Writing Your Personal Commandments (taken from The Happiness Project Blog)

As we head off into 2009, yippee!, I am borrowing this post to share with you all because I love these personal commandments that I am going to try my absolute best to live by for the upcoming year. This is where my New Year's Resolution lies. Click on this link for the full reading found on The Happiness Project.

Writing Your Personal Commandments

Whenever I write about commandments, people post their own lists in response, and it's always fascinating and inspiring to see what they've chosen. Here are some commandments that other people have adopted. Some might work for you, or spur your own thoughts.

Forget the past.
Do stuff.
Talk to strangers.
Stay in touch.
Make haste to be kind.
Don't wait.
Action, not reaction.
Always with love.
Baby steps.
Reverence.
Recognize my patterns.
Be present.
Don't rehearse unhappiness. [This is one that I really need to think about!]
Live your values.
The more the merrier.
Love is all around.
Notice the color purple.
Friends are more important than sex.
Choose not to take things personally.
Be loving and love will find you.
Encourage others.
Enjoy simplicity.
Rejoice in beauty.
Deeds not words.
Slow down.
Please yourself.
Nothing lasts.
Music helps.
Only a bore is bored.
Do something different.
Consider the source.
Be the fun.
Cut your losses.

Home is where my Heart Is

It has been a whirlwindish week, but I have found myself back in my cozy home and typing on a refurbished laptop! No more basement bojangles of writing in the chilly temperatures, as that is where my desktop is stationed. For my Christmas gift, my favorite sister had her older laptop restored, wiped out and wrapped up for me! I might be addicted already. This is not good. I am online more than I ever wanted to be because of this new convenience of couch surfing. Oh, and I am off from work for two weeks. Secretly, it's all been super nice...

Speaking of a chilly basement, just by not turning on the electric heat baseboards in the basement and partaking in weatherproofing the house, this month alone compared to last December, I have brought the electric bill down by $50 bucks! Wow. I am still cozy and warm in the rest of the house, but much more aware of all of the electric baseboards settings. I also had my dad add a bi-fold door to my second bedroom/jewelry studio and by keeping that closed (when not in use) allows the upstairs to stay toasty. That room seems to be drafty, oddly enough. (Yes, the room did have a standard door, but I didn't like the way it took up space in an already small room.)

Well, the holiday festivities were exactly what I thought they would be: warm + filling. It was so comforting to see all of the family and eat all of that delicious food. The wine was helpful, too! I spent a few days in Northern NJ and then traveled back to Philadelphia only to hit the road next morning to the DC/VA area to see the rest of the family. My cousin from Boston came back with me here and then I dropped her off at the train yesterday afternoon. I then had a few visitors and by evening made it over to finally meet Miss Ella Jo Frank.

Yes, Ella Jo, is beautiful. This new little baby gal is so cute + sweet. Congrats to H + S. You did well! I can't wait to see the little person she becomes... She will be fantastic.


(Photo taken by Daddy Stefan)

On another note, sadly, tonight is my very last yoga class at my favorite yoga studio. The New Studio will be shutting down as my friend has decided to pursue some other adventures. I understand exactly what she means. I hope she still teaches in the area... She is one beautiful teacher full of energy + light. I found her "home" during an intense roller coaster time in my life. Her class brought me back to my internal space where I could believe in me again through the strength of my body + its subtle physical + emotional changes. I was able to find peace and restorative glamour that got me laughing again. I am sad to say goodbye to this community tonight. Her last class will include a bit of a soiree afterward of talk + cheer. I am so glad to have found that space + place from April to December. Thank You, Holly, for helping me heal my soul. You keep sharing your shine, girl!

With the end of that era, I am hoping to enroll in at least two physical classes at work where I take them free of charge. No, it won't be the same, but I am best when I am moving. This is something I discovered some time ago... And, I will keep my eyes peeled for the next best thing. I discovered that stuido by accident so I am sure there is something waiting in the wings... I want that gritty community vibe of real people exploring real truths.

