.25 miles later. My best guy friend sent me the most thoughtful birthday gift this year. As a "thank you" to him I brought the gift along on my hike to photograph--it's symbolism immediately brought tears to my eyes when I opened the package (I understood instantly what he was telling me). Even on my rainy days, he wants me to see blue skies up ahead. A gift for an eternal optimist :) Learning he thinks I have a great outlook and perspective was so humbling. I love this gift and I love you, dear friend. Thank you for being such a wonderful and deeply valued part of my life. Metaphysical guru Louise Hay teaches an exercise on embracing life that includes the act of standing, once a day, with your arms outstretched while saying "I am open and receptive to all good. Thank you, life!". As she tells her students, life will hear you...and respond. Corny as it may seem, I couldn't resist the chance to thank life, God, the Universe at the top of the bluff. The immensity of the sea always has a way of snapping me back to reality; of reminding me that while my small corner of the world is a fortunate and blessed one, it is also a single life in an ocean of billions. There is no need to fear--cast out your worries, be open and welcoming to all good. I also couldn't resist humming a few lines of my current go-to summer song, "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffet. "This champagne shore washing over me It’s a sweet sweet life living by the salty sea One day you could be as lost as me Change you’re geography Maybe you might be Knee deep in the water somewhere Got the blue sky breeze blowing wind through my hair Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair Sunrise there’s a fire in the sky Never been so happy Never felt so high And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise Come on in the water it’s nice Find yourself a little slice Grab a backpack of lies You never know until you try When you lose yourself You find the key to paradise.." Hipstamatic made an appearance, too :) 8.5 miles of soul quenching, limbs stretching, lung filling, skin kissing California beauty was the perfect way to spend my Sunday.
In Gratitude, Trish It will probably come as no surprise, but I am incredibly grateful for all of the blessings bestowed on me during my birthday weekend. My amazing stylist and bestie, Jenny, dressed me in a gorgeous and comfortable piece from her shop Heritage Row for round one of celebrations; I loved everything about this dress (it even had pockets)! A handful of friends and coworkers joined me for dinner and sake bombs at a local, trendy sushi spot (and then continued the party with a bit of "I refuse to be old" bar hopping afterward). I was humbled, to say the least, to look around and see so many folks taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me. I have somehow managed to build quite the loving, supportive and fun community around me here on the west coast and I sure do appreciate each and every one of their places in my life! I think people had a pretty good time :) Sunday was a day of relaxing by the pool and soaking up the AMAZING summer weather in Marin County (just over the GGBridge). We walked into the club (thanks Garcia family for being members and letting me mooch off ya!) to find that Taylor Lautner aka Jacob Black was life guarding.... There are several things I need to say about this: 1. Yes, I took his photograph from across the pool like a complete and utter stalker/creeper/paparazzi. I mean c'mon, the kid really did look EXACTLY like Taylor Lautner! I jokingly kept saying "Team Jacob!!" to Andrea...probably a little on the "too loud" side. Ah well. I thought it was funny. 2. I am officially a cougar. From a distance this kid looked like he was easily in his twenties...but as he made a lap around the pool and awkwardly made a comment to me (did his voice just crack?) and based on conversations of the teenie bopper girls giggling and chatting next to us I'm pretty sure he wasn't even 18. Here's how I feel about this: a. What is a teenager doing with such a tanned and fit body that makes him look so much older? So unnatural and unfair and cruel. Where has chubby youth gone? b. As far as he is concerned, I am basically the crypt keeper. c. I officially joined the ranks of soccer moms at the pool who say things like "that is what I want for my birthday..." Such a pity his Trix are for kids.... And finally on Monday, my actual birthday, I was showered with dozens of text messages, Facebook posts, voice mails, tweets, emails and phone calls all wishing me the happiest of birthdays. Technology sure does make a gal feel extra special on her 27th trip around the sun :) Thank you, dear friends!! The Weeblies generously gave me the morning off to once again soak up summer in the city....(thank you, Universe, for making my birthday feel TRULY like east coast summer!!!)... Using my full-strength to bend the bridge... I really enjoy the sun worshipping-chubby man in the background of this pic... Once I arrived at work those little dolls threw on some festive hats to make me giggle :) And then I enjoyed an Italian feast at my favorite spot in North Beach, including a surprise birthday dessert with a "make-a-wish!" candle from the adorable and incredibly Roman staff.... Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who helped to make this weekend so amazing. I promise to spend every day of my 27th year working to be the best version of myself possible; to do your kindness and generosity justice, to pay it forward times 1,000.
