ABOUT
Life can be beautiful. Love is there for the taking.
But sometimes they're both difficult to see through the chaos of our everyday. I will begrudgingly admit that I am not one of those people who was fortunate enough to be "born happy." And at times, I struggle to be content with things as they are. But I'm learning that happiness is a choice and a journey, not a destination. So in some ways, this blog is a daily reminder of the beauty and love that surround me AND to keep my focus there.
When I was 19, my sister was a commercial property manager and connected me to a general contractor who was looking for office help...because I needed to support my clothing and shoe addiction. What began as a job led to an unlikely but wonderful friendship that is going on 25 years. My friend's name is Rick, and he's now 73 years old. He's the happiest person I've ever met. So happy that it seems impossible to be genuine. But it is. At the ripe young age of 48, he founded and ran one of the most successful construction companies in the Washington, DC area, after beginning his career as a pipefitter at the age of 18. "A Pipe(fitter's) Dream" will highlight lessons I've learned from Rick over the years...some I've made a part of my daily life and some I'm still practicing...all in an effort to live this same 'dream' of being truly content along this journey called life. My hope is that these stories will have the same positive impact on your existence as they've had on mine.
I've always been a "girly girl," and recently, someone used that exact phrase to describe me. In addition to that which comes from within, I seek to surround myself with beauty that we can see--fashion, art, beauty in the home, and the beauty I've seen and have yet to see around the globe.
When I'm not chasing my two energetic and amazing little boys, I love being in the kitchen. My grandmother was one heck of a cook and baker (even if it wasn't always healthy). She was, and still is, such an inspiration to me. Some of my most treasured memories are in her kitchen or with my grandfather in his garden. My grandfather didn't have just one sweet tooth--he had a mouth full--so they always had at least two desserts in their house. Apparently, a love for sweets is genetic. He passed it along to my mom, and she passed it along to me. Living in New York City, I'm fortunate enough to dine at some of the world's best restaurants. Unfortunately, I can't afford to eat out every night, which means occasionally I try to recreate some of my favorite dishes at home.
So come along with me as I share the beauty, love, and grub that sustain me. I'm so happy you stopped by, and I hope you'll visit often and invite others.
With love,
Jennifer