+you may not remember me i was a child of three

Waking up to a beautiful snowfall, staying in, sleeping more than being awake, headbands, college time, phone talks that make me smile, the middle, watching through tv shows, more catching up, graduation cake, noisemakers, Dick Clark, eastern time, safely home.

+hold tight, it's just beginning

Rediscovering love of an artist, endorphins, never wanting to stop, being stopped, finding a dollar, hard water pressure, cereal for lunch, breathing deeply, resisting, stationary, the smell of new books, fancy coffee, talks with grandma, writing writing writing, sweet boyfriend, laughing flannel, bangs.

+and oh my love my love we both go down together

Winds whipping out of doors, snuggling up in a blanket, not making plans yet, stamps with polar bears on them, understanding, feeling rebellious in a good way, dreaming of Nashville, folding, being neat, being celebrated and remembered, hundreds of little notes, moderating, growing up, homemade cakes, basketball mixed with cards.

+tell me doctor, can you quantify

Long walks, old thoughts, rosy cheeks, time to think, time alone, riding the train, old management systems, new cities, scale, small piles of snow everywhere, eye contact, warm jackets, actually needing gloves, taking photos, finding new places, getting lost in a crowd, yummy fresh coffee, three story stores, out with my siblings, connecting, card games, postcard writing, finding contentment.

+if we're all matter, what's it matter does it matter? if we're all matter when we're done?

Historical exercise, old-fashioned diners, coat racks, just how it was, getting taller, great hugs from cousins, stringed instruments, improvisation, trader joes, football games, family grocery runs, squeezing into vans, family all in one place, endless homemade quilts.

"Don't, don't you worry, about the atmosphere or any sudden pressure change. Cause I know, that it' starting to get warm in here and things are starting to get strange." -Andrew Bird

+all you see are zeros and ones

Yogurt and fresh fruit, short lines, time and energy to read, staying calm in turbulence, sweet babies, remaining or maybe becoming beautiful, rainy but warm, lots of pizza, early bedtimes, reminders everywhere, a safe day of travels.

+oldest friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more

Waking up in the late morning with no plans but to relax, my down comforter than can be easily mistaken for a cloud, good workouts and exercising with Dad, bread again, realizing the greatness and meaning of the day, fantastic relationships, understanding the spectrum, the smell of evergreen, little buttons, small and simple, hearing "Merry Christmas" all day long.

+until the son of God appears

Wearing new sweaters, not having to wear a jacket, long naps in a cozy living room, festive music, festive lights, the smell of baking coming from the kitchen, too many pots of dad's coffee, fresh cookies, beautiful music in unison, wind storms, using technology to connect instead of disconnecting, splurging, getting and giving more than is imaginable, setting up.

+i can tell you, the telling gets old

Coffee cups that require two hands to hold and warm your hands in the process, brick walls, free refills, wooden tables, hilarious conversations, fully engaged, hours passing before you know it, little lunches with gingerbread men endings, columns, long hikes, beautiful weather, the smell of clothing after you've been outside for a long time, movies, collage-making, doing the dishes, snail mail in all its glory, knowing there's a wonderful boy in indiana i cannot wait to hug again.

+the whole world is moving and i'm standing still

Old places with old friends, 65 degrees in December, homemade gingerbread, spending time with my sister, cute and friendly cats, slow time, the piggly wiggly, old window panes, grandma games, spaghetti over candles, the choo choo button, laughing, losing badly, being picked up, cobblestone, being awake, as if nothing has changed, being confident in my choices, closure.

+we celebrate our sense of each other, we have a lot to give one another

Warm weather, fitting, observations, fancy lunching, understanding a town just by the stores they have, being a bridesmaid, being grateful for the time of life I'm in, capitalization, unafraid, sufjan stevens, familiar streets, Christmas shopping for those you love, the advent coming to a close, book stores, easy going-ness, falling asleep to movies with the family, good phone calls from indiana, more movies.

+we can use all the help we can, so many minor chords outside

Pajamas and coffee with a puzzle, quiet mornings, old clothing, packing again, long hugs, happy goodbyes, the way smoke floats unpredictably, Christmas time with people you love dearly, hillsboro village, patience, rosy cheeks, the radio, stationary designs, dreaming still, poinsettias, the post office workers' smiles, will smith in general, creatively bound books, little changes at the home, embracing Birmingham for once.

