+i understand because my heart and hers are the same

When events match personalities, mountains in the fog, adventures in new cities, sharing all our memories, learning what it means to be "life-long," sharing a pot of tea, eating scones, all-about-you, adorable story telling and laughter and smiles, kickball games, chik-fil-a, families coming together beautifully, the way he looks at her all the time, stolen kisses, long walks, chores together, air mattresses, talking out the nerves.

+wake me up when september ends

All of "us" in one place, parking at the air force, security checks, sunscreen, chills because of such perfect formations, attention grabbing keynotes, pride...the good kind, crying out of complete happiness, non-stop smiling from every person involved, packed sandwiches, getting stuck in traffic for the good talks it produces, pizza parties, new faces and families.

But, words are not even needed. These are the best details.

+nothing worth anything goes down easy

Small mountain towns, the history of it all, finding the locale fascinating, recorded tours, dancing all along the way, precious perfect friendships, pho, pablo's, free cookies, Italian adventures and using my imagination, text messages, packing up, yoga and movies and sleepovers.

+we can make it through another day, we could burn like the northern lights

Sweet breakfasts to start a Sunday, a new church experience, intelligent speakers, a brand of thoughtfulness that is rare, low-humidity, college campuses and all the promise I feel like they hold, green landscapes against vibrant blue skies, gearing up for mountain biking, chicken, riding through a beautiful canyon of sorts, goats, raging rivers, being capable, exploring little trails, feeling strong and thankful, gushing over the beauty of nature, trail mix & fruit never tasting better, high school graduations, leftovers, learning so much, never a pause in conversing, soreness and laughter, lollicup and surprising pregnant women, being beat in connect four, crashing.

+tell me all of your doubt, and everybody bleeds this way, just the same

A long jog in the clean & fresh mountain air, playing with cute little kids, connection, lunch-making, water water water, splurging on a spa afternoon, health advice, bright orange, colorado(ians)?, caribou coffee's strong coffee, ice hockey games, stories of cultural differences, the way the breeze feels and smells, feeling alive and not wanting to sleep in fear of missing something, my first thai food experience, sunsetting, hammocking, single star risings, late night workouts, lookout mountain, healing conversations and discussions, a new project.

"We push and pull / And I fall down sometimes / And I'm not letting go / You hold the other line / Cause there is a light / In your eyes / In your eyes / Hold on and hold tight / From out of your sight / And everything keeps movin' on / movin' on / Hold on, hold tight / Make it through another night / And everyday, there comes a song with the dawn." -Mat Kearney

+shock me like an electric eel

Bursts of energy, sleeping with the lights on, empty Bongo Java and finding parking, rushing but with an end in sight, roma tomatoes mixed with cucumbers, butterflies of excitement, having a calming boyfriend even when all my plans get jolted and mixed up, how good it feels to sit in silence in a busy airport, aiports, the city lights, the scenery cross-country, having a hug of a dear friend waiting at the top of the escalators, signs that I'm in Denver, surreal happiness, excitement.

+you can try to swim the sea

Hello oatmeal pancakes, reading every spare minute, finding spare minutes, endings, closure, appropriate weather for emotions, the way malls always smell so good, jumping the fence to find a hug awaiting on the other side, being together again, target starbucks dates, packing & listening, dejavu.

"You can try to swim the sea / You can try to hold the breeze / You can try to hide the sun / But say goodbye to everyone" -The Avett Brothers

+i was thirsty so i drank, and though it was salt water, there was something bout the way, it tasted so familiar

Heart-warming phone calls, pictures, dreams of new spaces, josh ritter as loud as it will go in the car, teen movie drama, fresh garlic for cooking, noticeable differences, hours passing and not even realizing it, nostalgia, the Belmont campus and the rose garden, when good music gets stuck in your head all evening, new faces, celebrations, new thoughts and feelings.

