Iceland and the Continued Hunt for the Northern Lights

I have a long-standing, long-distance love affair with the Aurora Borealis. Sadly, it seems the feeling isn’t mutual. I am the pursuer in this one-sided relationship. Fortunately, I have a husband who appreciates my dreams and wants to see them come true. In fact, we even chose our honeymoon destination on the slim chance we might catch a glimpse of her. Spoiler alert: we didn’t. But the trip was still magical.

Being the thoughtful man he is, my husband planned a trip to Iceland in December, a time when the Northern Lights were predicted to be particularly active. With high hopes and warm coats, we ventured north. But, as with all things Mother Nature, she had her own plans. Our time in Iceland brought not a single snowflake, let alone the lights.

Still, the trip was nothing short of fantastic. We got to experience the unique magic of Nordic Christmas traditions, local sites steeped in history, and indulged in  Icelandic cuisine. We explored the icy beauty of an ice cave and stood in awe before real, flowing lava. It was an adventure filled with so many amazing experiences, even without the Aurora, and we only saw the the tip of iceberg (haha...see what I did there)...

While the Northern Lights remain on my bucket list, this journey reminded me of something important: sometimes, the pursuit itself is the reward. The memories we made and the places we saw on this trip were more than enough. So, I will keep chasing Aurora! 

Happy 2025!

 

As the calendar flips to a new year, I've chosen a single word to guide me: Bloom. For years, I’ve embraced the tradition of selecting a word for New Year’s reflection rather than making resolutions. But this year, I struggled to settle on just one. Too many words felt right, each capturing a piece of what I hope 2025 to bring! This morning, as I wandered through my local nursery, surrounded by - yes - blooms, the word found me. It felt like a quiet nudge, a perfect representation of what I want to see happen in 2025.

Reflecting on 2024, it has been a year - not necessarily bad, just a lot. I’ve had to say goodbye to some things and people that were deeply important to me. It would be a lie if I said I didn’t miss them every day. But, I have also found perspective, clarity, and the beginnings of long overdue and deserved healing.

Bloom is not just about flourishing; it’s about process and patience. Flowers don’t burst into full bloom overnight. They endure dark soil, unpredictable weather, and it all takes time. In many ways, I’m still in the soil stage! Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it. I hope to nurture seeds of joy, love, and dreams I’ve held close for so long. I’m ready to bloom in ways I have never allowed myself to truly imagine much less act upon. I am going to reach for the light, to grow strong roots, and to let beauty and my life unfold at its own pace.

To anyone reading this, I hope your year is filled with moments that remind you of your strength and potential. May 2025 bring you joy, love, and the life you dream of. Here’s to blooming - together!

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens...Ecclesiastes: 3:1 NIV

When Christmas Looks Different

I used to be a Christmas nut.  I would torture (or at least they claim) my children with Christmas songs as soon as the first hint of Fall approached.  I decorated every corner and multiple Christmas Trees.  I hosted friends, family, and neighbors. I cooked and baked with joy. I took lots of family photos and tried to pick the perfect gifts. Year round I made check lists and did Christmas crafts in preparation for my beloved season. I thoughtfully created traditions and hopefully memories for my family. I tried to keep Christ at the center of celebrations. 

So, when Christmas rolls around it feels like it should be a warm, familiar embrace. But this year, Christmas looks different; the usual routines have shifted, loved ones are far away, and life’s unexpected turns have finally wiped away the comfort of traditions and there aren’t new ones yet in place. I also know that new traditions aren’t likely to emerge any time soon, especially ones that resemble what my life-long “ideal’ of what Christmas should be.

This year, I can’t help but feel disconnected from the usual Christmas spirit. In some ways it is hard to find excitement when the season feels foreign, as if the magic has slipped through my fingers. And yet, maybe it’s okay to sit with these feelings for a while.

The familiar family gatherings, filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes, which honestly, have been slowly changing over the last few years, have now faded into quieter, smaller moments, which isn’t all bad. It’s not anger, I feel—just a deep sadness for what’s been lost. Traditions that once felt unshakable have shifted, and the absence of loved ones dull some of the sparkle of the season. Still, amidst this holiday funk, there is a quiet gratitude for the memories and a gentle hope that new traditions find their place in time. In this season of quiet there is more time to remember truly why we celebrate...the birth of a Savior.

For me, change is a hard gift to unwrap anytime, especially when it comes to family. It can feel like a loss, a reminder of what once was. It is tinged with a touch of loneliness.  Yet, I am learning there’s beauty in learning to let go—in finding joy and true meaning even when the season’s usual routines are just memories.  I think the greatest lesson a different kind of Christmas has taught me is the art of letting go. Letting go of expectations. Letting go of the need for control. Letting others chose their paths. Letting go of what was, to make room for what is and what could be. In this surrender, there is peace.

Discovering the Blue Zone: A Journey to Health and Longevity

 

As I pack my bags for a much needed adventure I will be digging into The Blue Zones Challenge! What’s a Blue Zone, you ask? Well, I first stumbled upon this fascinating concept through a Netflix documentary that opened my eyes to a lifestyle that transcends mere longevity. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better, thriving even.

The term “Blue Zone” refers to specific regions around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than average. These areas have been studied because of their populations, who reach age 100 at rates much higher than the rest of the world. These 100 year olds aren’t just alive but they are living and embracing life.  

