Spiritual Reminiscing

I found this old picture recently, and the timing couldn't be better. 

I stumbled upon this cross made of flowers four years ago in a square in a sleepy neighborhood of Valencia. I often wandered the little, windy streets of the city during my time studying there. I never grew tired of the charm and character of that ancient city. As in most cities, there is always something new to see and places waiting to be discovered.

I didn't think much of the neighborhood that so lovingly adorned this cross with flowers. It seemed typical, quiet. A place the Valencian people used as a retreat from the constant energy of the city. I found myself walking, thinking that I should have chosen another route for my daily wandering. But then I saw it.

Seeing this cross brought tears to my eyes. 

It was so beautiful. 

So unexpectedly placed. 

A symbol of light and beauty among the shuttered windows and graffiti. Much how God seems to be in our world. He is everywhere, even in the places we least think we will find him. And that revelation meant the world to me. It fulfilled me in so many ways that I can't even begin to explain. It brought me a simple answer to a question I had been thinking as I roamed the tiny side streets.

It brought me peace.

Over the years, I have come to truly believe that God sends you what you need, when you need it. No matter how much you think you know better or wish for a different outcome. I had been searching for months for answers to questions on faith. Struggling to understand what God had planned for my life. Studying in Spain turned out to be a spiritual journey for me in many ways. This moment was one of dozens that helped me grow closer to my God.

This Easter weekend, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist etc., I hope that you are full of peace and love.

Winter Walk

There is nothing more peaceful and calming to me than walking along my favorite beach.

Even if it's -2398423 degrees outside.

My spring fever has become nagging lately. After 60 degree days in Oklahoma a few weeks ago, I find myself staring longingly at my spring dresses when I really should be looking for a parka and snow boots.

All in good time.

If that good time was tomorrow though, I'd be OK with that.

It's OK + Obligatory Bloglovin' Love

Rest in Peace, Google Reader.  Truth is, I don't really use it a lot myself...but I love all my Google Reader followers so much! I don't want to lose you along the road, so I'm making it super easy for you to find me elsewhere. Click here to follow Chasing the Extraordinary via Bloglovin {pretty please}! See, how easy was that? Easy, peasy.  I've been absent on the "It's Okay" bandwagon lately, so I thought I'd join the fun again :) It's OK... ...to have that third slice of pizza. ...to practice sucking in your stomach for your friend's wedding in two weeks because reality is you won't quite hit that weight loss goal {I'm looking at you pizza}. ...that a "quick" shower still takes 20 minutes. ...to have a renewed appreciation for the comfort and coziness of your bed after a few nights away. ...to be slightly resentful of the snowstorm that decided to visit on the eve of spring. ...to prematurely start swapping your winter clothes for your spring clothes in your closet when you are completely aware that the outlook for the next week is a little bit of snow and temps in the 40s. ...to think your doggy is the cutest thing on the planet.

{Proof.} Happy Thursday!

Valkyrie - Brady District, Tulsa

I had the great pleasure of spending a few hours of my friend's bachelorette party at Valkyrie in the Brady District of Tulsa a few weeks ago. My friend knows the owners/managers of this charming establishment, so we actually paid them a visit earlier in the day to say hello.

This place is genuine, ya'll. 

If you are looking for a seriously scrumptious craft beer or cocktail, this is the destination. The ingredients for their cocktails are prepared fresh each day {you watch them peel the lemon twist for your cosmo right in front of you}. They will also craft a cocktail especially for you. I was completely undecided on what I wanted to drink that night, and after a brief conversation with the bartender, he whipped up a truly sensational cocktail that I couldn't stop talking about all night.

I could go on and on about the killer drinks, wonderful aesthetic, and fun crowd. If you are in the Tulsa area this is my advice for you: run, don't walk, to Valkyrie. 

Tulsa Snaps

{Yes, that is Hello Kitty sushi.} 

I've never been to Heaven, but I've been to Oklahoma {name that song}.

I am still in recovery mode after my whirlwind weekend in Tulsa last week, a very long work week, and a weekend of playing catch-up. Is that normal at 25? Probably not. Maybe at 75, but I'm an old soul.

I can't wait to get back to Okieland in a few more weeks for the big wedding And to see more friends, spend the majority of my time laughing, and enjoy reminiscing about our silly college days.

I will probably be caught up with life when it's time to leave again in 15 days. That's OK because I love making memories with the people I love.

Happy Tuesday!

Catch Up

{A winter walk on Cape Cod}

After one amazing weekend in Oklahoma,
two airport delays,
several long flights,
six hours of sleep {over 72 hours},
and two very long work days,
I am easing back into everyday life.

My time in Oklahoma last weekend was truly special. I cherish the all too short time spent with friends so much. I am so blessed to have some truly phenomenal people around me.

Sorry for the radio silence over here this past week...normality will ensue {hopefully} later this week.

I hope you all are having a truly wonderful day.

Snow + Friendship

{Taken behind my house - AKA the backroads of New England}

Oh, hello, snow. I'm so glad you're back. All our snow had almost melted, so a fresh few inches is just what I like to see in March.

Enough sarcasm. This is a happy day.

Tonight I'm jetting off to enjoy the lovely, warm weather in Oklahoma for a long weekend to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of my dearest friends. This trip is long overdue, as I haven't be to OK since I left after graduating from OSU almost three years ago. Though my friends and I have various girls' weekends, vacations and {many} hours long phone calls over the last few years, it's so tough being far away from all your best friends.

I was recently so touched by this post from Nadine and this post from Sami {fellow OSU alum - Go Pokes!} on the reality of growing up and {not} growing friendships. I moved back home to my beautiful New England after spending four seriously amazing years in Stillwater, Oklahoma, constantly surrounded by my childhood best friends, new college best friends, sorority sisters and a whole bunch of other really terrific people.

 {Editor's note: Oklahoma State is probably one of the friendliest schools you will ever find. Ever. I mean it.}

 I was so looking forward to moving home and being closer to my family {and then-boyfriend}. As much as I loved my school and the people that had been my family over those four years, I couldn't picture myself staying in the great state of Oklahoma for the rest of my life. I was an East Coaster at heart, and it was time for me to move home and begin my big girl life.

The first few months I was home were wonderful. I took the summer off and spent it at our cottage on Cape Cod. I had a constant stream of Okie visitors for at least six months. I was soaking in time with my parents, brother and boyfriend. Life seemed pretty perfect back in the land of Yankees. Well, after three or four months the honeymoon effect wore off. I became frustrated with job searching, my relationship wasn't blooming into the happy-go-lucky tale that I had daydreamed about for the past four years, and visits from my friends were becoming scarce as they all settled into their own lives.

Reality had hit home. I couldn't take a five minute walk or ten minute car ride to see my best friends when I was sad, happy, crying, frustrated, joyous or just feeling silly. I felt like part of me was missing. Alone. Despite my wonderful support and love of my family, I dearly missed my friends.

Now, nearly three years later, those feelings are still here, in a way. I have my own life that I've settled into that always seems to be going full speed ahead. However, I've found it's unimaginably hard to make new friends as a grown up. Between juggling a demanding job, volunteering, family obligations etc., meeting new people is a huge challenge. Sounds silly, right? Luckily I have all those things that keep me busy and happy, but the void of having your true friends nearby is always there. True, they are a phone call away, but it's not quite the same as sharing a bottle of wine together. I have learned to truly cherish every minute of the time I get with my friends.

This weekend will be perfect for me, and I hope it's full of friends, fun and love for you too.