Thank-Full

I saw this video and it reminded me of my motto, aka the title of this blog:

Life is Beautiful.

3 words that encompass what I strive for each day - remembering to see the beauty in life, cause it's always there if we take the time to look for it. That sounds corny, but it's my survival mechanism. I'm serious.

In fact, I've noticed one way that has helped me maintain this attitude - carrying a camera with me everywhere. Maybe as an artist, the ability to "see beauty" comes more naturally, I don't know, but I do know that taking the time to notice the beautiful things that Heavenly Father has created all around me brings substance to my life on days that would otherwise feel empty.

The phrase "Life is Beautiful" isn't just a frilly statement or the title of an amazing movie, it is a belief that is embedded in my heart each time I count a new blessing and witness the hand of God in my life. A personal testimony that He loves me.

You know? I am simply thankful to be happy.

That makes all the difference in every second of my day-to-day life.

What makes me happy? Well, that is a thankful list that I could write an entire series of books on, I'm sure of it! But here are a few, because I'm feeling particularly blessed right now...blessed AND happy. Happily blessed.


I am thankful for (in no particular order)...

Not having a "taboo Christmas music" rule. Birds that aren't scared to sing out. Having "spare" time. Fluffy blankets. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Italy and everything therein. Laughter. When reality is sweeter than my dreams. Having a clean room. The Plan of Happiness. Regal bald eagles. My wonderful, patient, encouraging and loving family. The brave men and women who are now or ever have served our country. Education. Being a woman. Disney & Pixar. Faithful missionaries. My hands. Patient parents. Memories. Home videos. Cold water to drink and hot water to shower in. Winter clothing. Good books. Teddy Grahams. The brilliance of Apple's products. Strong and exemplary friends. Honorable young men. Mini Coopers. Patience. The rejuvenation of a good nights sleep. Good music. Freedom. Shampoo & Conditioner. Old people. The satisfaction of working hard and accomplishing goals. Orange nail polish. Technology. The gifts I've been given and the joy of sharing them. Health and the motivation to maintain it. Smiles. The scriptures. The loving sisterhood of women. Whoever discovered the decadence of putting coconut in desserts. U32. My GD friends who aren't nit-picking about all the rivers running through this fully justified paragraph. Cheesecake. Butterflies inside and outside of my tummy. The miracle of the human body. Being the youngest. Love. Rocking chairs. Doctors. My favorite kids on the planet - The N&Ns. Flirting. Experiences, good or bad, that have made me who I am today. Any excuse to get together with my family. Poetry. The combination of creative minds and hard workers. Reading old journal entries and laughing at myself. Having hair, despite its unwillingness to grow quickly. The Miracle Drug - Ibuprofen. The holiday season. The many beautiful temples. The majesty of the stars in the sky. My SLR. My institute teacher, Brother Hardy. Just thinking to myself. The fact that I will never run out of things to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

I now deem it fitting to thank YOU.
You know who you are.
You know what you've done.


Thanks for being my friends, whether virtually or literally.
I just heart yer faces, hope ya know.