Invisible Wounds

top: vintage (loving this one) // pants: rag and bone ( similar here) // boots: 10 crosby derek lam (similar here) // jacket: old, loving this one // stole: similar here // sunnies: ray-ban (available here)
photos by common dove photography

"Wounds are no longer visible to others when they heal. However, memories and emotions remain. Without knowing words can sting vulnerable spots where wounds have previously healed. We should always try hard to be mindful and encouraging. In other words, master the art of exhortation. Encourage others today and remember that God heals your wounds if so accept."

Not Settling

dress: bb dakota (available here) // shoes: 10 crosby derek lam (similar here) // sunnies: prada (available here)// watch: michael kors (available here)
photos by common dove photography

Yesterday I got a package in the mail from a very dear friend with a coffee mug that said "keep not settling" and a note that had me ugly crying (I have the most incredible friends by the way). It was nice to be reminded that I'm finally on the right path…. A couple of months ago I packed up and left a life I had settled for and have been busting my ass to create a new one that I'm happy with and proud of. Its not easy and somedays its hard not to wonder if I made the right decision….but in the words of Sugarland…...

                                                                   "I ain't settling for just getting by

I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than EVERYTHING"

Obligatory NYC Shots

top: for love and lemons ( here) // skirt: for love and lemons (here) // boots: 10 crosby derek lam (similar here) // bag: 3.1 phillip lim (similar here) // sunnies: ray ban (here) // watch: michael kors (here)
photos by sheree from its not that deep

Iris and Joan

dress: free people (similar here) // shoes: 10 crosby derek lam (similar here) // bag: loeffler randall (here) // sunnies: prada (similar here)
photos by common dove photography

Sometimes in your darkest hour….when you don't think you can handle anything else…..situations arise and people are placed into your life for a reason. This past weekend I had the pleasure of going to New York City to attend a couple of fashion shows and events. As much fun as I had by the second day all I could do was think about my sweet Doodle Bug and how much I wanted to see my son. By the time I reached JFK airport on Monday morning I was a literal and metaphorical mess. After waiting an hour to get through security I finally made it to my gate to hear that my flight had been canceled…..at that point I started crying…not because of the flight or anything else but because all I wanted was to hold my child (also, if you guys haven't noticed I'm going through some hard times). A lady behind my complimented my outfit and when I turned around to say thank you her and her friend noticed me crying.

Thankfully, the two women behind me (Iris and Joan) ended up being sent to La Guardia with me to catch a later flight back to North Carolina. I spent several hours with Iris and Joan eating buttery pretzels, people watching and talking about life. I spilled my guts to those two and explained everything going on in my life…….and they made me laugh and forget everything going on. It was during those hours with two complete strangers that I realized everything happens for a reason….. you end up in certain situations and people are sent to you just when you feel like you can't take anymore.

I know Iris and Joan were sent to me to help me that day…..because later on when my flight landed reality set in and I got dealt with even more blows that I never saw coming.

 A friend sent me with this quote recently….

"Life is unpredictable,

It changes with the seasons,

Even your coldest winter,

Happens for the best of reasons,

And though it feels eternal,

Like all you'll ever do is freeze,

I promise spring is coming,

And with it, brand new leaves"

I'll be honest, right now I'm freezing and it feels like spring is never going to come. But I do know that I'm going through all of this for a reason and when I literally cannot handle any more another situation like me being sent Iris and Joan will come and for a moment everything will be ok…….

Old is New

dress: vintage (loving this one) // boots: 10 crosby derek lam (similar here) // bag: 3.1 phillip lim (similar here) // sunnies: prada (similar here)