exploring.

[i love these two so much.]

The sun wrapped tendrils of sweet warmth around me, the gentle breeze rippled through the bare branches, and the sweet cacophony of the birds sang their afternoon song (a symphony greater than anything man-made), while we strayed off the path and went exploring in the bushes. We knew that we were in the middle of civilization, but pretended  (or at least I did) we were instead in a remote patch of woods. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of uncertainty--planning your future can be and is insanely scary--and it was good for me to get away from it all and change the scenery a bit, especially with the best friend and the best sibs. It was such a simple moment that we shared together, but it was a surefire way to start a good week. When can we go exploring again?

ps over the last few days, i've been working on some changes to this space that will launch in february (which is already tomorrow, eek!). so excited for you all to see them!

in the afternoon

I spent the afternoon journaling, sipping coffee, eating ice cream, and gardening. The weather has been so unseasonably warm this year -- but I'm not complaining. It's rather nice not having to worry about bundling up. And as for journaling, that's something I've started this week. I've always kept a diary, and I regularly fill up notebooks with my writing, but I intend to make this new journal visually appealing as well. I like sitting down in the afternoon to fill blank pages with quotes and song lyrics and blackout poems and short stories.

Do you journal?

ps i caved and got a formspring account...ask away, loves!

we went globetrotting.

I've spent the past four days surrounded by snowy vineyards, forests with impossibly tall trees, and wonderfully foggy lakes. I flew thirty-two thousand feet above the earth, took photographs in the cold until my fingers throbbed, and laughed until my sides ached. I experienced new things, met new people...and fell blissfully in love with a new country.

My dad was invited to be a keynote speaker at a conference in Canada, near Niagara Falls, and I jumped at the opportunity to come along (oh, the perks of being a pastor's daughter, ha!). It was such an adventure, and I never expected to fall so utterly in love with this gorgeous country, especially when it was blanketed by a fresh layer of snow.

I'm home now. Yes, it's nice to be back in my own bed and surrounded by family, but there is a part of me that misses Canada so. I'm a bit reluctant to get back into the daily grind of life, though I suppose all good things must come to an end. But the memories we made will be unforgettable and I feel crazy blessed to have these new experiences.

Canada? I'm coming back. Promise.

wallflower

[photos from my trip to paris]

Sometimes, I dream about moving to a foreign city, with hidden streets and secrets woven into the plaster. I intertwine my fantasy with the memories of Europe I have tucked away in my mind. Slipping in and out of shops and wandering the cobblestoned paths with no particular destination. Walking about, seeing but not being seen; just watching the masses of people going about their daily business. People fascinate me.
My favorite cafe in Paris is the one in Montmartre, the pastries and breads lined up artfully behind the shiny glass. Sitting at a little table with a buttery, flaky pain au chocolat and frothy cafe au lait, I'd rest my feet and record my observations. I'd gather up my notebook and camera to explore and wander some more, then head back to my little flat to sit on the roof and watch the sun set, only to repeat it all over again the next day.

It sounds terribly romantic, does it? Simply being an observer of life? Because sometimes being a wallflower in a bustling city sounds so tempting.

things to be happy about, v.ii

[sweater: target / dress: target / scarf: unknown / belt: thrifted / tights: forever21]

I got this crazy notion in my head to build a wooden backdrop for my photography out of an old pallet. Over the course of a few days, Jeremiah and I (but mainly J) pieced together exactly what I had in mind -- all without instructions or splinters. A brother that builds things for you...what's not to love?

On a side note, I don't have much of a green thumb, but my little succulent is thriving marvelously. I feel like a proud mama.

Continuing the things to be happy about list, here's installment two.

that sweet relieving feeling of being all done with exams // 77 degree weather and tomatoes from the garden in january (yes really) // the excitement of packing for a trip // that state of mourning you enter when you finish a good book // sweater tights // planning for summer // the knowledge that God has a plan // being productive // salted caramel hot chocolate at starbucks // brothers that help you with your crazy ideas 


What are some things you're happy about?

much love.

snow blanket

It fell. I stood there at the window, curtains parted, and watched as it fell in big, soft, powdery flakes. The snow drifted lazily down to the earth and blanketed the grass and trees and bushes. It was beautiful. There's something magical about the first snow, exciting and cozy and happy all rolled into one. I like waking up to an enchanted world the next morning, seeing the world transformed from drab greys and browns to sparkling white.












It's almost a sacred event, being the first to make footprints in that stunning, smooth, untouched layer in a quiet, muffled world. Sometimes I feel guilty about ruining it, but feeling the satisfying crunch-crunch underfoot, breath swirling about my head like a wispy cloud...it's worth it. But still, I always retrace my steps exactly, so the rest of the snow is still left pure.

It's all melted now, just a few remnants laying in shady patches. But oh, it was so beautiful while it lasted.



Have you had your first snow yet?