Hey hey! Don't think that I forgot about that "second post" idea I was toying with yesterday. In fact, my second post idea maintains what I believe to be a substantial amount of insight and overall takeaway. So, if you will, check back later for what's likely to be a more editorial(-esque) post. In the mean time, I hope you are enjoying your weekend! ...Will meet you back here a little later.

Ciao!

It's no secret that today is not exactly the most beautiful of days. Seriously, what happened to the summer weather?!

I miss my flip flops... That said, despite the looming clouds, you know what I don't miss? The sunshine. And why, you ask? Because I always bring my own sunshine with me wherever I go. Alright I admit it, that was an extremely, EXTREMELY corny intro to today's quote of the day. My deepest apologies. But hey, it is a good quote that dispenses some great advice.

I think it's safe to say that this is going to be a great quote to post as part of The Quotation Inspiration Project, however, for the time being, this quotation is going to make itself at home in my home. 

Can you tell I'm working from home today? Heck, I haven't even gone to get coffee yet. I should probably go take care of that seeing how caffeine is a legitimate "Lindsay necessity." Hey, if my coffee does the trick, you might even get a second post, post-coffee today...TBD. 

Happy Friday!

When I say the word "ironic," what comes to mind? Personally, I first think of Alanis Morissette singing this little number...

What up 90s music! Love that song. That said, there are things other than "rain on your wedding day" that can prove to be ironic. Take what happened to me during my lunch at Panera today, for example. Actually, before I go all "story teller" on your a$$, I should probably reveal today's quote of the day.

So, now that that's out of the way, allow me to tell you what happened at lunch today...

After a morning of running errands and doing work, a very hungry BF and I decided to head to Panera for a quick bite to eat before we parted ways for the rest of the day. Anyways, while waiting for our food, I decided to get my quote post on and posted the above quote on one of Panera's window-facing counters (so pedestrians walking by outside could read it).

PS- do you see me in the background eating lunch?! ...the BF (who had to leave lunch early) is such a sneaky photographer like that.

Anywho, approximately 8 minutes after the BF left (mind you, I was noshing on my carb-filled, oh so tasty baguette at this point), the Panera manager walks up behind me, then reaches over me, and removes my posted quote. I must have given him a look like "what are you doing?!" because he then looked at me and said: "sorry Mam, someone posted a joke in the window. I had to remove it." As I watched him walk away, my initial thought was "how was this quote 'a joke?'," as he so poetically phrased it. Oh and for the record, my second thought was "I should probably get the *bleep* out of here"...which I did, fast. That said, on my drive home, I couldn't help but process what had just happened. And then it hit me: what happened was simply ironic.

A quote made famous by the one and only Muhammad Ali, today's quote of the day is all about self-empowerment and recognizing that, despite being flawed (which we all are), we all have the ability to be great. This is because we all have the ability to make our mark on this world; it's just a matter of picking yourself up and showing the world what it is you have to offer. Whereas I might "make my mark' in a more literal manner (i.e. posting quotes in public places as part of The Quotation Inspiration Project), others may choose to make their mark(s) by giving to various charities, helping a stranger in need, and/or by simply being the best mother/father/daughter/son/etc that they can be. Nevertheless, today's little lunch incident reminded me of something else. It reminded me that some choose to "be the best they can be" by being the best **insert relavent occupation title here** that they can be. While I at first was a little ticked that the Panera manager took down my quote and called it "a joke," I must admit that, in retrospect, I realize he was just doing his job. He was just trying to be the "best him" that he could be. Enough said. 

So basically it has come to this: if I'm not blogging from Starbucks, then I am blogging about Starbucks. I really do need to start making some changes in that regard. However, for the time being, if you could appease me and my caffeine habit--and the blogging that goes along with it--that would be greatly appreciated. That said, I must be doing something right seeing how yesterday marks TheQuoteIWrote.com's biggest day in "web hits" history. Now I know what you're thinking: "Lindsay, you only started this blog two weeks ago. Your 'history' isn't exactly expansive." Well, technically speaking, you're right. But, and I do mean but, the fact that hundreds of you are reading this blog on a daily basis is a truly unexpected feat and genuinely warms my heart in the best of ways. So for that, let me just say THANK YOU.

Moving on.

Seeing how yesterday I was all over town, and therefore had the opportunity to post around town, I decided that today would be a perfect "quotes around town" kind of day. That said, not wanting to change it up too fast, I figured said "quotes around town" could, more or less, morph into "quotes in Starbucks stores"--more specifically, "quotes on Starbucks' community boards." Now, in case you are not quite on my level in terms of Starbucks addiction (which would probably be a good thing), and have no clue what I'm talking about when I say "Starbucks community boards," please allow me to explain.