+start over is no way to begin

Fancy hotel breakfast, observing, umbrellas, grace, remaining, feeling closure, warm clothing, dreaming of the mountains, unpacking and folding, tv shows on dvds, no pending assignments, blue eyes, watching candles flicker, a dinner out, belmont basketball, knowing, taking our time, getting over little fears, warm blankets.

+keep a fire burning in your eye, pay attention to the open sky

The way a breakfast tastes after hard exercise, awaiting, time time time, family, sweet conversation, santa hat searching, hanging candles, homemade cookies, paper straws, encouragement and support, jackson browne, a great view, feeling grateful and thankful, the anticipation of what can come, sketches, embossing, free stickers, accomplishment, disbelief, grinning.

"Just do the steps that you've been shown, by everyone you've ever known. Until the dance becomes your very own... don't let the uncertainty turn you around, go on and make a joyful sound." -Jackson Browne

+they were sitting, they were talking in the strawberry swing

The most vibrant sunrise of the semester, going barefoot, sharpies, bar stools, advent devotions by candlelight, seal and wax (finally having candles), trying a new recipe and it being a success, a library visit, phone talks with sharon, finding the creaks in the room, updates from the road, being taken by surprise, blushing, clean dishes, intentional smiles, indiana, no defined plans, bubbles, invitations.

+from now on our troubles will be far away

Energetic interactions, those recyclable bags at grocery stores, soft and clean hair, empty rooms, baking, preparing, creating the right atmosphere, our 2nd Christmas, a cute and thoughtful theme, finally getting monster, puzzle time, owning silverware, carpets, history, constant guests, hopeful goodbyes, reflections over coffee, excitement for newness in others, apple chips in salads, being the hostess.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Hebrews 13:2

+just our hands clasped tight

Early caf ventures, dressing up for final exams, finishing strong, still breathing through it, target when it's about to close, running in cold weather, singing along to the radio, energy, less than a 4, an eight foot couch on loan, becoming an amateur botanist, thoughtful christmas presents, learning it's okay to feel need, quick naps, new recipes to bake, choosing to go in depth over out, feeling more at home than I ever have before.

+for the tiniest moment it's all not true

Birthdays, the end of the list, warm days in December, feeling put together, long lunches in a new home, leftovers, pineapple slices, procrastinating by cleaning, timing a dinner, housewarming gifts, feeling just the right age, step stools, the few, grateful, feeling loved and loving, laughing hard, community for lack of a better word, friendly new neighbors, seeing people off and how they smile and sigh in relief, saying goodbye with good hugs, being proud of my friends, the soccer lights outside my window, hearing girls giggling before they go to sleep.

+and in the end, the words don't matter

"I kept falling over.

I kept looking backward.

I went broke believing,

that the simple should be hard.

All that we are we are.

All that we are we are.

And every day is the start of something beautiful"

-Matt Nathanson

The smell of a big pot of coffee brewing, precious time spent over breakfast, pajamas and socks, magnets, step stools, the natural beauty, baking, delicate, doing my job, foggy windows, our own lives, friendship, weekend that tops all week, sun setting, christmas parties (all kinds and formats), beautiful paint colors, old friends in new settings, bubber, popcorn (always.), loving someone more fully, realizing the need and love for people, praying.

+the girl was new and the car was old

Writing Christmas cards, disciplined spending, morning light streaming into windows, brisk weather, loving mom, granola, constant gratitude, engaging, arranging, butterflies, my favorite people, feeling loved and cared for to the extreme, meals out, warm soup, smiles and hugs, sleepiness that turns into more thankfulness, listening too, plants, homey-ness, re-using lots of little things, keeping items that make me feel at home, washing my own dishes, the back corners of restaurants, realizing i trust more now, falling asleep to claymations, feeling warm and safe.

"What was it like for you? I can tell you in truth what it was like for me..." -The Avett Brothers

+but i don't need a telecope to see that theres hope and that makes me feel brave

Crazy situations that still end up working out, breakfasts, silence between answers, serving, signing my name over and over, a wonderful landlord, shampooed carpets, my favorite color freshly painted in the kitchen, sweet potatoes, timing timing timing, birds who live in the beams, cans, the dollar rack at michaels, wicker, homemade dinners, dwelling, toasting the new place, laying on the carpet to guitar music, reveling, fearlessness, lyrics.