+and your heart's still beating

"I know the dog days of the Summer / Have you ten to one outnumbered /Seems like everybody up and left and they're not coming back / The shadow that you're standing on's here still sometimes / that's all you can ask / And your heart's still beating / You're not the fastest draw in town now / How many times you been shut down... / and your heart's still beating."
-Josh Ritter

Big breakfasts and chilly mornings, drinking coffee and staring out the window and listening to birds, breathing slowly, those days that start out with an eerie sense of shiftedness, bizarre stories and unexpected turns, lighter than ever, non-stop-working-days, popcorn from scratch, american eating, crafting and how my entire being connects with the creation and understanding the spiritual nature of it all, double mirrors, mod podge (sp?), second-wind, phone calls from study-abroaders who are now safely on American soil, staring at the ceiling and lying in bed.

+but you need faith for the same reasons that it's hard to find and this whole thing is headed for a terrible wreck

Turning attention, jumping like a basketball player, inspiring trips to the library, deposits, golden delicious apples, Summer time produce prices, tabs, fruit salad, long walks down Belmont boulevard, dogs, cooler days, missing & praying, shopping and planning and listing and bonding, evenings where boredom leads to creativity.

+streets named for heros that could almost exist

Feeling a sense of closure, huge smoothies over varied talks, heavy weights, somber-ness, coffee to warm up the bones, pushes and pulls, energy from deep inside, needing art in a necessary way, planning the week, more reading and loving the art of words, watching an old animated film like a little kid all over again, watching your best friend drive home towards hard times.

+walkin' on sunshine

Bongo breakfasts and saying goodbye, adorable dress shirts and ties, huge smiles and support, comical speeches and the best music for leaving commencement, trumpet playing, mingling, being the hired-help, standing, eating strawberries, plain eating, exhaustion, babysitting adorable girls who like to sleep in their fancy dresses, good books that transport you to different worlds, calming down.

+not to break

Sleepy motivation, ready for the weekend festivities, support and love and lots of hugs, pride, my second-Birmingham family, note-writing endeavours, summing up a 4 year experience in prose, dinners and the comfort of family, grandpas, laughing, culminating.

+a sandstorm of flashbulbs and rowdy reporters

Happiest of birthdays, grinning from ear to ear, new opportunities, futures, that new carpet smell, campfires, bug bites, fireflies, clean cars, rest days, roma tomatoes for $0.21, planning adventures in arts & crafts, parking spaces all over, fast sleeping.

+i'll be right here with you, i'm not afraid of the dark

Longest days on record, parking art, 15lbs., tomato soup, surprise trips, learning how to be a better friend, handwriting, imaging all the memories that will be had while touring a friends new home, sitting on the grass, catching up with ease, mcdougals&sweetceces mingled with baseball watching, walks around and talking about everything, plotting and planning.

"I'm not afraid of the dark, so if the stars get scared, and you reach for him and honey he's not there. Just a long shadow, across your heart, you can reach for me, I'm not afraid of the dark."
-Josh Ritther

+pretend that the search for another new world was well worth the burning of mine

Moving with the sun, large omlettes, reading while getting ready, ruffles with pearls, lunch time stops at the record store, banter, cool weather and pleased smiles, old bookstores and rummaging through bins and shelves and stacks, SATco and queso, understanding talks and realizing I'm not the only one thank goodness, how the nighttime feels like a blanket, out late for a good cause.

"There's another new world at the top of the world, for whoever can break through the ice.
I looked 'round the room, in the way I once had, and I saw that they wanted belief,
So I said "All I've got are my guts and my God" then I paused, "and the Annabel Lee."
-Josh Ritter

+you make beautiful things, beautiful things (glory to God, glory to God forever)

Sneaky midnight phone calls, 23, my favorite sweater day, running through the rain for it, umbrellas for miles, baking a massive chocolate cake on a cold rainy day, humbling experiences in relationships, strengthening(always), reading fabulously insightful novels.

+after thousands of years what a face to wake up to

Sleeping in, long phone calls, detailing & notes, tough workouts that leave you feeling powerful, tasty cooking, mo' s'mores!, beautiful things, church slideshows of the flood, hugs and meeting family members, another long monopoly night, sweet handwritten notes that are attached to bathroom mirrors next to opened tubes of toothpaste.

+angels laid her to rest

The organization, meeting new people with similar hearts, finding out way despite the hindrances, talking to the old ladies and sorting through old photos, face masks, families finding ways to serve together, PB&Js, walks, walking around downtown and seeing what a week of good can do for a devastated city, making chocolate pie, late night monopoly.