All said, I have a ridiculous list of things to do today, one of which, is to take down my pretty Christmas tree. The needles are falling slowly. I have earrings to mail, a bead run to do, a house to vacuum, dry cleaning to drop off, hair that needs fresh color, laundry to wash, and plans to make...

Happy Tuesday + My Thanks,
kat.

Kat. + Amelia Lane

Isn't she something, this little cutie pie? She is really sweet. And, getting big.

I can't WAIT to meet H.'s little Ella Jo... she has arrived and is gorgeous, for real!

My way longtime friend J's little boy arrives in a few weeks!

And, oh, another J. pal is having a little gal in March.

Wow!

xo,
k.

Terrariums for the Men in my Life

I made about 7 of these as Xmas gifts for the boys... I am very happy with how they turned out! Super cute, easy and they each tell a little story. Every one is unique with a different mix of plants and I used a few different glass containers.

I can't share the ladies' gifts just yet. I know a few of the gals periodically peruse my site. I CAN say I am just as excited with the results!

Let's hear it for DIY Xmas 2008.

Cheers,
Kat.

Commuity

Tonight's theater and arts' community brought me so much inspiration. I have to say that I am surrounded by such talented staff and faculty at my job. And, my office gets to participate in some fantastic events...

I got home a few moments ago and am so glad I stayed for the full event of the dedication of one of our new performing arts spaces which included tons of singing, music and theatrical performances. I witnessed foot tapping, head shaking, and holiday making all over the room. Every single person was smiling and full of pride. Not one person could sit still. What a fantastic night!

It felt great to see our audience having as much fun as the student performers. And, with such a small intimate space + array of talent, the performance was very personal.

After days like this, I am really glad to be exactly where I am...

Community is what this place is all about.

hello from kat.

Image found right here on Johnny Yanok's site.


I don't have much to say, but just wanted to say hello.

Busy + Quiet,
k.

White Noise Wonder

I say buy this excellent little white noise beauty if you have trouble with outside noise or loud neighbors or just sleep super lightly, like me! I purchased this item one week ago and am in love... It works wonders! It has two speeds to work with and the sound is very easy to adjust to. It really is great.

Ironically, my loud talking neighbor(s) have been silent for two weeks. I think he must be away? But, since my house is located closer to Broad Street, I don't hear cars or even my rattling heat. The white noise literally just drowns out the rest of the world. Ahh.

Kat. hearts SleepMate Sound Screen 980A you can buy it here

Sleepin' Tight,
kat.

My First ever Tiffany & Co.

A surprise gift from someone who really surprised me.

My first ever item from Tiffany & Co. It's really cute!

This has been quite a week...

Smiling,
k.

Come See Me + My Earrings this weekend...

Who Who

I truly know how lucky my siblings and I are. We have a great set of parents and I wouldn't want it any other way. And, I just couldn't imagine it any other way. The thing is, I don't take one minute of it for granted. I never have.

My parents decided to visit Me + Philadelphia for the weekend and I was more than happy to host them!

They showed up Saturday afternoon with tools, wine and a present for me. In the little box all wrapped up pretty was a little white ceramic owl I was admiring from the outside of a store front window over Thanksgiving break. The little North Jersey thrift shop was sealed tight, but my mom must have heard my quiet comment and went back during store hours and bought it for me. I thought that was really sweet of her. I smile big every time I look at it.

It is simple, but something about that bird just feels right. And, she fits on my window ledge with the rest of the flock. Thank you, Mom.

My dad, then, pulled out the tools and said, "Let's go to Home Depot!" I took them to Lowe's, but we got lots of goodies. I wanted to put up bi-fold doors in my second bedroom because I took down the regular standard door as it took up too much space with my newest layout. So they bought me doors and an assortment of items and then my mom said, we want to also get you a Christmas Tree. I was surprised, again. I went back and forth this year about the whole tree thing. But, now it was decided. It was exciting. My mom and I decorated the little tree as my dad worked on the door and other small tasks I had on my Man House List! My dad got so much done for me with the most patience and precision (and alterations) I had ever seen.



