Autumnal Anecdotes

November is here in full force, reminding me of last fall and all that came with it. Last fall: Michigan, and family, and then tough times. Life lately has been a strange mix of painful moments, as the memories come; and beautiful ones, as the cool weather encourages more sweaters, more fall candles, more long walks in the park. In the same breath I wish I could turn back the clock: If only I could jump back to fall of two years ago, 2021; or that of fall 2019, before everything happened, the world shut down and life changed forever.

I know what he would say to me; I know that he would be proud. And I know that, just as the leaves fall from the trees, seasons come and seasons go, and there is a time for everything under the sun. Our lesson in church this past weekend was from Ecclesiastes 1:2 ("Everything is meaningless"), but how, of course, nothing is meaningless with Jesus. Faith can be challenging in grief; at times it has felt like even with Jesus, everything is still meaningless, but I know that's not true. 

It's cathartic to come to this space and write again. It's nice to have a little cozy corner of the internet that seldom few know about, and just tuck in and type some thoughts out. I think writing as a whole is something that I am longing to return to. 

For many writers, NaNoWriMo is a time to write a novel throughout the month, and although I won't be participating in that challenge, the call to come back to writing is deeply felt. Life sometimes feels more and more distracting the older I get - and with so many things constantly calling for my attention, sometimes it feels as if I've put off that childlike, creative side of myself that just wants to pull on a cozy sweater and write.

I always find that fall pulls out the best side of me, and in little, quiet moments by myself lately, I have felt an inkling of my old, creative self returning. She's quiet, but she's there. I know he would say, "Write. Run. Take care of yourself," but in his own voice, which I miss. And so I am trying to get back to myself, one moment at a time.

It leads just like a river runs,

Goodbye, Groundhog Day

This is the smol writing cabin I sometimes write about in posts. Spent a couple of days there quarantining and trying to put words on the page with my novel.

 There is no better way to describe the month of April than "Groundhog Day." Due to quarantine, it has felt largely like I've been living the same day over and over again. When I look back on April 2020 years from now, it is likely I will remember a lot of time spent indoors, searching for jobs, and novel writing (read also: crying, oops). 

Needless to say, April was not my favorite, though this month has found me getting closer to the Lord and taking steps of faith, for which I am so, so grateful.

I attempted a Domestic Pursuit and made boxed blueberry muffins the other week (it's a start). They were good! It's weird how something as simple as baking (and licking the batter bowl) can put me in good spirits.

In a way, April was ripping off the Band-Aid of my comfort zone. It was me pouring my heart out to God, securing a new job after a season of uncertainty, getting close to completing the novel I've been trying to write for years, and soon, Lord willing, moving to an apartment. It's all a fresh start. I've been listening to a lot of records again, which I somehow got out of the habit of, and one of the lyrics that's piercing me is from the band Whitney's second album:

"Tell me everything is just beginning, I don't feel alive but I've been living. Back when we were young, we would ride. Though the changes come, you'll get by. Anything could happen."

That's oddly how I feel now, entering May: Anything could happen. Maybe before that would have paralyzed me. I'll probably still have bad days, but I feel good things ahead for May. Starting a new job and moving out during Super Dark Pandemic Times might sound crazy, but this whole journey has been about faith and trusting God for me. Staying safe and smart, of course, but not fearful. I'm trying not to be afraid anymore, which is something that used to really take root in my life.

I'll still have my moments. I'll still miss people. I'll still look back on the past with rose-colored glasses, as I always have, but now it's time to go. It's time for a NEW THING.

Ok, but a NEW THING doesn't mean I'll stop listening to old favorites (I see you, Avril).

I hope all of you are doing well, taking heart! That this time has given you a chance to reassess what is most important to you. For me, I realized that I want a slower, simpler pace of life. I want to trust the Lord more, and to listen to more music, to write daily, to take steps of faith, and to drink only decaf coffee. To read more books. What have you learned during quarantine? Let me know in the comments!

