tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11368337862063994442024-03-13T14:13:35.647-07:00elizabeth anneest. 2014Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-36118193220203497302021-03-04T15:46:00.001-08:002021-03-04T15:46:39.696-08:00i forgot how to write...again<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMndMqlKlvw/YDWG00WqI1I/AAAAAAAAFy0/B66LPxsAnhQxGrUaRE1Oe2bUDkheIKzrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2AF9DED6-A1B1-4CBE-B91E-56D3F7D17C82-C0805AB4-6D23-4A0F-A9A0-62E36B824EA1%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJr9R9EOE0U/YDba1pap_AI/AAAAAAAAF0k/N58CQd-xalUOBoRPc4z_AARBGVkb0-jdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJr9R9EOE0U/YDba1pap_AI/AAAAAAAAF0k/N58CQd-xalUOBoRPc4z_AARBGVkb0-jdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/IMG_0684.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hello there my friends,</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Do you remember two years ago when I wrote <a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2019/03/i-forgot-how-to-write.html">a post</a> updating you all on my life, after a super long absence? Remember how I said I needed to write more? Here I am again, writing a very similar post, with only three posts sitting in-between them. I suppose keeping up with my blog and living life was more complicated than I thought. I long to write and to be more present on this little corner of the internet. Writing truly brings me so much joy, as does interacting with each and every one of you. Plus, I love looking back at my old posts and having a tiny little scrapbook of my life.</p><p><br /></p><p>All of that to say, I am sure I am not alone in thinking, <i>wow. </i>It's truly been a crazy eventful year, and not just because of COVID. Life has thrown me some curveballs, changes, and major joys. Almost all of it, though, has been unexpected. I often take time to reflect each year where I was in life the previous year, and how much everything has changed, but 2020 has possibly topped them all. Where do I even begin?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeTxR3tQEy8/YDV7XB7c19I/AAAAAAAAFxA/8yI_9TF_IAMYf6CsBV6-e3yW9-ye-Hu1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0484.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeTxR3tQEy8/YDV7XB7c19I/AAAAAAAAFxA/8yI_9TF_IAMYf6CsBV6-e3yW9-ye-Hu1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0484.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sC4zAhM58Y/YDV686IwUaI/AAAAAAAAFwo/Ym-2HLH9sbkRfw94es0nyp980hZRguDrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/60643995638__42B71CA2-8473-466B-896F-0CEB4955400B.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sC4zAhM58Y/YDV686IwUaI/AAAAAAAAFwo/Ym-2HLH9sbkRfw94es0nyp980hZRguDrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/60643995638__42B71CA2-8473-466B-896F-0CEB4955400B.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JObk-8YEkM/YDV7XHILn_I/AAAAAAAAFw8/U1Qq4w22LR0QwlvQbRvgfeITileiCMINwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JObk-8YEkM/YDV7XHILn_I/AAAAAAAAFw8/U1Qq4w22LR0QwlvQbRvgfeITileiCMINwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz3OlR4onfw/YDV7aVfV4JI/AAAAAAAAFxE/LiYPqZA06sANLiI36n4YPy20xLSI-ygKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lz3OlR4onfw/YDV7aVfV4JI/AAAAAAAAFxE/LiYPqZA06sANLiI36n4YPy20xLSI-ygKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br /></p></div><p><b>Spring 2020.</b> I suddenly found myself with a lot of time to read, hangout with my roommate Chloe, do school, and just generally relax and take it slow as the world turned upside down. After returning from traveling to Germany and North Africa for a few weeks, we were thrown into quarantine. As an introvert and homebody, this seemed like a welcome break from the world for a little bit, but I do have to admit that after a month or so, I did find my mood becoming quite withdrawn and depressed. I'm so thankful for the many mornings spent laughing with Chloe, a bookcase full of books, plenty of time to experiment with new recipes, social-distanced walks and hikes with my family and friends, and school assignments to keep me busy and engaged. