How Eating Snails Changed My Life

As I grabbed my backpack and walked toward the van taking us to SeaTac, my friends and I were surrounded by crying, fear struck family members. There was this nervous air surrounding us, yet I didn’t quite understand why. Was going to North Africa really going to be that scary? 

When I get asked as to why I like to travel, the first thing I say is, “To experience new cultures and meet amazing people.” Having lived in America all my life, I started creating this safe little bubble. The starving kids or hurricane-ravaged cities seemed so far away. Those countries and people living in them started to become “others” to me.

When I began to tell people I was going to North Africa back in March 2016, the first thing they’d say to me was normally along the lines of, “Is that really safe?” Or “You should probably go somewhere more welcoming.” Yet, not one of these people had visited the country I was going to. 

While on my trip, some of my friends and I visited a woman living in one of North Africa’s larger cities. Without even knowing who we were, she welcomed us into her tiny home with open arms. Right away, we were sat down and given food. We laughed together as we watched Saudi Arabian soap dramas and drank mint tea. Through a translator, she told us her story, crying as she held up pictures of her loved ones. Her story was a sad one, with her husband having another family he lives with and the struggle to provide for her children, yet there was so much giving in her. Even with the language barrier, I felt so connected with this lady. Leaving was the hardest part, for as she gave me a kiss on each cheek, I couldn’t help but think that I would never see her again. 

This woman was one of the people my friends and family were telling me was unsafe, merely because she lived in North Africa and didn't have the same privileges many of us in Western cultures have. 

This is why traveling is so valuable. The people I met along the way showed me just how ignorant of a life I had been living. Suddenly, they became real people with real problems, feelings, and families. People with real lives. No longer was I an outsider, living on the other side of the world, pretending to know how these people live, act and interact with one another. Instead, I was being welcomed into their homes and treated like one of them. And not because I asked to, but because they wanted me to.

As I prepare to leave for North Africa once again in the fall, I call out the crying and the “it’s not safe over there.” I tell my friends and family about being welcomed into homes of strangers and being taught how to make traditional meals, or being brought to “secret” local places and tricked into eating snails. I talk about the friendliness and love I experienced by almost every single person I met. The laughs, tears, hugs, and blessings. But most of all, I urge them to go. 

I urge them to go out of their comfort zones and greet the world like friends. To not deem places of being unsafe because of appearance, the media, or prejudice. I urge them to go experience the world outside of the tiny bubble the people of America have created for themselves. Because that is what changed my life.

Will you let it change yours? 

What will you do? Don't feel like traveling is scary, or even unattainable. Go experience this beautifully diverse world we live in. Don't shy away from sharing the gospel and loving the people in every corner of the world you travel to. Step out of your comfort zone. Do it! You will never regret it.

If you would like to learn more about my upcoming travels, shoot me an email at whimsicalthoughtss@gmail.com

Happy Traveling!

Elizabeth

Finding the Power in Poetry

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Poetry is something I've always been interested in. Back in middle school, it was writing angsty poetry about anger, or being rejected by a boy. As I grew older, it began to evolve. Had more depth to it. Yet, poetry still felt like it made little difference to how the people around me saw the world. I was made fun of for writing it, or liking it. Either that, or my fellow students and I were left to beat at a poem to discover some unseeable meaning. Poetry, to me, was special, yet not powerful.

On June 18th-19th, I got the amazing privilege to attend the Skagit River Poetry Festival, a poetry festival where poets from all over attend in the Pacific Northwest to talk about poetry, give advice, and read. According to Molly McNulty, executive direct of the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, the festival's goal is to be a "love letter" to the community. To sum it up? It was powerful. But don't worry, I enjoy writing much too much to just give you a summarized version of this event.

During my last quarter of college before graduating with my AA-DTA, I took a class with the intention to study poetry and how the written word interacts with performance and the audience. It was through this class that I got to attend the festival and shadow a poet for two days. The poet I got to shadow was Lena Khalaf Tuffaha. It was through her that I learned the power of poetry.