"I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord." - Ezekiel 34:15

Current Favorites: This song (*tears up*) | Also this one (my mood) | Reading outdoors

Entering a new season,
E

ESSENTIALS | Resting & Re-Centering Myself in March

This month has been a lesson in focusing only on
what is absolutely necessary.

A few weeks ago, I was all geared up to launch March's theme, ESSENTIALS, to better explore the things that are vital in my life. The things that are there when all of the frivolities get stripped away. What I hope to build my life on: God, family, nature, creativity, music, rest. My own personal ESSENTIALS.

Interestingly enough, I never got to draft that full first post,
because March had other plans.

This month has tested my limits with stress and made me essentially (pun wholly intended) have to start practicing what I wanted to preach: When stress starts to rage, how can I dial back, take a breather, and build my life around what is absolutely necessary?

This is something my sister likes to remind me of when I get overwhelmed.
Only do what you have to. Go to work, come home, and sleep.
Don't do more than you have to do during difficult seasons.

As a person who wants to constantly push myself to work harder, create more, run faster, this is welcome advice. Dialing it back to only what is essential in my life means protecting my time, putting the pause on creativity in favor of a full night of sleep (still not the best at that one), and setting boundaries so that I don't push myself too hard and burn out.

Oh, March. I wanted this month to be full of so much blogging.

But instead I tried to focus on Jesus, my tribe of loved ones, and allowing my spirit to rest (via nature walks, chai tea lattes, and reading books in the backyard). Unfortunately, I realized this blog was not one of my ESSENTIALS. It is an outlet that I adore but I can only pour into it when I have the time, energy and creativity to write something I resonate with. And if that means fewer posts and more resting, that's a trade-off I have to be willing to make.

I am curious to know what falls into the ESSENTIALS category for all of you.

What are the things that, even at your lowest and weakest, you know you need in your life to thrive and bring yourself back to a normal state? This could take any form, really. I know personally that a morning run and a cup of tea with some good reads will recharge me. Throw some vinyl in there and a vanilla bean candle and we're all set.

What about you?

How do you go about taking things off of the table (RIP my novel) when life gets too stressful? What kind of ESSENTIALS help recharge you? Oh, and how was your March? Mine has been a doozy, but I've learned so much. Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!

I hope to be back in April with a new theme. We'll see!
Until then, I wrote a thing for Burning Youth and if you'd like,
you can read that here.

BEGINNINGS | Introducing February's Theme & Some Quote Love

Before we move any further into the already super-short month of February, allow me to introduce this month's theme: BEGINNINGS. It may seem kind of counterintuitive to post about new beginnings and fresh starts in the second month of the year, after all the New Year's inspiration for goal setting and reinvention has somewhat cooled. But that is exactly the point!

This February, I am finding myself in search of balance, rest, and restoration.

The Lord has shown me that with Him, I can begin again and again and again, and that He always has grace for my mistakes. If that looks like a fresh start on February 10, and not the super shiny January 1 #BestSelf I craved, then so be it. I am longing for that new life that the Lord can breathe into a familiar routine as He helps me navigate this season of life.

To start off BEGINNINGS, I compiled a list of inspiring quotes and lyrics about rejuvenation, time, beginning. As I feel refreshed and encouraged to move further into 2019 in God's strength, I find that I am still looking for my own words to share. So please enjoy these lovely little bits of goodness, in a new segment I'm calling Quote Love, woop woop, cheerio, pip pip and all that:

Quote Love: BEGINNINGS Edition

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."
- Oscar Wilde

Oh dear, is this one ever true. Knowing yourself and prioritizing time to preserve the person that you are is vital. No one is perfect but working on yourself and learning and growing are the best steps to take in becoming who you want to be.

"For last year's words belong to last year's language
and next year's words await another voice."
- T. S. Eliot

I could snap, this is poetry in motion. Gone now are the words and the thoughts of even five minutes ago. So long as we have breath, there is always a chance for us to start over again. Now is the time to lean into a fresh goal, perspective, head space or moment of grace for ourselves.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning,
great is Your faithfulness."
- Lamentations 3:22-23

There is nothing I could possibly add to increase the impact of this phenomenal passage,
so I write only to say that it's a promise, and we can cling to it. My heart!

