thistles. and a year.

just some thistles from around my neighborhood. they have mostly gone away now, but at one time, they were along every sidewalk, in every garden. i don't think i have seen these before. if i have, i haven't paid enough attention. they are so fun. they make me want to make a wish. 

...

also of note: this week marks a year of this little blog. this time last year, my parents gave me

 my camera for my college graduation and i never leave home without it. this blog has become 

a sort of shelf for me to put things on...my photos, my thoughts, my observations on the world 

we live in.

 i've made friends here, too...interesting, kind, and inspiring friends from all over. in fact, my first

 friend in new york was a blog friend. if not for blogging, i wouldn't know that i share so much with

 so many, in every corner of the world. in a world that is both so big and so small, that is a wonderful thing to know. 

 and it's become a lovely addition to my morning routine as i take a few moments to simmer over the goings-on in my life and the world around me. it's hard not to feel cheerful when my first thoughts each day are ones of gratefulness and wonder. 

so thank you for stopping in, for reading, for sharing your thoughts, too. i really enjoy your company!

xo