Tuffaha is a first-generation American and has Palestinian, Jordanian, and Syrian heritage. Many of her poems are about crossing cultural and political boarders. In an interview with her, I got to ask her a little bit about why she writes what she writes. She told me that as a writer, she feels a responsibility to tell the truth of what is happening in her homeland and the lives that are being affected there. Here's a little sample of her work:

"Run.
You have 58 seconds from the end of this message.
Your house is next.
They think of it as some kind of
war-time courtesy.
It doesn't matter that
there is nowhere to run to.
It means nothing that the borders are closed
and your papers are worthless
and mark you only for a life sentence
in this prison by the sea
and the alleyways are narrow
and here are more human lives
packed against the other
more than any other place on earth
Just run.
We aren't trying to kill you." (An excerpt of "Running Orders" from Water & Salt)

Tuffaha told me about her home. About the library her grandfather had and the countless hours she spent reading. The influence that had on her poetry. Yet, so much of that is being destroyed. It broke my heart. "How can I create a change?" I asked. She told me, to simply use my knowledge of the world to create a change in the people I know. In other words, don't let sexism, racism, and other offensive behavior go uncalled, especially with the people you know and who trust you. Use your light to shine in the darkness. But most of all, don't under estimate the power of the written word and a passion to create change.

Poetry is power.

I saw this in other poets as well. Tina Chang reminded the audience that every missing child could be one of our own. Ada Limon described the feeling of watching a life slip away right before your eyes. Quenton Baker used spoken word to transform the audience to slave ship. And every single time, I was right there. I was walking with the child and then he disappeared. I held the hand of the dying person until it went limp. I saw the shivering mass of bodies huddled in fear as the boat rocked violently. All it was were words, but it was what were in those words that mattered.

It's easy to think that your words don't matter. That no one will get, or even want to hear, what you have to say. It's not true. Your words, passions, experiences, they have so much power. Use them. Celebrate them. Embrace them.

Most of all, I invite you to find the power of poetry. Allow it to give you a different view of the world.

If you would like to learn more about Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, click here.
If you would like to learn more about the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, click here.
If you would like to read some of my poetry, click here.

What does the power of poetry mean to you? We all have something to say. Go ahead, pick up that pen, and write. But don't write for the world. First, write for yourself. 

Happy writing,

Elizabeth

Backpacking Through Ireland

Hello friends,

As you may know if you follow me on Instagram (go do it), I went to Ireland over spring break. I'd always wanted to visit everywhere and anywhere in Europe, so after I found out my friend Chloe would be there over my spring break, I knew this was the time to go. My friend Sasha, who has been living in Russia the last few months, also was able to meet us. Honestly, seeing these girls and getting away from work and college was SO needed.

I've had multiple people ask me "So Liz, how was Ireland?" And honestly, I've never sure how to respond. Awesome. Great. Amazing. Adventurous. New. Tiring. Good, so so good. It was one of those experiences, that the entire time leading up to it, and even while I was there, I couldn't quite believe it. But what truly made the trip so memorable were the girls I spent it with. From getting dropped off on the side of the street in the middle of nowhere at night after missing a bus stop and getting snowed in at our airbnb, to sneaking in a third person into our hotel room (lots of giggles involved ) and visiting a Lord of the Rings themed pub with a "stalker" trailing us, there were so many crazy times where we just had to laugh (and frantically figure out what to do). I was so thankful they were by my side the entire time.

When I was preparing to leave, I knew I wanted to visit the Cliffs of Moher. Let me tell you, they were amazing! If you can get past all the tourists and are daring enough to venture past the walkway (ahem and ignore a couple signs) you will find yourself much more alone and with a better view.

I didn't realize just how much beautiful scenery Ireland had to offer, though, and my friends and I only explored a tiny scratch of it.

Can't get enough from just photos? Want to watch a weird video of my friends and I? Go for it darling.

