LIFE: INSPIRATION AND WHAT I'VE LEARNED AS MY LIFE FALLS INTO PLACE

Happy, Happy Monday, Everyone!

I am baaaaack!!!  Did you miss me?!? ;)  

I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful and exciting experience my time in Italy was!  I even picked up some of the language, while trying to speak it daily and via quizzing each other!  

(Picture I took on my iPhone 4s, via my Instagram, trying to capture the history and charm of Positano.)

The people, and now new friends, I met along the way, were SO friendly and welcomed me like family!  Each day, I felt inspired and was reminded of just how important travel is and the positive impact these experiences and the people you meet along the way can have on your life! 

As I sit in my Manhattan apartment, typing a blog post for the first time in a while, and look back on this year so far, I can honestly say that for the first time in my life, I think things, on all fronts, are falling into place, and I'm feeling what genuine happiness truly is...gradually, and in its own time, which is common for me.  

To my surprise, what I thought true happiness was prior, I now clearly see was not to its fullest potential, and am so glad I have now had a taste of what that is and can be on each front!

It has been a slow process for me, but through the patience, understanding and support of my incredible family and wonderful friends, I think I have begun to find my way and new direction.  All of which, is providing a sense of security, in a newfound way, that also brings the feeling of accomplishment that I've been striving for since graduating college, many years ago!

I'm truly excited for all that is ahead, and things are looking and shining pretty bright! ★ 

This year alone, I've seen the truth behind the theory that people come into your life at times when you aren't looking, and how, sometimes, you fall into things in life that are unplanned, but those times often bring the best, unexpected surprises!

Before I left for Europe, I shared with some people that I was trying to live more in the moments instead of by a plan because plans, ironically, often don't go as planned.

So, I'll leave you with the inspiring words for living a good life that Gianni, an older, local man, whom I met in Rome, shared with me and wrote down, before I left.  They happen to be in line with how I've been trying to live and all I've discovered recently...

"You will fully live life well, when you live naturally and with feeling, not by a menu, but in each moment unplanned."

- Words by Gianni (an older, local man I met in Rome)

Thank you for your patience and kind words, via instagram and comments, while I was away...I can't wait to catch up on all of your blogs, and see all you've been up to!

Rest assured that things should be getting back to usual on my blog very soon, and you can expect picture shows galore, a review, discount offers and a fun DIY project very soon! :)