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4-WIzjVDTM/YDWDI6u3wcI/AAAAAAAAFyo/tuVOgMmyxZctx7f4N4XBdHAXCw4GpUi5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Sgj77fB8M/YDWDIdiRELI/AAAAAAAAFyk/bnLMcfFiHM8Ge_0AWaBOz_t4x4bzqr6iACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Sgj77fB8M/YDWDIdiRELI/AAAAAAAAFyk/bnLMcfFiHM8Ge_0AWaBOz_t4x4bzqr6iACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0926.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4-WIzjVDTM/YDWDI6u3wcI/AAAAAAAAFyo/tuVOgMmyxZctx7f4N4XBdHAXCw4GpUi5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0128.JPG" width="300" /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFW0fUkO9fk/YDWCmKde2jI/AAAAAAAAFyY/HVdU65pXmZ4E3j2JouobM2hzdHDWAV-UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3B6300B2-27D2-41FA-991D-5A0EB9244753-0A79CD99-2D45-41D8-873A-FFD6B8F8158F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdV_M6tRrQ/YDWCiRcu5zI/AAAAAAAAFyU/nUHTjGevoRMsMFzH1duiT6WPkvlPnNOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/27016860-A415-4679-9D19-2B2C17FD6DBE-625CAB0D-291E-4D3D-B73C-4C024D31FF5C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdV_M6tRrQ/YDWCiRcu5zI/AAAAAAAAFyU/nUHTjGevoRMsMFzH1duiT6WPkvlPnNOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/27016860-A415-4679-9D19-2B2C17FD6DBE-625CAB0D-291E-4D3D-B73C-4C024D31FF5C.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFW0fUkO9fk/YDWCmKde2jI/AAAAAAAAFyY/HVdU65pXmZ4E3j2JouobM2hzdHDWAV-UQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/3B6300B2-27D2-41FA-991D-5A0EB9244753-0A79CD99-2D45-41D8-873A-FFD6B8F8158F.JPG" width="300" /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxMjHOUfvJE/YDWAcQ5tSCI/AAAAAAAAFx0/cUK6Z8unYgErzjIUEDi6cBNokG5JPMfbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOGkJPxVxVo/YDWAgwy0quI/AAAAAAAAFx4/c3cPtqjPHWI0b2yVBIOwDzKc6iMl5x9VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOGkJPxVxVo/YDWAgwy0quI/AAAAAAAAFx4/c3cPtqjPHWI0b2yVBIOwDzKc6iMl5x9VACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0102.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxMjHOUfvJE/YDWAcQ5tSCI/AAAAAAAAFx0/cUK6Z8unYgErzjIUEDi6cBNokG5JPMfbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0096.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qU8CGpcUF4/YDWAjfB_mYI/AAAAAAAAFx8/49R_iCuoai4lteiAawcWcD5ypnUz_nZjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viBf92Dz5zU/YDWAlHfNmGI/AAAAAAAAFyA/mwnI4Jter_0WX5A6XwJm1iQucOTujXovwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qU8CGpcUF4/YDWAjfB_mYI/AAAAAAAAFx8/49R_iCuoai4lteiAawcWcD5ypnUz_nZjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qU8CGpcUF4/YDWAjfB_mYI/AAAAAAAAFx8/49R_iCuoai4lteiAawcWcD5ypnUz_nZjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qU8CGpcUF4/YDWAjfB_mYI/AAAAAAAAFx8/49R_iCuoai4lteiAawcWcD5ypnUz_nZjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><div><b>Summer 2020.</b> Lots of sunshine, adventures out in nature, and picnics with friends outside-which. funfact!-five minutes after the photo of my friend Demi and I picnicking was taken, two cops came speeding over and pulled a gun on a man who was 30 feet away from us. Only slightly sketchy. But one of my favorite changes that Summer brought me, was Walker. Our love story came from out of nowhere it seemed, and quickly turned serious. From friends from church, to boyfriend and girlfriend in just a few weeks, it only took a couple dates for us to figure out that this was forever. Our summer was filled with long conversations in his 4runner, walks along the water, picnics at the park with cards, and trying new things (like rock climbing). Never has there been a summer for me more filled with smiles and giggles.