30 March
Lifestyle

The Stories We Tell & Oh, Hey Girl! Link-Up

I’m the type of person that thinks talking with someone double or triple my age is almost always down right interesting. They have so many stories to tell. Love stories, stories about their children, stories about the adventures they went on; everyone has a story. Of course people remember the hard times and the tragedies but mostly, they will tell you about the moments they loved the most.

My mom and dad tell me stories about when they first met. My mom spent her days at a local pool, life guarding and catching a tan. She also caught my dad’s eye, and he stole her heart. The beginning of love stories are always the best if you ask me.

My mom tells me about the moments spent with my brother and I when we were kids, how she loved spending her days at the playground with us. If you ask her, she remembers that we would act out or throw tantrums, but she says, in a sense she has almost forgotten about those moments. The hard moments hiccup a day, but very rarely touch the overall story of you.

LOFT Jagged Lace Shell styled with a House of Harlow necklace, aviator sunglasses and mint cropped chinos

My grandmother tells me stories about my mom as a baby. How she would squeal and play and eat just about anything. Mothers always remember the joyful stories about their children.

minttrench4

Although I’m not yet very old, I have stories to tell. If you asked me about the last year, I would remember some of the harder parts; the stress of selling our first home and sleepless nights with a new baby. But the stories I would tell you first would be of sun soaked days watching my toddler play, while I rocked a newborn baby on our front porch. The nights spent driving around so that the baby would sleep weren’t ill memories, they were warm summer nights with the windows down and sunroof open, holding my husbands hand. I would remember the times my husband showed me how much he loved me, without saying a word.

Mint Cropped Chinos for spring outfit and blog post about the stories we write in life
{Top – LOFT Jagged Lace Shell | Trench Coat – Old Navy | Necklace – House of Harlow | Pants – LOFT Cropped Skinny Chinos | Shoes – Halogen Olson Flats}

The long run stories, are always beautiful. Now, at the end of any given day if you asked me how my day went, often it is the negative things that come to mind first. The kids were cranky at the grocery store, the dogs got into the trash, my boss was unhappy with me, etc. At the same time that the negative things are rolling off of my tongue, I can also name just as many sweet moments from my day; my boys were holding hands and giggling on our ride home and my husband sent me sweet texts in the afternoon. So why is it that my first thoughts were negative? Is it that the negative, because it is stressful, oftentimes outweighs the positive in the short term? Could be. But once I’ve had a moment to calm down and get over those everyday stresses, the positive shines through. When I think of it that way, those stresses aren’t all that significant after all. Life is too beautiful to let the stress of daily life get me down or fill up my thoughts first. I’m going to let them roll off my sleeve and make room for the beauty in life.

Years from now, when you’re rocking in your rocking chair, telling stories from your life, I bet they will be beautiful ones, full of highlights, not rants over grocery store tantrums. So live each day, like it’s going into the pages a novel, spend less time focusing on the small negatives and savor the positives. Write a beautiful story.

– Brooke

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Brooke of Pumps and Push-Ups - petite style blogger

Hello, I'm Brooke!

A petite (4'10") gal on the hunt for the best petite clothes. I show you where to shop for petite finds, and how to style them in my weekly style sessions. I don't alter or hem any of the clothing on my blog - what you see is exactly how the items fit me right from the store.

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108 Comments

  1. 3.30.16
    Candice Petersen said:

    I love the jacket!!

    Beauty Candy Loves

  2. 3.30.16
    Red Reticule said:

    It’s always so interesting listening to other people’s stories, especially there is a generation in between. I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house growing up and soaked up a lot of my current values there. My very best friends are a retired couple.
    http://redreticule.com

  3. 3.30.16
    Living on Cloud Nine said:

    I LOVE your stories and I love that you love hearing stories from other generations. Life is just so darn interesting through others eyes. This outfit is Spring Spectacular, the jacket, the detail on the top, the shoes…all swoon worthing. Come link this up today cutie patootie!!

  4. 3.30.16
    Mica said:

    What a beautiful story, and great advice! 🙂

    I remember all the happy memories with my kids as well, how quickly we forget the negatives, they aren’t worth dwelling on 🙂

    Thank you for the link up!

