It’s 7:30 am.
In typical New York City fashion, there are sirens going outside. Nothing unusual.
I woke up to snow blanketing the sidewalks and the streets below. It makes NYC seem softer. Less like the intimidating, eat-you-alive city that it is.
My mom is visiting. We’ve been shopping, eating and enjoying our way though the city.

We strolled through the Union Square Christmas market and even stopped for an icing-filled-birthday-cake-croissont from Union Fare. Yeah, just let that sink in.
We went to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and marveled in its majestic beauty.
Had a “soul conversation” sipping wine in front of the fireplace in my apartment.
We saw the Nutcracker last night, and wow – what a breathtakingly beautiful show. The costumes, the music. I think I’ve finally entered the Christmas season.
It’s just been a really magical time.
This is going to be really quick tonight, because well…I’m going to practice what I preach. And that is to be present.Ā
There are so many distractions. Be it the phones in our pockets, the smartwatches on our wrists, the emails waiting for us on our computers…the list goes on and on. But this Christmas, I’m going to challenge myself toĀ put the technology down.
Step away from the wifi-enabled-elctronics.Ā
This trip with my mom is extra special because it’s a milestone marker. It’s been almost a year since her stroke. And on that terrifying night when it happened, there was a period of time when I didn’t know if my mom was going to make it.
And for a second, my mind went to a dark place, and flashed to a life without her. And Praise God for bringing her through that terrible episode, and for facilitating her recovery and restoring her mind and body. I am so grateful to have my best friend back.
So this trip, I’m not taking anything for granted.
Because if there’s one thing this past year has taught me, aside from the obvious –Ā Trusting God –Ā it’s that there really are no guarantees. We’re not promised tomorrow, and this momentĀ right now, is a gift.
So really, how do I want to be spending it?
The BuzzFeed videos, sure they may suck you in, but at the end of the day, is that really how I want to spend my precious time? And yeah, Facebook may send you down really fascinating rabbit trails from the past, but Facebook can’t love you back.
Life isĀ happening, whether we’re engaged or not. And this Christmas, I vow to be present for every second of it. Soak up all the joy and the memories and the priceless time my family is together.
Starting with this trip with my mom.
So if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some quality time to cherish with my favorite woman in the world š
See you on Monday, friends!
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143 responses to “Cherishing Time”
Sounds like a wonderful day. And any opportunity to throw in a little Zack Morris is always a good thing š
Thanks Ashley. Itās been wonderful! Yes! Morris all the way! Hugs and love xox
It’s good that you have such a great relationship with your mom! My mom is my best friend. I don’t know what I’d do without her!
Awww thatās so awesome!! Same here! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Yes, time is shorter than we realize and moves faster than weād like to admit, so enjoy your time with your mom every chance you get! ā¤ļø
Thanks so much Mia š Hugs and love xox
Your mother is beautiful. I hope she is fully recovered. Good to see you enjoying life together.
Thank you Mary. Yes! She is my hero š and God has been good to us. big hugs to you xox
Aren’t moms the greatest?
They are the absolute greatest:) Hugs and love xox
Excellent word. Really. And great pic of you and your mom! Very cute.
Thanks David š yeah my mom is beautiful, isnāt she š hehe Hugs and love xox
Wonderful reading and photos Caralyn, God bless your momma! And you! š¬
Thank you so much John! And you! Hugs and love xox
Your mom is a beauty just like you! Have a wonderful time together
aww thank you so much Rachel! What a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
Youāre killing me with the croissant pic here, Caralyn! You are absolutely killing me!
And whatās with the pic of you and your sister? Whereās Mrs. BBB?
Well, Iām just glad you two are having a great time of it! The wine in front of the fireplace sounds divine, especially in your cozy little apartment! I suddenly have memories of my little place in Detroit. No fireplace, but I do have fond memories of some really good times there.
Listen, Iām gonna take a cue from you tonight. Julie is on her way home, and Iām getting dressed so we can go out for some dinner, maybe drive around to some Christmas lights somewhere. You have fun with Mrs. BBB and whoever the babe is next to you in the picture!
