+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.

+yes we speak of things that matter with words that must be said

Reading by 8, sore muscles, skylines, healthy eating, better than expected, high marks, consciously, plans working better than expected, giggles that won't stop, real smiles, spontaneity, understanding, academic stimulation, wanting to know more, fresh from new york apples, energy, connection, air pressure of tires, grease on fingers, invitations, caf dinners, yoga with giggling, papers done in less than an hour, folds and wrinkles, warmth, redness, packing.

+i'll stay if you want me to

Being well-rested, proud of the way we welcome, getting my graduation packet with my name spelled correctly, fresh coffee for free, springs, healthy/conscious eating, dream analysis, ballet flats, instrumentals stuck in your head all day, compliments on the homeyness/coziness of my room, snorton's treats, family feeling, warmth.

+we were so tired of being mild

Hot showers, bright blue eyes, laughing genuinely, going deep and pushing the comfort zone, setting up for a feast, casuality, learning, engaged, connected, hitting the books, how the wind rustles leaves, blueless sky days that still are warming, busyness that still flows, way understanding friends, going to bed at 9:30pm, dreaming, water.

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

The cool of early mornings, an organization with a consistent genuine mission, socks, life talks, the elevator smelling like pancakes/our home-y lobby, satco, families eating together, scarves in october, hot chocolate on the porch with little marshmallows and a cool breeze, napping, reading for fun, trying, shadows, a concert that transports you to a different place, investments.

+oh when is it comin? keep the car runnin'

Surprise cups of coffee, sought out encouragement, inspiring words, confidence, options, blushing, cool breeze, catching up over errands, a fancy dinner, pay day, feeling like a little kid, feeling like a grown up, feeling content.