“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” 

― Roald Dahl

This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to help a friend find her wedding dress. I'm not much into fancy parties or weddings; however I never mind them because they are (ideally) such an expression of love. It is beautiful to see two people express their love and hope to one another and it is equally beautiful to see friends and family come together to create a cocoon of love around the couple. Watching my friend put on the dress of dreams, I felt encouraged. Not because of the fancy feathers, but more so because when I looked at her happy tears I knew it was less about finding the perfect dress and more about finding the perfect love....

What a way to follow wedding dress shopping- a punk rock concert. My group of friends and I headed over to Lower Allston to throw some love to some other friends playing a show (their cd release actually- if you like some raging rock music you might try Zip Tie Handcuffs. I am more of a Fleet Foxes girl, but I always love their shows. They are just a really fun and very talented group). LA is not known for its beauty. In fact, if anything, LA is known for its punk scene, Hooker Street (right?), and the need to watch where you step because at least once you will likely have to side step vomit. But sometimes the most lovely things pop up in the most unexpected places. I found this tree full of berries growing in a parking lot next to a chain link fence. In the winter light it was especially stunning. I liked the juxtaposition of the car repair light behind it as well.

My weekly trip to Blue Hills was cut a wee bit short due to needing to me home in time to go Christmas Tree shopping...this was most definitely a sacrifice I was willing to make (and please do expect pictures to follow shortly). I was able to hike a few miles nonetheless and the woods were especially woodsy and mysterious as they were still dewy from the previous day's rain. This tree is off a trail to Houghton Pond. I loved the way it was shaped and how it seemed bright against the starkness of the other trees.

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And then this....as I walked up the trail and I looked forward I felt certain as I crossed over I would enter a magical place...perhaps Neverland...and then I remembered that there was already magic all around me.