Dear Today,

Today I will live through the next 24 hours and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once.

Today I will improve myself , body, mind and spirit.

Today I will refuse to spend time worrying about what might happen if...

Today I will not imagine what I would do if things were different. They are not dif­ferent. I will do my best with what material I have.

Today I will find the grace to let go of resentments of others and self-condemnation over past mistakes.

Today I will not try to change, or improve, anybody but me.

Today I will act toward others as though this will be my last day on earth.

Today I will be unafraid. I will enjoy what is beauti­ful, and I will be­lieve that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

Whether these are the best of times or the worst of times, these are the only times we've got. Live each day fully and you will look back on a life that made a difference.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Weekday Dinners,

This recipe for Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is dee-licious. I served it with a light salad, and it was quick, satisfying, and tasty.

Ingredients:
Bread
Butter
Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thick
Tomato slices
Fresh Basil Leaves
Salt & Pepper to taste

Butter both pieces of bread. Place one piece of bread, butter side down in a hot skillet. Layer mozzarella cheese, tomato, salt & pepper, and basil leaves on bread. Place remaining slice of bread butter side up on top of sandwich. Cook on low-medium heat, flipping sandwich once, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Anthony actually said "This is the best grilled cheese I've ever had." He's a boy after my own heart.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Lady with the Stinky Feet at the Del Mar Fair,

Please allow me to explain something to you that perhaps no one has ever shared with you before. Your feet smell... really really bad. So bad, in fact, that while you assaulted our nostrils, Anthony, Garrett, Sean, and I decided (between gasps for air) that the smell of your feet closely resembles the stench of spoiled dairy products. We literally thought that the farm animals had gotten out of their exhibit before we recognized your feet as the culprit. For this reason, you should never again take your shoes off in public and air your sweaty rotten dairy feet on the seats when others in close proximity are trying to take in a nice hypnotist show. Having said that, I have a summer reading suggestion for you...

I hope it will help you to find your common courtesy.
Just doing my part...

xoxo,
Ashley

Dear Girls Night Out,

I had loads of fun with you girls on our first sushi and martini night. Philip, thank you for the sour patch kid martinis. Once again, you lived up to your moniker. Jenni, thank you for coming out despite the "banjo" on your face. Melissa, can you please try to keep your SUV on the road and out of the bushes next time? And mama, I know you "haven't actually reached your sexiest point yet," but you looked quite swell in your polka dots and new bangs. All in all, I'd call the evening a smashing success!
until next time...

xoxo,
Ashley