Words, Words, Words...

“Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night and we watch television.”

 - Paul Hawkens

Don't let it pass you by.  Take time to experience. Take time to realize beauty and wonder. Take in all that is good. Live! Live! Live!

Especially with the Holidays coming up, take in every second. Think about every action. Experience, don't drift. Make decisions and leave nothing to habit!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,
Shannon

 

Wishing & Hoping...

It's almost Christmas... well kind of! Here is my wish list. Tell me what you're wishing for!

Wish List by smcooney featuring black tops

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PS: Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Oh the Joys They Bring...

So in the past couple days I have run across these pictures. I was immediately taken by their unarguable cuteness, but it was not until today that I read the initial blog post on Momma's Gone City... Here are the pictures that will crush you with adorableness.

The story goes that this family had been wanting a puppy for sometime and had begun searching online and about at local rescues. When I read this it made me so happy. I am now partial to rescues having adopted my love from there just a bit over a year ago. Until I decided I wanted a dog and started the search I did not have an opinion on pet stores vs. rescues. But oh man do I now! There are so many dogs in need of rescue it's absurd. Anyway, back to to the story. This family ended up visiting their local shelter and choosing this little guy. solely because he made an immediate connection with their little man. He walked right into his lap upon entering the pen. That makes my heart happy. A connection is what it's all about. And boy were they right in sensing that connection, as evidenced above, these two are inseparable and the cutest pair I've ever seen! Right?!

I could go on for days about the relationship an owner has with their pup and the happiness that comes when you make a connection. When I went to find a dog for myself I really never thought about making that connection. I gave the rescue a list of dogs that I wanted to meet based on their pictures. My pup, Savannah wasn't even on the list! After meeting a few hyper dogs on my list, my now friend, Aaron brought out Savannah. He said that she was a good girl and he thought I would really like her. Well when she came out of the house on her leash she was jumping and really excited. I thought he was crazy! But then she ran over to me, sat down and stared up at me with those beautiful amber eyes. You could tell all she wanted was love. I bent down to pet her and she immediately snuggled into me. When I stood up she jumped up and gave me what we lovingly call her hug. She was calm, beautiful, and so ready for someone to love her. I knew she was the one I was meant to have. I came back everyday to take her on walks until the day I ultimately took her home. I honestly couldn't stop telling people about her (and actually still can't!). She's the best. She's cuddly, calm, always happy, and extremely loyal. The joy she has brought me is beyond measure. And that is why this story made me so happy, this family is witnessing the happiness and it is beyond anything they could have imagined. It's wonderful.

That's my thought for today. Hope you all are doing well! Tell me about your pets!

Cheers,
Shannon

P.S. If you are looking for a dog and are in AZ check out Lost Paws. They are the best. Ever.

Smitten...

1. Blue Valentine is one of my favorite movies. If you haven't seen it you should really check it out, it's fantastic. And if you have seen it then you know what I'm talking about. Here are some shots from one of my favorite scenes. Things that didn't make the movie (but that top left pic looks awfully familiar, any Crazy, Stupid, Love fans?). Also, fan of this movie or not you should really read this which, for me, makes it that much better.

2. Really want a picture like this with my dog... Yes, I know, I'm a crazy dog person. 

3. This is just fantastic. Dolce and Gabanna dress the Disney Villans. Perfect. 

4. My students and I have a little inside joke. Whenever I say "Ok, can you try this" they know it's going to be something a bit crazy. Sometimes I even preface it by saying, "This probably won't work, but lets just see how it goes". And you know what? A good fifty percent of the time it ends up working out! That's why I love this:

5. The hairstyle I covet is the perfect messy wave. Not trying too hard, but still looks good. This to me is exactly that:

Hope you all are having a great Tuesday! I know I am (Day off, woohoo!). Let me know what you guys are loving right now!

Cheers,

Shannon

Pining For...

A Leopard Coat!!

(1)  (2)  (3)  (4)

Besides black, leopard is my favorite thing to wear. It goes with everything. It's classic, but also a bit rock 'n' roll (Which I LOVE). And if Jenna Lyons thinks its a neutral, I'm all for calling it that too! Aren't all these ladies above looking great? It's such a versatile coat! Lately I've been telling myself that it's a better investment for me, living in sunny Arizona, to bypass the purchasing of sweaters (which I never seem to want to wear anyway) and buy coats instead. This being because its cold in the morning and then by afternoon a jacket is no longer needed. So, instead of stocking my closet with sweaters, stick to cute tops that can be worn year around and invest in nice coats that can be thrown over anything for the cooler morning hours. I'm a genius, right? Well, maybe not, but it sounds like a fab plan to me. 