Wow guys, it's been a long time. I got back from Ireland completely refreshed, but then work started again, and my final quarter of college before I graduate with my Associate's (three more weeks!!) and I just got so tired. Have you ever been so tired or overwhelmed that the things your normally love become a chore? That's what writing was becoming, so I had to take a step back for a little bit. But boy did I miss you all.

Have you traveled anywhere cool lately? Whether it's a camping trip, road trip, another state, or an entirely new country, let me know down below!

Have a wonderful rest of your week dear friends,

Elizabeth

My dad died on a beautiful day.

My dad died on a beautiful day. The skies were as clear as crystals with bright winter sun dancing across my hair as I laughed with my friends on the playground. He took his final breath right before dawn, unaware of the day that was to become the most memorable of his daughter's life. 

They say death waits for no man, and that one can never predict when one might die. Live each day to the fullest, they say. But I knew. I knew as I left the house that evening that that was the last time I’d ever see my dad’s living face. After all, his nearly lifeless body had been laying downstairs in a hospital bed for nearly a week, scaring me from leaving my room. My once strong father, turning into ash right before my eyes.

I had plans to stay with a friend. How cruel, you might say, that I left knowing my dad was going to die that next day, but you must understand my motives. My house scared me. I was terrified one day I’d walk downstairs staring at my dad’s unmoving body. I didn’t want to be the one to find him after his spirit had left his body. 

Please do not think me heartless. After all, I sat there grasping my dad’s hand, endlessly sending prayers upwards in hopes that somehow, my dad might pull through. But my mom knew, just as I did, that this was his last night. She begged me to tell him it was okay to let go. I refused. It wasn’t okay. My tears spilt onto his skin, but unlike the movies, they did not wake him. Unable to say anything else, I fled. I would not watch him die. I would not pretend I was okay with that. 

It’s a bit ironic, how such a terrible morning turned into such a beautiful day. How something not okay, can look so very okay on the outside with just a little bit of sunshine. 

March 19th, 2011 was a beautiful day. It was one of the warmest days of the winter, giving the people of Western Washington an early taste of spring time. My friends and I made our way to the schoolyard near their house, still damp from the winter rains. My nose was pink from the cold. Maybe also from crying. I dodged a hand trying to tag me, and laughed as we both clumsily slipped in the grass.

My dad had just passed a few hours before. 

I remember thinking, how terrible is it for me to be laughing right now, after such a horrible thing happened? The guilt gripped my heart and turned it into ice. It would take years for that guilt to thaw into a puddle. 

Years later, I am much older and much wiser. I would change much from that day, yes. Now, I would hold my dad tight and wouldn't let go. I would be there for my mother as his body was taken away. I would cry and celebrate and mourn. My dad was gone, but he was no longer in pain. At age 12, I did not do these things, but who could blame me? I was only a young girl too afraid to look death in the eye.

I believe I needed that beautiful day and giggling friends. God provides blessings in the most outstanding of ways. He knew I needed to feel happiness before going to an empty house. It would take years before I could walk downstairs again without thinking that my dad would still be laying there. His helpless body taking painful breaths of air, never knowing which one might be his last. 

I still hold a puddle of guilt in my hands. The ice has slowly been thawed, yet something inside of me can’t let it wash down the drain. The puddle represents the stories I never asked about my dad’s childhood, the cuddles I wiggled out of when he was in pain, the body I abandoned after death. Yet, slowly, I’ve learned to accept that you can’t hold on to guilt forever. 

Guilt has a tendency to hold on and never let you go. But we are not defined by our past. Christ has called us His and we are loved. Let that guilt melt my friends, let it pass between your fingers and welcome in the freedom that is only possible by letting go and trusting Jesus. His grace is abundant and His joy is ceaseless. 

It was a beautiful day, the day my dad died. March 19th. It was beautiful, because the sun was shining as the birds sung their first song of spring. But it was also beautiful, because my dad was no longer sick. It was a beautiful day, because heaven had gained my dad. God had heard my cry. His answer was bringing him home. I didn’t understand it then, but I think I’m starting to now. And slowly, drops of water fall from my hands as my heart becomes warm again.