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end.

But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

- Winston Churchill

I don't even know why but this one hit me so hard, I actually said "OOF" aloud. 

LIKE WHAT WINSTON?!

"Woke up in the corner store, someone saying my name,
Everybody moving around, acting like nothing had changed,
But something had changed in me."
- Bleachers, "Good Morning"

I will never cease to be amazed by this song, or Jack Antonoff's music in general. To me, that whole second Bleachers record feels like moving on, starting over, saying goodbye. It hits me in the heart. My fave, my fave, my fave.

What about you?

What kinds of things do new beginnings bring to mind? Does anybody else struggle to live up to the pressure of a January New Year's #BestSelf? And do you have any Quote Love to share with me?

This is the first post in the BEGINNINGS Series!
Stay tuned for more posts in the series coming atcha real soon.

2018

If you told me at the start of 2018 where I'd be by the end of it, I would have laughed in your face. (See? THIS IS ME LAUGHING.) So much has happened this year, and not just in small ways, as in previous years. Nope, 2018 was the year of gargantuan life change, unexpected blessings and very close calls. It was a year of growing up, moving on, stepping into new seasons and being better than the Gap (maybe?!).

In keeping with tradition on Ye Olde Blog, I look back at the past year in bite-size form. I also have links to my old look-back posts for 2017, 2015, 2014 and 2013 in the archives. (How have I been blogging this long?!)

Personal Life

*Me just trying to navigate 2018 like...*

In so many ways, 2018 was a year of transformation and trial. And the Lord gently moving me to the next phase of life even when I was at times (very) resistant. 2018 was the year I cut my hair, the year I started working full-time in marketing, the year I took road trips and talked to new people and SERIOUSLY WROTE. So much has happened this year that I have yet to unpack: Leaving my home church and taking root at a new one, turning 25 and feeling genuinely renewed, weathering various trials and watching as the Lord wove it all together into something full of joy.

This year I also started a second (mini) blog to document my 25th year.

It's odd - when I look back on the year and see where I started and where I am now, I don't feel like quite the same person. Yet all of this growth took place days a time, little by little, so it happened almost without my even noticing it. WHICH IS SO STRANGE. Suffice it to say I've learned *A LOT* this year, from insights about friendship, the importance of driving out of town limits for sanity's sake, and yes, this was the year I discovered the glories of Starbucks iced coffee.

2018 in Music

  

Earlier this month, I wrote an in-depth post about my favorite 2018 records, and let me just say, there were quite a lot of lovely albums released this year that I didn't even have space to talk about. Some of my favorites from this year included the new Tom Odell record and, of course, the much-anticipated LP from twenty one pilots. I could honestly talk about music for hours so if you have any recommendations from this year or #StrongOpinions about music or albums in general, TALK TO ME IN THE COMMENTS. *eagerly awaits musical conversation*

2018 in Books

   

This year, I re-read the Harry Potter series and got into reading personal essays, a first for me. Some of my favorite reads this year were the last two Harry Potter books, a re-read of the Hunger Games and Every Day by David Levithan. A complete list of my 2018 reads can be found here.

Random 2018 Favorites

Listening to podcasts
Reading in my spare time

Updating my wardrobe with quality clothes

Taking road trips alone or with my sister
Learning to embrace change and a new season
Shout-out to iced coffee for making my life possible

What about you?

What kinds of things were you crazy about in 2018? What did you learn this year?
I can't thank you enough for reading, you guys. I hope 2019 is good to you. I'm looking forward to sharing a new surprise coming to the blog real, real soon. ♥

Meeting God in the Middle

In the morning, when everything in you wants to stay home and drink tea,
but church is what you need, what you crave, you go.

