+there's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be...it's easy

Snow covered Nashville, adjustments, arriving safely, when an intelligent person is noticeably engaged in their thoughts, warm smiles, watching the weather from the warmth of our offices, mid-morning visits, keeping busy, being accepted, sharing it, watching progress for the better occur, being proud, new sauce!?, being treated, love love love (trumpets), a bouquet of my favorite flowers plus some, dressing up, feeling fancy, sharing a treat, enjoying company, cute notes, hospitality.

+aint no mountain high, aint no valley low

Long walks with snow falling on your face, finding new streets, picking which house i like the best, colored doors, trying something new, generosity, sweet snorton on valentine's, being cheesy all day long, preferring others, a homemade dinner made for me, goofy cards, thoughtfulness, surprises, eating too much, enjoying every minute of our time, feeling special, feeling sleepy way too early, cute movies.

+you can try to swim the sea

Oranges, mini-biscuits, laughing out loud, the way the whole house smells when you bake bread, surviving a mini-kitchen fire, feeling like 3rd graders, cheesy valentine-making, pigs in blankets, being my mom, a new adventure, the feeling at the top of the rock-wall, cute moments, being paid for, wii in general, sweet friends to share my days with.

+we could leave this town and run forever

Haircuts, chewing gum, the day girl scout cookies arrive, tuxedo strawberries, leftovers that last all week and taste better and better, cartoon characters, splurging on pizza out and still using a coupon, baking and catching up, hearing encouragement, snickerdoodles in all their cinnamon-y glory, being loyal and committed, late nights at coffee shops.

+thinkin about good things to come

Letting the way your body feels dictate your actions, time to start figuring it out, full length windows, teaching in new ways, cold pizza for a snack, long drives in the country, playing in the neighborhood, fruity water, edificatiion, sinking into bed, silent nights.

+we are so fragile, and our cracking bones make noise, and we are just breakable

Follow through daily, peaches, the sun peeking out, how sarah knows when to surprise me with coffee, rekindling, when you get a warm long hug after a very long day, just right, sinking into the pillow.

+my world crumbles when you're not near

Staying busy and feeling productive, alligators, when your favorite things are the cheapest things, crystal light in a wine glass, old staff together again, analyzing movies, how the brain tackles hurdles while you aren't thinking about them, good posture, homemade soup late at night, coziness and feeling settled.

+don't let me into this year with an empty heart

Being able to walk to work, easier than we originally thought, sudden snow storms, beautiful coverings, boots to wade through the slushy ice, late night grocery trip runs, risks, laughing and feeling free.

+we love to talk on things we don't know about

Curls, gloves, hangman, fresh air, long naps, good smelling apartments, cheering, genuine laughs, remembering this moment for a later day, where i want to be, good people, not rushing, empty roads, great big conversations that i want to have.

+give the love you find until it's gone

Baking, big breakfasts, losing, libraries, new business ideas, movie after movie, people enjoying my baking, old school board games, best friends, classy little dinners, musicals I should have watched ages ago, relaxation.

"I wanna fit in to the perfect space, feel natural and safe in a volatile place." -Avett Brothers

+silhouettes in a window frame

How your hair falls after you've had it trimmed, appreciating who you are, birthday celebrations, comfy sweaters, international postage stamps, boca burgers, rain drops, sour patch kids, three-pointers still, foosball championships, laughing hard, unplanned evenings, cupcake preparations, being crafty, cold days.

+i don't have any questions, i don't think it's gonna rain

How slow time has become, movie analyses, lunch talks, ziploc popcorn bags, monsters, feeling up to that level, getting stronger, enjoying the rain, hot soup after yoga, cuddling when there's a storm outside, fresh, chick-flicks, lots of love.

+i've been wrong but it's alright

Learning to like homemade coffee more than cafe-bought, energy, passive motivation, finding new and creative blogs, core, perfecting a recipe you've been working on, ditching the car, straws, popcorn, how we both love wandering so much, the clairty art-making can bring, thinking-movies.