+you've held my hand through the darkest night

Recovering it, strange wakings, white walls, classmates, mat kearney, good service, dust bunnies, a-year-and-a-half, percussion, layers of clothing, turning on the tv, being able to help, good choices, unexpected cookies/coffee, passionately thinking, sweet residents, soup, beautiful sunsets over belmont buildings, overcoming fears.

"...we'll still be singin' that song the one they can't take away...
and you are all that i've waited for all of my life."

+i guess i'll never know why sparrows love the snow

"We both made the call but it was only my fault,

Such a beautiful view with a long way to fall.

I was afraid to leave the safety of above,

but if it doesn't it's not love."

-Fiction Family

Standing up, wrestling with thoughts, strong gusts of wind, small and new coffee shops, feeling like I'm living in a novel, the real quality, simplicity, arriving early, pumpkin-chocolate anything, pancake day at kindall's, catchphrase, juniors, pots of coffee, care, warm leggings, staying calm, changing plans, over-my-head-help, music that carries you away.

+and everyday there comes a song with the dawn

More time than needed, long caf breakfasts, eye contact that equates to communication, vikki mckay, humility, respect, jobs well done, flashing colorful christmas lights, "lasts", getting a cap and gown for graduation, study tables, festive projects, smiles, warm hugs, proper bad-weather attire, falling asleep accidentally, the rain letting up, grace.

+i heard it in the song when you call out, but i got to say now its got to change

Dry feet, new light bulbs, sleeping later than expected, shadows, curling ribbon, carillon christmas carols, wearing heels from time to time, christmas decorations of all sorts, beautiful table arrangements, soft peppermint sticks, green beans, good causes, loving support, remembering the first two, being productive and festive, late night visits.

+what goes around now is coming back down today

A long breakfast alone, walking slowly, kisses, headbands, clean piles of clothes, losing a pound or two, keeping plans, picking right up where we left off, scared about the future but knowing we're all together, feeling grateful for nashville tennessee, getting asked the hardest questions i've been asked, being made dinner that is perfectly wonderful, butterflies in my stomach, advent, handmade scarves and hugs at church, holding hands with devon when we pray, holding my chin up, eye contact, the left side of the multimedia hall, hershey kisses mixed with baby candy canes, contentment and excitement, feeling ready, mod podge.

+and don't apologize for all the tears you've cried

"And don't apologize for all the tears you've cried. You've been way too strong now for all your life. I'm gonna get there soon, you're gonna be there too. Crying in your room, praying Lord come through. We're gonna get there soon. Oh, it's your light, oh, it's your way. Crying out now from so far away, you pull me closer to love, closer to love. Cause you are all that I've waited for all of my life." -Mat Kearney

Stopping in the beauty of nature, scale, humility, newness, rekindling, wisdom, insight, hats, frozen hands, being prayed for, tears that almost freeze in the outdoors, missing someone so much that you understand their important, being able to spend time with so many people, knowing that people are willing to spend their time with me, parks, dogs, exciting experiences that make me feel so very lucky, working through it, being completely honest even though it may make me expose the ugly parts of who I am, feeling like all I can do is give me life away.

+and when the smoke cleared it took her breath away

Sunshine telling me the time, smirking, scratching off items on to-do lists, red cheeks from the cold, hot choclate for breakfast, mittens, brick buildings, breaking the gap, endings, sweet goodbyes, sentiment, when people close their eyes they are so content as if they are trying hard to make the moment last, beautiful graphic design mostly with trees and branches, new wisdom and insight from an old friend, watching dance shows, feeling connected, the warmth of old friends' hugs, knowing I'll miss this, friendship pure and simple, experiencing it, figuring out why.

+time together is never quite enough

Breakfast, free, finishing a project, figuring more out, a walk to class, deep breaths, films, curly hair, small close groups, honesty, support, moving dates, visits, clean rooms, bundled up, clearing out, thick fabrics, the kind of sleep that three heavy blankets produces, deep committed love.

+have i still got you to cross my bridge in the storm

Blankets (all colors and patterns), rainy days with warm and well-prepared feet, the assortment of umbrellas that emerge, the civil wars, handling it, overwhelming peace that comes with prayer, gossiping only to God, coffee, remembering, surprise cancellations, overwhelming generosity, never understanding, choosing peace, socks, homemade dinners worth the wait, little white chocolates, being driven, rudolph, gatherings, the colorfully decorated tree outside the curb, christmas music, bells.

