Love Notes

Dec 01, 2024

Ooo la La 11/25/24

Bonjour mes belles amies! Comment allez-vous?

Pinch me! In celebration of my recent and rather large soixantième birthday, I am spending the week in France with my boys. Being thankful, bien sur. Today you will find us in Normandy, walking amongst souls larger than I can fathom. My late father served in the 82nd Airborne, and I know that he walks with us today as well. READ MORE

Nov 21, 2024 • #thanksgiving

Grace Notes 11/18/24

Did you ever have one of those days when you really didn't feel like getting out of bed? I think we all do. (If you don't, please write to let me in on your secret). I had one the other day. It might have been raining, or it might have just felt like there was a LOT of rain coming. On a whim, I played Aretha Franklin singing “Amazing Grace" through the Sonos in my bedroom. Woah. That was a good idea. Up and at 'em world, I'm coming. READ MORE

Nov 11, 2024 • #holiday #j mclaughlin #purpose

Turn on Your Lights 11/11 24

I recently read that November is like December's introverted, more introspective younger sister, (in Magpie by Jen Shoop). November is a good month to turn inward, to squirrel away nuts of gratitude, to sow seeds for managing fast paced and frenetic December festivities. And yet, maybe it's more.

What lights you up? What fuels your passion, sends you soaring, quenches your thirst ... what brings you into your best true self? Courage on dear friend. Name it aloud. Go ahead. What's the first thing that comes to mind? And so ... go take the painting class, start a gourmet group, go to golf camp, clean the closets of what no longer becomes you, plant the garden, plan the trip, gather favorite friends around your table. Follow your passion. Your dreams are waiting for you - stop dreaming and step towards them. READ MORE

Nov 09, 2024 • #fall

Into the Forest 11/4/24

"A silent forest is a retreat for the mind, a spa for the soul."
- author unknown

I took this photo ten days ago, when my dear friend Frances organized a photography study group trip to the Glenstone, a unique 300 acre outdoor contemporary art museum in Potomac MD, combining sculpture, architecture and nature. READ MORE

Nov 09, 2024 • #charleston

Luxe Life in the Low Country 10/28/24

What is the luxe life? I am starting to think it’s actually pretty overlapped with the simple life. Know what it is that you're living for. Appreciate little drops of beauty, but don't get wrapped up in an endless sprint with the Joneses.

It seems to me that a lot of living the dream is taking the time to stop, look, and appreciate what’s there right around you. I’m at this fancy resort in South Carolina's low country right now, and the photo above is the really good stuff that's happening this weekend. READ MORE