+our boats collide i feel the breeze

Make-believe, attempting to bike-ride, straight hair, documentary-dvds, baking lunch for one, feeling warm, spring dresses, going anyway regardless, running on fumes-successfully, sunglasses, old shorts, getting fancy, relaxing, make shift pinning, goofy tables, appreciating good friendships, late night driving in new cars.

+you just haven't seen my good side yet

Week ends, not packing a lunch, open afternoons, cute cupcake shops and garden sitting, pleasant days that make everything peaceful, skin, late dinners with the fan going, new creations and good books, headbands, dark rooms, clean sinks, quiet dogs.

+what in that moment when you were running so hard and fast made you stop and turn for home?

"She said, 'What on earth made you stay here when you finally figured out what I was all about?' He said, 'I always knew you'd do the right thing even though it might take some time.' She said, 'Yeah I felt that's probably what saved my life..."

Desiring wholeness, not feeling guilty, beautiful & restorative sunshine, steadiness, reaching into my identity as a new creation, relearning patterns, windows down, photography and the way details can be satisfyingly captured, the smell of freshly cut grass, invitations into a home, working out the schedule, fantastic connections, struggling with approaching, new facts that change things, half-birthdays, nectartines, candle flames, ceiling fans.

"...There is a love that never fails, there is a healing that always prevails. There is a hope that whispers a vow, a promise to stay while we're working it out. So come with your Love and wash over us."-Sara Groves

+oh Love wash over a multitude of things

Morning birds singing, Crazy Love, across the street, salsa, so much better than expected, THE survival dinner, when the world seems still and perfect, ridiculously good meals with lots of leftovers, free milk, coupons, Robots, living, dreams with old characters in them.

+true love is not the kind of thing you should turn down, don't ever turn it down

Calming due to my Christ, stress managed, one thing at a time, homecookin', germantown, deep appreciation, a beautiful world in the now and looking forward, park days, digging in, smoothies in wine glasses, packed lunches for dinner, new collages chuck full of meaning and creativity.

+when a heart breaks no it don't break even

Catching the news early, straight, cursive, fun umbrellas for drizzly days, sweet tears on a comfy couch, surprise visitors, bus stop waiting, easy play dates, 15!!, tackling stress with baby steps, outfitting ezzy, facing stark realizations, feeling impressed, floored, comforted, and shy.

+i am humbled in this city, there seems to be an endless sea of people like us

The sleeping cave, getting texts with pretty pictures like the one above, lazy sundays, bowling with style, surprise high scores, turkeys, focus, funny emails from dad, coaching, more strawberries to go with the shortcakes, stress immediately cured, watching lots of episodes as the rain drizzles outside, always always having good meals together, wind, picking up the sarah, a good hug, bangs.

+now i just want to see you smile you know how it's just been awhile

Cleaning and time and energy, health and breathing, magazines and books, fancy cooking and preparing a feast, catching up with Lauren, desiring sunshine to break through, full use of the library, soft clothing, basketball obsession (?), teal blue/green, Saturdays and the way they feel endless sometimes, lovely movies, helping with videos, beyond the level of full.

+but if i move my place in line i'll lose

The sun peaking through puffy clouds, relaxing schedule, ken-kens, npr & the new yorker and their intelligent commentary I appreciate, talking to candidates, smiles from across the table, candles in cars, catch-ups that seem easier than most, kitchen-ware, eating local and it being the best meal in a long-while, basketball post-dinner for the 4th night in a row, good old movies, night-yoga.

+no one loves me like you, no one loves me the way you do

"As I survey the ground for ants
Looking for a place to sit and read,
I'm reminded of the streets of my hometown
How they're much like this concrete that's warm beneath my feet."
-Caedmon's Call

Half-awake goodness, earlier days, appreciating focus, the re-establishment process, oh sweet yoga, looking forward to afternoons in the sun even if it's a job, breaking through the patterns already established, care-taking and learning how to teach, constant plans that make me feel alive, spaghetti, basketball games and feeling the wind in our faces, chartering a new course for us both, mud stuck to shoes, laughing at all the sports stuff, imagination. 

+and i'll be on the other side to catch you when you fall

Morning pilates in my living room, longer strides, happy thinking sorts of days, giving devon haircuts and that he even likes them, sweeping, accidentally napping, good evenings and efficiency, beyond amazing dinners, alicia's element, caring about different things, new bluegrass jams.

+nobody said it was easy

"I was just guessin' at numbers and figures,
Pulling the puzzles apart.
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart."
-Coldplay

Bananas, the way your body feels after you stretch it out, Josh Ritter, relaxing schedule, new 'shortcut' recipes, comfy work clothes, pandora, hearing familiar voices return again, emptyness and silece of a break week, motivation, new smoothies, baking baking baking, celery sticks in peanut butter, JJ's late at night, brick walls, ecclectic design & people, sharing thoughts.

