I’m coming down from a beauty high, after spending the past few days in California. I found myself so many times whispering “thank you, thank you, thank you” for the goodness around me. I love the way travel allows me to see beauty in new forms, new places, a new light – but also how it reminds me of what I love in my own daily life. By the end of the trip, I started to miss the autumn leaves, my comfy bed, my boys’ precious smiles.

It is so good be home – but gosh, I’m so grateful for all these beauty sightings during my days away. Thought I’d share a few…

Saint Monica statue in Santa Monica, CA – created in 1934. Lovely in the light.

Flowers within a flower. Swoon.

Belly laughs and special moments shared with my mom and not-so-little brother.

My mom saw these fly-away balloons and I was so happy to get a pic before they disappeared. I wonder where all those balloons were coming from – and where they’re going now.

Gorgeous tree bark with a heart-shaped opening. So many layers of a life well-lived.

Look at that sunset! I think every human being on earth should get to watch the sun set over the ocean. It is one of my favorite things in all the world.

Wishing you all a week touched by beauty and countless reasons to say “thank you, thank you, thank you.”

*****

If you’re here for the first time, via the Pioneer Press article, welcome! Would love to hear from you in the comments section and hope you’ll visit often.