Hahaha youāre funny. Thanks Jeff!! I hope you and Julie have a wonderful night!!! Hugs and love xox
Sweet thoughts, Triple B; and a very sweet photo of you and your mom together–precious! Having a loving family is a gift of gifts to be cherished for sure. (Heh, heh, seems like mom is getting a lot of positive hits on this one….)
Thank you friend š i appreciate that. Hahaha she is!! Hugs and love xox
It’s easy to see where you got your beauty from. Your mom is lovely āŗš
Aw what a kind thing to say. Thank you Walt! Have a great night! Hugs and love xox
š
xoxox š š š xoxoxo
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That croissant though!!
Right!!?? Haha Hugs and love xox
I got a toothache looking at the croissont thing :p
Right?!! I feel ya there! Hugs and love xox
Good call – it’s easy to numb out and it takes vulnerability to be present. Have you ever noticed that one thing that God makes a big deal about is our time? We are told to be continuously praying and worship is a way of life. But even more so, he asks us to dedicate 24 hours to him – to put aside our cares and concerns, our bills, our errands, our everyday routine – and just spend time with him. And wow – he asks us to do this every single week!
Have you thought about how vulnerable and trusting we need to be to do that? It’s almost like he’s trying to develop a deeply personal and intimate relationship with us.
Thanks friend š yes! We are to pray always! Hugs and love xox
Be blessed; you and yours.
Thanks friend. Same to you xox
I’m so happy for your family that your mother recovered. What a blessing! Have a beautiful Christmas!
Thank you so much, i really appreciate that. God is good. Hugs and love xox
Awwwwe <3 you look so cute, both of you… What a great World to live for. You must be a loving daughter of your Mom… and I can see it. Mom's deserves to be loved back because they are the one who loves unconditionally despite of any mistakes we committed.. For that <3 thank you so much š Enjoy your time with your Mom. š
Aww thank you so much! What a kind thing to say. Yeah moms deserve the world. They are the best!! Hugs and love xox
Yeah, I would really agree about it š
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Yes! Spend every second toy can with your mom. I lost mine 10 tarts ago just after Christmas and hearing of your mom’s stroke broke my heart for you. Cherish every moment.
Merry Christmas to you and may your new year be filled with more blessings than you’ve ever experienced in a single year.
Thanks J for sharing your story. Iām so sorry to hear that. Sending you so much love. Merry Christmas. Hugs and love xox
I can see the kindness and joy in your Mother’s eyes. You both are just lovely. š Do cherish your time together..
Aw thank you so much. Thatās so kind of you to say. My mom is pretty awesome š Hugs and love xox
This hits home as my father is suffering from Alzheimer’s. The consistent decline is noticable. But right now he still enjoys family outings and movies. So during those times, I only use my phone as an enchanement to a conversation. Like on one outing my parents brought up a hot dog place they used to eat at in their youth and I was able to bring up pictures and the history of the place. Of course, I can’t remember the name of it now!
Oh Mike Iām so sorry to hear that. Iāll definitely keep him and you and your family in my prayers. Sounds like you are a real blessing to them. Sending big big hugs xox
That’s a great picture of you and your mom. So happy that you two can spend some quality time in NYC! Your post tonight was a great reminder to get off social media and be present. I struggle with it, I hate the fact I do that, and I really want so much to improve in this area. Life’s happening and there are wonderful people who God has blessed us with, so why spend so much time looking at our phones when we’re with them? Have a good night and a great weekend! I look forward to reading your next post.
Thank you so much friend š i appreciate that. Big hugs xox
Hey Caralyn. So super that your Mom is able to visit you in NYC. It is easy to see where your beauty originated. Two lovely young ladies, Mom and daughter, enjoying each otherās company in this Christmas season. Sitting, enjoying yourselves, chatting, praying, a terrific way to spend a few days.
Godās Blessings to each of you.
Luv, šš¹ā¤ļø
George
Hey George! Yes! Iām loving having her here. Yes it is. Thank you for your wonderful words, as always:) big hugs to you my friend xox
I hope you continue to have a beautiful time with your Mom. Staying present during each day is a beautiful gift to yourself and those who love you.