In most every Starbucks, there is usually a "community board" where non-profit and/or community events are advertised. Whether it's, for example, a flyer for a local art show or a poster about a local clothing drive, the community board serves as a, get this, communal area in which members of the community are free to post permissible propaganda. I know, I know, you totally wouldn't have guessed that had I not been so kind as to let you in on this not so secret, secret. Anyways, during my Starbucks power hour(s), both yesterday and this morning, I decided it was worth my while to inform my fellow caffeine-loving community of The Quotation Inspiration Project. What do you think...?!

Good stuff, right? In case you're interested in all of the deets, the quote above was posted at my favorite downtown Bethesda Starbucks store, whereas the quote below was only posted a few hours ago at one of the Starbucks near Dupont Circle.

Unlike in yesterday's post where I talked about the fast removal of my initial Barnes & Noble quote post, posting on community boards, such as the ones found at my beloved Starbucks, tend to be another "stay posted" type guarantee. That said, holla at your girl if you live in the area and happen to catch a glimpse of one of these two quotes. It would seriously make my day. Besides, in the name of helping our community, I'd be more than willing to give you a shout out in tomorrow's blog post. Now really, please try and tell me that that is an offer you can refuse! ...That's what I thought. 

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!

Happy Tuesday afternoon, everybody. Hope you are all having a decently productive day 

Well, just an hour after I posted said quote, I returned to the self improvement section to "check on the quote" however, lo and behold, the quote was no where to be found. Now I know that when I post quotes they are likely to be taken down but, most of the time, they tend to stay posted for more than 60 minutes. In fact, from my Quotation Inspiration Project experience thus far, most quotes tend to stay posted for at least a day or two before being removed. That said, I wasn't about to give up on my Barnes & Noble quote post that easily! Enter, today's quote of the day, also known as "Perfect Post," part two.

After noticing that my first quote had been removed, I decided to pull out the pad of paper and bag of markers that live in my tote bag and create another, new quote post. So where did I decide to post this second quote? The women's bathroom, of course! 

Now I know posting in bathrooms is not exactly the most posh of places to post, but the fact of the matter remains: quote post + bathroom = guaranteed readership. Seriously! Think about it, when you're washing your hands or fixing your hair in the bathroom mirror, there's not exactly too much that catches our eyes. Sure, there's the standard "employees must wash hands" sign, or the "save trees" sticker on the paper towel dispenser but, other than that (assuming you're not completely vein and staring at yourself the entire time), there isn't exactly a lot going on. Hence, bathroom posts are great places to attract attention, spread the word, and share the quote love. Get it? Got it. Good!

PS, my deepest, most sincere apologies to the potential two male readers out there (the BF being one of them, my father most likely being the other) who will never be able to see a quote post in the men's public restroom. I know, I know...you two must be utterly heartbroken over this matter. A travesty I tell you, a travesty. 

All I have to say is I had a stroke of genius this morning. Why it took me so long to think of said geniusness, I do not know. Nevertheless, allow me to share with you my latest and greatest Quotation Inspiration Project posting. But first, today's quote in all of it's pre-posting fabulosity...

Yeah, it took some mad art skillz for this one. I mean, do you see those chess piece drawings in the corner? My point precisely. That said, I do have a soft spot in my heart for this particular quote (it's one of my favorites), and therefore have been holding off on posting this one in a public place until I found "that perfect spot." Well friends, today, I found that perfect spot. Enter, the Barnes and Noble "Self Improvement" section. 

I'm so overly into this particular Quotation Inspiration Project post that I decided some color pictures were also completely necessary...

I don't think "quote placement" gets any better than this. Especially since, only a few minutes after I posted the quote, I saw three women gathered around the self-improvement bookshelf, each gabbing about how "surprisingly cool" it was to stumble across "this randomly posted quote." All I can say is, GLAD I COULD MAKE YOU THREE LADIES SMILE.

Happy Monday, all!

PS, have you made someone smile lately? If your answer is no, then you should try posting some quotes around your town. I don't kid when I tell you that it makes a difference! Make your difference. Make someone in your community smile, today.

As promised in yesterday's blog post, below is yesterday's quote posted outside of "date night" hotspot, Redwood Restaurant and Bar. 

Not going to lie, the dinner wasn't anything overly amazing, BUT the ambiance was great as was their pre-dinner bread and butter. Hot damn, I love me some carbs. Speaking of carbs, I continued to "spread the word" (in Whole Foods' candy aisle, apparently) while running some errands with the BF earlier this morning. Hmm, I wonder how that happened? 

Can you tell I (and by "I" I mean "the BF and I") like sweets?! For the record though, we did get salads for lunch afterwords. I even have a Sweetgreen Quotation Inspiration Project  pic to prove it...