Here are some I've been eyeing. They won't break the bank either!:

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Let me know which one you are coveting! Hope you all have a fantastic Monday!

Cheers,

Shannon

Old Friends & A Good Conversation

“A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part.”

—	Lessons Learned in Life

A chat with an old friend is the best. Talked to one of my dearest friends from grade school the other day. The best kind of friend, the kind where time apart doesn't make a difference in the flow of the relationship. Everything remains as it was. Anyway, we talked briefly, but the timing and impact of the conversation couldn't have been greater. Every so often I get in a rut. Feeling like I need something more from my life. Wondering, as everyone does from time to time, where my life is going. Should I be doing something more? Being less safe and taking more chances? Saving more money or traveling more? Don't get me wrong, I am a happy girl. I have no problem with my life now, but it is safe. My friend was having the same struggles, but for opposite reasons. She is a professional dancer in LA. She said to me, "You know Shan, you have it so nice. You own a home, you have a steady job. You're doing well for yourself." And you, know she's right! I have a good thing going. But so does she, and I let her know. She gets to travel all over, working different jobs with fantastic creative types all the time.  Pursuing her dream! Her life is exciting! But to her it is unsteady, and at times nerve racking. 

I guess the moral of the story is that I had my own personal grass-is-always-greener/aha-moment. We all think that someone else has it better. But what we forget to do is count our blessings, and really think about how great we have it. I think it may be better to tell ourselves that others don't have it better than us just because their life is different from ours. We are all equally blessed. It's time to stop comparing! Also, its necessary for us to stop defining our lives by our occupation. It's just one part of everything we have. I think that often we always turn to our job as THE thing that must be the problem. My friend and I ultimately decided that when feeling this way its not always about making a huge change, but maybe making a change in daily life. Changing up the little things. 

This talk really was an eye-opener for me! I teach dance, but sometimes I regret not taking the route my friend did. It would have been quite the ride. Bumpy for sure, but worth it! I've been thinking lately though that we are often where we are meant to be. I chose this route for a reason. And I have to believe that. I have learned so much from my job and I love it. I truly do. I would like to think that if I really was unhappy with my circumstances I would have the courage to take the leap no matter the risk! For now, maybe its just time for a vacation ;)

Here are three quotes that I love and relate exactly to this. (Love me some good words of wisdom):

“You’ll be fine. You’re 25. Feeling unsure and lost is part of your path. Don’t avoid it. See what those feelings are showing you and use it. Take a breath. You’ll be okay. Even if you don’t feel okay all the time.”

—

Louis CK

“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it.”

—	William Feather

“After all these years, I refuse to believe joy costs something, or we have to get on a plane to find it, that it has to happen on our vacation, and that dreams can’t come true on a Tuesday. I don’t know what I want to be, but I don’t think it involves spreadsheets and e-mails and big paychecks.”

—	Damn…that Was Awesome. – Duct Tape Then Beer

Kinda rambled, apologies. Sometimes I just have to get it out!

Cheers,
Shannon

Something New...

I have always been excited about clothes. I would say that for me its not about looking over accessorized or even looking completely put together all the time. I like to be comfortable, and I don't like to look over-thought. Black is a staple, I almost wear it everyday. Here are some celebrity styles that I really like and sometimes take pointers from.

           

Anyway, I wanted to try something. An experiment I guess. We all have favorite items we wear more than others and for me, I know I have funks that I get into. Weeks where I am seemingly obsessed with a certain look, or item. So I have decided to take a picture of my outfit each day until Christmas. And why not share it?! So, I will be posting it on here. Here is today. Yes, I know, mirror pic, but there was no other option.

Have a great day!

Cheers,

Shannon

Just Something on a Sunday...

“This is the funny thing about growing up; for years and years, everybody’s desperately afraid to be different, in any way…and then suddenly, overnight, everybody wants to be different.”