We drank some wine and headed to a late delicious dinner at Alma de Cuba. We talked about so many things. I was honest about where I was at as I searched for answers. It was nice to hear their perspective on life. Hey, at almost 40 years of marriage, I think they have something to say about life lessons...

Sunday, I made breakfast and we finished up some projects. We then ventured to CC and did some shopping. I wound up trying on super cute over the knee boots at Anthropologie (as I wear them) and my mom said she really liked them on me. She bought them as an early Xmas present for me. Umm, okay. They are so cute! I already wore them today.



We ended the evening at Rouge staring at the sparkly Christmas lights in Rittenhouse and I felt so peaceful and content. And, sorta like the only child I never was! Being one of four, I didn't get my parents like this all the time and they had just spoiled me rotten.

The weekend turned out to be more than I expected... And, I am truly grateful for them.

Truly.

xo,
kat.

DIY Xmas

I found some holiday cheer underneath the couch cushions. Actually, Javier found it for me. Then, she attacked me with kisses this evening. She was the happiest to see me and I heart her little soft ears + wet nose. Kat. loves Javier. We wrestled a bit. Then, went for a walk and met some friends. Oh, she is the best dog ever...

Up above in those little photos, are some things I did tonight on a whim. I found some ideas in the December issue of Real Simple Magazine and ran off to AC Moore. But, I sorta outdid myself because I am now in a bit of pain and forgot to eat dinner. Hey, the front door looks cute though... I also tried to take down my kitchen light fixture that I don't like anymore and almost fell off the chair. Note to self: Wait until you are healed before approaching more projects.

Xmas. Family. Traveling. Philly Friends. North Jersey packed house + sleepovers. DC packed house with more cousins. Friends here + there! Old + New. Babies. NEW babes!!! Food. Dogs. Wine. More Wine. Late nights. Craft shows. Two weeks off! And, so much Love...so much love...

My family rocks. My aunt just called to see how I was feeling. She was concerned. And, my family is like that and it makes me smile big.

My mom called me last night at 11 pm just because... I think when they leave their SC home and come back North for the holidays, their schedule is all messed up! They are usually out running around their neighborhood. I think I need to plan something for this March or April in SC with the gang. She and my dad want to hang out in Philly this weekend and take me out! Cute. Mmm, free food + drinks!! And, my dad is sweet. He wants to do stuff around my house. He asked me to make a list so he makes sure to bring the right tools + such. I guess I have to give up my bed... it's only fair really for all they still do for me.

I am one lucky gal.

That, I am.

xo,
kat.

It just Is.

Change is neither good nor bad.

It just Is.

The hard part is Accepting it.

I have been contemplating that tonight as I found myself cooking a simple delicious chicken stir fry dinner that included snap peas, mushrooms and carrots in a lightly seasoned soy sauce that I placed over Kasmati rice. I decided to keep the pace slow and quiet. I left the TV and music elsewhere and worked with my head. (Sometimes I think I should have gotten a different degree). I am so inspired and perplexed by the depth of relationships + the reasons for behaviors.

I thought about the friendships I have let go of and the others I have rekindled. And, I recaptured my own personal reasons for why I decide who I will let in again and who I just let go...

For me, it comes down to Respect and Truth.

It just Is.

And, while I fumbled around with these ideas + thought patterns, I reflected on all relationships between people and how intriguing they can be. I thought about motives, expressions, desires and the space between it all.

Lastly, I mulled over my daily interactions and the impressions I leave behind. Honestly, something happened again that through me for a loop. I received an email from a friend asking me if I would like to model for a new photo series of women in abandoned spaces. I was able to see some of the images that were quite beautiful, haunting and sexy. I am so flattered and humbled that this friend thought I would be a great addition to the set...

I have agreed to do the shoot. I am sure the experience will be a little bit nerve wrecking. But, it is another new experience.

Sometimes

It just Is.