m e l i s s i m a.

My Thanks.»

Thanksgiving: my second favorite holiday after Christmas. For me, it’s the opening to the Holiday Season… A time to slow down from the demands of our busy schedules, to be reminded of our innumerable blessings, including the privilege we share, of living in The United States. It’s a day we dedicate to being surrounded by the people we love, because it’s family that matters most. It’s the one day a year, it’s acceptable to fill our bellies with more food than we healthily have room for. It’s the one morning a year I spend glued to the television, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with the eyes and heart of a child. And it’s a day to be reminded of the many who are less fortunate, and, much too often, forgotten. ~ This year, my heart is absolutely overflowing with gratitude and joy… perhaps more than ever. What I’m thankful for, I’m blessed to say, isn’t different from last year, or the year before that… My list just got a little longer ♥ I’m thankful for my mother, who makes me feel as though she’s holding my hand and giving me direction, no matter how lost and far away from home I may be; a mom who harbors my secrets without judgement, and simply loves me, no matter the circumstance. I’m thankful for a most wonderful father, who spends months away from home each year (and never complains), to provide a wonderful life for his family; a father whose humor, friendship, honesty and love, I’ve been blessed to grow up with, as a daughter. I’m thankful for my brother, Joseph, who has taught me more as my younger brother, than I probably have, as his older sister… a brother who lets me share in his growing up, and whom I’m lucky to feel closer to, with each passing year. I’m thankful for my sister, Sara, whose infectious smile and gentle personality constantly reminds me, that it’s important to laugh, and to love all. I’m thankful for my baby brother, Brandon, who ties us all together, and reminds us to keep exploring and learning, just like him, no matter how old we may get. I’m thankful for my relatives, near and far, who’ve colored my childhood memories so brightly. And for the friends I’ve met all over the world, who became my family, when mine was far… thank you. But this year, I’m also grateful for the boyfriend who walked into my life, when I least expected him to—A man who loves me (and makes sure I know it), who completely brightens my world, who makes me laugh, and who encourages me to grow when I’m ready to give up. (Love you!) And while the list could go on, I’d like to end by saying that I’m thankful for his family too, for bringing double the love and fun into my life. ♥ Crank up the Christmas music, guys! Eat, drink, be merry, and be safe. And a very Happy Thanksgiving to all, from Italy!

Warmer Blues.»

…And on the nights your heart feels cold, breathe deeply, and search for the stars… For darkness always sharpens pain, that otherwise melts under the light of twinkling dust. And should you feel the urge to sigh, harbor that tiny wind instead. Blow a kiss with it, and draw nearer the smiles of the world, to warm that heart again… 

-m e l i s s i m a.

President Barack Obama’s Victory Speech.»

No matter what your political beliefs may be… No matter who you gave your vote to… THIS is a speech worth listening to. His articulation, his mastery of pathos, his impeccable handle on the rhetoric he delivers… I think President Barack Obama is an incredible public  speaker.