week 3

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

15. jan 15. take a walk, looking as far into the distance as possible » This was our first walk without our sweet Grace…  Really just concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other right now.  Remembering the way she would run ahead, but always look back, as if asking… mom, are you coming?  I miss her sweet goofy face so much.
16. jan 16. offer a kleenex to a person in need » We decided to try and visit the local theatre as a little distraction, try to clear our heads a bit of this horrible week.  I brought an entire box of kleenex with me, just knowing I would go through them… And instead ended up offering it to the woman next to me.  (Although this example was not written in my book's pages, I found it to be the perfect good deed for today.  I added to the blank pages at the end entitled- what else can you do?)
17. jan 17. talk about what you're grateful for » This was so hard, yet so important.  As we are trying to find ways to cope with our loss, we are really striving to focus on all the good & wonderful things we have shared with each other and with Grace throughout our lives.
18. jan 18. choose the longer walk home » On all our daily walks, I would always let Grace choose which path to take… somedays it would be the shorter route and on others she would surprise me by picking the longer route.  But those routes were still just a bit shorter than the one we used to take… She hadn't been able to take it in a while because the distance proved to be just a little too much for her tired legs.  So today my hubby & I chose this one once more… And we talked & we smiled while thinking of her.
19. jan 19. make up your own family holiday to celebrate » There are two girls in our neighborhood that met & visited with Grace over the summer last year. They would ring our doorbell just to pet her & love on her… And I just knew the day would come when they would come knocking again… And I dreaded it. Just the thought & telling their innocent smiling faces, made my stomach turn. I assumed we would have plenty of time, it's winter after all… But you see… It has been the most beautiful day. 72 degrees… sunshine, and only the slightest breeze on your face. And guess what, our doorbell just rang. "Is Gracie taking her nap?" "No honey, she is in Heaven now… But she loved you guys coming by to visit her." So hard. We had a moment & said okay, and she left. And only a few short minutes later my doorbell rang again. She was back with her siblings… And they asked us… "Since she's gone already, would it be okay if we have a birthday party for her every year to celebrate her life?" My heart is so full.
20. jan 20. take a long bath » I may be the only woman on earth that doesn't do this… pretty much ever.  I always choose the practicality of the shower instead.  Today however, this proved to be exactly what I needed.
21. jan 21.  offer your respects, always » I need to remember I'm not the only one hurting & that all the support we have received should be shared in the hopes of comforting other friends experiencing the same hurt and loss.

I never meant for my good deeds to feel sad, or be about myself… however these were all in the book.  I've always believed- we can't choose what will happen to us, or when it may happen, but we can choose how we react to it.  Right now my heart needs time… it continues to ache for my sweet Gracie girl, & I know it may need a lifetime to heal.  It's been comforting to know that as I am going through this project, I am realizing good deeds for yourself are just as important as those that you choose to do for others.  --  Recently, we have been blessed with beautiful days, completely uncharacteristic for January, including record high temperatures in the 70s & 80s.  This was our first sunrise without her (after weeks & weeks of grey).  Lately, I find myself strolling our usual routes & I can't help but look to the sky, seeking the sun's warmth… and it brings me such joy to picture my pretty girl's smiling face.  

week 2

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

8. jan 8. leave your mail carrier a thank-you note » something as simple as, we just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you delivering our mail everyday… a very heartfelt thank you for all that you do & to the others that help share in the responsibilities as well! -Nelou + Brad
9. jan 9. floss » because it's important to do small good deeds for yourself too…
10. jan 10. figure out how to print double-sided » another good tip is to reuse your scrap paper, especially if you have one of those printers that likes to recalibrate the ink cartridges… no need to waste a perfectly clean sheet of paper!
11. jan 11. bring your own bags to the store » a few grocery stops today, since tomorrow we are starting a kind of cleanse called the WHOLE30, a diet of unprocessed foods… (no bread & cheese may make for a little whining, let's just be honest)
12. jan 12. say hello to strangers, especially to the elderly » and especially when they are toughing it out at the gym!!  You GO!
13. jan 13. listen to your heart » even if it means breaking it…
14. jan 14. take a deep breath. now take two more. repeat » remember, this is enough.

The past few days have been the hardest… Our Gracie girl has been with us nearly half our lives on this earth… She has filled every moment of our lives with goodness & joy, love & understanding.  Everything around us & every part of our being contains a piece of her…  

On Tuesday, January 13th, we opened our hearts up just a little bit more.  Daddy brought you breakfast in bed, and we sat in our little circle of three, our sweet family… enjoying the life we've made together, realizing it was long & completely full.  As the day went on, we snuggled, shared stories… enjoyed plenty of cookies & sweet potatoes & lots of turkey.  We spent a few moments outside, looking towards the sunshine, just letting it warm our faces as the cool breeze gave us a soft embrace.  We said I love you… over & over & over again.  We laughed & cried and hugged each other, and we watched you fall asleep.  And we stroked your fur and said everything's gonna be alright, that you were the best of us, and that now, sweet baby… you are free.  Daddy carried you, mommie right beside him… and we cried a little more.  And as we laid you to rest sweet girl, we saw the most beautiful sunset.  And we knew with all our hearts… you were now smiling down from above.

