“Even chance meetings are the result of karma… Things in life are fated by our previous lives. That even in the smallest events there’s no such thing as coincidence.” ~Haruki Murakami Dear Universe, A few nights ago I went to pick up take-out Chinese food. On the ride to the restaurant my mind wandered to a few things that have …
Choosing Change
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” ~Andy Warhol Dear Universe, Fall only recently arrived and already the air feels crisper. It’s the type of air that can cut you to the core, make you walk faster and dress a little warmer. It’s the type of air that clears your head in an …
Cigar Bar
“Maybe it’s like becoming one with the cigar. You lose yourself in it; everything fades away: your worries, your problems, your thoughts. They fade into the smoke, and the cigar and you are at peace.” ~Raul Julia Dear Universe, I’m a crier. I cry over sentimental cards, sappy commercials, unexpected compliments or a well-timed joke. I cry when I …
The Big E
“We didn’t realize we were making memories. We were just having fun.” Dear Universe, I am a kid at heart. When it comes to playing games? I’m ready. Sugary treats reminiscent of my childhood? I’m all for it. Being silly whenever possible? I mastered that a while ago. 🙂 So when it was suggested that I take a road …
Be Brave
“The only good thing to do with good advice is pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself.” ~Oscar Wilde Dear Universe, Sometimes advice comes to you in the strangest and most unique of ways. It can be a billboard, a sign, a repeated song lyric or just a friend offering words when you need to hear …
Present in the Present
“Clearly, all fear has an element of resistance and a leaning away from the moment. Its dynamic is not unlike that of strong desire except that fear leans backward into the last safe moment while desire leans forward toward the next possibility of satisfaction. Each lacks presence.” ~Stephen Levine Dear Universe, Recently, I find myself thinking more and more about …
London Lesson: Loving and Trying
“Trying is always enough.” ~Patricia Briggs Dear Universe, Leaving Italy was sad, but knowing I was heading to London—a home away from home—made me excited. The thing I was looking forward to most on this last leg of the trip was sharing the experience with my friend, who had never been to London. It would be up to me to …
Arrivederci, Almalfi
arrivederci: until we see each other again “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ~Anita Desai Dear Universe, There are certain places in the world you will never forget no matter how much time passes or how far you go. For me, the Almalfi Coast is one of these places. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. …