The Unnoticed Things

A tree.  A simple but complex structure with limbs filled with leaves.  Most of the time they go unnoticed.  Until they disappear from a storm, construction, or just from someone cutting it down.  Then everyone notices because that one tree is what made everything seem in its place.  When the tree is gone, things look awkward and like a different place.

Oh but a tree probably has the most stories to tell of all.  Always standing, seeing everything that goes past.  Feels the cool breeze and sun shine in the day, but also the harsh winds and heavy rain during a storm.  Loses a part of itself in the fall, and then is reborn again in the spring, all but to repeat the cycle once again. Until its gone.

There are so many things in this world that we don't notice, the most simplest things in life.  When we are children, we see everything.  I recently thought to myself that there were not as many bugs as there were when I was a child.  However, then I realized its because I'm not looking.  Once I payed attention, there they were again.

In our fast paced world, we just simply do not see things right in front of us, but in reality, these things could the be things that don't judge who we are or what we will become, or what we have already become.

Life, it's the greatest gift of anything, and yet we take it for granted.  So next time your outside, close your eyes and take in a deep breath.  Feel your surroundings and then open your eyes.  Look for the small things like a caterpillar or just watch the way the grass blows back and fourth from the wind.

If you live in the city, this may be a more difficult task for you to do, but don't you worry.  There are still so many things around you as well.  Just take a walk through the park, or even down the street. You might be surprised to what you might find.

~Danni~

*This was written in Feb. 2012.  I found it in my drafts. Apparently I had set it to go live, but it never did. It still says it's scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012 lol However, I liked it, and wanted to share it. I did just add the picture to go with it though :-)

Disconnecting

When was the last time that you put technology down and just enjoyed living. Real life living. Watching the squirrels in the tree, feeling the wind, or observe your surroundings.  It seems that I've lost site of things that I once use to enjoy.  I love technology, don't get me wrong, but there is no reason that we, I, should be so consumed in it that we forget to live.  I've decided to start making a point to actually live and feel alive. I know out of habit it might take a while to actually stop checking my phone every five seconds, but this weekend was good.  I did check my phone, but not half as much as I normally do. I actually got a lot of things I wanted to do done, and I had a great weekend.  My sweet hubby and I painted a door that we have been wanting to paint. (one out of a few down :p ) I sat on the porch and actually really watched a squirrel. I sat outside and admired nature, and how the leaves are beginning to change to welcome fall. I noticed and paid attention to the small things  I spent time with family, we cleaned the house, I filmed part of my after house tour that I kept meaning to get to.  I enjoyed just being alive.  I know it may sound odd, but it's true.  I'm generally a happy person, but I've kind of been dealing with ups and downs in mood, I guess the stage of life I"m in, so many changes, and sometimes I feel like there is no point to do things, or I don't even know what to do other than things dealing with technology because that's all I've been doing for the past while.  When I was younger I could enjoy my day without being online (even though I spent a lot of time online).  So I've kind of been on a quest for finding how to enjoy my days without my phone in my face.  I know it's a process, but this has been a great step this weekend.  I had a lot of joy, and I wouldn't be able to do that with out God.  I've also been seeking to feel closer to him lately because I've kinda drifted a way. (not in a go crazy way, but just busy way) That's not an excuse though, that should be my top priority, and I have been doing much better with that.  I believe, even in this shortness of time, I've already gotten closer again. That's where my true joy comes from.  I also think that he has given me the desire to feel more alive, and that is why I decided to go on my quest. He has helped me live a more lively life while seeking him.  I hope to only grow closer and closer that I ever have been before. I've really been wanting to go on a trip where I can hike, be in nature, and just be still and experience God's beauty. Hopefully we will be able to do that very soon!

Have an awesome fabulous day! 

XOXO Danni


(This was the weekend of 10/18/14 :-) )

Berlin, Germany

I'm so excited to say that I FINALLY got the chance to go see my Germany sister this past March, and I FINALLY got on a plane again!! Woot Woot!! It was an amazing experience to see the European culture, and also just to live the life of Linda! :-)

That was me at the Berlin Gate when it just happened to start snowing! (Schnee) I was SUPER excited!! I don't get to see snow that often.  After that, it snowed most of the trip, and I was living in a winter wonder land!!  I'm not sure that Linda was so happy to see more snow though because she actually has to live in it. LOL

SEEEEEE a LOT of SNOW!! :-D 

Nick and I in front of .... If your not familiar with Europe, then a fun fact for you is that the blue flag behind us is the European flag, and it also has stars in a circle that represent each country that is in the European Union.  Also, the red, black, and yellow flag is the German flag.  The Belgium flag is the same, but the strips go up and down instead.

This place has an interesting name!! Can you guess the English name for it?? No..well the picture itself it s a hint! It's called the pregnant oyster. HAHA get it?!  Because it looks like an oyster that is prego?? So Linda and I are pretending that the oysters baby is our baby in the picture. hehe

So much happened in just one week that I couldn't possibly put it all into my blog unfortunately, but I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of what my trip was like!  I defiantly will go back as soon as I get the chance!

We're Engaged!

Omgosh!! I totally just realized I have been forgetting to blog!!

The biggest news I have is Nick and I got engaged!! Yay :-D

On December 17, 2012, Nick sent me a text that told me to go out and find something nice to wear because we were going on a date the next day!  I went shopping and found the perfect outfit. I wasn't sure if this was the "big date" or if he was just being nice and taking me out.  He refused to tell me where we were going because it was a suprise. 

On Tuesday, December 18, 2012, we left for our date at 5:30pm.  Still not knowing where we were going, Nick took me to our destination.  He took me to a beautiful Christmas park that had SO many beautiful lights!! We walked around, and then he took me into the gazibo. A man with a camera came up to us, and pretended to be taking pictures of different people around the park for a magazine.  While he was taking pictures, Nick got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!  Of course, I said YES!! :-)

After that, he took me to Olivie Garden, where I thought we were going to have a dinner just the two of us, but when we arrived, my mother, step-father, little brother, and his dad were all there to congratulate us.  My mother, step-father, and little brother had brought us beautiful flowers!  Nick's dad had Olivie Garden make us a cake! When we got home, he had a dozen roses on the counter for me!

This is the beginning to our happily ever after!