AUTHENTIC

farrellMost of my conversations lately have revolved around the topic of authenticity. Some have been about how it is a challenge to always be true to yourself. Others have been about the courage it takes to be accepting of other people’s authenticity. These conversations go hand in hand with my new obsession: The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet. 

The Conversation is an alternative interview series that discusses women, in every aspect. I have been feeling so empowered by these conversations. I always learn something about myself from watching them.

Check it out women of the world:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJhTioHniC8&feature=share&list=PL_OMbJBG3lyh9Nujs6WTdb5vRVrkWz8_A] [youtube http://youtu.be/UvVFzJixIvw]

These are just two examples, but I recommend going to her website and picking the ones you feel most drawn to.

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dreaminndrivin

(Image via here)

When I was cleaning up my bookshelf last week I came across a list I made a few years ago about the things I wanted to materialize in my life. Reading back, I feel proud of the things that have since come to be; I’m also psyched for the others to come into play down the line.

1) become a mother
2) cross country trip
3) artist
4) meditator
5) feel free
6) have a porch
7) garden
8) wake up early
9) feel still
10) answer to no one
11) no debt
12) build savings
13) financial freedom
14) have a community
15) get more massages
16) hike
17) design
18) create
19) read
20) articulate
21) connect
22) feel passion

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To me you are the wind in the trees
(the rustle of the leaves)
the planted plot of grass

(humming)

that this too shall come to pass

You are my truth
and home

that place I live alone

To me you are my thoughts
(the scents)
the things you represent

You are eternal love
a sign to trust
a place to lay
when I’m having a bad day

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Cleveland Mayoral Race 1977 (My dad was 30)

I wrote this over a year ago and found it in my drafts. It is ironic, because I have been feeling the same way lately:

Last week, my siblings and I went to a fundraiser that my dad held for Tammy Baldwin.

I didn’t think too much about the fundraiser, as I feel like I have been to many in the past as our Dad was a former Congressman, but in truth I hadn’t been to a fundraiser in years.

There was a moment when my father was speaking that I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in where I came from. Being at this fundraiser reminded me that I was raised to believe I could make a difference.  That It was my responsibility as a person in the world to stand up for what I believed in, whether it is a fundraiser or one on one conversation.

I am grateful to my parents that they are brave enough to put themselves out there and support the things they feel strongly about. Thanks to them, I am able to do the same right here.

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I bought something in Chinatown and it was wrapped in this newspaper. I really love this illustration so I framed it and put it on my bookshelf.

F: What is your favorite thing to wear when traveling?

L:  For me it’s all about warmth; it’s terrible when you’re on a train or plane and the air conditioning is too strong.  I like to have a scarf plus long sleeve sweater/jacket so that I can roll one up as a pillow if I want to sleep.

F: Do you still read your horoscope? What are your favorite sites?

L:  I do still read my horoscope but not as religiously as I used to.  My go to sites are still dailyhoroscope.com | horoscope.com | astrologyzone.com

F: If you were to compete in the olympics, what sport would you choose?

L: I think this really says it all.

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F: What summertime beauty product do you swear by?

L:  I love eltaMD tinted moisturizer + spf.  I have to get it from my dermatologist but it’s way worth it.

F: Now that it is “Fall” what are you looking forward to this season?

L:  I’m not really accepting that summer is entirely over but there is something about this time of year that makes me kind of excited for layering.

Hey everyone! We hope you had an amazing and relaxing long weekend. Here are this weeks pictures:

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Farrell – Los Angeles, California

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Lunch at Clean HQ

Lunch at Clean HQ

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Some over hand beach Bocce

Some over hand beach Bocce

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Lauren – Cleveland, Ohio

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Backyard hammock time

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Tall ship docked at Put-In-Bay, OH for the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie

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Old pictures of our grandparents displayed in Chaska Beach

LIVING

lauren1

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As I recently mentioned, I’ve been doing some major rearranging in my apartment.  My new living room is really coming together and I am loving spending time in here.  It is so full of light, has tons of plants (including these adorable succulents I repotted and put on my window sills) and has a desk set-up I actually use.  I want to invest in a large photo to go over the couch and a small little rug for under my desk but other than that I’m feeling super settled in this new set-up.

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farrell

Since I moved to Los Angeles I may have mentioned that I am in love with my plants. If I didn’t – I am. We have been through some ups and downs with the extreme heat regarding my herbs, but everything else has done so well.

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This was my friend’s wedding favor. You can buy one of her planters at http://www.MeghanLunne.com

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(Image via here)

I came across this quote today and thought about all that is going on in the world.  There isn’t much to it but it says it all, and I want to be reminded of it again and again.

Love one another and you will be happy.

It’s as simple and difficult as that.

-Michael Leunig

On the set of Good Morning LA for Dr. Junger's segment

On the set of Good Morning LA for Dr. Junger’s segment

L:  Do you have anything exciting coming up?

F:  I am going to the Dodgers game on Friday with some friends. And I am gonna be like, who is winning the match?!

L:  Who is your celebrity doppelganger?

F:  Girl, I don’t think I have one. Do you? Someone once told me I looked like Joan Osborne and I was like, “Please!”  But really, what if God was one of us?

L:  What is a movie you watch over and over?

F:  I will tell you what, “Old School” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I can watch it so many times. I love when Will Ferrell gets hit in the neck with a tranquilizer. Hilarious!

L:  What are your favorite ways to wear a scarf in your hair?

F:  I like an old fashion bow in the front, just like Rosie the Riveter.

L:  What has been the best part of your day today?

F:  Probably going to Good Morning LA and watching Dr. Junger talk about 3 foods that harm your gut and 3 foods that help your gut.  I went grocery shopping for the segment and helped display the foods. It was fun.