Up the street with your sister and cousin, into the building with faces familiar and new, you go. Sit down, stand up, sing the songs, hear the Word being preached, take a breath. Feel the weight of your problems rattle in your chest, race in your thoughts even as you try to sing. Take another breath. Listen as someone shares their heart.

I wrote recently on my side blog that sometimes it feels like I'm waiting for the next phase of my life, even when I'm supposed to be enjoying this one.

And interestingly enough, today's lesson was about that, that feeling of being in the middle. It's when you're not quite at the beginning of a new season, but not quite at the end of the current one, either. Just..in between. And that's how I feel right now. Waiting for the Lord to provide and answer prayer and trying to keep my heart soft to Him and connect even when it feels like He doesn't hear me. Because in my heart of hearts, I know that He does.

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago."
- Psalm 77:11

If you're in the middle, too, know that it gets better. And sometimes, the middle is the best place to be! The pastor today brought up the great point that most of our lives are lived in the middle. In the waiting, in the in between, in the pauses and silences between seasons. And that's okay. That's how we build our faith and cry out to the Lord. And when a new season starts, it's all the more beautiful.

What about you?

Do you ever feel like you're in the middle? Is there anything that you're waiting for God to provide that He hasn't yet? Look back and remember what He has already done. I'm trying to be more grateful and enjoy this current season. Have a great week, friends! ♥

2017

Hello, my people!

I don't know how it is physically possible, but today is the final day of 2017. *Mind blown* It's been a weird but interesting year, to put it lightly. Even though there have been some difficulties in 2017, it has also been a year where I can really see God providing for me and my family's future. And that's super rad! Here is my mini tribute post to the year: Goodbye 2017, and hello 2018! ♥

Personal Life

This year has been a doozy, yet wonderful at the same time. In 2017, I graduated college, got a job in marketing and communications, redesigned my blog, and desperately sought rest. I learned that I don't have to be creative all the time, that I don't have to compete, and that I should love who Christ has made me to be. I'm so excited for the restoration that Christ is going to bring in 2018! 2017 was one of my hardest spiritual years yet and I'm so ready to feel renewed.

2017 in Music

  

WHATTA YEAR IT WAS. I think I bought more vinyl in 2017 than in any other year...seriously. Click here to see all of my favorite albums of the year! I also bought a ukulele and got to play a show with my sister. Glory.

2017 in Books

  

I really enjoyed reading this year! Click here to see what I read in 2017 (Spoiler Alert: it's a lot of YA). Books I hope to read in the new year include the Harry Potter series (a re-read), a lot of Kurt Vonnegut and K.A. Emmon's first novel! :)

Random 2017 Favorites

Stranger Things
Freaks & Geeks
Photography
Green Tea
Blogging

What about you?

What music, books or random things did you love in 2017? Do you have any goals or resolutions for 2018? Mine are to get closer to the Lord and to (hopefully) get my own apartment this year. Super stoked! Happy 2017, friends. Y'all have made this a wonderful year! ♥

Christmas Chaos & Christmas Cheer

*Ducks head out of holiday sweater* Is it safe to come out now?

Hey there, friends! I don't know about you, but Christmas (and 2017, honestly) has been CRAZY. CRAZY. For starters, from September on, time has been rocketing forwards. Autumn was basically a free fall into the holiday season: There was my birthday, NaNo, my sister's graduation, getting a mini-promotion at work(!) and now Christmas (and its insanity) is on the way. Yo, we've got aggressive ladies in Target and elderly drivers out here. I kid you not, these FL snowbirds are out for blood.

DON'T LIE I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN THERE

So yes, this was going to be a nice orderly post about tips on de-stressing, but YO, I don't have it all figured out. I don't have tips for y'all today. What I do have is a heart so appreciative for the goodness of God (who puts up with my sass) and this year He has given. No tips, but an excitement for the celebration of our Lord - and delicious food. Cookie dough brownies? YES PLEASE.

Have an awesome Christmas and a fantastic 2018, guys!