Aw thank you Roland. Yeah, itās been a really beautiful time indeed. Hugs and love xox
[…] via Cherishing Time ā BeautyBeyondBones […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Such a great reminder, especially during this holiday season. With the busyness of all the activities that we are involved in, sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the people who are closest to us. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much! So true! Itās time to slow down for sure! Hugs and love xox
“Facebook can’t love you back.” Love it!! A much-needed word for this generation. This makes me want to hug my Mama!
Thanks so much friend!! Yeah try as zuckergerg might, that will never be part of the fb algorithm! Hahha Hugs and love xox
All I can say is, how beautiful both of you are
Oh gosh what a kind thing to say. Thank you. Hugs and love xox
Thank you.
Have a blessed Christmas with your family.
Same to you friend! Hugs and love xox
The birthday cake croissant, looks delicious! Was it as good as it looks? I’m with you on social media–it can become more of weight to a person than a benefit. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday! God Bless.
Thank you friend. Iāve got to be honest, my mom enjoyed the croissant. I am sadly glutenfree. But it sure looked amazing!! Same to you! Hugs and love xox
Well said! Thanks for sharing that!
Thanks so much Jim! Hugs and love xox
Such wonderful thoughts of your present, and what a gift! Every day should, indeed, be like it. Merry Christmas to you and your mom.
Thank you so much friend š same to you!! Hugs and love xox
So glad you still have your mom with you, Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much friend. I appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Really enjoyed your post. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Christmas!
thank you friend! same to you! merry Christmas! Hugs and love xox
What a lovely read, sounds like a great day and so Christmassy
thank you so much! yes! it has been a wonderful day š glad you stopped by! big hugs xo
It’s funny because too many of us fight what we and the world was built on, balance! think about it we have front and back , left and right, we got up and down to go with right and wrong. So fill your plate but know only one half can you eat.
Amen!! Balance!! that is so true – balance is the key to a happy and fulfilling life š Hugs and love xox
Well said!
thank you friend! Hugs and love xox
A beautiful look. Guard it.
Thank you Gary š Hugs and love xox
[…] on December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 by […]
Thanks for link up! Hugs and love xox
Lovely photograph of you and your mother. Thank you for sharing it
Aw thank you Paul:) Hugs and love xox
AWESOME!!! I love this entry!!!
Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
Thanks so much friend š Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn, it’s always great to read your posts.
I love that picture of you and your mum and I’m so happy for you that she is still here in your life and looking fantastic! I hope she feels as good as she looks.
Have a great Christmas. xx
Thank you friend. She is doing really great!! Hugs and love xox
Keeping doing what you do!!!
Thank you MCM! Hugs and love xox
Your quite welcome, much love and peace!!
āØšāØ
Mmmmm! That croissant looks Y.U.M.M.Y! I like your blog posts, keep ’em up! š God bless xx
Thank you so much! Doesnāt it though?!! Haha Hugs and love xox
The pictures of you and your Mom – and of New York – are lovely. Happy Holidays!
Oh thank you so much! What a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
That’s so good, and a nice pic with your mom
Thanks David, i appreciate that:) Hugs and love xox
Enjoy the holidays!!
Same to you! Hugs and love xox
I love this – totally agree, I wish people would just put their phones down and actually talk to each other. It’s one of my goals to detox from social media because I feel like it makes you more depressed. Nobody’s life is as perfect as their Instagram feed.
Thank you friend. I am totally with you on that goal! Amen to that! Hugs and love xox
Enjoy, cherish and love your time being ‘present’ with Mum.
Enjoy that special time with your mom! It’s so easy to get sucked into the tech world and forget about the important people in our lives. We can even forget about the everyday people that God loves sooooo much.
Your mom looks great! Can’t even see any sign of stroke.
Merry Christmas!
Awww so sweet! Your Mom is pretty as you are!!!! Do enjoy those cherished moments with her! Tell I said hello from the Caribbean š although she doesn’t know me lol! Take Care and God bless! Xx much love and hugs!! ššāØ
Have fun lady and I am glad mom is there! AND, if I may be so forward, you and mom are gorgeous! Have a great holiday together!