    Away From The Blue Blog

  5. 3.30.16
    Gabrielle said:

    What a beautiful post, I got goosebumps at one point – you’re absolutely right, we only really remember the heartwarming moments that touched us at the time, and the ‘less pleasant’ moments inevitably pale in comparison 🙂

    Also, I love this beige trench on you!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

  6. 3.30.16
    Biana Perez said:

    I absolutely love this post!! I ask my mom and dad about when they were little and what it was like when they were falling in love!! Seriously great outfit! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  7. 3.30.16
    Jill said:

    I love hearing family stories and it’s definitely the good times that you remember. We need to try to forget the negatives in the moment and focus on the positives! Love this outfit on you! That trench is fabulous!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  8. 3.30.16
    Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom said:

    I too enjoy hearing stories, especially form my mom or Dad of time past! It is easy to get caught up in the negative, especially after a very tiring day… and, my kids are 7 and 9 and they still wear me out. I love to tell my kids stories about fun or silly times when they were too little to remember and they just love hearing those stories from me!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  9. 3.30.16
    Marta C said:

    Very sweet post, I love hearing stories too & you are so right about life being beautiful and not letting the stressors dampen that!
    Marta
    http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

  10. 3.30.16
    Erica Tironi said:

    I love hearing family stories! beautiful post! The look is so beautiful!
    Have a great day!
    XO Erica
    http://www.ericavoyage.com

  11. 3.30.16
    RedTagChicLA said:

    Oh yes family stories are priceless memories to hear and that top of your has lovely detailing! Enjoy the rest of the week!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

  12. 3.30.16
    Valentina said:

    So true!! I love your look. Your sandals are amazing.

    XoXo from Berlin
    Valentina | DAILY SUIT

  13. 3.30.16
    http://www.weshopinheels.com said:

    Great post! Amazing look!

    -Tatiana
    http://www.weshopinheels.com/2016/03/zucchini-pasta.html

  14. 3.30.16
    Shaunacey said:

    I love this look so so much but I love your words even more. And I swear you must have been reading my mind… both my kids were miserable yesterday AND the dog got into the trash lol
    So right though, looking back, I vaguely remember the hard days but the shining moments are still so vivid!

    Simply Shaunacey

  15. 3.30.16
    ADA said:

    I love talking to my parents, in laws and relatives about the past and just like you, at the end of the day I try to remember the positive. What a beautiful post with such a positive message. This Spring outfit is darling too, I need the jagged lace top and the classic tan trench coat.

  16. 3.30.16
    Lenya said:

    Such a clean, easy, breezy look!
    xox
    Lenya

    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

  17. 3.30.16
    Nina Bosken said:

    Thanks for sharing those stories! And you are right … as we look back, we never remember all the stressful times. We just remember what was fun and good!

    Nina
    aworldofdresses.com

  18. 3.30.16
    Shauna C said:

    Love this necklace! It’s such a great spring statement piece!

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

  19. 3.30.16
    Shea Sayers said:

    This was such a sweet post! Sometimes I’m guilty of focusing on the negative parts of my day, and I needed to read this, because that was yesterday for sure! But you’re so right, those aren’t the things we’ll remember years later. I love this pretty, classic spring look!

  20. 3.30.16
    JL@ A Pocketful of Polka Dots said:

    I so enjoyed reading this post! You are so right, in the end the highs are what stand our in our minds and are the ones we retell. Perfect spring look and the detail on your shirt hemline is beautiful.

  21. 3.30.16
    Amy Johnson said:

    So happy to hear you like to listen to us “old” people. Most young people aren’t interested in us. Love your post. Great outfit! I love that top!

  22. 3.30.16
    Amy Ann Arnold said:

    Such a lovely post! You are so right, even in the everyday stress life is so beautiful.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  23. 3.30.16
    Rachel Rinderknecht said:

    You look so gorgeous! I especially love your shoes!

    Rachel
    Simply Rachel Nicole

  24. 3.30.16
    Ashley Kvas said:

    LOVE the outfit! And I’m dying over those flats … I need them!

    Nineteen
    Windsor

  25. 3.30.16
    Rachel Garay said:

    Beautifully said, this makes me want to be or reflect on the more positive even if for today. Lovely trench coat here.

    Rachel xo

    http://garaytreasures.com

  26. 3.30.16
    WhatWouldVWear said:

    You look so chic, and I love listing to parents stories on how they met! It’s the cutest! 🙂

    xoxo, Vanessa

    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

  27. 3.30.16
    Mary Murnane said:

    What a wonderful post! Loved reading this.