What are your plans for the holidays this year? Do you have a favorite dish or dessert you're looking forward to? If anyone has any fun traditions, please let me know down in the comments! (My mom always makes quiche and waffles on Christmas morning.) ♥

The Creatives Project #2: Evangeline Yackel

Hello, friends!!

Welcome back to the second installment of the Creatives Project! The series kicked off with the wonderful Julia Ryan and continues with the gloriously creative and whimsically hilarious Evangeline of An Odd Blog. Be sure to stop by her blog and show her some love! And now, without further ado....

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS!

Who or what inspires you to create?

"I get inspired by two people: Myself and God. God inspires me everyday in so many ways, but especially with writing. He is the ultimate wordbuilder, plotter and reviser. He was in love with His characters before anyone else. I know this is the cheesiest Christian writer thing to say, but it's true. Whenever I look around at the world, I try to remember that He created everything from nothing. He had no point of reference or something else to build on. It was all pure inspiration. When I put it in that perspective, my own writing struggles seem to melt away and I am filled with inspiration."  

What time of day do you do your best creative work?

Source: Pinterest

"I like to think that I'm one of those creative geniuses who write feverishly into the night, fueled by caffeine, but alas, I go to bed by 10:30 every night, and fall asleep at my computer if I stay up any later. I get my best creative work done between the hours of 7-10 a.m."

What has been your biggest challenge in your own creative journey?

"They say that writing is a lonely career, and it's very true. As much as I love my family, they all don't know the first thing when it comes to writing, so I always end up babbling about something novel-related, and they nod along. I've had to learn how to edit, rewrite, push through plot holes, how to do everything all on my own. I'm sure that's the case with a lot of writers. It's an isolating job, and I've had to word hard to not get used to that isolated feeling and stay there forever."

What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

"Because I am pretty sure that everyone knows the best flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip. It has been my favorite for as long as I can remember, and it ain't about to change. I am very passionate in my love for Mint Chip."

(SAME, GIRL, SAME.)

What do you do when you're in a creative rut or have writer's block?

Source: Pinterest

 "I haven't been in a creative rut in a long time for two reasons:

I treat myself kindly. It's been quite the process to let go of the sky-high expectations of myself (which was why I used to get writer's block all the time), and treat myself with some kindness. I give myself a lot more room for relaxation. My outlook on productivity is that as long as I'm moving forward, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, it makes the day worthwhile. Lack of pressure lets the creative juju flow easier (I don't know what "creative juju" means, but let's just go with it).

I quickly figure out what's stopping me up. On the rare occasion that I do find myself in a creative rut, I figure out what the issue is. For me, it's never just being drained creatively, it's always for another reason. So I figure out why, fix it (which sometimes involves curling in a ball and crying), and move on."

What is your favorite season?

"If I could live in a world of winter, I would. The White Witch had the right idea: casting a world into eternal ice and cold. #Lifegoals"

Evangeline's Advice for Creatives:

Source: Pinterest

"You are not doing this to please anyone else. It doesn't matter what people say or think. The advice "Write the book you want to read" gave me the book I'm proudest of. If you want to write a book that you think no one else will want to read, go for it. If you want to bake a zucchini chocolate pizza, do it. If you want to knit socks for lizards, reach for the stars. Just because someone else doesn't agree with or understand it doesn't mean that it is not valid and amazing. ALSO: Don't be afraid to be proud of your work. I know so many people who always shrug off compliments because they don't want to seem arrogant. Accept the compliment. Acknowledge that your work is good."

A huge thank you to Evangeline for being a part of the Creatives Project! Your answers were super enlightening and witty. Love it! Don't forget to check out Evangeline's blog here!

Would you like to be the next blogger featured in the Creatives Project? Check it out here! How do you power through a creative rut? And do you also love Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream as much as Evangeline and I do? ♥

Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2017

We're in the home stretch now, folks.