+it's so close but we're so far away

The way that coffee cups get so warm and welcome new days, welcoming the month of December, friends simply asking the questions, pursuit, certainty in small things, relief in the minutes, practicing deep breaths, productivity flowing, cold mornings that wake me up quickly, list making, preparing my heart, fringe, the man who let me into his lane on the interstate, being late but right on time, honesty, responsibility, creamy soup, the perfect reflection, deep admiration, throwing my cup away for me, learning to encourage through the grief, low aperture, re-writes.

+until my left was my right and up became down

Waking up well rested, cold rain appropriate for the season, wooden platforms, perfect breakfasts, real nervousness, situational eloquence, four hugs in a row, surprise run-ins, yummy lunches combined with catching up, feeling loved, silence and pauses, christmas wreaths on the belmont mansion, planning get-togethers, making the time, smiling, catching up under cozy blankets.

+don't let the bones the closet may hold get in the way

"You're okay, you're with me here in the silence.

With all of the violence crashing around

Saying we can't go, saying we don't know.

This road is narrow is the one we should follow.

We'll never be ready if we keep waiting

For the perfec time to come

Won't be steady, we'll never be ready."

- Mat Kearney

Waking to the sunrise and brewing coffee, noticeable change, reflections on water, cold air, camera in hand, apartment balconies, hearing old stories, finding a similar soul, feeling the absensce, asparagus, leftover turkey, glasses of water, reunion, phone calls, planning.

+we should all go, break down the walls being built around us

Sleeping in, cup after cup of home brewed coffee, soft carpeted floors, dancing in the basement, fresh fruit juice, learning the difference between cookware brands, owning measuring cups, turkey, old disney movies, sweet messages, easier, low-key, visits, care, cereal.

+haven't you noticed me drifting, oh let me tell you i am

Book titles, learning silence, no distractions, green grass, possibilities, excited about my turn, preparing for advent, the ability to drive to family, pets, devon's voice on the phone, singing at the top of my lungs in my car, regimented, the ability to write, the ability to find peace, connections.

+i won't ask, you won't tell, just come around

Long runs with dogs, cold weather, the way your lungs feel after being in the cold for a run, warm showers, clean hair, purring cats, steinbeck, hiding, the smell of lots of foods cooking at once, video games, socks, deep breathing, funny text messages, being thankful, pajamas, lots of blankets, clean kitchens, white plates, heavy glasses, family movie night, journaling, warm lighting, wanting to think.

+and the more i learn the more i don't understand

Anything pre four am, empty roads, asking for help, easy mornings, black coffee, pumpkin flavored anything, ease of depth, good hair day, orange slices, a safe ride, knowing when to refrain, brothers in law, the basement, new house numbers, grass for saffi, cats, dr. mario.

+thought about the first time i met you, all those glances that we stole

Sleeping on it, understanding what it means to give God worries to deal with, getting better, beautiful artwork, slow mornings, self-confidence, important discussions, giving haircuts, wearing a t-shirt and a scarf on a cool day, running into my past, asserting, quiet abandoned classrooms with sunlight streaming in, being more aware of sunsets because they happen so early, alone time, hard workouts, empty places, not feeling intimidated, articulation, being asked, tennis shoes, diversity, mountains, "ugly" days, time to pack.

+see i know my destination but i'm just not there

Good transitions, laughing at myself, enjoying work, the caf's thanksgiving feast, pumpkin pie, conflicted thoughts that lead to discovery, trusting the unsettling, still wanting lunch, knowing when to go and when to stay, the coldness that rain in november brings, sustained and directed stillness in class, sharing, editing photos, writing, praying, friends who know I just need to talk things out, that grin I know far too well, knowing I'll accept it in the morning, learning to really question.

+i think we've got what it takes to get this heart start beating it again

Packing neatly, sunshine reflecting off of wood floors, explorations on my own, battles, photography, hills, blinds, warm air, God time, local coffee shops, free parking, mess, talking through everything, historical music, connecting deeper, wreck and ticket free, beautiful starry skies, feeling more at home at Belmont than ever.

+and the stars they seemed, to paint the most elaborate scene today

No alarms set, the farmer's market with great new conversations, golden pears, freshly homemade bread, exploring local coffee shops, long walks with map in hand, traditions, cuddling, reading, routine, big and amazing breakfasts, campus cultures, a wedding on-campus, instrumental music, seasonal collections, hard wood floors, my brown boots, learning to play a video game, christmas tree lights, plaid, open fields for miles and lakes with fog, football with pizza, falling asleep on devon's shoulder, a big fluffy bed all to myself.

