Grace Notes

a blog about life’s everyday magic

Courage, Life's Beautiful Journey, Self Affirmation, Writing, To the Girl in Braided Pigtails

To the Girl in Braided Pigtails

    It’s funny how life never turns out how you envisioned it would as a child.   I am at an age where I recognize this, accept it, and…

Joy of Reading, Seasons, Sneak Peek, A Moment With: Bella Grace Issue 10

A Moment With: Bella Grace Issue 10

  “I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt,…

Holidays, Inspiration, Seasons, Give the Gift of Grace

Give the Gift of Grace

  “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa   The holiday season is truly a magical time of year. Snow dusts the…

Everyday Magic, Joy of Reading, Life's Beautiful Journey, Making Time to Do Nothing

Making Time to Do Nothing

  My life seems to be busier than ever these days.   Between long workdays, family obligations, and household chores, the days just fly by. While I used to look…

Gratitude, Lovely Lists,

Thank You for My Full Heart

    “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” – Kristin Armstrong     My family has a…

Everyday Magic, Gratitude, Inspiration, Life's Beautiful Journey, Lovely Lists, Writing, The Other List

The Other List

    “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” — Socrates     Preparing for a trip recently, I found myself overwhelmed with an especially long to-do list.     As…

Inspiration, Life's Beautiful Journey, Self Affirmation, Finding Stillness Through The Senses Photo by Eli DeFaria

Finding Stillness Through the Senses

  Sometimes I just want a “do-over.”   Have you ever felt that way? You wake up and things just don’t flow well… the coffee spills, the toddler doesn’t want…

Inspiration, Quotes, As Though I Had Wings: 20 Mary Oliver Quotes to Live By

As Though I Had Wings: 20 Mary Oliver Quotes to Live By

    I was that odd, artsy girl in high school who sat cross-legged in the poetry section of Barnes and Noble. I’d grab a few of the best looking…

Courage, Creativity, Inspiration, Finding My Voice Through Guitar

Finding My Voice Through My Guitar

  Before I’d play golden music on my Fender guitar, I’d admire the stained wood and strings. Every day was the same: the moment I returned home from school, I…

Creativity, Seasons, Sneak Peek, A Somerset Holiday

Introducing A Somerset Holiday

    Some of us will reinvent ourselves several times over the course of a lifespan. Maybe you already have. It’s never too late to set new goals. Change direction.…

All, Health + Wellness, Lovely Lists, Self Affirmation, 25 Autumn Self-Care Possibilities

25 Autumn Inspired Self-Care Possibilities

Words: Tina Zarlenga Photo credit: Johanna Love   Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons. With the crisp scents and bright colors who wouldn’t fall in love? But…

Courage, Life's Beautiful Journey, Grace Notes

Forever Is Real

Words: Hayley Solano Photo credit: Hayley Solano   It was an evening in late September when I knew we were losing each other.   I knew we were forgetting. So…