Want-ed.

• to be the ever-refined woman who looks most stunning in red lipstick and a starched white shirt.

• to frame photos from my travels and hang them around my home to spark conversation with guests and to always keep the memory of the destination fresh.

• to become an early riser; one who enjoys a cup of perfectly brewed coffee, the newspaper, and a beautiful view for a few moments of peace each morning.

• to be the ultimate hostess; Sunday brunch in the garden, Winter Cocktails parties, Celebrations for Nothing in Particular, etc.

• to make a habit of keeping a journal to record my thoughts, dreams, desires, resolutions, etc.
  

• to become an excellent cook, perfecting as many dishes and committing the recipes to memory, starting with my mother's tarte aux aubergines.

• to revisit my family roots in Kerry & Cork, Ireland.

• to record my grandmother Eddy's story in all its marvelous, detailed glory.

• to spend one week in perfect silence in order to discover my inner voice and learn to truly listen.

• to learn how to meditate.

• to learn to see myself in a way I never before knew I could; to develop a type of higher vision that is unattainable by simple reflection or obvious observation.

• to work on my golf game ("a life skill" says Dad).

• to have an entire wall in my home dedicated to a built-in bookshelf filled with books I love.

• to have dinner party guests who inspire intellectual and educational conversation.

• to have my own garden where I can grow vegetables, fruits, and vegetables to use in my dishes.

• to find inner peace.

• to be an inspiration to others.

• to focus on the little things. they are the best things.