+with tears of gratitude, i like my latitude

"This day could someday be an anniversary - everything is light and sound. Facing forward going slowing, wait for you to show me where this train wants to go. ... Everything is soft and slow. Now all these tastes improve with the view that comes with you. Like they handed me my life for the first time it felt right." -Jets to Brazil

Meeting in the kitchen, beautiful sunrises behind us, headed West, cheap but good coffee, perfect timing, getting started right, the idea of scholarship halls, pictures of families, up-to-date, friendly greetings, being okay with slow conversations, driving tours, red roofs, hilly terrain, turning a cold demeanor into warmth and depth, craving academics, envisioning a life somewhere new, small houses with lots of character, eating at recommended restaurants, another new city, being adventuresome, exploring, good opening bands, watching someone who is deeply passionate about music enjoy a concert, being strong enough, the warmth of a bed no matter the current city.

+one foot in and one foot back, but it don't pay to live like that

"Load the car and write the note. Grab your bag and grab your coat. Tell the ones that need to know - we are headed North." - Avett Brothers

Remembering what it feels like to overachieve, water bottles, long-sleeved t-shirts, final paperwork, sweet remembered good-byes, melodies, making good time, brake-ing early, flowing conversation, sing-a-longs, cheap gas, friends who help out, going north, the gateway arch, sinking into a warm bed when exhausted, texting from the upstairs to the downstairs.

+and i have waited the anticipation's got me glued

Routine, new book, clear sinuses, resisting the cupcakes, a clean room, checking in, the way carpeting warms a room faster, polite workers, admitting when i need to, fast oil changes, vacuuming, real popcorn, light purple, answering, remembering to smile, showing, finalizing our trip together, people to hold me up, fuzzy pajama pants, cushiony bed comforters, deep breaths.

+but if i let go of everything the stars compose a song to sing

"The practice of paying attention really does take time. Most of us move so quickly that our surroundings become no more than the blurred scenery we fly past on our way to somewhere else. We pay attention to the speedometer, the wristwatch, the cellphone, the list of things to do, all of which feed our illusion that life is manageable. Meanwhile, none of them meets the first criterion for reverence, which is to remind us that we are not gods. If anything, these devices sustain the illusion that we might yet be gods - if only we could find some way to do more faster. Reverence requires a certain pace." -Barbara Brown Taylor

Pancakes with cinnamon syrup, enough time to talk, stories, putting the cell phone away, cups of coffee, knowing when sniffles mean getting better, running through the cold, needing heavier jackets, intense focus, working through any annoyances, finding joy in debating, watching encouragement take place, being hugged, feeling loved.

+good times compounded upon good times

The bigger picture, thin scarves, diligence, paper chains, surprises from a lovely lady, indulging in a homemade cookie/brownie, being taken out to lunch by surprise, walking up and down every aisle just to spend more time together, bursting with feeling loved, approved lease, fitness, kelly coffee, sleepiness, the last few leaves hanging on.

+holy wisdom, love most bright

Getting out of bed, cello music (yo-yo ma), gift cards, time to sleep, big t-shirts, burnt grilled cheese sandwiches, stepping back, red holiday cups, day dreams, the way it feels to roll over and be well-rested, warm sunny november days, remembering thanksgiving, handwritten cards, aritculation, bearing the weight, sorting through and being reminded of my faith, support every moment, booked flights to philadelphia for Christmas.

+time there's always time

Waking up at noon, sleeping, chicken noodle soup, devon, sleeping, cozy blankets, going to bed at 8:30.

+'cause you knew you were finally free

+you won't admit it and i won't be around

Studying that's worth it, friendly discourse, centered, smiles that make me laugh,  proper grammar, weakness pushed through, healthier, daydreaming, financials, confirmation, listening unbiasedly, motivating words, diligence, catching up, dating the best caretaker in the world, nyquil allowing me to sleep.

+after a long dark night, bathe in the morning light

 "Go and live your lives so that those to whom love is a stranger may find in you generous friends." -a Methodist prayer

Waking to the sunrise, new forms of connection, understanding newness, loveliness, being called out, overcoming pride, a new collection of music, team work, management, friends who come around just when needed, inspiration to the extreme, follow through, lunch in the sunlight, keeping appointments, that classic feel, delicate cups with saucers, the setting sun outside a garage door, resolution, adoration, helping, celebrating, evenness.