The documentary I watched was like a lightbulb moment for me. It revealed that the secret to longevity isn’t found in complicated diets or expensive supplements. Instead, it’s rooted in a holistic, simple way of life that prioritizes community, purpose, and natural living. 

As I looked more into the Blue Zone philosophy, I’ve come to appreciate the key principles that contribute to a long, fulfilling life:

1. Plant-Based Diet: In these regions, the majority of the diet is plant-based, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. I love that it is about nourishment from real foods rather than supplements.

2. Active Lifestyle: Physical activity is woven into daily routines rather than relegated to the gym. Whether it’s gardening, walking, or hiking, I can do these things without expensive gym memberships or equipment.

3. Strong Social Connections: Community is paramount in Blue Zones. This is a challenge in today’s world. The Blue Zones reminder us that relationships are vital for emotional well-being.

4. Sense of Purpose: Many centenarians in Blue Zones have a clear sense of purpose, often referred to as ‘Ikigai’ in Japan. HUGE!

5. Stress Reduction: Life in the Blue Zones is often slower-paced, with rituals like napping, prayer, or simply enjoying the sunset. I am not good at this and probably one of the main reasons this concept resonated with me.  I plan to intentionally embrace moments of mindfulness and relaxation, and create more balance in my life..

I can’t help but believe that there’s something profoundly liberating about adopting this holistic approach to health. It’s not just a trend; it’s a way of life that honors our bodies, minds, and spirits. After all, life is not just about adding years to our lives; it’s about adding life to our years. Here’s to finding my Blue Zone and living my best life! 

Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday. These days, I’m not sure I have a favorite, but what I can say for certain is this: I love Fall. Everything about it speaks to my soul—the rich colors, the crisp air (when it finally arrives), the cozy smells, and, of course, those little glimpses of Christmas peeking through.

I don’t decorate for Halloween. Instead, I go all in for Fall. The best part? It lasts longer—straight through to Thanksgiving—and gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of pumpkins. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “We don’t discuss the pumpkin budget,” know that it’s more than a funny quip in my house. It’s a way of life. Pumpkins are non-negotiable.

Living in the South adds an extra layer of pumpkin-related logistics. The lingering summer heat means some of my pumpkins don’t make it through the season unscathed. But even if I have to replace a few along the way, it’s a small price to pay for my personal pumpkin paradise.

This Thanksgiving was a little different. Instead of celebrating at home, I found myself at the beach, watching waves crash on the shore while sharing a meal. Not a bad trade-off, right? It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on what I want future Thanksgivings to look like.

No matter where I am, there’s always so much to be thankful for. This year, I’m simply grateful for today—the gift of now. And that’s enough.

What are you thankful for this season? 

Glitter, Grit, and Kicking Off The Holidays!

The holiday season truly is magical, isn’t it? Twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and pine floating through the air. Yet, if I’m being honest, it’s also utterly exhausting - especially when your job revolves around providing holiday magic for others. The kind of exhaustion that leaves you bone-tired, wondering if you remembered to eat lunch or where exactly you misplaced your sanity. And when your busiest season is the holidays, that magical chaos can hit even harder.

For me, this time of year demands a pace unlike any other. Between hosting endless gatherings, decking every hall (except your own!) and working tirelessly to create memorable experiences for others, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But somehow, through all the glitter and late nights, the holiday spirit persists. It’s in those fleeting moments—when you catch a glimmer of joy or hear the sound of laughter—that you’re reminded why it all matters.

If you’ve ever collapsed into bed with glitter on your hands and a mental checklist of unfinished tasks, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe your work schedule has you prepping for Christmas as early as October (or earlier—hello, that’s me!). Or maybe you’re the family’s go-to host, managing meals, décor, and everything in between. Whatever your role, it can feel like a marathon of wrapping, cooking, and finding ways to stay cheerful despite the exhaustion.

But here’s the thing: that weight we carry during the holidays? It’s part of what makes this season so extraordinary. Every tired moment is tied to something meaningful—a cherished family tradition, the joy in a child’s eyes, or the quiet satisfaction of making someone’s day a little brighter. The holiday spirit thrives on connection, generosity, and love. And even when our bodies are weary, our hearts stay full because we know it’s all worth it.

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, even when you’re running on fumes, and sharing your light with those around you. So if you find yourself worn out but still brimming with holiday spirit, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Together, we’re creating something beautiful—a tapestry of joy, connection, and wonder, one twinkling light at a time.

So pause for a moment. Breathe in the magic of this messy, chaotic season. Let the spirit of the holidays refill your cup. You’re part of what makes this time of year so special.

Happy ChristmasGiving!

Yes, it’s only November 1st, but for me, Christmas has officially begun—at least at work! In my line of work, the holiday season arrives well before Thanksgiving, and today, we're diving full-speed into preparing for the influx of holiday visitors. 

My desk has transformed into a mini holiday workshop, with stacks of to-do lists, decorations, and planning guides scattered across it. The hustle and bustle of holiday prep may seem early to some, but here, it’s all part of the job! There’s something exciting about the early buzz of the season. It’s more than just prepping; it’s creating experiences, planning beautiful spaces, and making sure everything is set for our visitors to have a memorable time.

Here’s to early holiday cheer, festive desk setups, and the joy of planning for the most wonderful time of the year! Cheers to the holidays!