Oh, and for those of you wondering, yes I did just casually lean against the above half-wall (taped quote in hand) to nonchalantly post that quote. What can I say, I'm just super stealth like that.

Hope everyone is having one hell of a Sunday Funday. If not, you should really get on that. 

Have you checked out TheQuoteIWrote.com's new facebook page and twitter designs? If you haven't, you really should. They're pretty baller, if I may say so myself. You know what else is baller? The fact that I am currently blogging from the Library of Congress (i.e. I DO go to places other than Starbucks! It's a miracle, I know). 

Clearly just enjoying a typical Saturday morning. Clearly. That said, I must admit, this place is an architectural beauty. 

For goodness sake, even the ceilings are beautiful...

On a side note, is it weird if I tell you that I currently feel as if I am in the "Library of Congress Reading Room" scene from National Treasure: Book of Secrets? Seriously though, I'm legitimately waiting for Nicolas Cage to pop out from behind one of the endless walls of books. For those who haven't seen this movie, the Library of Congress (and the main reading room in particular) play a large(ish) role in the film as it serves as one of the action scene backdrops. I'd provide you with more details but, and let's be honest, isn't it much easier if I just provide you with the link to the movie's wikipedia page?! Ahh, much better.

So now that you probably think I have horrible taste in movies (I really don't, promise), let's get to the stuff that actually matters (and by matters, I mean the stuff that this blog is actually about)--quotes.

Today's quote of the day is probably one of the "cooler" quotes I've drawn. Then again, a quote like this one deserves some decent artwork. 

Great quote, right? Now I know I usually post a second, additional pic--Quotation Inspiration Project style--however, seeing how tonight is "date night" (and the BF and I are going out for a nice dinner), I kind of feel as if posting this picture at or near the restaurant would be most ironic...in the best of ways, of course. Yeah, I'll keep you all posted on that one. 

In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. I know it's not exactly the most beautiful of days, but just because it's storming outside doesn't mean you can't have fun indoors. I mean, the picture below was taken from inside my car. Good times I tell ya, good times.

It's official: The Quotation Inspiration Project has progressed into full "movement" status, and readers are making quotes of their own to post around town! 

One reader sent in a few pictures of the quotes she was planning to post around her college campus! Not going to lie, I think some of her quotes are prettier than mine!! Love it. 

You know what else I love? Today's quote of the day...

Can you tell I took this picture when I was still at Cosi yesterday?! Apparently I just couldn't get enough of that fabric. That said, I ended up posting the above quote on the wall of an outdoor patio in the DC metro area. 

Oh, and did you notice my [BRACKETS]?! What can I say, I couldn't help myself. Thought the inclusion of *[or giving in]* was necessary. You know, because clearly I'm Anon 2.0 or something like that. Then again, this website is called "The Quote I Wrote." I knew I named it that for a reason.

Anyways, the weather here is BEAUTIFUL, but outdoor blogging + extreme sun = one hot laptop! I guess that means it's time for me to "make moves" of my own. 

PS, just giving you a friendly reminder that if you want to participate in The Quotation Inspiration Project, all you have to do is write down your favorite quote, hang it in a public place, take a picture of your work, and send it in to thequoteiwrote@gmail.com. Your pictures will then be featured on the blog the very next day!! 

Now go find a pen, a piece of paper, and a roll of tape. You know you want to get your quote on.

What a morning! Me and my boyfriend, the BF, had planned on spending our morning walking around the tidal basin (i.e. cherry blossoms). Well, let's just say things didn't exactly go according to plan. In the past, whenever I have gone to see the cherry blossoms (you know, that one time I went with my parents back in high school), the parking situation has been a breeze. You park right along the treelined street, hop out of your car, and get your blossom-gazing on. Today, this was not the case. All of those "treelined streets" were blocked off and all of the other parking areas, well apparently those parking spaces don't open until 10am. So much for being an "in the know" Washingtonian. Anyways, my advice for those in the area wanting to see the cherry blossoms: take the metro!! Enough said.

On a different topic of interest, last night's outing was much more successful--Whole Foods hot bar dinner and a Quotation Inspiration Project posting. What up stairwell to the Friendship Heights Whole Food's parking garage!!

Also, should you pass by the Cosi in Dupont Circle this morning/afternoon (Connecticut Avenue side entrance), perhaps you will see another one of my "Quotation Inspiration Project" posts...

You know, casually reached behind the booth while no one was looking to post this one. I'd say "sorry," but let's be honest, I mean no harm...just positivity!!

Ciao!

PS, special shout out to Becca for your great comment yesterday. Made my day!