+what we lost means nothing for the memories will stay

Sleeping off fevers, small town feeling, seeing the benefit of frustrations, laughing at e-mails, long hugs, warm yellow scarves,  polka dots, dark denim, old and new friends all mixed together, standing up for myself, articulating thoughts, healing, prayer, not giving up on someone, two hour evening naps, shk, funny stories, over-caffeination, first times, good memories, birthdays.

+you only disappoint the ones who don't believe

Little victories, red trees, the smell of fresh wood, open windows, new hiding spots, filling in and being necessary, apartment shopping, imagining what comes next, candlelight, craigs' list, cancelled class, perfect weather, support where it's needed most, understanding phone calls, being cared for when sick, hot tea, the home phone, stylish clothing, success for close friends, being low maintenance.

+the pulse of life within my wrist, a fallen snow, a rising mist

Committing, morning after formal make-up, learning new information and meeting new people, seeing the larger scope, explaining generations, sunshine, mellow music, orange juice, little plans, alicia's listening, cute messages, water, gut feelings, sandwiches, sitting up straight, deep connectedness and ease, goose, pottery, watching real love.

+and my resting place is taught by love

Sunrises, alicia, family, birthdays, bubber, dad's coffee, dark yellow, lunches that need reservations, warm boots, tomato soup, old streets, letting myself be a daughter, dispelling some stubbornness, long phone calls, sunsets, appreciating the birmingham skyline, not missing, cobblestone, talented friends, arms, games, posture, noodles, fevers, classic windows, superlatives, heels that don't hurt, dancing, ties and bowties, pins, good talks.

"Grass is always greener on the other side. The search is never over in the pastures of my mind. In the meaning of happiness drowning in smiles, or that dreadful world I left behind? O, Lord grant the grace to accept who I am, who I am that You have designed. And I know there's a plan that you have up your sleeves, Rabbi teach me the faith to believe. It's the only way my life will every make sense to me" -Chris Rice

+I wanna have pride like mother has, and not like the kind in the Bible that turns you bad

Airports, fighting alarm clocks, not stopping, yogurt, cardboard boxes, lanterns, unconventionality, enough fruit, initiating from him, plans set in stone, goofiness that makes me grin all day long, canceled classes, creating new recipes, surprised and relieved faces, high energy, happy tears, square lamps, fixing it ourselves, colorado talk, catching up.

"I wanna have friends that I can trust that love me for the man I've become not the man I was. I wanna have friends that will let me be all alone when being alone is all that I need. I wanna fit in to the perfect space, feel natural and safe in a volatile place." -Avett Brothers

+sun turns the evening to rose, stars turning high up above

"I know that you think you're not good for anything, the world makes you feel so small...And oh, isn't it starnge how things can change you? And oh, isn't it plain that some things unname you?" -The Weepies

Problem solving, hard work, getting out of class early, early sunrises, taking the time to be still, collages, votes of confidence, film class, forgetting to wear makeup, running into, thick borders, prayer closets, crisp green apples, follow-through, small rings, cold air, intentional date night, the 5th of november, whole foods' staff, baking pie, imagining, freshness.

+we walked home together, i was never the same

Discipline, the office, weights, anything by Robert Benson, hummus, ease, crunching leaves, strong winds, deep yellow, reading outdoors, frozen fruit of all kinds, smoothies, thoughtfulness, embarking, rekindling, manuscripts, library books, talking loudly, stares, girl-time, consistency, later nights, sleeping heavily, journals.

+and when i see you i really see you upside down

Butterflies, wheat toast, prayer, five pieces of gum, focus, patience, lockers, good hair days, accomplishment, solidifying news, ripples, sunshine, feeling like it's my birthday, genuine support, mailbox letters, paper fans, spiritual updates, learning the rhythm of prayer, coffee paired with apartment hunting, even more butterflies (the excited variety), hardwood floors, making big choices, feeling safe, dreaming, homemade dinners, shk up, oatmeal cookies, a quick hug, our own lives, counting down.

+then one day you smiled and said my name

More than I thought, library books, robert benson, caf meals alone, trying on dresses I could never afford, frilly shoes, jaw dropping good news (twice!), feeling like I hit the lottery, crossing my fingers, seven weeks, apartment shopping, gardens, passing up the lesser, explanations, surprsing each other, daisies, cool whip, parodies, that laundry smell, yellow lanterns, not studying but assured, flannel hugs.  