+so throw away those limitations, we all know them all too well

Cool morning walks, orange juice 'n eggs, the last day of the work week, lovely talks with people i love, family being in town, yummy new lunches,  wonderful voice mails, awesome transitions, trips around, our forgetfulness a

+we really are nashville

Early early mornings and my love for them, trees swaying in the wind, the brightness of cloudless days, lilies, bright daisies, exhaustion because of goodness, s'more's nights and roasting marshmallows over the stove top, falling asleep much too early.

+you're only glad its dark, cause you might see the master's hand

Overcoming preconceived notions, the simplicity of volunteerism, the heart and soul of genuine conviction in action, acceptance, hard work, friends in my apartment and fun nights out unexpectedly, sombreros, great bands, matching phones, hugs, appreciation, walking home in the middle of the night holding hands.

+i'm just shaking it off

A promise: I will move my details from my journal to this site whenever time allows.

"I want to tell you that I'm alright.
I might slow down or sigh sometimes.
I'm just shaking it off.
I'm just telling myself not to let go.
Not to let go."
  -John Nolan

+where the thistles eat the thorns

Attempting the impossible, bearing, the nature of tongue-in-cheek, frustrations aired, sighing, musical healing, finding out more facts and regaining hopefulness, opportunities in email form, amazing women who i work with.

+i can feel the world circling

Not forgetting how powerful nature can be, swallowing, updates, helplessness and needing others, following through on being my own person with my own ideas, conviction, the full range of emotions.

+be the light in my lantern tonight

Waking up to thunderstorms and realizing again the power of Creation and the ability it has to affect our lives, having an adventure buddy of a boyfriend, loving the silence and knowing I am here to help, learning to love no-electricity, cleansing.

+who do you circle round you?

Walking in the rain and feeling free, beautifully slow-paced-coffee-shop-undistracted mornings, a handmade crepe, unlimited dark-brewed coffee, hearing about another soul and being relieved that someone who deserves goodness is living in it, new lights and new space, umbrellas chacos and raincoats, grocery shopping, sleeping, feeling helpful, genuine feelings, nights out and goofy shops, praying as much as I know how.

+i find my mine is settlin' down

Lots of time to be, smiling and understanding each other, preparing for the impending rain, understanding our limits, labels, a whole night of simple fantastic-ness, dear friendships, being taken care of.

+time, love, time, love

Empowering conversations, support encouragement, kicking back for a lunch out, friends, great eye contact, cancellations, support for others, impressed with the scholarship of my friends, slow walks, dinners together, library movies, cancellations that free up my mind, falling asleep early and learning more about the affect of food on my body.

+close my eyes and keep on swimming

Talking to mom on the walk to work, naps naps naps, lazy days that lead into lazy nights

+if the best is really for the best

A morning of deep thankfulness that I have not felt anything like before, hugs and hugs and more hugs, replaying it over again, soccer games, Melissa Kooy, new information, more working out tandem, explorations, night-time hugs at the end of a crazy day for him.

+guess i'm gonna have to guess again

Quickness, leaving early, nights of recognition that help let people know they are loved, smiling without stopping, changing up the plans for once, sharing workouts with a friend.

+sometimes at night comes the singin

Reading impressive writing, fresh cut veggies and fruits, pots of soup for the week, church and running into our friends and really realizing what is important in life, home cooked-by-friends-late-lunches.

+love, you hard when it rains. time, no it ain't all aside

Waking up to cheering, finding ways around the crowds, crazily random compliments from strangers, dark mornings full of thunder and downpours, sharin a frothy monkey table even if it's not big enough just for extra hang-out time, wonderful comics, bowties, acting like we know what a monsoon is, pride in my friends, using afternoons for food prep, movies, the library, errands, goofy hawaiian times.

+i fell i love with your sound, oh i love to sing along with you

 Coming to a close, sighs of relief, color, lyrics, long walks, almonds, perfect little dinners, deals, awesome moods, made up bowling names, enjoying all the little moments, air conditioning, pdh!, the future lookin' bright, predicted night storms, strengthening.

