I am a big believer in new beginnings, starting fresh and making the most of a clean slate. Much like an empty canvas, anything is possible: a mediocre watercolor, a mistaken color combination, and yes, even a grand masterpiece. 

I went on a journey of the heart recently with hopes, excitement and choosing to dive into the unknown for the first time in a very long time. Letting go of fears I have had, for over 18 months the experience, the dancing with the unknown, made me understand something about life that I didn't fully grasp until now: Love is magnificent, powerful and absolutely worth the risk. But don't be mistaken, such love can occur with someone special, but the journey through life is all the sweeter if we love the life we build for ourselves because that is the company we will always have to keep. 

The 18 month journey ended this past weekend unexpectedly, and while I will keep the details private out of respect for both of us, the transition back to the life I have lived on my own was a lovely place to return to because it was sincerely out of love that brought me to where I am in Bend, Oregon.

Part of me felt guilty, the other part felt gratitude, deep, visceral gratitude as having experienced this scenario of the ending of a relationship before, when you return to a place that isn't a dream come true, a life you love from head to toe, it is far more difficult to redirect and strive forward (but not impossible) as you don't necessarily want to be where you've landed. Currently, for me right now, I am tickled to be where I have the fortune to be at this very moment in my life, and the hope of a healthy, loving and supportive relationship was but icing on a scrumptious cake. 

I am now walking forward on my own with more confidence than I might ever had expected especially as someone who had not prepped for such an occasion. Turns out I do have the wherewithal to love another, and as one good friend told me this week, "It's just part of the process." And I couldn't think of a better way to look at it.

Love, loving the life we build for ourselves is a process, one in which we should be kind to ourselves and to others as we travel, being honest about what we can and cannot waiver on. And along the process we grow, we discover things about ourselves we had no idea we had: hurts, joys, dreams and fears. But so long as we are honest with ourselves, are willing to learn lessons, but also stand behind what we know regardless of someone trying to convince us of something else (always consider the source!), the process continues to unfold and reveal to us the potential of where our arrival gate will be located. 

Speaking of an arrival gate, we have arrived in September! And on the first day of September TSLL's Fall Shopping Guide is released. Yep, below you will find a link to this season's Fall Shopping Guide full of the designations of Splurge and Save items and many hand-picked clothing items and accessories to help you fine-tune your fall capsule wardrobe. 

As well, if you are looking for ways to help those affected by the tragic events caused by Hurricane Harvey, I have a post for you with specific links, vetted charities and more. Lastly, if you have ever been curious about Bend, Oregon, and have or will have plans to visit, I wrote a post I've been wanting to write for a while: My Ideal Day in Bend, Oregon - TSLL's Itinerary. Be sure to bookmark it for your next trip. It truly is simply luxurious.

It is time to wrap up this week's letter and commence the perusing, the shopping, the clicking and the reading. Wishing you and yours a lovely long weekend (if you're in the states) and a beautiful couple of days if you are around the globe. To everyone, let's bask in the gifts that summer (or winter) gave us and carry the lessons, carry the appreciation, the sense of calm and clarity into the new season. It's going to be exactly as we make it, so let's become determined to enable an amazing materialization of what we envision.

Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.​​​​​​​