    Mary
    http://www.marymurnane.com

  28. 3.30.16
    Deena Simair said:

    I love the muted tones in this outfit!

  29. 3.30.16
    Lana L. said:

    Such beautiful words in this post. I love how you wrote to live each day like it’s going into the pages of a novel! I find that if I focus on the things I’m grateful for, rather than the negative, my overall attitude is so much better. Love your outfit too – such pretty colors together!

  30. 3.30.16
    itsshania said:

    Nice post love the top you look great.
    http://www.itsshania.com/2016/03/28/vamp-it-up/

  31. 3.30.16
    Courtney said:

    I absolutely love this post! So sweet!!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

  32. 3.30.16
    Audrey Williams said:

    This is such a beautiful post! And it comes at such a great time for me. When you’re going through a stressful time, it feels like that’s it, but years down the line, you’ll barely remember that stuff. I have to keep reminding myself of this, too. Thank you for sharing!

    Audrey
    http://www.lululinden.com

  33. 3.30.16
    Michelle Orsi said:

    Such a classic look with a trench coat. Love the styling

    http://michellespaige.com

  34. 3.30.16
    Lee T said:

    Such a beautiful post Brooke – I always LOVE your writing!

    XO
    Lee | LegalLee Blonde

  35. 3.30.16
    Laura said:

    What a beautiful sentiment and reminder to think about the positive in every moment! Love your top by the way-the detail is gorgeous!

  36. 3.30.16
    Lauren Foster said:

    such pretty pictures! love this!

  37. 3.30.16
    Valerie Price said:

    This is such a beautifully written post and such a wonderful inspiration! Beautiful outfit as well! Thanks for sharing!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

  38. 3.31.16
    Sheree said:

    This is such a beautiful post, yes I agree that we tend to remember the bad memories at the heat of the moment but then the sweet memories comes flooding in. I always enjoy your posts Brooke.

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

  39. 3.31.16
    Evelyn Labonte said:

    Amazing outfit!
    X
    http://www.angelamall.co.nz

  40. 3.31.16
    sonia de macedo said:

    Awww this is so lovely. I feel the same way, though I didn’t when I was younger and I regret not spending nearly as much time (or listening for that matter) with older relatives. They’ve mostly all passed away now and I’d give anything to listen to a story of theirs, especially one by my grandfather.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

  41. 3.31.16
    Malin Rouge said:

    That’s a very beautiful thought! I mostly remember the happy times too – and we should always listen to the stories of our moms/ grandparents 🙂

    Malin | Spark&Bark

    xx

  42. 3.31.16
    Traci Hart said:

    So sweet! With age comes wisdom, for sure!
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  43. 3.31.16
    Alexandra Consolver said:

    I love this, it is definitely so true! I think we remember the negative parts of our recent past because they SEEM like a really big deal at the time. Especially when we are young, everything is HUGE deal. But down the line, we know that they aren’t. We re-read times when we were stressed or think about them, and realize that it was all ok. (of course not with actual big things, but with the little day-to-day ones). I love this post, life is made up of the most beautiful stories, we should try to remember that when we hit a rough patch! 🙂 (Drives with my husband are one of my favorite things too. 🙂 ) XO – Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

  44. 3.31.16
    Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side said:

    Awww, so sweet! I totally agree, sometimes it’s hard to not focus on the bad stuff, but I really do try to focus on the good stuff. When I tuck my son into bed I try to remember to ask him what the best part of his day was, he always has the sweetest answers that warm my heart.

  45. 3.31.16
    Emily Green said:

    This post is so beautifully written, it was a joy to read!!! Stories truly are such a wonderful thing to enjoy and partake in.
    Love the cutout detail on your shirt!
    Emily
    Darling, Dearest

  46. 3.31.16
    Sheela Goh said:

    So that was one of the loveliest things I’ve had the privilege to read, Brooke. You are SO right. At the end of a long hard day, our first thoughts are typically the not so positive but then the blessings start pouring in and you realise how each hour, every single moment, is such a treasure. Thank you, so much, for reminding me to remember that, Brooke xoxo

  47. 3.31.16
    Dee Kay said:

    This post was so beautiful, I enjoyed reading every bit of it! Also loving this cute spring outfit you have on, a good trench coat is a perfect piece to throw on around this time of the year!

