+then one day you smiled and said my name

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

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

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

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

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

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

+pray for me child, just for awhile

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

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

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

+show us that you care for us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

+he is the wind in our sails

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

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

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

+and we live in a beautiful world

Guarantees, balanced, warmer, sleeping fully, restraining, researching, white board markers, schedules, love, the phrase "through the roof," crisp apples, paying attention, i dream of weenie, east nashville, pumpkins with glasses, alicia, the original, vegan cookies, new lofts, evening sunlight angles, glassy eyes, standing on chairs to hug, the pumpkin spice smells, fully focusing, kindall, running into, ceramic mugs, little details about Belmont that go unnoticed, no distractions, journaling.

+i gotta move while the streets are sunny

Lending a hand, encouragement from unexpected sources, run-ins at coffee shops, knowing the system, rekindling, Andrew Bird, crossing things off, funny stories, compliments we get to share, feeling a part, voicing, how the weather changes attitudes, smelling fresh cut grass, missing (real) friends, learning to love people, the value of good groups, connections, pasts, missing dad, being self-confident, reading for insight, not realizing the beautiful impact a thought and a prayer can have, warmth and a smile and happiness wrapped into the same breath because of another person, letting God.

+when words we use have lost their bite

Tennis shoes, celtic designs, staying on top of things, rustling/crunching leaves, reflections on smooth glassy surfaces, celebration cupcakes and smiles, confrontation but independence, fully engaged, believing in someone, catching up with dogs involved, hunger, frustrations that teach lessons, homemade spaghetti, a new conversation, dreaming, being the best part of each others' days, real love and deep concern, warmth, t-shirts, support, an encouraging note that felt like it was lost and now found, breathing slowly.

+i need you here like you've always been

Feeling eerily calm about it all, my idea of a perfect breakfast, always feeling old, lingering over coffee, passing notes in class, giggling because of them, sleek, easy-going-ness, gathering my words, memorizing scripture, getting out early, easier than expected, patience/understanding, avoiding shadows because they give me goosebumps, contemplating technology, long walks, deeper conversations, newness, reminiscing, snuggling.

+you've been way too strong now for all your life

Warm fuzzy boots, light eating, non-stop smiling, doing it right, fumbling, sunlight/shade temperature differences, free flowing, water, no plans, the frothy with snorton, lists, possibilities, pictures that make you relive moments, fitting, strength and endurance, observing, commiserating, free from distractions.

"If every building falls
And all the stars fade
We'll still be singing this song
The one they can't take away.

She said she didn't believe it could happen to me
I guess we're all just one phone call from our knees.

Crying out now from so far away
You pull me closer to love, closer to love."

+i'll take your promise, though i know nothing's safe

Being lazy, cleaning, teaching boys to make coffee, free bread sticks, making good time, pumpkin ice cream, real sisters, being impressed, goofiness, nickel creek, possibility, laughing (again, even more), feeling free, deep breaths, staying calm, reunion, hugs, Nashville once again.

+from town to town and state to state

Brisk morning, reminiscing, new faces, getting pinned, coffee, of montreal, vineyards, strong scents, sweetness, local pride, orchards, fresh cider, goofiness, big lunches, helping out, t-shirt in the 50's, pride, massive tailgating, taking it all in, the angle of the sun in late afternoon, warmth, yoga in the parking lot, little kids, good seats, fresh paint, wonderful company, laughing until it hurts, being mom, being sleepy, being happy and content, scoring big and going home early, the typical evening, laughing until tears, falling asleep within seconds.

+and your hearts still beating

Preparation, looking young, parking well, smiles from strangers, confidence in a new town, my red-wind-blown-from-the-cold nose, 4 coffee shops a block, buttered toast, easy conversation, asking questions, speaking slowly, chacos and yoga, the exact same, all boys, homecoming, hogwarts, excited greetings, changing leaves, real campuses, the outdoors, possibilities, excitement, warmth, being old, pushing forward, observing, replica, at the end.

+i'm not done with my travelin' so let's run, let's run

Waking up late, kitchen coffee, hugs, taking my time, dancing, flowing, the unexpected about to happen, broccoli and carrots, game time, a full water bottle, apartment h, ping pong, fire, reminders, bean bag chairs, seniors, connections, chilling winds, out and about, knowing who i am above pressures, laughing, comfort, going-to-sleep-prayers, sleeping bags.

+you'll shine for us

Old women, knowledge, umbrellas, offers, affirmation, taking the plunge, mixed and new, suede, dreams, kellylynne, owl city lyrics, a perfect match, cheap gas, pushing through the rough patches, matching ipods, having my door opened for me, cuddly dogs, food a plenty, family discussions, dozing, not being perfect.