what do you see when you look in the mirror? i feel that i am so prone to look at my flaws than to focus on my strengths. so often we are told what we should be defined by-beauty-outward or inward, career, social status, financial status. you name it. i guess my question is what do i want to be known for. i don't want it to be for the acceptance of others but what i believe is to be true for my life. i want to break down walls that have been set up for me that only make me feel like a failure when i don't "succeed."

i find words can be so limiting when one is trying to express all that they are experiencing.

let's be honest, i do not like christmas. first the season starts way too early. second it is so commercialized that it makes me want to puke. literally. third, you spend so much time juggling seeing family and friends that you are never really present anywhere you go. and last there is so much pressure to get the right gift for everybody. i am a huge gift giver and giving a forced gift overwhelms me. i find giving unexpected gifts is the best way to give.

all that to say, i found this year was different. i had a simple little christmas and found myself snowed in for most of it. it was relaxing and basically didn't even feel like christmas which i secretly loved.

last night i had my christmas date with my best friend lacey. while working with the artist to find a quote to use that best describes us, i found it to be impossible. everything sounded too cheesy. so all that to say is....lacey you are my best and dearest friend. you constantly show such compassion and grace. your presence makes my life richer. thank you for your unending love and support.

artwork is by cari williams. see more art from her here. thanks cari.

her greatest love of all was woodcarving. she was an extremely talented women and am so blessed to have her santas adorn my christmas tree every year.