Thank you, Lord, for beautiful days. 

Here's just one chapter of my story. What's your story?

Elizabeth

Your Burdens are NOT yours Alone

Hey there friends,

Today I'm here to share that LOOK, it was beautiful, warm, and sunny on a winter day in Western Washington. Pure magic, huh? No joke though, it was over 70 degrees and warm enough for me to walk around barefoot on the beach. IN WINTER. I honestly can't handle the excitement. 

In all seriousness, though, this is exactly what I needed. The weekend felt like an answer to prayer. After a full quarter of work 35+ hours a week and taking a full load of college courses, I've been feeling so drained (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). In my frustration, I just called out to God asking Him what is my purpose? Every day has been the same process, the same routine. Wake up, drink coffee, do last minutes homework, go to classes, talk to people, go to work, get yelled out, go home, do homework, sleep. Over and over and over. What is my purpose? Because it just feels like I'm going nowhere. 

Instead of answering my question directly (He's already given me the answer, after all) He sent me peace in the form of sunshine and a dear friend willing to go on a spontaneous adventure. 

My friend Demi and I got into her car o Monday, smoothies in hand and polaroids ready, and headed off to Deception Pass. It's a beautiful spot that I've visited year after year with my family, but never on such a clear and less busy day. We sat in the warm sun overlooking the water for awhile and just talked about everything other than school. Later on, we went down to the beach. Right away I took my shoes off and started running along the water, dodging waves and pebbles. 

And it's day like these where God's goodness just overflows me with joy. The sunshine shows me what I was missing in the darkness.

It's so easy for me when I've stressed and overwhelmed to take it all and put it on my back. I don't want to ask people for help, I don't like calling up a friend when I'm crying to give me comfort. I so often forget to simply just ask the Lord for his guidance and peace. When all I'm doing is questioning Him, I'm not allowing Him to pour His love and peace over me and giving Him a part of the load to carry. But guys, we are not called to do this life all by ourselves. We are much too much of failures to do that. 

So here I am, in a coffee shop staring out the window where rain once agains falls freely outside, yet I am reminded of the sun. I'm reminded that out of darkness, there is light. But most of all, I am reminded that my burdens are not mine alone. 

I know dear friends that this life can be so hard, so so tiring. I know there can be so much darkness and hurt and loneliness. But it's so important in the midst of that, to remember who the light is. Remember who you can ALWAYS call out to and place your burdens on. (Hint, it's Jesus). Your burdens are not yours alone. He takes our failures and makes them beautiful. I think that's down right amazing, don't you agree? 

AND on another note, finals are officially over for me!! *cue confetti* I leave for Ireland tomorrow night (Thurs. Mar. 15th), so if you want to follow me and my adventures, don't forget to check out my instagram! 

Love you all so much,

Elizabeth

Christians, let's start thinking about our actions.

Today, I'm feeling discouraged. Today, my heart feels so heavy. I've worked seven days straight, serving customers and putting on a fake smile. "Have a good day!" "Thanks for coming in!" "I'm so sorry, let me go get that for you." Over and over and over. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful for the job I've been given, and the people I work with, but sometimes it get's to be a little too much. 

On my sixth day of working straight, I just snapped. I was tired, emotional, and frustrated by how people treated my coworkers or spoke down to me. It continually strikes me dumb how many people are so willing to be rude to a complete stranger, just because they work at a particular restaurant and are suppose to be serving them. But nothing gets to me more than a family of Christians talking about Jesus, and then turning around and making some snarky comment to me about how long I'm taking to clear up a spot for them, or threatening to go find a manager.

