on SEEING WITH THE HEART

"Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; 

what is essential is invisible to the eye." The Little Prince

Switching my computer off, and leaving it in another state for two days, helped me remember what's important.

Running with them in the park, joyous smiles spread across their little faces, helped me remember what's important.

Playing scrabble, my favorite Halloween movie on in the background, my phone silenced, helped me remember what's important.

Sitting across from my favorite human, marveling as he took the same words from earlier, and shook them around like real-life boggle, spilling them back out in front of me until it all made sense, helped me remember what's important.

Weaving through the aisles of the grocery store together, continuing our life long conversation in a way that only best friends can know, helped me remember what's important.

Seeing updates on Facebook as a friend was losing her dog, my heart breaking for them, helped me remember what's important.

Watching as she went to help even though she was already tired and would have preferred to relax, helped me remember what's important.

Taking a cab across town, to a part of Manhattan I rarely encounter, just to give him a hug goodbye, reflecting on the great lessons he taught me the whole way there, helped me remember what's important.

Resting, instead of working just-a-little-more, helped me remember what's important.

Hearing the crunch of leaves under my feet, navigating our way through the pumpkin patch, helped me remember what's important.

Watching as he stretched out his body, relaxing, trusting, knowing he is safe here, helped me remember what's important.

Sharing my truths honestly, instead of covering or worrying, and having them received with love, helped me remember what's important.

You never know when you're going to get a boatload of lessons delivered to you. Might as well stay open just in case.

on NEVER FEAR, BROOKLYN'S HERE!

On a Saturday in Brooklyn, Evan & I took off to the Brooklyn Flea, wandered the streets of Greene Point, and found ourselves a little dream garden to dine in. There is maybe no other NYC activity I love more than perusing the Brooklyn Flea. Piles and piles of antiques, vintage, records, art, handmade, and furniture, plus tons of food options, and dogs are welcome to join you. Like a dream, I tell ya.

I have an endless crush on Brooklyn. Every new part that I explore is the new part that I muuust move to. (This is how I am with many states and cities, too, that pesky wanderlust). The brownstones and homes really create this section of Brooklyn, there's just so much character and inviting presence.

Evan and I went to school together, and, well, I guess you should know, he is seriously incredible. First, the man can sing. He can saaaaang. Plus, he has the most beautiful spirit. His energy dances around you the whole time you're together, and he is joyously authentic. We haven't gotten to see each other too much over the past several years (hello, actors), but whenever I see him, it's just the best feeling. Aren't those kind of friends the very best?

Where have you been adventuring lately? Do tell, do tell.

on LATELY, LATELY

Instalife, over here. Lucky, lucky girl, I am.

Brooklyn Lunch / On the Hudson / Meditating / Henry Bear / Favorite Place

Reunited / Color Change / Girl Talk / Layla June / Stolen Toy

Follow along here.

on FOURTHING

Yesterday was one of my favorite Fourth of July celebrations in awhile.

We went to the traditional parade in my town - which gets weirder and weirder each year. Then I made that glorious fruit situation you see up there and I felt like I was in my own little pinterest-come-to-life moment. I spent some time with my furry babies before heading out to a party with friends, and got to catch up with lots of people I like a whole lot. A little break in the day made time for a walk with the pups (the more tired they are, the less they care about fireworks..) and some face to face time with my favorite person, who is out of town as per usual. I'll tell you what though, praise the people that invented skype and facetime and the internet.

Then it was back to the party and the friends and the food and, of course, we rounded out the night with fireworks. Hope you had a spectacular little day of your own :)

on YOU'VE GOT MAIL IN REAL LIFE

For once, I was early. Early! So I do things like take pictures of my feet.

So friends, when I'm late, I'm kind of doing you a favor, you know?

Pretty, pretty friends.

Classic girlfriend conversation faces. You can almost hear it.. "He did WHAT?"

Don't mind me. I'm in the middle of reenacting a scene from 'you've got mail'.

We met in the upper west side, at a pre-determined place, that apparently every one and their mother also chose to go to that night. So we hopped across the street, and waited the fifteen minutes for a table.

Here's a fun little story: a few years ago, I met a boy at his concert. We kind of hit it off. When he texted me that night, there was legit squealing with my girlfriends, it was that kind of excitement. There was more texting, some attempts at making plans, but we were both back and forth on tour and it never happened. A year or so after that, he became super famous. Fast forward to this night and he and his family were eating at the table we were waiting for. There were some caught glances back and forth, but I basically hid until they left, nervously playing with my hair and babbling words at my friends. So yes, it's true, I am as cool as you think I am.

After dinner, we went to Cafe Lalo, where I did my best Tom Hanks impression. "She HAD to be!" and we basically sat in the same spot Meg Ryan does. Chocolate cake is made for sharing, so there's that, too.

Between the almost-run-in with a boy whom only several exchanges were had, and the Cafe Lalo-ing, well, I tell you what, this was my very own You've Got Mail come to life.

on FRIENDS: REAL ONES & BLOG ONES (aka switch to Bloglovin')

This was my Sunday night. I know what you're thinking: HOW can one be surrounded by such beauty on a Sunday night in New Jersey? The Papermill Playhouse, that's how, and one mighty fine production of The Little Mermaid. And due to this, we had a mini-Fiddler On The Roof reunion, which is where I met all of these loves. Three of these fine feathered friends of mine are in the production of TLM, and if you're near Pittsburgh, get yourself some tickets, because they are headed to you next.

In other news: If you've been following this here blog via Google Reader aka GFC, it is time to make the move to a new reader as GFC is no more. Personally, I suggest bloglovin' and you can follow KerryingOn on Bloglovin' right here.

How's that for a teeny little post? Bam. Happy Tuesday.

on M & J TURN ONE

Last summer, upon leaving acting class, I saw the email; the twins had been born. I screamed in reaction. It was my first time in this class and the handful of students that witnessed this reaction at the elevators made for quite the first impression. All the way down ninth avenue I freaked out, replying to a group text, hopping on calls, crying.

These babies were so loved from the second we heard about them. And now? One years old.

J is a troublemaker. I've witnessed first hand his over-the-shoulder innocent smile upon getting caught doing something. He is attentive, knows what he wants, determined, up on his feet first, taking on the world.

M is dainty. Delicate, loving, observant, and smiley. She lets people come to her, and claps proudly for herself. She is tiny, but powerful, and knows how to get what she wants.

They are beautiful, incredibly well dressed, and unbelievably loved by their family. As new parents, the grownups are sort of kicking ass. Twins? I cannot imagine. But they've survived their first year, and did it with grace, reminding me again how valuable it is to have family, blood related and not.

Happy Birthday, little ones. I'm so lucky to get to be a part of your lives. xo