—	Modern Family

I don't have children, but I imagine I will struggle with this phenomenon with them the same way I do when I see my students conforming. It's a hard thing to deal with. You see young people so desperate to fit in. Acting so far removed from their normal that it makes you sad, but yet there is no way to communicate to them that this is an unnecessary behavior. Maybe this is a phase and maybe it is part of cultivating the real you. But it is so silly! Anyway, that's my thought for today. Just one of the things I deal with as a teacher. A teacher who is often lucky to see my students grow-up over many years and have a small impact on their upbringing.  I like to think of it as a little head start to parenting ;)

Hope you al had a great weekend!

Cheers,
Shannon

Smitten...

1. Julianne Moore as “Famous Works of Art” by Peter Linderbergh - for Harper’s Bazaar. Is she not the most beautiful woman?!

2. Animal Lovin'

3. Uncharacteristically for me, Kristen Stewart. She usually bothers me, but if she really said this then I     need to give her another chance. 

“I have realized that you can close yourself off to life if you put walls up, but it’s a difficult thing. You can’t see over, people can’t see in, and you also can’t see out. So I’ve gotten quite comfortable with just being unafraid. I keep saying the same thing: it’s not about being fearless but really just embracing the fears and using them.” -Kristen Stewart

4. Nostalgia for this beast of a duo. Legends of Summer was probably THE BEST concert I've been to.

5. In need of a vacation. A place like this would be ideal.

Hope you're all having a great weekend :)

Today...

Went for my daily coffee date today with my main girl, my dog Savannah. She is my favorite thing. The BEST dog. Anyway, my favorite coffee shop has the nicest people. The employees and the patrons. Meet new people everyday. It always makes my day when people are not scared of my oh-so-vicious pit bull. I could go on and on about ridiculous breed discrimination, but I won't. Sometimes I like to think that Savannah and I are helping to educate on the subject by going out in public everyday and letting people experience what a sweetheart she is. 

Today I met and old man who just fell in love with her, even going as far to joke about what a rough life she had with me and how he was going to take her home and give her the loving life she deserved. So cute. 

Below are a couple pics from our morning. New aztec print jeans that I'm loving, and of course my cute girl. 

Also, just another thought, saw this quote today. 

“We can’t jump off bridges anymore because our iPhones will get ruined. We can’t take skinny dips in the ocean, because there’s no service on the beach and adventures aren’t real unless they’re on Instagram. Technology has doomed the spontaneity of adventure and we’re helping destroy it every time we Google, check-in, and hashtag.”

—	Jeremy Glass, We Can’t Get Lost Anymore (via mymangotree)

I know people talk about this all the time, but its so very true. We are so connected. Constant contact. It reminds me of this thought on relationships, renewal, and our right to move on.

“We live in an age where we feel guilt whenever we have to cut someone off but the reality is that some relationships do need to die, some people do need to be un-followed and de-friended. We aren’t meant to be this tethered to the people in our past. The Internet mandates that we don’t burn bridges and keep everyone around like relics but those expectations are unrealistic and unhealthy. Simply put, we don’t need to know what everyone else is up to. We’re allowed to be choosy about who we surround ourselves with online and in real life, even if it might hurt people’s feelings.”

—	Thought Catalog  (via soul-surfer)

Basically, we live in an age where we can't go an hour, let alone a day without letting everyone we've EVER known what we are up to. Nothing is spontaneous, everything is planned. We even go as far to plan our actions based on what will make the best instagram picture. It's ridiculous. Or maybe its more sad than anything. We aren't living in the moment, we are living for "likes". Trying to paint a picture of the perfect, literally picture perfect, life. There is no depth to our experiences anymore, no letting go and just letting things happen. Too worried about the best way to show others how great our experiences are. But maybe if we put down the phones and got involved in more face-to-face conversations and discussions, adventures with nature, or even creative expression, letting our mind and body just flow, we would be surprised at how wonderful the day could be.

I am not ignorant, and I am not without fault of doing all the aforementioned things listed. I understand that technology is now an integral part of our lives. But I also know that planning for one a day a month where we don't check our phones or update the internet on our lives would be a day well spent. Disconnect from everyone, reconnect with what makes life worth it.

Just a thought... Even if it was a bit longwinded ;)

Hope you all enjoy your day!

Another Shot...

So, I've decided to give this blogging thing another chance. Just going to go with the flow. Thoughts, obsessions, my dog, my work, anything is fair game. Sooo get ready! Not guaranteeing anything exciting, but hopefully something thoughtful., and all me.