Thankful

There is much to be grateful for this year. Looking back and considering just the past 11 months, it's very easy to feel appreciative for the many wonderful things that I've experienced and the incredible people I have in my life. 

I am very lucky.

Through life's many complex and unexpected challenges, I'm lucky to have many people to call, talk to, and confide in. And a sassy tabby who recently discovered her reflection in our bathroom mirror and can't get enough of herself. 

To new friends and old, to my family, and especially my very supportive husband--thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I See London, I See France...

Next week, my very good friend Angela and I will be heading to London and Paris for the long Thanksgiving weekend. This past July, we decided to take advantage of Brexit and booked airplane tickets in well in advance. (We got good deals!) 

This will be my third time visiting London and my fourth to Paris. In a different life, I would be living in Paris. I've spent over two and half years learning French via Rosetta Stone and while I'm not fluent, I am, however, appreciative to be able to pronounce and read more French then I thought I'd be able to. Beyond the language, I am continually inspired artistically and culturally by France and its remarkable people.

London, on the other hand, is also very stunning for its unique history, architecture, and culture. Angela and I have a shared affinity for Harrods. And I'm sure we'll stop at least once to my favorite namesake bakery franchise--PAUL Bakery, which is also in select cities in the U.S. and in France.

I'm very thankful for my friendship with Angela and really value the time I get to spend traveling with her. This quick trip we're embarking on is a special treat that I'm sure we'll remember fondly for a very long time. 

Stay tuned for more future blog posts about my trip in December.

Thanks, Portland

This year I'm particularly thankful for the many wonderful discoveries I've had moving to Portland, OR.  Below are just some highlights I'd like to show:

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!