"Long ways away but you're never alone /Look at the sky over our home/ I'll be around a few more miles to go..."

+we expected something, something better than before

Good music stuck in your head all day, lots of focus and feeling healthy, little visits to and from, how the sun can heal things, the time for getting better, follow-through, safe roads, how meals feel like home, rosy cheeks because of cool fresh air, intentionality, mandolins, the national.

+i'm so sorry for everything

Seeing a dear friend again, a huge cup o' coffee for morning traffic, caution, sunshine, fullness, getting the bigger picture, kid-meals, doors closing, raspberries, having an unwavering quality, not turning away, long discussions just like before, 1/4 of a cup, being able.

"Baby, we'll be fine
All we gotta do is be brave and be kind
I put on an argyle sweater and put on a smile
I don't know how to do this
I'm so sorry for everything."

+there's no place to hide but i don't think i'm scared

 

Waking up to old memories, making and finishing a list, so much coffee, neighbors, how the sun melts away worries, squeaky wheels, snow ball fighting, syd, grass for hair, carrot stick noses, being with someone who keeps me smiling, a full stomach, ongoing shows, not needing the heater, understanding from a dear friend, fuzzy socks.

+you were right about the end

Chocolate chip pancakes, feeling like it's a ghost town, feeling like the world is closed for the day, letting the weather control our actions (for once), the coziest fort ever made, harry potter, lengthy letters, bubble baths, walking with the camera, little kids especially in snow outfits, chocolate, fighting with myself, becoming wiser, feeling protected.

+walk away now and you're gonna start a war

Being proven wrong, watching the snow come down in waves, watching Belmont turn white, preparations and staying warm, the new yorker, hearty lunches, snow angels, snow fights, free hot apple cider, old favorites, sweet 80's romances, a classic, good emails from grad schools.

+do you really think you can just put it in a safe behind a painting, lock it up, and leave?

New album, how the temperature can drop in a few short hours, projects that keep me busy and interested, organization of little things, deep reflection, another go at it, making plans and lists, time spent doing and teaching photography, explanations, spontaneous ice cream adventures, coupons, made up mandolin songs, a good backrub after a week of hard workouts, new ways of being frugal, preparations.

"Looking for somewhere to stand and stay, I leaned on the wall and the wall leaned away." -The National

+and today was supposed to be not just another day

Cheerios, valuable work, endless leftovers, freshly made bread, how the sun reflects when it is at such a low angle, cool breezes, squeezing things in, getting better at checking voice mail, understanding the direction, bare trees, knowing that regrowth is about to begin, constants, feeling inventive, looking forward to it again, newness again, visits, addresses, secret doors, new boxes, a new resolve

+so let's get out of here, past the atmosphere

Breakfast creations, time to reflect, new treadmills, jogging again, small steps towards stability, the squishy mats in the beaman, staying warm in the cold, understanding acts of humility, surprise sightings, taking a nap midday, bowl of cereal dinners, a packed student section, unison, who I actually have always wanted to be with, flow, three-points, just being with, good time spent.

+you told me i'm golden

The turning of weather, endurance building, realizing needs, wanderings, leftovers having dinner made for me, new music, pop corn from the stovetop, sweatshirts and blankets, closing another day.

+livin' inbetween sunset and sunrise

Fun interactions early in the morning, that cup, simple toast, filtering, cheap produce, cooking with company, making a recipe that smells like home, sunday afternoon restfulness, having the time to paint my nails, working through it, feeling importance, the other side, editing, just sitting, reading, leaving things scattered because something else is too important, heavy blankets that always do the trick.

+she'd stay that way if it was up to me

The way a good night of sleep feels, Saturday morning cleaning that reminds me of being home, the ingeniousness of clorox wipes, smiling even when you're alone, long walks on breezy days with good friends, simple relaxation, more walks, curled hair, using the resources at hand, the power of wind, a hug for every three-pointer, being frugal, making dinner that is tastier than any meal out, celebrating birthdays, bowling adventures, my iu hoodie's warmth.

