Hello everyone! I hope your week is going well so far. I'm so glad to that it's officially springtime and feels like it where I live as well -- the weather has been beyond gorgeous with lots of sunshine and temps around 60 which is perfect for March. I love the things that springtime brings, like clear blue skies, daffodils and aisles of amazing Easter candy in the stores over here - Germans really get into Easter let me tell ya! Man! I am amazed by the variety, quality and packaging. I also love the way the locals decorate this time of year -- hanging branches adorned with ornaments (like eggs or painted rabbits) for instance.... And there is a lot of energy in the air because you can feel that everyone's spirit has lifted after two months of a very gray blanket and darkness falling by 3:00 p.m. which can really suck the life out of even the most positive person.

The grass is getting green, the birds are singing, there is magic in the air for sure. Yesterday was my birthday and so today I woke up into a brand new year of my life thinking of all that I will do and want to do. I am very pleased to welcome spring and equally happy to be experiencing my second spring abroad as I feel it is a genuine accomplishment, a milestone, I'm really making it in a foreign country on all new turf and so I have this extra confidence boost from the goals I'm reaching.

By the way, I'd like to share a random thought I had recently... It's amazing how the internet has brought so many passionate, talented, and sincere people into my life -- your life -- all of us really... I know I would not have met most of you without having a blog. It is likely that you are also blogging or using other means to network and so I'm sure you can relate. We're a lucky bunch, aren't we?

Back in a moment with a few inspiring posts for today!

(image: holly becker for decor8)