Perception of Reality

Each of our perceptions of reality is real. How we feel about these situations are just as real too. Your experiences, no matter how ultimately universal are different.

Here's the good news: you are not locked into your perception of anything!

There are two golden ways to stretch your perception. Both ways take practice, but are attainable.

Ask Questions Especially "WHY?!" 
Asking questions can help you get to the bottom of your situation. Start with easy questions, and get to the harder ones.

A few weeks ago, I was driving through the streets of Philadelphia in my old burgundy Volvo. It was around 10am after a one inch snowfall from the night before. Flurries were in the forecast all day. As I was driving, I noticed the flurries made my world look like the inside of a snow globe. The sky was a brilliant blue. The sun was warm and friendly. My mind automatically thought it was snowing again. I saw white snowflakes floating though the sky and the weather station said  there would be snow. In this moment, I thought "why". I asked myself "why did it look like it was snowing?". That questions made me question my perception of reality. I look around and take notice of the fluffy snow drifting from the tops of buildings surrounding me. It wasn't snowing at all, the wind was just blowing snow to the ground. Although I was experiencing the same beautiful snowy moment, it was somehow different.

Language is Important

We use words to describe our world. We describe our perception of reality to others and most importantly to ourselves. There is a dialogue going on in all of our minds, all of the time. These stories we tell ourselves can be a blessing, curse, or something in between the two.  

Language is an important when looking at your life from multiple angles. In the story above, I talked about it snowing when I saw snowflakes floating around. The more accurate language to describe it would have been to say "I saw snow". Seeing snow floating around to describe the event is truth in both perceptions of that situation, where as saying "it's snowing" is limiting.

Valentine's Day is upon us. I have been noticing 'woe is me because I'm single' posts have been popping up on social media like dandelions on a suburban lawn. With a perspective change, the reality of this situation can be turned on it's head. There are a few ways to get out of this hole using language. Valentine's day is a day for love, right? What is stopping anyone from loving each other? Romantic love is commonly celebrated on on February 14th, but can't we redefine it? Love is love is love. Self love, love for friends, love for family, love for strangers. Ever get that warm and fuzzy feeling from doing something sweet for someone else? Ever love yourself so MUCH you are bliss-ed out? Redefine the things that upset you. Dissect what bothers you, find the basic meaning and apply it to your life. Setting you self up for failure will result in failure. Setting yourself up for something better won't give you perfection, but you'll have a better view of your life.



Slow down, listen to how you talk to yourself. Talk back, take over. xoxo

Sometimes Google Maps Makes You Swoon!

I am a big sucker for bikes, and love. This video makes me swoooooon!

I watched a movie tonight that I think you'd like (for a 'girl' movie). You'd think about Chicago, and how we spent time there. A magical time before things started to unravel. You'd think about your dad, and how you remember the same same little things about him too. You'd think of your sports car you had ages ago. The one that took you to me when we first met on our country's birthday. You'd catch my eyes get wet if we were watching it together, and you'd tease me. I get so sentimental. When it was over you'd turn off the movie (we only watch through the credits in the theatre), and smoke while you wrote down the name, date, and who you were watching it with. You'd add it to that list that's hidden behind the password.


“Just how happy I am, in this moment right now. The way the light’s hitting that face of yours… there’s this little breeze coming through the window. And it doesn’t matter if I have ten thousand more moments like this, or just this one because it’s all the same. Right now, this moment. I have this.” Love & Other Drugs

NPR Valentine

via: NPR

New School Message in a Bottle

There are romantic people out there who do things that make you want to throw up, and cry tears of joy simultaneously. Lovers apart doing romantic things for each other? Yes, please.

I want to do my part to make this video as contagious as H1N1. Can't get a flu shot for romantic love, baby.

via: Velvet Nectar

Comic Book Proposal

Another couple suiting proposal. Two comic book artists draw/write their engagement story. I'm such a romantic.

Graffiti Proposal from PR!MO on Vimeo.

Sooo romantic.

via: a cup of jo

Massage

So creepy cute! I love it!!
(This dose not count as getting a massage!)

via

Want and Wait

Want and Wait
Originally uploaded by i_follow

A Love Letter for You is a branch off project of the Philly Mural Arts Program. It was created by Stephen Powers, and supported by SEPTA. All the murals can be seen from the El. I found out about this project by riding the El, and seeing the ads. I'd love to take a ride out to West Philly to see the murals.

Down the Shore

1. Salt Water Taffy, 2. Kemah Boardwalk at Night, 3. Maçã do amor!, 4. Rainbow Wheel, 5. Funnel cake!, 6. The Grand Damme

I've been itching to go 'down the shore' (as they say in Philly). I hope we'll be able to take a trip to the beach before school starts up again.

Romantic-y

photo

via

Staycation

Philadelphia is a beautiful city. Ryan and I needed a break, and decided to pinch pennies a bit by staying in our city to take in its splendor.
We spent time:
here
riding one of these!!
Checking out the Rosenbach Museum.
Looking at trees at the Jenkins Arboretum.
Not having to cook!
and being kinda romantic like.




via Take it Easy Tom, sameold2008

Happy Valentine's Day

1. Philly Street Art, 2. Philly Graffiti.JPG, 3. Philly Valentine, 4. still2, 5. in the dark, 6. My Funny Valentine

Skinny Love

I whole heartily love this song. I want to go see Bon Iver, please.

Tuesday Night Dinner

Last night the girls came over for a Valentines day themed dinner. We had a yummy red pepper avocado salad and crusty Italian bread- that Amelia brought over. We had creamy artichoke pasta (which I may or may not be allergic to), and adorable homemade heart shaped frozen yogurt sandwiches. As always the food and company was great!
I can't wait until the weather gets nice so these get-togethers can be enjoyed on our rooftop deck!

I have been heavy with the music lately. I'm really digging Elephant Parade, and wouldn't object to a downloaded copy of their album for a particular upcoming romantic (greeting card) holiday.

I'm a Maker

I consider myself an aritst, but theres so much more. I believe artist is under the greater umbrella of maker, which is a more accurate classification. I make things, and sometimes its art. Its a craft, meal (mess), idea, and more. Its restrictive to be only an artist.

This is my most recent collage.

Sad Love Songs

Jacob Borshard sings the most beautifully sad love songs while strumming his ukulele. He has a new album out, and all of his music is avaliable for free on his site.


via MerelyTheMoon

Quaker Wedding

Philadellphia - Old City: Arch Street Friends Meeting House
Originally uploaded by wallyg

I am terribly interested in Quaker monthly meetings, and hope to attend one soon. Throughout history Quakers have been progressive in thought, and peaceful in action.
A coworker of mine recently told me of her own simple Quaker wedding. Since then I've researched and learned so much more about this unceremonious and fairly silent tradition. Friends gather in a circle with the couple in the center, if/when a friend feels the urge to speak they then do so. There is no wedding march at the service, religious leader conducting the ceremony, only equals gathered to honor friends who are making a promise to one another. After about 45 minutes to an hour the couple makes impromptu vows to one another, the the marriage certificate is signed by all in attendance.
This sounds very romantic, and charming.