Autumn always feels like it has its own rhythm. October-December is my favorite time of year, because of the holidays and family and lights and food and the Lord and so much more. (Sweaters, anyone?) There have been ups and downs this November, true, but I can say that I am thankful, and that I am working towards thanks. Now bring on Christmas, and the praise and joy! I'm ready to celebrate and sing.

What I've Learned This Month

Run, run, run. I need to run every other day (at least) to be a Fully Functional Human. I am one of those people that needs to exercise frequently or I will lose my mind, Susan. (No idea who Susan is, BTDubz. But I'm sure she would agree.) Running = life. No running = sad times.

It's important to think about (and pray for) others. I spend too much time focusing on my own problems! Lord, make my heart soft for those around me. Help me to listen, care and love on others!

Things I Loved in November

Photography. I really love taking photos to capture little moments. It's fun to see my world through the lens, and helps add a bit of flair to my content for the blog.

Writing. Yo, NaNoWriMo kicked me in the tookus and I didn't win (*sniff*) but I did learn it's important to KEEP ON WRITING even if you don't feel like it. "Dreamland" took a few unexpected twists and I'm going to finish this story hopefully by early 2018 at the latest. I'm a slow writer but imma keep at it because I love this novel.

December Goals

To love the Lord my God. Especially with Christmas coming up, I just want this month to be a glow of Christ's warmth. I don't have all the answers but I'm His, and that's the only thing that matters at the end of the day. ♥

The Month in GIF-Form

What about you?

What was your November like? Did you participate in NaNoWriMo? Have any fun December plans? Tell me about your lives, my people!

Unplugging: How Do You Live the Slow-Paced Life?

Hi, friends!

I hope you all had a restful three-day weekend! Me and my Mom hightailed it to the writing cabin this weekend for running, reading and relaxing. (And also listening to the new Taylor Swift album, which I can confidently say is a SOLID BOP.) Being away from my usual tech-filled surroundings for a little bit has got me thinking even more about social media and what it means to live a slow-paced life.

Here's What I've Learned:

I rely on technology a lot for entertainment. Being away from a stable internet connection made me realize just how much I am always checking my notifications. Like, constantly. Being without the internet forced me to do things that I usually tell myself I don't have the time for - like writing my novel (*ahem*), reading, taking walks, reading the Word and going for a run.

Doing nothing is underrated.

Often I feel like I have to be productive or doing something meaningful at all times, but there's something to be said for just recharging. It reminds me of this verse:



Contemplating clouds and counting your blessings sound like such cliche ways to unwind, but these are a couple of things that made this weekend so peaceful and whole.

Also, a salted caramel cookie skillet from Outback. WOWZA

It's okay not to share everything. Living slow-paced for a couple of days showed me just how plugged-in and update-hungry I am sometimes. I don't need to share everything, nor do I always need to know what everyone else is up to! It's fun to share, of course, but there is also something blissful in relishing a moment and forgetting about the online world...

...because the offline world can be a pretty amazing place, too. On Saturday I went for a run on a nature trail and I didn't see a single person, only one solitary deer hiding in the trees. (Same.) I found myself praising God for the sky and the trees and mornings. Nature is such a wonderful re-energizer. ♥

What about you?

Do you have a favorite way to decompress from the fast-paced life? Are you reading anything awesome currently? Have you listened to Taylor Swift's new album yet? ONCE AGAIN, IT'S A BOP

On Distractions: The Love and Lure of Social Media and the Interwebz

Hi, friends!

I probably shouldn't be blogging right now because of NaNoWriMo (updates to come), but yo, I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS. Ironically, they are on social media and the internet, the two things that probably have the most potential to derail my NaNo process this November.

Actual Footage of My Writing Process:

7:03 a.m. Hmm, I should write. I should just get my thoughts out in the open before any other distractions hit me today.

7:06 a.m. *sits down at computer* Look at me, I'm a writer. I'M WRITING

7:08 a.m. Ooh, just a quick internet search for Research Purposes Only. *checks Twitter*

7:11 a.m. Okay, okay, back to writing.