Fantastic post! Have a good one lovely xx
So nice for you to have this time with your Mom. Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2018
Its awesome that you traveled with your mom! I hope do do it myself soon š
Social Media is our way of looking for the thing that can only exist when we create it for others.
I think youāre right on about that Brian! Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
Great post š Spending time with family during Christmastime or anytime in general is always nice š P.S. I love that picture of that bread-like thing with that pudding inside š Anyway, keep up the great work as always š
Thank you so much John:) that really means a lot! Hugs and love xox
this is deeply amazing, incredible words, beautiful photo, it speaks by itself. I very much appreciate if you kindly support and like my social Facebook page, here is the link:
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Aw thank you so much!!! Hugs and love xox
That is such great advice about living in the moment. About 10 years ago I listened to Eckhart Tolle’s, “The Power of Now,” on audiotape a few times to make sure it sunk in, and living in the moment was one of the main takeaways and it completely changed my perspective. This is a timely reminder to listen to it again.
Thank you friend š sounds like an awesome listen! Iāll have to check it out! Hugs and love xox
My pleasure! It’s seems right up your alley of positivity and living in the moment. Even if it’s something you all ready practice, there might be something new to be gleamed : )
š thanks again x
I love your blog! Wish I could write like you do – so genuine and honest and real!
Aw thank you so much!!! What a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
We will all be excited when you return but I promise You wonāt regret a second of choosing to be present to those you love! Hugs and blessings this Christmas to you and yours! š
Thank you Dawn, i really appreciate that. Same to you! Hope youāre having a beautiful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for the holiday post full of love and warmth during the cold season. Your mom is just as lucky to have YOU as you are lucky to have HER. Continue to stay connected as you disconnect from distractions.
Aw thank you so much. Aw what a kind thing to say š So true! Hugs and love xox
Happy tears!!!! I love this post and I love your writing. Enjoy your mama!!!!
Aw thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! Keep up the good work!
Thanks friend:) same to you!! Hugs and love xox
Love, LOVE your outfit and what this is all about! This time (and really year round) is a time to slow down and invest with the people that matter most! Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much Alisha! Hugs and love xox
Enjoy your Mom-time. My folks passed many years ago and I still miss them.
Oh Iām so sorry to hear that š sending you a big big hug x
You are doing good things, and you go to Mass even if people choke to death on the wine .. whatever that was. I’ve been trying to find my way back to Mass since the pedophilia scandals finished off my faith. But I run across someone like you, who I know next to nothing about, okay totally nothing about, but the difference is so clear. Goodness and love is so resounding, it’s amazing. One could almost say it is miraculous, the way goodness resonates. . You are an angel among us, I’d swear on it. thank you.
thank you so much, for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah, there definitely has been some really sad and ugly things that the church has been working through. But as we’re coming to see this year especially, there are skeletons in pretty much every closet. And that in no way justifies or downplays the gravity and horribleness of what happened, but I just think that you know, priests are human. We are all broken and fallen people. And only God is perfect. And there are a lot of really really *good* men who have dedicated their lives and sacrificed a family and free time and “worldly” pleasures for being a priest. I don’t know, this is just a bit of a stream of consciousness now. But you’re right – Goodness and love come from God, and we can all celebrate and rejoice in those things. They unite us. They bring us together. And i think that above all else, God likes to see His children living in unity and harmony. OK, wow now I’m getting super philosophical hahaha oh gosh — CUT ME OFF!! Anywho – thank you so much for your kind words. sending big big hugs and merry Christmas!!! xox
some great thoughts, encouraging, maybe I will go to mass this week. Thank you
thanks again š xoxox
This has got to be one of my favourite posts of yours.
Your mom is beautiful…! Here’s to mothers for the sacrifices they make and ask for nothing but love in return.
Merry Christmas…!!
Aww thank you so much! What a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
Really good work, i would be happy if you see my work and please like and comment
Thank you so much Keton! Hugs and love xox
Nice šš