Just last Sunday this happened. "Why, Pastor Joe's sermon was so good, I really do feel like God is teaching me a lot right now." "Right? Remembering to be kind to those who don't receive kindness is so so good!" (yes I'm totally paraphrasing but go along with it, k?) And then five minutes later. "Um, excuse me MISS, there's an empty seat right over there, are you blind? This is getting ridiculous little lady." And then her entire party just stood there nodding, like they were some part of social justice movement that was going to change the world. You're not, you're just an impatient party of 6 that have been waiting maybe seven minutes.

And honestly, I wanted to cry. (and also say that if Jesus was standing right there, He'd have said you all didn't learn anything, because that was not kindness). Because when as Christians have we started separating church and living out a Christian life, with how we treat others when things are not going our way? I see this all the time! A church family not tipping a server because their food took a little longer than expected, or getting angry that I gave them a server with a lip piercing, or finding a manager because whenever a door opens, it makes them cold. My coworkers often dread working on Sunday because they know there will be a bunch of "church people." Is this how Jesus called us to live?

And guys, I'm not saying I'm the innocent party here. We've all fallen into this trap! For me, it's been getting impatient at the bank teller because the person in front of me took forever cashing all their checks, or crossing the street because I didn't want to pass that bus station when there was a tired looking women sitting there smoking. But why? Christ has called us to live a life full of service and radical love, proclaiming His glory and light. Is making snarky comments at the hostess or avoiding someone because they have too many face piercings doing that?

So Christians, (Liz here included) please think about your actions. Remember, when you're professing Christ, it's not only professing His name with your words, but with your actions. Remember that people are watching you. What's the reputation you're giving to Christ? None of us are perfect, and we're all going to have our bad days where we snap at someone, or get impatient, but our lives are suppose to be glorifying to the Lord. Sometimes, you and I are the only Christian someone will meet. So how are we proclaiming Jesus today? 

1. How has God challenged you when it came to loving and serving others? And 2. has there been a time where you could've professed Christ with your actions, but chose to react with impatience, anger, frustration etc. instead? Let's change that! Let's remember that we are the light that someone is watching today. Let's remember to think about our actions.

All my love,

Elizabeth

He's Still Good // When God's Plan Looks Different Than Ours

"and if not, He is still good."

   I've been thinking about this phrase a lot. It's easy for me to hike up a mountain in Yosemite and proclaim his goodness as I stare across the breathtaking view, or when I receive a job offer with good pay and valuable experience. But how often am I praising His name when I have a fever of 102 or someone I care about isn't doing too well? Not very often.
   Yet, I'm missing the point, because all the time, God is good. His perfect plan is constantly unfolding. "and if not, He is still good."
   I think about prayer when discussing this. Often times, when we pray, we're asking God for good health or financial stability or safety, because to us, that's what out perfect plan consists of. But what if God's plan looks a little bit different? 

   When I was 11 years old, by dad was diagnosed with cancer. Endless days were spent watching my once indestructible father deteriorate within the confines of the blinding white walls of the hospital. I knew God was good, so I began to pray.
   "Please please heal my dad, God. Oh please heal him. If your plan is healing him by taking him to heaven, fine, but please heal him so we can have more time together."
  This became the desperate desire of my heart. Treatment after treatment, my prayers became more constant, more fervent. After all, the more God heard my cries, the higher the chance of Him obliging, right?
   But my dad and I never got more time together. Instead, after 14 months of suffering, he slipped away from this world. God healed him by taking him home.
  But that's not what I wanted. Didn't God understand that I only added that part into my prayer so it would make me look good and further my chances of Him smiling upon me? I began to question, is God really still good?

"and if not, He is still good." 