+give me a break let me make my own pattern

Driving with the sun, sleepy goodbyes, mcdonalds coffee (so cheap), scents that fill you with smiles, long afternoons in the park, chacos(!!), shorts, slow-paced, surprise visitor for errands, new movies to dive into, amazing albeit late dinners from scratch, basketball one on one, understanding and time to re-group.

+it's only a change of time

Keeping up, new formats, appreciation of generosity, sitting idian style, more interviews (!), fancy lunching, elevating moods, energy, my best friend, how the oscars feel like watching a family, the promise, lounging around, the creek, quiteness and stillness.

+i'm nowhere and you're everything

Shimmering sunrises, morningsingenerallikealways, multiple walks, big shopping trips, fresh fruit for miles, tasty cookouts, a new basketball, feeling the love once again, sit down concerts, people watching, old people dancing, glowing robots, calmness.

+maybe i don't know where they'll take me, gotta keep movin on

A packed car that's ready to be driven, packing cereal for lunch, sweet messages and notes that fill me up with smiles, peaches in grocery stores again (even if they're not exactly ripe yet), lovely friends both near and far, recovering gently, bananas, rolled down windows, open roads, the family at dinner together, eating my body weight in chips and salsa, cutting up old t-shirts for saving/future crafting, feeling safe and protected in a real house again.

"And don't apologize, for all the tears you've cried -
you've been way too strong now for all your life."
-Mat Kearney

+a bridge weak enough to walk across

Designed well, sturdiness, lunch breaks outside, unwavering love when it is needed most, wrestling, s&c's, continued realizations that people are necessary, basketball, lists, burnt crusts, cookies with thumbs up approval, cinnamon, strawberry jam, desperation, old 90's bands.

+and i don't know what it is

"A need for something, now let me break it down again

A need for something but not more medicine." -The Avett Brothers

Cheerios, firsts, enjoying meetings, being able to support someone, not drowning, blushing, craving for more than the simple, helping with 8th grade homework, animated vocab, casual clothing, scarves, trader joe's for almost anything, fresh dark roast coffee, intiative, trying to understand how to accept love, the idea of the night-time sky, wonderings as I drift into sleep.

+just the tall grass and the trees - silhouettes and crickets singing

Crepe batter ready for breakfast time, steaming hot coffee that makes any cold and rainy day feel better, management, support from unexpected places, headbands of any sort, feeling every part, organization, desiring efficiency, imprints, news, easier than I prepared myself for, fruit salad / yogurt, falling asleep on my best friend’s shoulder, fantastically driven.

+don't let the human factor fail to be a factor at all

Walking...everywhere, pleasant weather, dalmatians, new books that get you from the start, feeling like it would be a good idea to go ahead and run towards freedom, creative recipes with what's left, looking forward, ink, higher, waiting on something and it being worth it.

"If we can call them friends then we can call them on red telephones and they won't pretend that they're too busy or they're not alone. And if we can call them friends when we can call - holler at em down these hallowed halls. Just don't let the human factor fail to be a factor, at all." -Andrew Bird

+holding loose ain't letting go

A sleeping cave, allowing myself to lazily begin, more and more notes, wax and seals, witty exchanges, re-arranging again again, fantastic brunching, solitude, warm clothing, impromptu walks, genuinely proud and excited for friends' successes and progress, perfect dinners, playground-ing, frisbee-ing, feeling loved, granting joy, pushing ourselves, the balance between what is time and what is freedom.

+the fire shines as truly as the sun shines, but it does not shine so far or to as many purposes

"Let me dismiss you with an easy request of Saint Augustine: simply love yourselves. That person does not love God who does not love self. Simply love yourselves. For if you love God, you would live eternally with God, and if you desire that, and attempt it earnestly, you do truly love yourself, and not otherwise" -John Donne

Early birds, prayer-filled, re-learning, notes galore, new font types, new bbq, clean clean clean, a lengthy walk and the way fresh-air feels all over, perfect smoothie recipes, adorable dogs outside, helping out, feeling in place, busyness for a purpose, basketball and the most interesting of combinations, photography in the recording studio, new atmospheres and thoughts to think, brilliantly written sitcoms.

+make your masterpiece out of each day in me, i beg You, beg You

Walking to work while talking to mom, sunshine again, appreciating the people who fill my time, saying goodbyes in style, my heart aching for better things, being strong enough now, logic, reeling from a good evening, realizing I cannot ever repay certain things/people in life and that is normal and good, elegance, lima beans, making dinner together, adventures, good quotes, coffee, getting into weighty conversations that mean so much to me, falling asleep to the sound of the highway.