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apAEXTPmqjk/YDWG4fdTICI/AAAAAAAAFy8/2yGHhmtOqQgVNUXpdtNrmJFbwl1exZYJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5D5D5B04-4378-451D-8C4E-DB030F6D8817-52424D09-5703-4FD6-905E-8F0FBC824AAD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNalA4ACQ9k/YDWG30wK9dI/AAAAAAAAFy4/6h43zkgtpZI3idisjrZl-y3dboJ63f5jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CF44DF86-477D-466F-ABD3-26B06A224157-776ED26B-AF8A-4678-B9EA-76D0BF0E505D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNalA4ACQ9k/YDWG30wK9dI/AAAAAAAAFy4/6h43zkgtpZI3idisjrZl-y3dboJ63f5jgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/CF44DF86-477D-466F-ABD3-26B06A224157-776ED26B-AF8A-4678-B9EA-76D0BF0E505D.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apAEXTPmqjk/YDWG4fdTICI/AAAAAAAAFy8/2yGHhmtOqQgVNUXpdtNrmJFbwl1exZYJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/5D5D5B04-4378-451D-8C4E-DB030F6D8817-52424D09-5703-4FD6-905E-8F0FBC824AAD.JPG" width="300" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pu3o9LsrUI/YDbdUL_7CKI/AAAAAAAAF1A/fXoHfbkhgQEj8N9IFiSLuaJuDZj11GCYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2AF9DED6-A1B1-4CBE-B91E-56D3F7D17C82-C0805AB4-6D23-4A0F-A9A0-62E36B824EA1%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh0Xe74Ei1I/YDbdS3l1lBI/AAAAAAAAF08/n4xkFKqDdIottJPllQrkrOSfPn6W5_omwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BAC5EFB4-3D7C-4761-9D2B-CDF6F4F7BD9A-76692AFC-850A-48A5-AF32-2679D4EEA7D5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh0Xe74Ei1I/YDbdS3l1lBI/AAAAAAAAF08/n4xkFKqDdIottJPllQrkrOSfPn6W5_omwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/BAC5EFB4-3D7C-4761-9D2B-CDF6F4F7BD9A-76692AFC-850A-48A5-AF32-2679D4EEA7D5.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pu3o9LsrUI/YDbdUL_7CKI/AAAAAAAAF1A/fXoHfbkhgQEj8N9IFiSLuaJuDZj11GCYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/2AF9DED6-A1B1-4CBE-B91E-56D3F7D17C82-C0805AB4-6D23-4A0F-A9A0-62E36B824EA1%2B2.JPG" width="300" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>September 2020.</b> Walker and I accompanied my family on a roadtrip to Montana. We explored all over Glacier National Park, even in the intense smoke. We went on a few incredible hikes, saw some beautiful waterfalls, and got to even catch a few glimpses of some grizzly bears (though granted, from pretty far away). Afterwards, we spent some time with my brother and sister-in-law, and later visited Walker's sister, before returning home to Washington. It was such a special trip full of memories and experiences I know I will remember fondly for years. Plus, after spending hours and hours in a car together and not getting sick of one another, we returned home pretty certain that we'd be taking all of our future roadtrips together.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKfJa1fP7IY/YDbS-q1XG4I/AAAAAAAAFz0/-AwCplyXPUcU8JzXPQXz5JXb3nczz9iHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ8vtXzsRY0/YDbU6dz41aI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/VedpS0_Lsm0-YUYNLpmfjH1FDoS2w_amwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0435%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ8vtXzsRY0/YDbU6dz41aI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/VedpS0_Lsm0-YUYNLpmfjH1FDoS2w_amwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0435%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKfJa1fP7IY/YDbS-q1XG4I/AAAAAAAAFz0/-AwCplyXPUcU8JzXPQXz5JXb3nczz9iHACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0378.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAsd7IRfdJQ/YDbT35NwS8I/AAAAAAAAF0I/BZQjDWsrDJUBv7PxlWHXQ6B8KmTgujLqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1599/6e9ab474-ef6c-406d-9268-24f20ac31a4d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8lQhfCZ_X8/YDbUV01BA5I/AAAAAAAAF0Q/-05dowYuSckDgynqpn_u5sr3CbmoAg6kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8lQhfCZ_X8/YDbUV01BA5I/AAAAAAAAF0Q/-05dowYuSckDgynqpn_u5sr3CbmoAg6kQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0468.