10 years.

i've been working lately on my 10 year vision - as visions and goals are an important component of my role, and the general atmosphere in my company, a lot of time and energy are invested into ensuring each employee feels supported in creating their ideal future. 
it's been a great exploration for me - what's important, and in what I see myself as in 10 years. while it's a challenge to think for me, in terms of the future, it's also a wonderful experience in imaging where we would be in the world at that time. and, of course, how to make that happen for ourselves. 
my vision spans an entire typed page of detail, but most importantly, ends like this. 

"I am happy. I am healthy. I have time for me, and time to enjoy what I value most – family and friends. I enjoy the sun, the rain, the snow and the cold for what it is. I am aging gracefully, and am loving watching the years of my life etch themselves on my face. My hands work hard, and my brain is stretched every day. I laugh all the time, as a measure of how I’m investing in myself. At the end of every night, I go to bed with a notepad, as I’ve learned to harness the constant thoughts. I fall asleep with deep sighs of gratification and exhilaration."
what is your 10 year vision?

the imagery of memories

the memories i have of that moment are hazy. the memories present themselves a certain way - and perhaps it's simply the photos that have shaped my memories, anyways. the sunset was red and and orange... really, that's all i can tangibly remember. the feelings - the words that came out of her mouth that dictated my feelings in that moment - are all creations of my mind; creations of memories after the fact. i remember all the lovely things - the couple taking wedding photos and the bride's squeal upon seeing them. the sight of browned bodies playing beach volleyball and the thoughts and feelings about my own body that each one of those bodies stirred. the way we stopped when we came upon the empty lot, and watched the sun go down. we stopped and commented on - or rather allowed ourselves to enjoy - the beauty of everything in that moment. the sights of the birds flying and the clouds moving, and the smell of the salt water and the sounds of cars and people laughing and the wind and waves crashing.
all of the things that a photo can't remind us of the things we elaborate on when we recall those moments.
all my moments with her went like that... with loud laughter. with the kind of hard laughter that you disregard volume and foolishness, to feel and allow yourself the complete and utter joy in the moment.

things i'm in love with this week

whoa! where have you guys BEEN all this time?
jokes. joking. so many jokes.
here are some goodies. because you deserve them. i've been setting goals and all that jazz.
things i'm in love with this week.

notes from a stay at home dad. so good.

the most beautiful photos of a photographers sons, and their animals.

this playlist has been getting me through most of the week - a perfect mix of covers that are low key, mellow, and perfect by some of my fave artists.
"Maybe it's cold outside. Maybe it's raining in your heart. Either way, just stay home and listen.
A mix created for the Lululemon Lab by Sir Prancelot of CAN I LIVE"
can't wait, can't wait, can't WAIT for this movie to come out.
hope everyone has a fantastic weekend... enjoy!

reading through the year

there isn't much that i commit to for any new year. maybe it's because i've come to terms with the fact that i'm an ideas person - i'm a starter, and an inspire-er... not a finisher. i find myself constantly disappointed with my progress, and as such, i try not to commit to things that are overwhelmingly heavy. because that's what else i am - a high achiever. no goal too large.
so this year, the only thing i've promised myself, is something i almost nearly do. this year, i'm comitting to time to myself - enough to read (at least) one book a week, in 2014.
any book will do - as long as the language is enough to inspire me, and the content is thorough enough to engross me for a moment or two.
here goes nothing. #jamiereadsweeksworth