the world awakening.

There are, of course, the sounds that are immediately apparent--the distant hum of the highway, the dog rooting in the yard, or the dull roar of an airplane flying overhead. But then there are the ones that aren't so immediately apparent, like the quiet rustle of the wind stirring through the bushes and trees or the water trickling its way through the rich soil, staining it a shade darker. And the birds, what seem to be a thousand, calling back and forth in the air, some warbling and some trilling a simple song. There's the wonderful feeling of sunshine browning skin and the earthy smell of spring that beckons a deep breath, an aroma so ambrosial it could be bottled up and sold. And let us not forget the sweet sensation of bare toes on new grass--that's something that could be bottled too.

Spring is more than just the world awakening from winter's slumber; it's a rejuvenation of the mind and senses, too. Forgotten sights and beauty that once again unfurls just as the memories of last spring were beginning to fade, bring along with it hope and contentedness...and I think I like that feeling best of all.

everyday moments || february

After a break, Ellie and I are back with our everyday moments collaboration. February was a good, yet quiet, month. I'm starting to climb back out of the creative winter slump, though I had to keep reminding myself that my camera was just sitting on the shelf and I should really use it. It isn't always easy to get back into the rhythm of regularly taking photographs. Though, it isn't easy to constantly be creative and artistic, either. I'm moving into the career field of graphic design, and while it's terribly exciting, there's a part of me that's scared witless because of all the creative energy that will be required. It's funny, you never know where ideas come from, where creativity comes from. And tomorrow? Who knows when or where or how tomorrow's ideas will come. I suppose taking it one day at a time is the only way. As for today, it involves messy braids, writing a paper, and soaking up the sunshine...who knows what tomorrow will bring?

How was your February?

things to be happy about, v.iii

[dress, shrug, shoes: target // scarf + belt: thrifted// tights: forever 21]

I'm sure I'm not the only one longing for summer, but until then, I've been soaking up this February spring weather and gardening in a polka dot dress (I totally felt like a nineteen fifties housewife). My window is almost always open in the afternoon, the sun streaming through the panes. Have I ever mentioned how much I love having a room in the west part of the house? Oh, and I've been getting my sugar fix in before I give it all up tomorrow. I'm actually really excited about going on a (completely) sugar-free diet...I'm trying it out during lent (are you giving anything up?), but who knows, maybe I'll stay sugar free.

Things to be happy about, volume three:

salted chocolate chip cookies // lilly and her sweet friend jojo all dressed up to go on a date (they are the most adorable couple ever and are destined to marry one day) // the rich, damp smell of spring // the fact that i am less than 100 days from being done with school for the year // grilled cheese sandwiches with strawberry jam // afternoon sunlight streaming into a tidy room // polka dot dresses and messy buns
xo

the ones I want to remember

Gallivanting through the forest, stopping to inspect bits of moss or mushrooms growing on a tree, being careful not to step in spots of squishy mud, a cloudy day was transformed into sunshine, if only metaphorically. I like these times, exploring craggy terrain, running through a wide open meadow, gripping a tiny hand and talking about life. Later, we packed up, hearts pounding from the hike, and went out to lunch and froyo, singing along to the radio and laughing over utter nonsense. We have our ups and downs, but there truly is nothing like family. I would be overwhelmingly lost without them.

One of my favorites things to do is reread old posts and diary entries. There's a certain sweetness about reliving past moments. It's funny how it works, though, not realizing just how good a time was until you're looking back. And this space helps remind me how sweet life really is when I'm feeling down. I have bad, even awful days, yes, but here I like to focus on the good instead of the bad. Because honestly, most of those things I get upset and cry over? They're probably just going to fade into oblivion a week from now. But these precious moments spend with friends and family? They're the ones I want to remember the rest of my life.

in the morning mist

The morning is cloaked in a heavy layer mist, cold and silent and grey. It wraps around the trees and envelopes the path ahead of us, making it hard to see further than a few feet. There's an aura of mystery and it gives me that certain indescribable feeling as only fog can do. Under that cloak of mist, I can't stop worrying about the future of my life. I feel like my life has been going down a path to a very distant unknown...and now all of a sudden that distant unknown is becoming very real and very close, yet still largely unknown. The path, which used to be so straight and carefree, is beginning to split in myriad directions and I'm not sure which to choose. I get so frustrated thinking about it: the uncertainty, the way education and the workforce is set up, knowing what I want to do but not knowing how to go about it in a orthodox manner. My trust is still placed in God's divine plan, but that doesn't mean it's not scary. Because it really is. I steer my thoughts back to the present, admiring the way the tree tops look like mere shadows. I take a deep breath and whisper a prayer. I can do this.

ps thank you so much for your sweet birthday wishes to lilly! she read them all and couldn't stop smiling.

the lilster is six.

Sometimes I truly wonder where the time goes. Just when it seems like time can't go any slower, boom, six years pass faster than you can snap your fingers. And today, I honestly cannot believe this little monkey is already six. I remember the anticipation, the seemingly endless months of waiting, and the excitement like it was yesterday. I was that proud sister who burst into that homeschool meeting we were supposed to attend that Monday she was born, yelling at the top of my lungs, "It's a girl! It's a girl!". My dad still has the post-in note on which I hastily scrawled, "Baby born! 7:10am, 7 pounds 8 ounces." And later, looking down at her nestled between pillows on the bed, committing her tiny body and sweet newborn scent to memory, is a moment I'll never forget.

Lilly, Lilster, Monkey, Lil, Lillybug (and the myriad of other nicknames you've managed to accumulate in your short life), happy birthday. I love you so much and can't imagine life without you. You're the best.

xx

friday five

[poncho: gift from my grandmother, bought in chile / top: unknown / jeans: target / boots: stolen from mama / bag: target]

A few highlights from this past week:

[1] kinfolk 

My local Anthropologie was finally stocked with volumes of Kinfolk. I may or may not have had a heart attack. It's absolutely stunning, seeing it in print and getting to feel the weight of it in your hands.

[2] blossoms in february

Yes, really. I cannot get over it.

[3] ponchos

Officially the best piece of clothing ever. It's like getting to walk around in a super soft, super warm blanket--what's not to love?

[4] give me love

...by Ed Sheeran. Go give it a listen, if you haven't already. So good. And while we're on the topic of music, I learned how to play the Downton Abbey theme song on the piano. (I'm sorry, loves, can you ever forgive my fangirling?)

[5] you!

I feel so crazy, incredibly blessed to have wonderful people like you reading my little posts. Thank you all so much for your amazing feedback in regards to the changes of this space, too. You're the best.

What are some highlights from your week?