Time for Yourself

"She was like the moon, part of her was always hidden away..."

Last year was a tough one for me. Depression is something I've struggled with off and on for the past few years, and last year it was more on than off. As a result, I've been really bad at making time for myself. I have barely exercised, I've hardly watched TV, and I can't remember the last time I finished a book! Part of me has been really cranky, and I didn't realize why until recently... I forgot to take care of myself!  Have you guys found yourself doing this too? It's easy to say you're too busy or don't have time, but I am tired of that excuse. 

So as we head into the weekend, I wanna do something simple, satisfying, relaxing just for ME. Any suggestions? ;-)

* Photo: from a memorable trip to Isfahan, summer 2013. 

The Most Important Thing...

"What would you bring with you if you had to flee your home and escape to another country? " 

Brian Sokol is a Award-winning photographer covering global human rights and social issues, based in New York. His latest project - Syrian Refugees - is a second part of an ongoing project that asks refugees "What is the most important thing you brought from home?"

The photos are touching and some are terrific but they all carry the promise of hope, or at least that's how they make me feel.

* "Photos made her nervous. They were always of things that were over with, gone—a moment, a smile, a person, sometimes a whole country"  

Part Two: The Most Important Thing: Syrian Refugees

Part One: The Most Important Thing: Sudanese Refugees

* The quote is from a short story by Marjorie Kemper named God's Goodness.  

And I was born in Autumn!

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.”

Happy First Day Of School! :x

Today marks a new day in your life. From this day forward, an education outside the home will be part of your life. You will learn new things, things that you have to learn by living and experiencing and meeting new people.

Your teachers will lead the way for you but we -your parents and family- hope to provide you with knowledge and answers when you have questions. We take our role as your most important teachers very seriously. Whether you can believe it or not, we don’t know everything. Neither do your teachers. And neither will you. The beauty of this is that it leaves an opening for you to ask questions. Always ask questions. Always know that not knowing the answer is okay. And always know that just because someone gives you an answer doesn’t mean it’s right.

There is nothing more powerful for you than a desire to learn but also a desire to think for yourself. If you don’t agree with an answer, that’s okay. Stand up and speak your mind about what you think is wrong. Do something if you see something that doesn’t make sense. Act on all of those “why”s and bring about change in the things you don’t like.

You will meet people at school and throughout your life that you don’t understand. You must try your hardest to understand. There is not much learning about others if you can’t feel empathy. Find out who people are and what drives them. You don’t have to agree with people to like them.

Be willing to be different. Be tolerant of those that are different from you. Embrace change and be open to learning what the world and the people in it offer to teach you. You will stumble. Your parents and family will do what we can to be there to help you stand back up again. We will hug you when you’re down and we will celebrate with you when you reach your goals and dreams.

I know you are only 6, but there is no better time than now to open your eyes and see the world, ask questions, learn from those around you and set your sights on making yourself into what makes your life and heart full of happiness, laughter and love.


Lots of  love and kisses,
She.