+something in my heart will not give up on you

The idea of secret hideaways, shared, calm about the big things, ability to be consistent, running into people who have changed me, well-written lyrics, reaching the end of books, a new recipe, hearing stories, analyzing life in the only way we know how, good situations, peacefulness, the chance to discuss, frustration turning into relief and deeper love.

+we're moving forward but holding ourselves back

Cooking up a breakfast as the sun rises, vibrancy, extra room, new projects, the freedom to be creative, fireplaces, carrots, routine setting in, expectant about a meeting, at ease and confident, excited about the opportunity, simple but tasty dinners, arriving early, the new yorker mixed with npr, stillness, to the game solo, yoga routines in my living room, feeling compassion and the ability to dwell in silence.

+and i'm getting closer than i ever thought i might

The calm and quiet of rainy dark mornings, raspberry smoothies, new restaurants within walking distance, respect, long mom phone calls, hearing thunder but being safe, soup and grilled cheese on a rainy day, a filled apartment, good conversation, handwritten note of thanks, dishes done, looking back, being in the now, goofy workout videos in a tiny living room, laughing hard, big long hugs, easy to bed.

+come and be everything i am and all i know

Feeling safe, packing lunches, sunshine, a new class, testing the waters, feeling healthy, flakey biscuits, sticky notes, playing frisbee in an open field, fresh air, walks, the new patio, the smell of wood, follow through, my duck/swan/goose/bird coffee mug, double-checking, unexpected snail mail, tennis shoes, joining in, meet-ings, being able to comfort, a good verse.

+a little alone but it's alright, we are always living in twilight

Sleeping with a dog at your feet, sleeping in, peeking sunshine through the clouds, finishing touches, breathing easily, the smell of fresh laundry overwhelming a room, warm clothes out of the dryer, play time, overlooking, cheaper than you thought, counting down the hours, home workout videos and in all their overdramatic glory, sweet sweet reunion, catching up, hearing what God has done and is continung to do, time together, cooking for a friend, sharing stories and sharing life, realizing we are all together on this, grocery shopping together, ease of living again, vigilance.

+keep holding on

Warmth and friendship, overcoming, Harry Potter from the beginning, a new lunch location, catching up with someone who knows me all too well, spending the day together, trash to treasures, exploration, church on my own, sinking in, understanding how God constantly walks with me, small homemade dinners, even more time to spend with a wonderful friend, necessity.

+let Your turth be on our steps and in these rooms

Not being as shaken, sleeping in, curling up with a good book a puppy and a bowl of cereal, mckay's bookstore, needing my family, learning very important lessons, community, preparing for sleepovers, bowls full of grapes, relaxing times ten, taking care, depth, slumber parties.

+You always know where to find me

Real meetings, warmer days, lots of sunshine, the glee soundtrack, playing with a cute dog, leftovers, late movies, new hangouts, laughing out loud, learning how to, clean smells, heavy blankets, routines, blue ink.

+do you love your mind if you lose control?

Cooking pre-dawn, the smell of strong coffee brewing, lunches in kitchens, genuine joyfulness, having time for long goodbyes, new strengths, three different readings, low pony-tails, library organization, afternoons cleaning up, homemade veggie soup, meeting sophie, details remembered, bustling coffee shops, day-old-cheap-cookies, reality tv with calming friends, the ability to still hang out with good, close friends.

+are you in or are you out, leave your things behind 'cause it's all goin off without you

The joy of sleeping through a night, hot rollers, leggings, sour patch kids missions, appreciation, the heat of a long walk in the cold, when you are very hungry for meals, new revelations and thankfulness, re-dwelling, complements, attractive because of maturity, girl time, precious time, a lunch box, buying the ingredients for something new, sleeping again.