7:12 a.m. *checks blog* *scans Pinterest*

10:00 pm. *cries*

Yo, the internet can be a real temptation. But it's not just that social media and the interwebz are a distraction to my writing (and probably a lot of yours as well), but it's also the fact that they can become such easy ways for me to entertain myself when I don't have anything else to do.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I've been thinking about how much time I spend blogging, writing my next post, posting on Instagram, creating an aesthetic, using social media to its Full Potential, etc., etc. It's exhausting.

And that's not even to speak about the comparison issues that can come along with social media or updating your life on the internet.

I just want to be in the mountains, the woods.

For me, one great way to remedy internet overkill is TO GO OUTSIDE. I know it seems like a simple and obvious solution, but there is so much richness to be found in the physical world. The earth, the trees, the sun, the sky. The stars! All of it. I want to stand in awe of God and His creation more than I contemplate myself and social media.

I was going to pepper this post with tips and how-to's,
but yo, I don't have it all figured out.

I am still learning what unplugging and taking time away from the computer, the internet, social media and even my novel looks like. What a slow-living, park-walking, Bible-reading Erin looks like, and how she can better serve others around her.

What about you?

Do you ever get tired of technology? I'm there, my friends. I HAVE HIT MAXIMUM INTERNET CAPACITY. Any tips for unplugging? Thanks for reading!

Monthly Wrap-Up: September 2017

Happy October, friends!

Can you believe September is over? I can't! Just waiting over here in FL for it to get cold enough to wear sweaters and combat boots....but I DIGRESS. If you're familiar with my blog, you might notice that this is a *new* kind of post for this space. I usually don't post monthly wrap-ups, but I wanted to give it a try. LET'S DO THIS YO

What I've Learned This Month

Be yourself. A lot of people are trying to be like other people, and that's a shame. You don't know how refreshing it is to see someone being unapologetically themselves. It's electric. It's attractive. You don't have to "be the best" or look like anyone else...just be you. :-)

On that note: Confidence is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. For so long I allowed myself to live in a place of comparison and insecurity, and it tainted my relationships with God, myself, and my family. I'm grateful for a new start, and even though everyday has its ups and downs, I'm moving towards positive thinking and seeing myself the way that Christ does. #That'sWhat'sUp

Gratitude. Hurricane Irma was a doozy, but not nearly as bad as she could have been, at least where I live. Going without power for days and enduring some small complications made me realize how grateful I am for everyday life! And that thankfulness does the heart good.

Things I Loved in September

We Are the Best! I adore movies about music and adolescence (Sing Street, I'm looking at you), and this indie film from Sweden did not disappoint. If you don't mind subtitles and punk rock, then give it a watch, yo.


The Beach Boys. So much love for The Beach Boys. I enjoyed some of their singles when I was younger, but I never really listened to their albums all the way through, and WOWZA, life is just beginning for me now, y'all. I love finding old gems that feel fresh.



My hometown. Getting to work, study, and create in a city that encourages the support of small businesses and musicians is just the best thing. Love the town you're in! Find a new coffee shop or park to call your own and get to know your community, y'all.

This amazing post by the fabulous Olivia. This post makes my heart ache in the best way possible.

This verse. I'm reading through Ecclesiastes right now, and IT AIN'T NO JOKE.

October Goals

Learn More Music. I want to get better at guitar and maybe learn the ukulele? My sister and I are also trying to write a rock opera...We'll see.

Minimize. I've been reading about minimalism lately, and it's inspiring me to clean! I don't know what it is about getting rid of excess stuff that always inspires me, but it definitely clears my mind. Is anyone else like this?

See a concert. It's been FOREVER since I last experienced the joy that is live music.

Unplug. I want to spend less time on social media this month, folks. October is all about pumpkins and canoeing and going on real-life adventures. I definitely want to step away from the screen to feel more inspired and in tune with daily life.

The Month in GIF-Form

What about you?

How did September treat you? Good, I hope! What are 3 things you are thankful for today? Is there anything you are excited for in fall? Have a great month, friends!!