Quotation Wednesday {38th Ed.}

I love how this quote adds to the idea of how much of ourselves is unconscious. You know, the whole iceberg idea.... Well, I love how this quote reframes the unconscious portion as "invisible and untouchable." It shows the individuality of people, provides a good reminder that we don't really know people and therefore shouldn't make judgements, plus it is just so empowering! It gives you a reason to own that large portion of yourself that only you can know, only you can understand, cherish, and love!!

On the injustice of fairy tales

Rachel and I had our 4 year anniversary last Friday. 4 years! We had a wonderful dinner, filled with good food, laughter, love, and memories; both good and bad. Relationships are hard. Divorce rates are sky high, infidelity rates are likely higher, and broken homes are rampant in this society. Seriously people, relationships are hard work. Why then is this something that is not readily discussed? Why do we read our children fairy tales where the princess always gets the man and lives happily ever after? We, as a society, romanticize the high school sweetheart, turns marriage, turns old married couple on the porch. That is beautiful, but do we ever show the pain that exists in between? The disappointments, heartbreaks, and struggle? Relationships are hard work!

Don't get me wrong, they are pretty amazing as well. It is fulfilling, exciting, and rewarding to share your life with someone else, to find someone who makes you laugh, smile, and genuinely love. But. There is also the hurt, the frustration, the differences that lead to questioning what the hell you ever saw in each other, and pain....relationships can really hurt. I guess the balance is in finding someone who you can have a relationship with where the happiness makes the difficulty worthwhile. Someone who will stick it out through the hard times, and who you are willing to trudge through the pain with, in hopes that your hard work will result in finding the beautiful part again.

I don't mean to sound so depressing, I just had an anniversary for cripes sake! Plus, we are in the beautiful, comfortable, happy time now. The time where it all just feels right. I cherish that, I really do. We work hard, are constantly working to keep our relationship blooming and happy. But. As I type, I know we will come upon difficult times again. They are inevitable, a part of life, and therefore obviously a part of a relationship. It is these rough spots that make us stronger, that help us learn how to better deal with the next one, that help the good times be that much stronger and truer.

That is why I am posting. We need to talk about these difficult times. We need to share. Nobody should have to go through any pain alone. Particularly this though. Have you ever been in a relationship during a rough spot, only to have everyone around you claim the fairy tale in their own? It isn't true. Don't be fooled by the rose colored glasses. Relationships are hard people. Working through the difficult patches is nothing to be ashamed of, in fact, it is exactly how marriages are able to last decades. We need to be able to share in life's darkness as well as it's beauty.

Happy Monday {54th Ed.}

I have been absent...can you sense a new years resolution coming on?! Anyways, Happy Monday blog land!! Here is what is making me smile..

My charlie brown "tree"
I can't take credit for the idea (thank you Pinterest), but will totally take ownership of the awesome execution! Its the scrap from a tree lot, how stinkin' cute! Oh, and its perfect for my table and completely fills my need for real tree smell :)

This non-tree christmas tree

Its just so unique! Too bad my cats would have it knocked down in 10 seconds flat.

source

Sweater blanket

I love this, and if MN ever decides to have a winter, I think I will actually need it! I think (fingers crossed) I am getting a sewing machine for christmas...if so, this is the first project on my list!

source

My new owl painting

I found this guy at this awesome antique shop a few blocks from our house. It was the first time I had been in there and I am so excited about it, its just an old house with rooms and rooms filled with antique / consignment / awesomeness! Anyways, I saw this beautiful owl painting and conveniently showed to to Rachel the next day....hint hint :) Guess what I got for our anniversary (which was last Friday, 4 years!)

the picture doesn't do it justice,
but doesn't she have a beautifully stately look on her face?

Trader Joe's Mini Gingerbread Men Cookies

Warning; unless you have incredible willpower or no care for your waistline, do not get these!! Seriously, they are heavenly!

dangerous link ;)

No joking; my mouth started watering as I uploaded this picture....damn you Pavlov!

Ok, that is all for me this week. What is making you smile?

This commercial rocks!

It just makes me happy every time I see it, I hope it makes you smile as well :)

Happy Monday {53rd Ed.}

Happy happy monday everyone!!! Here is what is making me smile...

Cake batter anything
I love cake batter! Doesn't this recipe sound awesome?

recipe

This curious owl

Too cute :)

and this scruffy one!

Being the crazy pet lady every time I go to someone's house
No shame...

Dogs playing in the snow

I know, I know, you are probably sick of seeing pictures of my dogs, but they are just so cute in their ecstatic snow fury!!

That is all for me this week, what is making you smile?

Oh please tell me these 2 are actually friends!!

Did anyone else see this perfect duo on Wednesday? I saw mention of it on facebook a few hours before it aired and let me tell you, I could not wait! Two of my favorite female singers playing together....and then they sang my favorite Gaga song! Can I please please be their 3rd bff?! ;)

Oh I have such a soft spot for shameless quirk!