   It took so long for that to resonate. And sometimes it's still so hard to grasp. But guys, from the depth of my heart can I tell you right here and now that I believe it. I may not always understand it, I may still experience sorrow beyond my imagination one day, but throughout those doubts and worries and grief, God is good.
   Sometimes it may be revealed right away why God's plan unfolded the way it did. Maybe you didn't go to that concert because that fatal car crash could have involved you. Other times it takes weeks, months, years even, for it to be revealed. Overtime, maybe, you'll see how trials and tribulations have shaped you as a person and have grown your relationship with Christ. Yet other times, it may never be clear as to why God let things happen the way they happened.
   Remember, we live in a fallen world, the consequence of our sin. God's original plan for us was to live without the fear of death, grief, or sadness. But that doesn't mean God has abandoned us. God doesn't promise to keep all hardships away from us, but He does promise to walk through them with us.  God's perfect plan will still be fulfilled, and in the meantime, we live trusting in Him. After all, God says that there is no trial given to us that we cannot overcome.
   So yes, there will be hardships and times you question why. But remember that even when things take a turn for the worse, God's goodness still prevails. Lean on Him and let it wash over you. Because even when life may not be going as hoped, God is still God. He knows. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and though the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you." 
-Isaiah 43:2

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 
-Romans 8:28

When have you clearly seen God's goodness in your life, and when have there been times it's been more difficult? I believe we've all had experiences where it's clear, and others times, not so much. Yet, his goodness prevails and the fire will not burn us, because His grace and love surrounds us. Amen? Amen.

Have a wonderful week my friends,

Elizabeth

2017 Year in Review

January.

started my second quarter of college and met one of my now closest friend (Demetria) in my Pacific Northwest History and Advanced Composition class.
was working on my poetry blog Chasing Moonlight (go check it out-I just posted something new).
really just did a whole lot of schoolwork, listened to a plethora of musicals, read a ton of good books, and dealt with being sick for a week or two.

blog posts:
Hey There January
Life Happenings
Favorite Period Drama Soundtracks
Job 1-2

February.

ate SO many hot fudge pop tarts after my yoga class. exercise made me hungry and they were always just right outside, sitting in the vending machine, waiting for my $1.
realized that blogging was hard and that working + being a college student made focusing on my passions very difficult.
spent a lot of time at the college laughing with my best friend Chloe, eating french fries, and talking in class (sorry professors).

blog posts:
Hey There February
On Vulnerability
I'm a Bad Blogger

March.

housesat in the middle of nowhere with two adorable pups to keep me company but also like no food and no coffee maker and no warm fire. i may or may not have slept with a bat next to my bed.
died because of finals but also killed them so really whose the real winner here?
went to Portland for spring break with my beautiful mama. we ate way too much food, did way too much shopping, and listened to way too many oldies. 10/10.
and visited Multonomah Falls which was super pretty but really cold.
also had to deal with super weird weather in Washington because one day it was like 60 degrees and sunny and then suddenly it would snow and i just couldn't handle it.

blog posts:
Hey There March
Job 3-5
Top Five Winter Reads

April.

started my third quarter of college and took some super awesome classes, including intro to fiction and journalism.
fell super behind on blogging and didn't post my travel diary till a little bit after I had returned from spring break.
redesigned my blog with the help from Julia and Sarah (bless you girls). i'd been wanting to do it for so long and I'm still super happy with it <3
celebrated Easter with my beautiful family and remembered the sacrifice of Christ and His amazing amazing grace.
got my senior pictures taken by the lovely lovely Elissa and she did such a good job guys!

blog posts:
Hey There April
Travel Diary: Portland

May.

went to homeschool "prom" and swing danced with a ton of my close friends and ate pasta and kind of killed my feet (heels are not my friends).
got accepted into my dream university but later learned that dreams change and life happens.
i got hired at my first official job at Red Robin and have since then ate many fries, learned that not everyone is always very nice (customer service ppl raise your hand), and met some pretty cool coworkers.
also murphy turned 1!! so that's pretty exciting.

blog posts:
Hey There May
Travel Diary: Multonomah Falls
The Ultimate Family Night

June.

my brother zachary got married to my beautiful sister in law, Nicole. but then they moved to montana and left us all behind, but still. they're so cute!
i graduated high school and also finished my first year of college, both with a lot of sweat and tears. i had my graduation party and got to celebrate with my family and friends.
the little bro turned 16 and got his license (which is so crazy!)
i went on lots of adventures with my family and friends including exploring seattle, hiking to a hidden lake, and hopping on rocks along the water.

blog posts:
Hey There June
Life Right Now
On Change

July.