+i close my eyes and keep on swimming

The smell and look of a big pile of finished laundry, sweaters, sunlight beaming, npr, enjoying the people I work with, extra afternoon time, the way yoga stretches every part of you, snacks, connecting and lightbulbs, plans and strategies that motivate, simple dinners, making time and never being more excited, fascinating new series, trusting and letting go despite how scared I may be.

+oh chariots, if you're out there, please swing low

Staying dedicated, braided pigtails, my boyfriend's warm hat, new friends, good coffee, knowing the locals, sweet comments, grapes, keeping it creative, visits, finally connecting, adventures in crepe making, spending my evening with a cute puppy who loves everything and anything warm, relaxing, orange juice in the cold weather.

+i thought i heard somebody callin in the dark i thought i heard somebody call

Cozy mornings, understanding Lent more, dresses even when it's blustery, responsibility, the way that people open up and enjoy themselves, learning, wonderful soup, taking the afternoon to explore, running into friends, understanding relationships, free pancake night, sharing good laughs with old old friends, realizing that it's still winter!, efficiency, letter-writing.

"The great danger facing all of us is not that we shall make an absolute failure of life,
nor shall we fall into outright viciousness,
nor that we shall be terribly unhappy,
nor that we shall feel that life has no meaning at all - not these things.
The danger is that we may fail to perceive life's greatest meaning,
Fall short of its highest good,
Miss its deepest and most abiding happiness,
Be unable to tender the most needed service,
Be unconcious of life ablaze with the light of the Presence of God -
And be content to have it so.
That is the danger: that some day we may wake up and find that always we have been busy with husks and trappings of life and have really missed life itself.
For life without God, to one who has know the richness and joy of life with Him, is unthinkable, impossible.
That is what one prays one's friends may be spared - satisfaction with a life that falls short of the best, that has in it no tingle or thrill that comes from a friendship with the Father."

-Phillip Brooks (1835-1893), Sermons

+and the foundation is crumbling

Unknowns and butterflies, excitement, loving maturity, support and encouragement, new experiences and new knowledge, opportunities, feeling fortunate, realizing there's no better time, realizing time is a gift, necessities, plan ticket shopping, dinner planning, soup/salad/frinedship combos, airport runs, freshly ground coffee, fabulous conversations, ironing so Devon looks sharp tomorrow, laughing so hard it hurts, the ever so wonderful The New Yorker.

+in paris or rome but i wanna go home

Rearranging, windows wide open, the feeling and smell of fresh air and the promise of spring, nesting even more, movie catch-up, news catch-up, cooking for one, extra long walks, warm breezes, fresh produce, homemade dinners for two, dancing and feeling giddy, fire alarms, shadows, soothing lanterns, pilates and stretching, friendships when they are so consistent and loyal, preparing (procrastinating).

+well life is ever changing but i will always find a constant

Slow mornings, driving with the morning, the sun and how it makes the snow-covered land glisten and shimmer and look so alive, mild weather the further i drive, time with the Holladays, connection, love, family, keeping the slow pace, swiftly going, yummy dinners back in familiarity, sharing a lovely new taste, the way home feels so comforting.

+oh my heart like a kick drum

Early morning workout videos, reunions, wittiness, feeling unique and standing out, panels, the squirrel behind the panel, old-fallen snow, heels and posture, alum knowledge, a break, finding my way with a paper map, success, volume and magnitude, climate differences, history and tradition, melting pots, inclusive communities, feeling like a race, knowing the stakes, good good friendships that are much too easy, knowing you have a long sleep ahead of you.

+and i'm frightened of those who don't see it

A world of newness, first connections, confidence, free breakfasts, energy, faculty with charm and spunk, free things, deep breaths, not needing to know, large bus rides, seeing a brand new city, innovation, architecture, depth of conversations, research in the field, another beautiful campus, tours, insight, coffee, mittens, good phone calls.

+oh and i'm traveling light

Suitcases and hangers, tennis shoes, being privvy to new knowledge, seeing behind the scenes passion, being included, easier each time, conquering the drive, how much more snow there is per hour north, new music, winding roads, phone calls, productivity, staying safe, feeling prepared for, sleeping light.

+memento memento

Getting used to the snow everyday, fresh blueberries, deciding, new dresses, wandering, feeling responsible, corrections that make me stronger, noticing those windows each day, the power of listening, air fresheners, icicles, happiness all the time and its possibilities, napping, feeling ready, directions and suitcases, and snacks.

+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.