+my friend the giant and traveling sails

Smiles, green smoothies, being taken out to lunch and not being able to stop feeling extreme gratitude, bloosoms raining, excitement, long car rides that calm me down, soccer games, nerdy reading late night with wine, bedtimes, late night calls after the studio.

"It takes a whole campus of whole persons to develop whole students."

+blue waters, blue eyes color me

Power days, long walks, a constant plodding, outside brief catchups cause it's all we have, the best hugs ever made, keeping true to April busyness, productivity and being challenged, organizing, yogurt with apples, looking forward to rest days, yummy dinners out for celebrations, clean apartment to come home to, thoughtfulness and phone calls when i'm half asleep.

+he prayed for the moon to give him light

Another round of earliness, fluffy fresh omlettes for breakfast, celebrations and accomplishments, support, strangest of dreams, feeding the ducks, distancing, rearranging, riding the gas light for miles and miles and miles, as usual my chacos and their lovely adjustable straps, snickers ice cream while finally catching up, little fresh dinners with friends' family and all the entertainment that follows, actually keeping up with a tv show, genuine time.

+i'm falling into memories of you and things we used to do

Contant energy and soreness, confidence boosting, carving out, better moods, old thoughts, staying collected, new albums, clif bars, dark brown, great harmonies, sweet friendships, dates to mark, standing still, goofy dancing, hot to cold, humming even later.

+hurry now, lay me down, and let these waters flow

Catching up via snail mail, big pots of coffee for a Sunday morning of focus, hard workouts that make me feel accomplished, waiting on dinnertime, grocery lists, hoping the world (not my world) slows down one day, long afternoons at the park, catching up on journaling, sunkissed shoulders, knees, and nose, giggling.

"I could tell you the wildest of tales, my friend the giant and traveling sails.
Tell you all the times that I failed, the years all behind me, the stories exhaled.
And I'm drying out, crying out, this isn't how I go." -yellowcard

+i don't want to call you but you're all i have to turn to

Drizzling mornings that cool everything down, funny pollen patterns on my car, big blueberry muffins and coffee with saucers, every nook and crannie, alone time, pick-up ultimate frisbee, holding my own, loving the feeling of running in a cool breeze, watching soccer games and trying to understand the rules (still), sweet cece's with a crammed-full car, needing a jacket again.

+sleep don't weep

All day slow-pacing, jeans, not feeling overwhelmed, sweet lunches outside with alicia, talking through the past and present, crazy circumstances, being held up for good reasons, comfort in sunshine, walks home and new workouts, showers after a long day, that not-able-to-stop-smiling feeling, wii and sarah and movies, energy.

+wear another shoe to comfort the soul

Ovewhelmed by kindness, kelephant!, sweet reactions that blow me away, feeling blessed, nick hornby, snacking, intentionality, twigs, crafts, trying to ask the right sorts of questions, texts from what seems like the future, evenings full of stuff we love, learning to kick correctly, funny grocery trips.

+when you would sing that song for me

Birthdays, smiley faces in text messages, condensation, days that aren't routine, days that are routine,  breaking in new sandals, extra hair things, new highlighter colors, little packages full of promise, research, east nashville and great conversations, hitting new landmarks, matching, almond flavored anything, missed and good friends, being awake.

+love is a long shot, love is a bird in hand

Bike rides that end at Bongo, jam, card writing and making, the completion of lots of little projects, projections, taking it, testing the gas light, the very very quiet, goofiness at the end of long days, compliments that help, food abundance, enjoying the ridiculous.

+when this stops, we'll be laughing, sing our songs though they're barely heard

Surprising awakeness, books you can't help but read with a british accent in your head, big ole bottles of water, appreciation, understanding the new developments, long walks, parents, mis-matched, taking out the trash, communities, analyzing data, falling asleep in the happiest place on earth.

+picking apples, making pies

New coffee beans and oats, simple mornings, thinking things through, jitteryness calmed by caring, long long walks, sunshine, attempts, new (cheap) sandals, speechless afternoons, energizing crowds, sitting by someone who can't stop making me smile, support and loyalty, encouragement, being complimented even if it is very insignificant, til 2am phone calls, comforted.

