5.28.2014

New Blog!

I've updated my blog, and moved it to a new location!  If you'd like to keep up on my posts, please venture over to maceysnelson.blogspot.com


3.01.2014

February 2014 in an Instagram




February 2014, you were full of some really big UPs!  
I mean just look what you were full of:

- Love
- Snowmageddon
- Time with family
- Adventures with The Kid
- Signs of Spring
- AMOS LEE!!!!!!

Thanks for the great times February... see you next year!

How was your February?  
Anything in particular you are looking forward to in March?


2.27.2014

Playing a little catch up

I feel like like I say this with every post, but wow it's been a long time since I've updated!  I haven't been consistent with blogging - unless you consider not posting consistently to be consistent. Ha!

I've been striving for a bit more routine in my life lately, and blogging regularly falls into that intention. I intend to create space for personal reflection and introspection.  I've realized recently that a lot of change has happened around me which tends to effect where my attention is spent.  My attention being elsewhere causes me to eventually walk into a wall and only then (when smacked in the face with the awareness) do I realize a shift needs to be made.

So anyhow, that's all at the forefront of my awareness right now.

As for the recent past, here's what's been going on:


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If we're friends in real life or on social media you probably heard that my brother was in a bad motocross accident last month.  His pain is lessening, his spirits are well and his relationship with God, family and friends is being forged stronger.  This is a long road for him though and while it's definitely effecting him, his wife and daughter most, seeing it effect them and my parents is really, really difficult for me.  I'm a 'fixer' by nature and knowing I can't fix it is hard.  We trust our God though, and while we're hopeful the wheelchair is only temporary, we know His plan is perfect and take solace in that.

In all things there is good, and there is joy in finding the silver lining.  For me that has definitely been the opportunity for more family time.  I love Portland, but moving here has taken time with my family from near-daily to once every few months at best.  In the past month I've had the opportunity to travel home twice, and am already planning to return in a few weeks.  Can't complain there!  I mean look at this munchkin, how could you not love time with her...

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In other news a huge bucket list item has been crossed off recently...

I SAW AMOS LEE LIVE Y'ALL!

Yes, live.
In person.
In the flesh.
In all his sexiness.
I saw Amos Lee.

Oh what a glorious night it was.

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The show was great!  So full of energy, and that voice.... oh that voice.
Simply perfection.

So there you have it.  Some ups, some downs, and lots of recognition of needs and intentions. 
How has life been for you lately?  

2.09.2014

Turns Out Portland Snow Storms Are Sometimes A Real Thing

Well, even though I've been going a bit stir crazy from being indoors too long and stuck at my apartment, it really has been pretty neat to experience a crazy snow storm in Portland.  When I moved here people were still talking about the Snowpocalypse of '08, and I'm sure they will be talking about Snowmageddon '14 for years to come too.

I ended up with about 6 inches in my front yard, and ventured out a couple of times to take a few photos.

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So even though I'll be glad to see it go soon, it has been nice while it's here.

Snowmageddon Portland

So it's been doing this:

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a LOT.

And this is how Zulu and I feel about it:

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Can it be done now?

2.04.2014

January 2014 in an Instagram



  • Road trip home from Idaho
  • Working out with friends
  • Oregon Coast visits
  • Rains returned
  • Kitty cuddles
  • Brunch Book Club
  • Girls Night Out
  • Family night
  • Baby cuddles
  • Nanny life
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Magazine launch
  • Visits home
What were the highs of your January?

1.20.2014

Weekend Update | The Good Life

After a crazy busy week I decided to really do the weekend up right.  In the spirit of embracing "now" I chose activities that I've either been putting off, or been wanting to do for some time and just haven't had the time.

This weekend included:

  • The first meeting of The Ladies Who Brunch, Book Club.
  • Time relaxing with family (snuggly baby included!)
  • Yoga
  • Church (the first time I've attended church in about 5 years)

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I loved every minute of my weekend.  Everything about it was good for my soul.

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything to embrace 'now?'

1.17.2014

My Word For 2014 | NOW

The past year brought me many great things.  I experienced love and heartbreak, growth and loss, and discovered much more about myself and the strength I didn't know I possessed.
2013 was a great year, but I'm ready to put it behind me.

Moving into 2014 I knew I wanted to choose a word to title this year.  I wanted a word that I could focus on when the going (inevitably) gets tough, and a word that I could use to celebrate and embrace the positive.  Many words came to mind, but one circled round time and again, and I knew it was my word.

NOW: adverb | at the present time or moment.

Now doesn't mean forever and it doesn't indicate the past.  Now is the present.

How do I feel now?
What is best now?
When do I need to act?  Now.


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The other day I caught the most beautiful sunset at the coast and had to pull my car over to really take it in.  I was amazed by the light, and how it seemed to make all time stop.  The perfect light at sunset lasts less than a minute as the sun kisses the horizon for a mere moment and then dips beneath it altogether. As I was struck by the beauty of the moment, I couldn't help but think how perfect that particular now was.  I can't help but think that each now is perfect in its own way.  It may not be as obvious as that now was, but it's perfect none-the-less, and I look forward to the many perfect "nows" 2014 has to offer.

Do you pick a word to focus on during the New Year?
What were would you pick if you did?



1.06.2014

Closing Out The Year | December in an Instagram


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December was a great month!  Lots of times with friends and family and traveling to Idaho and back.  December was also a time of reflection mixed with looking forward as I closed out 2013 and started planning 2014.  It was a month of ups and downs emotionally, but luckily it always ended on the upswing as I looked to each situation as a moment for growth.  

I spent a bit of time decorating my apartment and being intentional with some furniture additions.  It was entirely new for me since I've lived the past 10 years as minimalistic as possible.  I like being minimalist, and still strive to live simply and at my means, but I'm enjoying nesting in my home.  Previous to this apartment the longest I lived in one place was 9 months.  I've been in my current home for 18 months with no plans to move.  It's a lovely feeling to be happy with my home.

As I move into 2014, I'm excited to continue being intentional with my relationships, health, and finances.  There's some huge additions to my professional life that I'm really looking forward to developing, and enjoying the growing pains that I've experienced.

Cheers to a wonderful December and moving forward!