    Dee
    http://www.urbanchicblvd.com/

  48. 3.31.16
    Stripes n Vibes said:

    Your post is so inspirational and I agree with every single word! Looking back even toughest memories faint and you remember the best moments happened!

    Tanya
    http://www.StripesnVibes.com
    BlogLovin

  49. 3.31.16
    Amber Shannon said:

    Lovely post!! So darling to share experiences… it’s that vulnerable, realness that keeps relationships alive!

    ♥
    Amber
    All the Cute
    Latest Post: Patchwork Print Romper

  50. 4.1.16
    Jackie said:

    This is such a lovely post! Thank you for sharing this with us. I agree, it’s so easy to get caught up in life’s everyday stresses… When this happens to me I always try to remember that not everyday will be a good day but there is always some good but there is good in everyday.
    Hope you have a great weekend!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

  51. 4.1.16
    Evelyn Labonte said:

    Amazing post, thank you for share your ideas here!
    X
    http://www.angelamall.co.nz

  52. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks so much!

  53. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    So true Jackie! A great reminder. 🙂

  54. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    🙂 So true Amber!

  55. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Tanya!

  56. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Dee!

  57. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Sheela for your sweet compliment! 🙂

  58. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Emily 🙂

  59. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    That’s so sweet Sarah! Bedtime can be such a sweet, quiet time with the littles!

  60. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    That’s a great point Alexandra! I am famous for letting something so small, seem so big and overwhelming!

  61. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    🙂 For sure!

  62. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    They’re the best!

  63. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Sonia! I wish I had listened a little more in my younger years as well.

  64. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you!

  65. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Sheree 🙂

  66. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Valerie!

  67. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    🙂 Thank you Lauren!

  68. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks Laura!

  69. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    You’re so sweet Lee!

  70. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks so much Michelle!

  71. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    So true Audrey! I tend to let stress overwhelm me and I need reminders like this.

  72. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Courtney!

  73. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks Shania!

  74. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Lana! This was one of those outfits I put together and didn’t realize how much I liked it until it was photographed. 🙂

  75. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Deena!

  76. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks so much Mary!

  77. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    It’s the best!!

  78. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks so much Rachel!

  79. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    😀 Thank you!

  80. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Rachel!

  81. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks sweet Amy!

  82. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    I’m totally interested 😀

  83. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Jennie 🙂

  84. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    I’m guilty of it so often! Thank you Shea!

  85. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks Shauna!

  86. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks Nina!

  87. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Lenya!

  88. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    My parent’s stories are my favorite, I love thinking about what their life was like when they were young and carefree!

  89. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    My dog is in my trash like everyday!!!! lol

  90. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Tatiana!

  91. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you!

  92. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Rebecca! Enjoy your weekend!

  93. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Erica!

  94. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thanks Marta!

  95. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    I was telling my older son about when I was a kid earlier this week and he told me he was there, lol.

  96. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you so much Jill!

  97. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    So sweet B!

  98. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    You are so sweet, such a compliment! 🙂

  99. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you Mica!! I keep waiting for your new baby announcement!! Coming soon!

  100. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    It’s so interesting!! I missed your link-up!! I need to add it to our list, so I wont miss it next time! 😀

  101. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Grandparents tell the best stories and have the best lessons to pass along!

  102. 4.1.16
    Brooke & Erica said:

    Thank you!!

  103. 4.3.16
    Chow Down USA said:

    Loving everything about that outfit, and the statement necklace really pulls it together!

    Chelsea
    Chow Down USA
    Instagram

  104. 4.3.16
    Kelly said:

    ohh how I love!!
    http://islandchic77.com/

  105. 4.4.16
    Eileen said:

    Love the message guys, too often I get bogged down remembering the bad stuff that has happened in a day when there have been just as many (or even more) sweet moments. Thanks for reminding me to remember those! Love the trench and shoes x
    Eileen
    5feetofstyle.com | Instagram | Facebook

  106. 4.4.16
    Kait Elizabeth said:

    This is a beautiful post love! Hugs, Kait

    http://www.makeminemaroon.com

  107. 4.4.16
    Lauren Mazzei said:

    Great post! Loved the read!

    Xo Lauren
    http://www.auburnrobes.com

  108. 4.5.16
    Yukova said:

    So beautiful casual outfit x
    http://www.yukovablog.co.uk/

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