Yesterday was a Maxxinista today at TJ Maxx

Hey Girls,
Yesterday was a Maxxinista today at TJ Maxx only thing that kinda annoying is picking off the size sticker inside the shoe. Put them on and just knew they were it. The girl in the shoe aisle was staring me down while wearing these towards the check out line and then I paid for them and wore them home happily. :)

~Isobella

listening to voicemails and reading letters from my Dad

Today before I put on a gown to watch the Oscars and get dolled up, I'm looking through pictures and reading some letters my Dad sent me throughout the years and listening to the voicemails I was able to preserve, especially the last one he sent me only hours before he passed away and the hopeful sound in his voice. He was quite a conversationalist, and although I only saw him a few times a year when I visited the Syracuse area, we connected weekly by phone and I always knew to set aside a decent amount of time because the conversation would be full of his quotes and thoughts about the purpose of things, his struggles, his advice and I'd sometimes write in my journal certain stories or things he'd share with me. He also had a great voice. I miss his voice a lot and his signature 'Goodbye for now,' at the end of his personalized voicemail recording. The bravest thing I've ever done was receive the call and handle all the details of putting him to rest, and picking up his remains in Syracuse and visiting the site and collecting a few sentimental items that I collected from his car, and carrying the urn back with me on the plane, it was the hardest day of my life, but at the same time I was honored to do it. I've played it over in my mind many times. This year, with all of these feelings that come with losing a parent, a man who was also a friend and someone I was the sounding board to and for, has ached me with the thickest tears but...I'm doing better and I think he's okay too, I believe we all have a soul and it lives, an energy that stays present and that the end isn't the end all. Maybe it's coincidence but I've seen signs and symbols of him so very often this year. I've also discovered the importance of having faith and it's taken me awhile to make my peace with losing him so suddenly and in the way it happened, and I'm not sure it "was his time" but that's the unknown and I believe his soul is gracing the world with kindness and compassion and care for others, animals and nature. I believe he's become a piece of beauty in this world. 26 is a new symbolic number to bet on. :)

This weekend a year ago my father died

This weekend a year ago my father died, it's strange how time carries you along and the months and seasons go by, some slower, all full of signs that spark memories, and although sadness is still there it's because of the care held inside. The soul lives on, I have faith in that, and the aura of our loved ones is nearby and you're always on my mind Dad :)

Death of a Salesman preview was GREAT!

It was sad of course and I should have brought a couple tissues but truly a treasure of a play. I feel so lucky I got to see it and the preview show I saw last night is a memory that I will always remember. Philip Seymour Hoffman was so raw and honest and true. Linda Emond saying I can't cry Willy, made me cry. Loved it! Really did. I can see why Arthur Miller's work will live on through the ages. Also pretty young crowd tonight, a lot of people in upper 20s and 30s there and I suggest you see it for how the simple set relies on pure talent to creatively share the story of a broken down man and his hopes and failures and you will find yourself caring for him, laughing along at times, even crying from the art of language and emotion that will grab you with the first sound of the flute :) it was great to disconnect for a few hours and let in the world of Willy Loman and his boys.
~Isobella

P.s: Seeing a preview show is also a little bit cheaper way to see Broadway. And it says here that a limited number of $30 rush tickets will be available to theatre goers 30 years of age and under at every performance, beginning Feb. 14. Rush tickets will be sold in person at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre box office (243 West 47th Street) when it opens on the day of the performance. There will be a limit of two tickets per valid ID, subject to availability. The box office is open Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-8 PM. http://www.deathofasalesmanbroadway.com/

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you have a special Valentine's Day, may it also be a day to greet our inner love, the love we have for ourselves. Give yourself some appreciation :) do this every day! -Isobella

San Francisco weekend pics and favorite little things of SF

Hey Girls,

Here are some pics from my trip to San Francisco last weekend, and also my favorite little things of SF.

Favorite Little Thing SF # 1  First stop in San Francisco was getting my boots fixed for a hill walking! — at Anthony's Shoe Service.

Favorite Little Thing SF # 2 We had a great dinner at Town Hall and went to Favorite SF # 3 the beautiful beautiful San Francisco ballet Onegin!

pics by my husband

Favorite little thing SF # 4  Venice Gourmet Deli in Sausalito.

In Sausalito we had lunch at Venice Gourmet Deli and I had a yummy grilled eggplant and mozzarella sandwich and we sat by the water to eat and relax, very peaceful and pretty.

Favorite Little Thing SF # 5 On our way to sit down we saw the rock man, he is all about balance and balancing rocks on top of eachother and it is really eye catching and impressive.

The habor in Sausalito is pretty and the water is calm, it's really packed with all types of boats resting this time of year.

Favorite Little Thing SF # 6 of course the Apple store in San Francisco!

Favorite Little Thing SF # 7 Riding a ...

Favorite Little Thing SF #8  Walking around Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39 Sealions!

Favorite Little Thing SF #9  Taking boat ride to Alcatraz (seeing SF from boat is beautiful and then had a fun time walking around Alcatraz.)

(Alcatraz)

Favorite Little Thing SF #10 The Fog

I hope you've enjoyed some of my pics from my trip to San Francisco, it is a beautiful city, and those hills are serious! You should get out to San Francisco, I'm sure you will have a memorable time, like I did!

~Isobella