In Gratitude, Trish The wedding weekend of my dear friends Kelly and Chris was a huge success! I walked into Nonna's (grandma extraordinaire to the bride) and, per usual, was immediately fed. Any meal at Non's is a meal for an Opportunivore (an explanation of which you can find here). I'm pretty sure I ate my body weight in stromboli. I'm also pretty sure I don't give a damn. I loved heart to hearting with Nonna... The groomsmen were all fun and sweet :) The bride was stunning...
Ten years ago I met a fabulous young lady during my first stint as a dance and cheerleading summer camp counselor for the local YMCA. It was kind of a rough summer for me; lots of emotional ups and downs, growing pains and typical teenage fighting with my parents. Coming to work each day was always a welcomed relief to escape my swirly, angst-y 17 year old thoughts. My new friend Steph (who is a few years my senior) was a wonderful confidant and sounding board. She was always kind and supportive, fun and caring. We connected deeply early on in the summer and continued to genuinely enjoy each others company as the weeks rolled by. Her advice always seemed to resonate perfectly with my current emotions and I was (am) eternally grateful for her words of encouragement. In short, I completely adored and looked up to her. I was thrilled to learn a few months ago that Steph and her new husband (but partner of many years), John, were going to be venturing out to San Francisco for vacation. We immediately began to plan a meet up and my excitement grew as the trip got closer....we hadn't seen each other in 7 years! It's true what they say about real friendships; neither time nor distance can change or affect the connection you have with one another. Sometimes when I reunite with folks I haven't seen for awhile I find myself feeling a little anxious; unsure if we will run out of things to talk about or if we have grown too separate to really mesh the way we once did. I didn't, however, have this fear about Steph and when I opened the car to greet her with a hug it was as if we were right back on those YMCA gymnastic mats, giggling over cute life guards and warming up with the kids. When Steph first mentioned she and John were taking some photography courses and really finding enjoyment in it I told her what I tell all of my friends who are considering pursuing a new passion; whatever it is that makes your pulse race, you go for it. In just a few short months they've put together a really lovely collection of photographs of their adventures, travels and every day life. I love that they use photography as an escape from daily stress. I also love that they embody a philosophy of celebrating and capturing the beauty of life; it is all worth remembering, big or small. Check out their Etsy Collection here: The Durfs And their Facebook page here: The Durfs Photography They also do custom photos---people can email them with an idea or a quote and then they go for it! They charge $50 an hour to go out and shoot (it usually takes an hour) and then charge for the photo. Some examples can be found here. Below you'll find a handful of my favorites from their trip to San Francisco. There were SO many to choose from, but these were the ones that hit me in a certain way. Thank you Steph and John for sharing your beautiful photos of my amazing city with me! Cheers to reunions with old, wonderful friends in new, fabulous cities!
In Gratitude, Trish ps- the new header to my blog is also the work of Mr. and Mrs. Durfee :) Pretty sweet, right? My New Jersey weekend was filled with fabulous amounts of home-girl time, including a bachelorette party in Atlantic City (where we got upgraded to the biggest suite in the hotel, The Hangover style!). Thankfully we did not wake up to tigers in our rooms or any missing teeth. Though we did see Scott Disick at the club (who is not pictured using Hipstamatic, but I mean c'mon...I couldn't not share this reality TV star sighting). Me and some fellow bridesmaids cocktailing in our hotel :) Hugs for bride-to-be #1... Who promptly tried to squish me with her lovin. I was fortunate enough to also be able to attend the bridal shower for bride-to-be #2 (I'm a bridesmaid in both of these weddings! What an honor!). Who doesn't love bridal bingo with a side of cupcakes and raspberry champagne punch? The bride and groom being so stinkin cute I could hardly stand it... I have some thoughts about my trip back east (6 hour plane rides give you a lot of time to mull life over), but am admittedly taking a bit of time to properly collect them to share here. All in all I am truly honored to be a part of both of these brides big days; these are memories of love and support I will cherish for years to come. There is certainly something to be said about generations of women coming together to lift each other up and send one of our own off on a new life adventure, equipped with good thoughts, encouragement and some kitchen essentials :)
Hope you all had stellar weekends! In Gratitude, Trish Part of my commute to work includes a walk down a typical SF hill in Chinatown, where I see all kinds of life and colors and architecture in a short 10 minute stroll. I maneuver my way through the crowds of people shopping and every morning a security guard at the Transamerica building greets me with a "Good mornin, good mornin! Have a great day!" as I pass by. Some days I am too distracted by my own thoughts or worries to notice my very alive surroundings, so today I snapped a couple of photos with good ol' Hipstamatic to remind myself to be more present... In Gratitude,
Trish |
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