My "Other" Name

People always mistake my name for Jennifer. If I just meet someone or are recent acquaintances, I am always referred to as Jennifer until they learn otherwise. Why? I have no clue. But get this: I came home from the hospital as an infant with no name; my mom was trying to decide between Stephanie and, yes, Jennifer. What's even more crazy, is that when I was three (of course having no clue of this name debacle) I wanted to change my name to Jennifer and forced everyone to call me by my “new” name. AND, as I type this I freakishly realize that I recently got a haircut (the first professional cut in 15+yrs?!) and the picture I brought in to show the stylist was, of course, Ginnifer Goodwin. Now I know the spelling is not quite the same, but still… pretty bizarre. Maybe I am caught up in some-sort of LOST parallel universe and Hurley and I are hanging on an island beach… What? Is that black smoke I see?...Is that a polar bear?...

Love

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Laozi

{picture from our wedding, the day I married my best friend}

Japan

All my thoughts and prayers are with the people in Japan as they try and cope in the aftermath of a major natural disaster while facing the likely realty of a nuclear meltdown and toxic radiation poisoning. So heartbreaking and being half way around the world makes one feel helpless. I saw this on simply blythe... show solidarity by joining in silence.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my father's birthday and I am spending a few days at my parent's home as we all celebrate the rock of our family. With five children and 3 grandchildren, he keeps himself busy as a wonderful provider, always with a smile on his face. I see him happiest when his home is filled with his large family. I think dad's second favorite spot is his little bit of solitude and calm on the backside of the property where he's cleared a camping spot and set up a chair and fire pit. We love our father dearly. Happy birthday Dadio!

{dad and my nephew kaiden}

Festa della Donna

Happy International Women's Day! Called Festa della Donna in Italy, the tradition is to honor women (and show solidarity with women worldwide) with a sprig from a Mimosa tree. When I was in Florence, I was honestly expecting a morning cocktail, but these bright yellow blooms are also lovely. Here's to all the women in my life- I love and admire you!

Daily Inspiration

Why, yes I will, thank you!

image by {funnelcloud}; discovered via {A Cup of Jo}

Books

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

image via {Pottery Barn}

2011 Calendar

Ok, I know I am about 2 months late on this, but if you don't already have a 2011 calendar (or you do, like me, and just want another lovely bit of art to adorn the walls) you must check out this free, printable beauty from Creature Comforts. I adore these gentle watercolor images!

A BunnyTrail

It's funny how quickly I can get sidetracked while reading.admiring.wondering the blog world- one tangent leads to another and I can never remember where I began or where I was going... that is actually part of the fun. Discovering. It's seems with every click another world of creativity and inspiration are waiting for me and I find myself lost for hours. I love it. Here are the random cyber-roads traveled today and some new discoveries.

I started out here, admiring yet another post about EmersonMade:

From here I was launched in three directions, the first being a discovery that this was the gentleman behind the lovely house styling for the shoot (also check out this amazing magazine, available for viewing online):
I also was intrigued by this blog title (which turns out to be a GREAT little treat):

And lastly, I bumped into this little diddy:

Well, and then I went here, here, and here...!

P.S. Did I mention a peek into this lovely site?