4th of july meant sleeping under the stars, fireworks, roasting marshmallows, bike riding, and backyard baseball.
i started summer classes which was honestly the worst decision but oh well, you live and you learn.
created my summer bucket list which basically included lots of adventures and eating food with friends.
went on my first camping trip of the summer with my friend Demetria. we camped in the north cascades and explored Winthrop and died of heat.
bought my hammock and basically used it all the time. best purchase of the summer maybe?

blog posts:
Hey There July
My Summer Bucket List
Hiking Fragrance Lake
Camping in the Cascades

August.

the berries came out and murphy and i spent a lot of time eating them and getting sunburnt.
my dear friend sasha came and visited me and we drank lots of coffee and explored mountains and made plans for the future and ate lots of ice cream.
lots of homework happened as i fought to finish my summer classes without failing too many of them.
explored seattle part II. but this time it was with Chloe and we bought flowers and ate fish n chips and went on the ferris wheel and also struggled to find parking (because that's seattle for ya)

blog posts:
Exploring the North Cascades
Feeling Stuck

September.

said goodbye to chloe as she left for YWAM and the adventure of a lifetime <3
went on my first ever family-free road trip and even though i love my family, it was just an entirely different kind of awesome adventure.
first we stopped in portland and did way too much shopping. we also spent some time eating lots of food and dancing around flower beds.
then we went to in n out and OH MY WORD so so yummy
afterwards we arrived in yosemite which was honestly the prettiest place ever. the hike killed me but also it was so worth it.
then we hugged super big trees in the redwood forests.
and finally we drove up the oregon coast, ran around in the sand, visited lighthouses, and attempted to find campsites that were still open (it was a struggle).
i started my 2nd year of college and wow did it kick my butt.
i also got a job as the assistant editor of the college newspaper AND a writing consultant at my college's writing center, so all in all some pretty cool opportunities.

blog posts:
Walking the Streets of Seattle
Your Light Matters

October.

my mom and step dad left for a road trip and that meant parties at my house (aka chilling with the lil bro and eating lots of french fries)
sasha came to visit me again and i brought her to my favorite place ever, the north cascades. We did lots of gazing at mountains, shivering, and picture taking.
i dressed up like a cat at work and tons of little kids laughed at me.
pumpkin patch time!! totally carved my pumpkin with a christmas tree because i couldn't wait.


blog posts:
The Summer of 2017
When Life Gets Too Busy

November.

went on my first college retreat and had such an amazing time meeting new friends, worshipping Jesus, and having a 2010 dance party.
got an a on my psych presentation and i'm still so so happy!
my momma turned 50 and she's still just as beautiful and silly as ever ;)
all three of my brothers and i reunited and it felt soooo good. even though it was just a few days long and under sad circumstances, it was still such a special time.
my car got a little excited for christmas and wasn't afraid to flaunt it.

blog posts:
Why Christmas Starts on Nov. 1st

December.

fall quarter ended which meant lots of homework but then sweet relief.
i turned 19 and was able to have a whole bunch of my super close friends celebrate with me by going to bookstores and eating burgers.
my family and i went to leavenworth which is this super adorable town that celebrates Christmas like non other and has super yummy taffy.
christmas was magical because it meant lot's of family time and laughter with friends and i just love it.
also i was gifted all the illustrated harry potter books which are just so darn beautiful i could cry.
and i ended my year with family and friends and headed into the new year so happy and SO blessed (and also, again, in the north cascades).

blog posts:
Instagram Doesn't Show Everything

How was the year of 2017 for you? Give me a recap and let me know what you're grateful for this year. Having you all as readers and continuously supporting me has meant SO much and I cannot wait to continue on with the year of 2018!

Love you all lots,

Elizabeth