Gracie Zikas » July 12, 2000 to January 13, 2015

kicking off twenty-fifteen with...

one good deed a day

be the change . 2015 . kindness is contagious

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

1. jan 1. line dry your laundry instead of using the dryer » Glad it was a small load, since we are experiencing freezing rain right now, which means I had to use my laundry room to hang dry… but can't wait to do this again with a little sunshine.  I just love the smell of a line-dried blanket!
2. jan 2. schedule your annual physical » done.
3. jan 3. bag your own groceries » this one's kinda easy for me, because I've been doing this since we lived in Germany.  It still makes me smile when the cashier looks at me like I've lost my mind when I tell her- don't worry, I'll do the bagging… teamwork.
4. jan 4. bring your neighbor's newspaper to her doorstep » perfect for today since it's only 25 degrees out… will hopefully be a nice little surprise when they open their door & discover their paper on their doormat!
5. jan 5. start a update your birthday calendar to help you remember to mail cards » I actually started my calendar a long time ago & I used to be so good with mailing cards… however I really do try to wish everyone in my calendar a happy birthday or anniversary- whether it's in person, by phone call, social media, or in a text.  Hopefully this year I can get out a few more wishes via snail mail!
6. jan 6. wish your cashier a good day » & with a smile too!  Everyone should do this.  All the time.
7. jan 7. carry a safety pin in your bag- someone will be so grateful you have one » good reminder!  I used to always carry one, but pretty sure it was passed on to someone in need & I forgot to throw another one in my bag… so now it's there for the next person!

I'm looking forward to watching this list grow as the year progresses, along with a few of my thoughts & daily reflections.  I believe even a small act of kindness can turn someone's day around, hopefully causing a happy little chain reaction…  It's my wish that you will join me & that this will also inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world.  Just one good deed a day.  

loving autumn...

A cold front just blew through Oklahoma overnight… leaving us with a major temp drop!!  We've been slowly awaiting the arrival of fall and all its pretties for awhile now, but of course it feels like we are skipping straight to winter!  So before the snow decides to start swirling in the skies, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites from our fairly warm autumn… easy to see why this time of year kicks off my happy place!  Lots of color, falling leaves, plus a few crisp days mixed in- perfect for walks with my Gracie girl!

day in the life...

I really love documenting moments.  The little ones.  The so seemingly ordinary- that we just skip through life not realizing how much they hold a place in our heart- moments.  As I look through these, I find that I was drawn to the quieter times… They tell our story.  I picked an ordinary August day & followed these two around.  And although I didn't quite get an entire day (more like an afternoon & evening- oh and lots of napping)- I now have the stills of some of my favorite happenings between the two loves in my world…

and that means everything.

forgotten, a lonely ghost town

On our way home from Santa Fe, we happened upon this little ghost town.  I honestly didn't even know these things really existed… When I think of ghost towns, I think of movie sets.  We didn't spend a lot of time here.  Rumor has it, there are still a few inhabitants.  And as much as I wanted to explore every corner, I also wanted to be respectful.  The vibes you get here… well let's just say you want to get in & get out… We almost got stuck on the first road we traveled down, literally had to back all the way out- thankfully without incident.  So here are a few snaps of Cuervo, New Mexico & all its abandoned, eerie charm…

the 50 states » Santa Fe, New Mexico

So although we've visited a few states together already, we are hoping to visit each one with fresh eyes & a sense of adventure!  And what better way to start than with an impromptu vacation to visit family… Santa Fe, you say?  The halfway point between 2 houses… sounds perfect!  Plans were made, we arrived, and a few pictures were taken.

There was a wonderful farmer's market to visit… so many yummie aromas to fill the air, including fresh roasted green chiles!  Sadly, we wandered the market prior to purchasing anything, and by the time we made it back to the entrance, the green chiles were sold out.  The hubby was really disappointed to say the least…  So buy them first thing, folks!  In addition to the local flavor, there is also an artist market at the Santa Fe Railyard.  A few other shopping highlights included the Traditional Spanish Market and the Contemporary Hispanic Market, both of which were also happening during our stay there.  Sadly, not pictured are some of the jewelry & textiles I found… but I mean, really good.

While the majority of our snacking was done from our vacation rental… we were able to rest our weary legs during a few of our shopping extravaganzas.  The Coyote Cafe was perfection.  We were able to get out of the heat by visiting their rooftop cafe, where we promptly ordered a few cocktails.  We chatted about the sights as we awaited lunch, and oh boy… we were not disappointed.  The veggie tacos were my choice, and they were mouthwatering.  I may recommend sharing your plate if you still plan to wander the city, because I was really sad not to be able to finish my order (believe me, I tried!!).  Another yummie stop is The Pantry, where I ordered the huevos rancheros, Christmas style (that means covered in both red and green chile sauce) and yumtown.  Lastly, we ventured to Draft Station for a few local brews.  And although we didn't have any, the pizza there looked amazing!!!  The upstairs patio gave us a great view of the Santa Fe Plaza, which of course made for great people-watching.

Now if shopping and stuffing your face isn't your thing… the sights are breathtaking of course.  We did some running, biking, and even brought back the 90s with a little rollerblading on the nearby local trails.  PS, running in the desert is no joke.  Overall, we had a wonderful time in the little artsy town of Santa Fe.  We witnessed gorgeous sunsets and a storm that was something straight out of Oklahoma!!  Stop 1 of our 50 states = success!  And because I couldn't decide between filmstrip size (I'm a sucker for anything miniature, you see) or a little bit larger, here's a closer peek you won't need your glasses for… haha, enjoy!