+and raised this life up from the dead

Beautiful early mornings with intention, smooth logistics, feeling content, time passing quickly, free (good) coffee, polka dots, side headbands, helping where needed, conversations that remind you of your own situation, coupons, thirst quenching smoothies, royal blue, smallness, turkey instead of beef, deep appreciation, blubbering to someone who cares, giving away.

+let's not try to figure out everything at once

Walking to my favorite coffee shop, no lulls, breakfast being the best meal of the day, keeping motivated, baking a golden brown loaf of bread that's warm and soft, double duty, lima beans, finishing a thriller novel and being happy with the way it ended, italics, racing to see one another, the poise and beauty of a dance performance, athleticism, cool evenings, fitting in even when I least expect to, being offered a coat, late sonic turned mcdonalds runs, honesty, focus.

+sometimes they're right, most times the reverse

Quick turnarounds, refamiliarizing myself with super-hydration, great great fiction, frilly shirts that make me smile, plans, the color yellow when spring is in the air, a jar full of spring-colored m&m's on my counter, how cutely sweet ceces is decorated, sprinkles, crazy reactions, perfect leftovers and time, easy evenings, reading myself to sleep.

+they're the first to come and the last to leave

Steel cut oats made with milk and left steaming to just right and yummy, the perfect day for walking to work, experiments in bread-making, yummy oatmeal cookies, running into an old friend, friends invited to dinner, clean kitchens, strawberries galore, new water bottles, sweet understanding and patience, it being april, cold apartments to sleep in, dreaming like crazy.

+and i came here to talk, i think you should knonw

Sunshine, deep breathing, mid morning coffee at Bongo, Beaman hanging, fitting well, logic logic, ease clicking, free thoughtful meals, chopsticks, biking to see my boyfriend (the ability to), pick up frisbee on soft grass, coasting, compliments, breezes, last year's shorts, sweet evenings in.

+light will guide you home

Excitement lingering, long shopping adventures, Stephen King, silly cravings, sandals, being afraid of sugar, visits, basketball in sandals, the way fresh cut grass smells, preparation, so much changing, Dad's yeast rolls leftovers, crazy deals.

+with our secret codes and plans we can't remember

Early morning runs, coffee coffee coffee, green grass and new buds and life, cooler weather after a spring rain, warm sidewalks, sundresses, planning for the coming months, family, time, clocks, closed stores for Easter, remembering the reasons, company on long car trips, basketball and interview questions.

+be strong get off at the next stop, don't worry about a thing

Waking up to coffee, beautiful new facilities, wondering about the complexities that make it run, school spirit, power eating, soft spring rain cooling off the day, catching up and explorations, beautiful designs, tone tone tone, college-mindset-budgets, gadgets, dreaming about offices, small glasses, needing genuine people, "show me a place where hope is young," finding promise.

+i cracked the ceiling i stared at it too long

Waking up smiling and giddy, painting like nail polish, simple meals, light packing, rushed for nothing, sunshine-y drives, iced coffee from mcdonalds, productivity on a lazy day, jumping hugs, flip flops and painted nails, great conversation with a lovely lady, fancy dinners out for celebrations, neat and thoughtful things, amazement, feeling lucky, if i traded (needed to) it all, progressive.

"Everyday we've got to hold on,

'cause if we hold on we could find some

new energy." -Badly Drawn Boy (again).

+and if i knew the answers, i would tell you now

Raspberry cream cheese, stickers, good leftovers, the-good-kind-of-really-sore, hugs, excitement, affirmation, jelly beans kickin' in, bowls of cereal for dinner, the amazing difference two years can make, library dvd nights, tired hugs, realizing what the future may look like, certainty and writing out the lessons learned, embracing Easter.

"Do you know what true romance is, and could you show me now? Just what would be the chances, that I could tell you how.... and could you hold me now?" -Badly Drawn Boy

+i hope you know that where you are i wish you well

Double-checking and triple-checking, dresses, new flavors of coffee, fresh cut fruit, surprise easter eggs hunts, wonderful quotes, little chocolates, new traditions, remembrance, free breakfast coupons, pushing myself, feeling strong, hot weather at last, appreciating the shade/breeze again, crazy timing, giddyness, jumping up and down, no-stress-at-all-nights, dying easter eggs with devon, cross breezes, hardly able to sleep i'm so excited.

