beneath the leaf it reads 

stop. 

smile. 

breathe. 

life is beautiful. 

This dish was a gift from a new friend I collaborated with for 365 days.  We decided together in the middle of last year to begin a 365 photo project with each other.  Both of us had tried and failed, tried and failed and decided to try again together.  This time we had success we took a picture every single day for a whole year.  We encouraged each other each step of the way. 

neither of us quit on each other. 

we wanted to at times 

but we did not. 

We each live in the same state but she is up north and I’m down south.  

Her images were often filled with such gorgeous golden light that I started calling her pony boy and at the end of our journey that was one of her gifts, a hand written card stock with the words“stay gold pony boy stay gold”

The leaf in the dish is a gift from my father-n-law.  He picked it up at Uncle Steve and Aunt Mel’s house.  A yellow heart leaf all the way from Weaverville.  I have to admit, these are the kinds of gifts that touch my heart.  The kind that cost zero cents and come with meaning.  I love gifts with thought and this dish had thought too.  My new friend thought it looked like something I would love, she knew I would appreciate the words.  She was right.  

I want to encourage others to work with others if you can.  There are times to work alone and there are times to work with others.  I have found that when I work with others I learn more.  I believe we should never stop learning, if I were to exclusively work alone or be alone I’m not sure I could be complete.  I’m an introvert all the way around but that being said.  I do need people.  People are very important to me.  It’s a balance for me, spending time with others and time alone.  I have been ashamed at times that I will deliberately not be around people because I just don’t have it in me, I will say no and maybe even miss out on an incredible adventure but since I do know myself well, I know I can’t just do it to do it.  My heart has to be ready.  People who know me really well understand and are gracious.  These are the kinds of people I choose to keep as part of my life.  The ones who encourage.  The ones who understand.  The ones who don’t judge.  The ones who let me be me.  The best part about this world is, there are far more friends like I describe here than not.