+oh you really had me goin'

Surviving, fascinated by the process, efficiency, transitions done well, mail, walking to work, tennis shoes with dress clothes, foregoing the sugar, cute tote bags, hard work outs, real simple magazine, being counseled, solutions that work, rearranging, cultivating, breathing deeply.

+you're like the morning air before the light arrives

Powering through, little lamps, feeling confident, seeing friends as they come back from the holidays, hugs, the twins, health, being able to help out, friendly and helpful employees, wal-mart runs, the week-long leftovers that are still so tasty, puzzles, time, catching up and loving the connection, greek food, strong coffee, attempting a new strategy, failing and learning.

+save all your light

Anniversaries, availability, driving through beauitful rolling hills, focused attention, toast, loved ones who care about me, cooking, birthdays, dark wood, wonderfully shaped drinking glasses, wonderfully shaped eye glasses, shivering but not feeling alone, slumber parties, sweet sleep finally.

+i'll stay up all night to hear about your day

Sleeping late, long phone calls, chores, the uniqueness of the snowflakes that have been falling lately, browsing, new stationary, organizing tricks, library books, symmetry, regaining a sense of normalcy, boyfriend's mom's homemade cookies and lasagna, more glee, coffee date with unexpected guests, ground coffee beans, groceries mixed with depth, braids.

+this is all we are and i'ts all we'll ever need

Big projects full of focus, packing ahead, discipline, leftovers, unexpected productivity, calm and peace, out with the old, target for the new, introductions, marathons with sarah, cutting off, awaiting, explorations, plans to sleep in, lighting candles, journaling.

+and who could ask for more, but all week waiting on the weekend

Starting, surrounded in a good way, feeling at home, realizing the size, enjoying the calm, meetings with good conversations, being taken care of, groceries, being lazy and being okay with it, a new phone, homecooked meal (again!), watching football with friends, not feeling busy.

+don't you worry about the distance

Knowing the way, having to use the ice scraper, not burning my tongue, evansville indiana once again, birthdays, puppies, friends who know how to be friends, snowflakes, playing on the ice, great photos, flip books, laughing, hugs, just being, being playful, not stopping smiling, hot chocolate, keeping cool, safely home, missing already.

"But just believe me girl, someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar. We'll have it good, we'll have the life we knew we would. My word is good.... A thousand miles seems pretty far, but they've got planes and trains and cars, I'd walk to you if I had no other way. Our friends would all make fun of us and we'll just laugh along because we know that none of them have felt this way." -Plain White T's

+reality is relative and that's all the advice i'll give

Favorite places, strength and boldness, long workouts, rearrangement, freshness, strawberry smoothies, driving in the countryside, long hikes and catching up, playing with babies, home-cookin', real hot cocoa, staying warm, winter hype, sweet sleep.

+but they don't know when and they don't know when it's coming, oh it's coming

Snowfall, early rising, walking errands, new stamps, settling, vacuums, yoga and yoga wear, feeling healthy, sunlight in the living room, parallel to narratives, surprises full of love and friendship, no hesitations, playing games, good company, icicles, enough.

+we're gonna live on wits, we're gonna throw away survival kits

Waking to a dad-breakfast, the last trip, packing neatly, cleaning up, the radio, non-stop, sweet reunion, crying during a pixar film, making homemade, eating a homemade dinner, feeling right, making sense, missing.

+even with the rest belated, everything is antiquated

Not stepping on the gum on the side of the road, patience, sweet new dresses, feeling classy, blasting sufjan stevens again, realizing the small blessings, fresh produce, cold weather in the south, drives with the sister, the basics, long chats, closure, updates, cheesy romances.

+fallin asleep to the sound of stars shootin round the moon

Coffee, warmer days, walking, football, everything the way it was, still writing, readiness, the way your hair smells after the outdoors, fresh air, circles, feeling comfortable, well-written articles, perseverance, archways, deep green, a sense of restoration, warmth of your own bed.

+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.