hazy morning rays

I'm back from my trip to Ye Olde Writing Cabin, and might I say, it was divine.

This trip, I ran 10 miles for the first time in my life out on the little woodsy trail. My sister and I also took a bike ride on the same trail later that day and discovered a miniature jam stand that operates entirely on the honor system. These sweet country people literally just leave their precious preserves out in the open on this miniature wooden stand, and anyone who stumbles upon their sunny backstreet can purchase some. We bought plum jam. It was arguably the best $4 one could spend. #sotart #sofabulous

Also, today is a novel writing morning. It is (praise!) finally cold here today.
It's December 19, and it just may be this year's first documented case of Wearing a Beanie Because My Head is Actually Cold. This is something I think we all can celebrate.

How are you all doing?
I feel like I haven't blogged in a while. Days feel like small eternities on break, but I'm not complaining! Christmas is coming so soon, guys. Are you excited? CHRISTMAS!



+ Want a music recommendation that is the audial equivalent of this post's picture? Click here. 

i know it's gotta stop, love, but i don't know how

After a busy but fun week of plans with friends and family, I'm rising before the sun tomorrow to drive the winding, woodsy roads. They will lead me to my parent's teensy canary yellow cabin, where I plan to write my novel and run long distance on the little trail beyond the doorstep.

This may be the smallest of adventures, but I am so excited. 

I love planning the little details of a trip -- which music I'll listen to on the drive up, what foods I'm going to bring, which books will be my companion in the evenings. These things light me up inside.

 And that's probably because I'm 22 going on 85 years old. 

Seriously, am I the only one who gets wickedly excited when packing for a trip, however small?

+ I probably should post this on my music blog, and maybe I will later, but OH MY GOODNESS, I found a new favorite song and like a junkie I've listened to it 35 consecutive times. That's how you know it's killer! Check it out and tell me what you think!

YOU are the beauty.

To celebrate finally being free of finals, and classes, and any real level of responsibility, my sister and cousin and I went out for a little bit of brunch this morning. It was tasty! That part was planned, but then we randomly decided to extend the visit further and go downtown to buy records!

Among the purchases were albums by Beach House, Florence + the Machine, and Tame Impala. Huzzah!
You can see the rest of my vinyl haul here.

Also wonderful? God is good. 

Last night He moved in some pretty interesting ways and answered my prayers for revival. So that was wonderful. I am still on my way of breaking out of my shell of insecurity, which seems to manifest itself most in the form of worries about body image or my personality, but He is faithful and good and true where I am not, the most loving God. And this life is so, so fleeting compared to an eternity spent with Him. I'm trying to remind myself of that!

This has been the best day I've had in the longest time.
What was your day like? Anyone else finally finished with finals? It's time for the weekend, baby!

+ I have been meaning to post this for some time now, so you probably have already seen it, but if you have not, please check out this video on people's reactions to being told they are beautiful. It is so impactful. It even made my dad emotional!