"And this is our reward for being brave. For doing what was right and never playing it safe - and who could ask for more?" - Straylight Run

+you might not have meant to but, it's time you can't take it back

Long runs, sunrises, daylight savings time, the smell of the countryside, patience, maturity, cup after cup of coffee with conversation, no plans, big meals, chopsticks, relaxing, alertness, driving under the speed limit (still), realizations, getting over things quickly, loving genuinely, caring genuinely, long phone calls, knowing small portions of what I want, realizing my time in life, grateful for the same page, glistening, Nashville is home.

"We are collapsed in the act of just being here." -Stars

"Another turning point; a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist; directs you where to go. So make the best of this test and don't ask why. It's not a question but a lesson learned in time." -Shameless Green Day lyrics

+pray for me child, just for awhile

Tennis shoes, earliness, chick-fil-a, beautiful brick-work, deeply rooted traditions, spirit, epic videos, walking paths, ponchos, smiles of recognition, getting the wheels turning, those chants, knowing all over again, desperation, generosity, green monster, crafting, baked pumpkin seeds, the original charlie brown great pumpkin video, hot apple cider from scratch, focus, being trusted, people watching, plenty, old faces.

+slip your hand in mine ask me to dance with you tonight

New sanctuary, raining leaves, acorns that hit your head as you walk, surprise coffees, fancy leftovers, heart-to-hearts, giggling at costumes, life, order, warm but windy days, reassurance, loyalty, bursting, long car rides, ipods, passing without stopping, driving under the speed limit, easy transitions, late night with old friends, being a bridesmaid, gingerbread pumpkin cupcakes, candy corn, deep rest.

+show us that you care for us

Table cloths, gerber daisies, flour on the countertop, breakfast smells, healthy, punchyness, ease, puddles, politeness, good motivations, humility, treading lightly, tall grass, ribbing, powerful music, relief, rainbow scarves, packing up, real beauty, openmindedness, the word kettle, maturity, genuine excitment.

+however you feel, whatever it takes, whenever it's real, whatever awaits

"Cast aside everything that might extinguish this small flame which is beginning to burn with you, and surround yourself with everything which can feed and fan it into a strong fire..." - Anonymous, The Art of Prayer

Cold stone, overwhelming iron work, frosted windows, chipped paint, worn leather, hide-a-ways, sweet silence, warfare, welling, tears, penning, scarves, prayer, warm rooms, greetings, genuine love, a strawberry twizzler, confusion and doubt, snail mail, grace, depth, purple shoes, reality, loyal friendship, pocky, track-walking, stopping for hugs, enjoying the present.

+you can choose to love and what is more that is how you survived the war

Books that contain inspiration, consuming my morning, simple foods, being direct, approaching and debriefing, eye contact, sweet understanding, pencil erasures, well-bound journals, intricate patterns, fabrics, fits, silence, laughing through the entire thing, consistent positive interaction, knowing, well-made hummus, cucumbers, patience and mentorship.

+only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free

Little smiles, beautiful weather, long walks, goofy voices, unique lettering, homey-ness, dog-walking, feeling comfortable, warmth, clean glass, strength, sweet reminders, gatherings outdoors, luna bars, control, re-experiencing Jesus, new journeys: together, encouraging, accountability, friends who care even when you're sleepy, almost crying out of joy at pictures of mountain ranges."Sometimes I wish that I could sing or dance or paint or compose symphonies or build cathedrals to express somehow what all of this means to me. I wish I were a priest or a robin or a child or a sunet." -Robert Benson

+he is the wind in our sails

Well-planned atmospheres, fancy wide-rimmed mugs, three hours, new tea, two more hours, high chairs, yoga in a dorm room, cleaning, good smells, patch work quilts, old rustic books, planning road trips, the name October or Autumn, double-sided tape, seeing stars in the night sky, feeling pressure and being able to manage it.

+but did it carry you away? did it carry you all the way?

Planned out, timing, homeworking while sitting on a dryer, everything about a freshly cleaned-good smelling-hoodie, staying productive, unexpected napping, brilliantly overwhelming out-of-doors, smiling more, wooden floors with character, it all coming together, really enjoying, being myself...really being myself, brushing my teeth, the smell of a warm vanilla candle, leaving the option open, directness, kindness, wrap around porches, little distractions, sword fights, beautiful and funny friends, reliving.