The Bean is not a Coffee Shop

"I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates or love at first sight. But, I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because they were perfect or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in such a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together." 
 

6 days. 400 photographs. 7 bottles of vino. 1 amazing man.

"He kissed me. Really put his arms around me and kissed me. It went through my body like he had flipped some electrical switch and lit me up. His skin was so warm, and he was suddenly so beautiful, and I thought, oh, this is what all the hype is about."

Feels Like Rain

"Unless it is Mad, Passionate, Extraordinary Love, it is a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love should not be one of them." 
Mediocre, adjective
1. of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate. 
Antonyms: Extraordinary, superior, uncommon, incomparable.

This quote, when applied broadly, really seems to resonate with my life these days. I keep reminding myself of all the times I've heard, "Never settle for less than what you deserve." Yet, what do I deserve? What do we all deserve? What guidelines dictate what each and everyone of us deserves in life? Is is a pure heart? Compassion? Courage? Buddha's eightfold path of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration? 

I had a dispute earlier in the summer and one of the comments really stuck with me. "You act like you're a princess, like you deserve something more." Now, in that moment the princess reference was very insulting, seeing as how he was implying that I expect things to be handed to me on a silver platter or as if I think nothing is ever good enough (neither of which could be farther from the truth) . But now as I look back on that conversation, it reminds me of the whole 'never settle' mantra.  I want to go back in time to that night and say, "Yes, you're right. I DO deserve something more." If there's one thing my daddy taught me when I was growing up, it's that I am a special young girl and I deserve to be treated as such. And by golly, if that's too much to ask for in a relationship, then so be it. 

We may not know what it is that we deserve (or want for that matter) and we may not find that incomparable love today, tomorrow, or next week, but I am certain that it is out there. 

And it will be nothing short than sensational. 

 

 

 

 

Decorating Inspiration for the Contemporary Bohemian

Just a few images that I find inspiring...enjoy :)