+if this is all we got, then we gotta start thinkin'

Getting there early, checking email constantly and waiting on that one particular one, the way stepping it up feels and looks, chacooooos, needing sunglasses, the way new books smell in the book store, leafing through the beautifully crafted notebooks and journals, yummy fresh food for dinner, opening windows and turning on the fan, warm fresh smelling laundry in a big heap on the ground, chocolatey chocolate chip cookies.

+there's no one you-er than you

Being a support, plugging away at work, crazy connections, making someone smile genuinely, the sunshine flooding now, running home - literally!, lunching away, almonds, celery, good sound systems, basketball in chacos, funny story telling, hard-boiling eggs (Easter time!), asparagus, catching-up and a willingness to articulate everything, listening and helping and asking questions, oh so many more jelly beans, rearranging the apartment and making it feel all the more home-y.

+everyday we wake if it takes too long, just tell me something new

Late late morning, armies and grenades, finishing the collage and hanging it, really expressing myself, feeling humbled and protected by God, making my bed, cleaning every nook and cranny, fresh foods, sour jelly beans, smiling non-stop still, trader joes, 19 cent bananas, news, good music that gets stuck in your head for days and days.

+another pale moon, shines like high noon

Early phone calls with the parents, big ole pots of coffee two steps away from my bedroom, photography on the most ideal of days, seeing a Preview Day in all it's complexities - from the outside, pilates, staying in pajamas for the better part of a day after a fast-paced week and traveling,  nap taking to a good book, getting a homemade meal made, sunshine and shadows all over my apartment, basketball playing, playing sardines in the park, good clean fun, playing tag and it starting to rain.

+without a change our lives won't ever last

Round two, confidence, strength from my Creator, freebies, even more confirming, fun ruffles outfits, curiosity, realizing I'd be sleeping in my own bed at night, shared thank-you cards, fancy lunches, meeting a legend, students students students, packing up and doing yoga, connections in the most roundabout way, free time at the airport to reflect, full length windows, fruit stands in the middle of nowhere, the whole row to myself, at peace and calmed nerved, pink shirts, kind neighbors, being picked up by Devon, popcorn and catching up, more basketball.

+we don't need our bags and we can just leave town

Seeing 5:00 in the morning, loyal friends, the way the ground leaves as you take off and dwelling in the clouds, sunrise over the plains, it's a small world, beautiful beautiful open air and space and that sense of freedom that comes with it, easy interactions, fun vans rides, everything clicking, when missions and values align seamlessly, mascot ice breakers, magnificent housing, fitting in, ghost stories! tents!, dakota-ians, iowa-ians, easy-to-walk-in-heels, the sunshine coming out and warming up the day, sharing nibs in class, sweet text messages of encouragement and support, apples-to-apples battles, feeling like old friends already, comfort, basketball going into overtime, awesome roomates, going to sleep smiling.

+but hours past like years, i wish you were here

Feeling like Friday all day long, those long walks to work, getting everything together, great conversations, researching and forming questions, former students who are still invested, pushing through with laughter, needs fulfilled, loving engagement, mentorship, listening to others, photography in the park, new treats, perfect evenings, articulating purpose/mission/drive and feeling confident in it, trusting God to calm me down.

+that only fear, my only hope, is letting go

Birthdays remembered, efficiency engaged, countdowns, rubbermaid, celery sticks, group fitness classes, getting reports all done, simple and yummy meals, learning how behaviors are mimicked, poofy hair on little kids, changing attitudes, butterflies.

+hard times come again no more

Cold weather and how it reminds you that the sunshine is not to be taken for granted, listening and listening and listening, friends&coffee, catching up on reading, feeling like steps and strides are worth it, defeating the feelings of it never happening, mail from Italy, vacuums, unexpected free-time, waiting and waiting.

+if it doesn't matter than just turn around now

Feeling like I have a second family, fruit bowls, comfy beds, leisure mornings, helping out wherever is needed, sweet reunions that are not what I expected, throwbacks, fall colors and foods, feeling welcome, not looking at the time, pumpkin-flavored anything...even in March, siblings and siblings-in-law, detours and dad loving maps, sleeping passengers and feeling like a caretaker, the happiness in arriving at home especially when it is later than expected.

+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.