This New Semester

The morning James and I left Dana Point we all went down to walk along the beach. On days like today, when we wake up to snow falling outside in Boston, I think of this.

Spring semester has begun, and I keep telling myself--as I don my feather-down snow jacket--that at the end I will be wearing sandals and short sleeve shirts to class. This semester I am taking Book Editing and an Applications of Print Publishing class. They should go well together, editing and learning the computer programs that we use to build books. My Book Editing class is taught by one of my favorite professors so far, even though he gives an abundant amount of homework. I'm actually avoiding that homework currently, writing this. But I'll consider it my warm-up.

Lately, as always, I've been trying to find beauty in the small things. I'm enjoying hot coffee, my new calendar, a journal I only doodle in, fresh flowers in our house, the sunset out our living room windows, warm blankets, soft boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, my friends at work, waking up before the sun, wool socks, pictures of Laurel's babies, time to read, and game nights.

A Cozy January Day

I had the day off today. So, naturally, it was full. 

I spent the morning finishing Howard Schultz's first book, Pour Your Heart Into It. A story about the beginning of his company, my company, and the process of growing it from one small retail store into a global corporation. Reading about the decisions he made, how hard he worked, and the team of people he leads Starbucks with was inspiring. I appreciate Howard's vision and how much he cares about me as a partner. 

In the afternoon I went to New Covenant School, where James teaches, to help lace up ice skates. The kindergarten teacher is also a friend of ours, and she asked me if I would help her with her kiddos today. Even though I haven't ice skated since high school, I was ready. Kindergarteners have such tiny feet! Tiny skates! I enjoyed watching James help and encourage his students. They all call me Mrs. Pierce--love that.

For dinner I made cauliflower soup, a creamy, onion and potato based soup from one of my favorite cookbooks. It has mustard and olive oil croutons that go with it, topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a rainy evening. 

Fireside Games

 My munchkin face.

James woke up this morning and said--

Ash we've been home two whole weeks and we haven't played Munchkin once. 

Complete with a pout face. 

Am got this game for James as a Christmas present. The moment he opened the box and began to read the rules he was hooked. James likes games with complicated rules, and it seems he also likes games with rules that can be played randomly, trump other rules, and used by other rules to win. Confused? Me too. I'll admit it took me a while to understand what I was playing. The best part was hanging out with my siblings and giggling at the silliness of it all. It also helps that we use peanut butter cups as markers for our levels. Miss spending time with these guys. 

I think we'll have a game night here soon.

On the Water

 Dana Point

Billy!

 James jumped in. 

Cousins. 

The day after Christmas James' uncle Dave took us out on their boat, the same boat on which James proposed. We went out of the Dana Point Harbor, and cruised up the coast to the Laguna Beach area. We ate Tutor and Spunky's (an awesome sub shop in DP) for lunch on the water and enjoyed the sunshine. My sandwich was packed with avocados. The ocean was smooth that day, and I was so thankful to stand in the midst of it. James swam a bit--of course--and reported it was cold. 

Most of our trip I became a sunshine sponge and on this day I definitely got my fill. 

What I love most about these pictures is that our blue eyes match the color of the Pacific. 

Christmas in California

Four years ago, when James and I were dating, he wrote me a letter on Christmas day. In it told me about his family's Christmas traditions and the things he loves about spending that day with them. 

This year I got to experience it in person. 

James and I, still on East Coast time, woke up around 5:30 and went downstairs to get some tea and start a fire. Everyone arrived for breakfast and after that we spent time opening gifts. I love how thoughtful each gift was, and the time spent together was the sweetest gift of all. 

We spent the afternoon at grandma and grandpa's house, where we ate dinner (twice), played games, and relaxed together. Most of our trip was like that actually, exactly what I needed.