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAsd7IRfdJQ/YDbT35NwS8I/AAAAAAAAF0I/BZQjDWsrDJUBv7PxlWHXQ6B8KmTgujLqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/6e9ab474-ef6c-406d-9268-24f20ac31a4d.JPG" width="300" /></div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October-December 2020.</b> My last quarter of junior year began to kick my butt. Balancing work, relationships, church, and university was challenging, yet I wouldn't have wanted to drop any of it. Walker and I continued to enjoy many outings together. I started a new job as a preschool teacher and suddenly found myself spending a lot of time with four and five year olds. I took an Old Testament class at a secular university, which, wow, was so interesting to hear what others believed, and, at times, proved difficult to defend my faith. Walker, Chloe and I enjoyed decorating our apartment together (we needed Walker to get to all the high places for us). And finally, the end of the year found me engaged and ready to plan a wedding in just six weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRC7q7qIq8w/YEFdN0ydtiI/AAAAAAAAF18/oIflb5MUKj8p3VnEzvyH8mAuZGXRYuTCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0675%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NRC7q7qIq8w/YEFdN0ydtiI/AAAAAAAAF18/oIflb5MUKj8p3VnEzvyH8mAuZGXRYuTCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_0675%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>February 2021.</b> Walker and I got married, moved into our first apartment together, and began learning how to live life as a married couple. As I'm writing this, it's been almost a month since we said our vows, and time has just completely flown by. Really, this entire year has taught me just how fast life goes and how important it is to be thankful for every moment. The Lord has blessed me immensely, and I would never want to take a smidgen of it for granted. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s335/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How has your year been? What have you been learning, experiencing, facing challenges with? As I said, I am certain that I am not the only one who can attest to this being a crazy time. Let me know what kind of crazy it's been for you down below in the comments.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Talk to you soon my friends,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Elizabeth</div><p><br /></p><br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-74164342889495505462020-03-10T15:13:00.002-07:002020-03-10T15:13:55.677-07:00Snapshots of Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOGDpO4FGPQ/XmfROdqbBEI/AAAAAAAAFiw/tSFiKVJ2T5gZi3KU2FyW4snjZ3NFKsLywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CC8F5C4F-C916-4104-B871-7C6D6BB8F36B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOGDpO4FGPQ/XmfROdqbBEI/AAAAAAAAFiw/tSFiKVJ2T5gZi3KU2FyW4snjZ3NFKsLywCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CC8F5C4F-C916-4104-B871-7C6D6BB8F36B.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9byfdP0S60/XmfRIQnN8pI/AAAAAAAAFiU/hV1LmNvOO9gY-7YXO8_JXDffi99NtjkTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10D49B25-EC1A-4E23-A98C-D61A2D236307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9byfdP0S60/XmfRIQnN8pI/AAAAAAAAFiU/hV1LmNvOO9gY-7YXO8_JXDffi99NtjkTACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/10D49B25-EC1A-4E23-A98C-D61A2D236307.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj_c_u9iSe0/XmfRLW6GEwI/AAAAAAAAFic/goHprzwgGv8soT4iEKO3R9hxEXKydvF9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/736B2CF1-28DD-4A21-A88F-F47E8215D4FC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj_c_u9iSe0/XmfRLW6GEwI/AAAAAAAAFic/goHprzwgGv8soT4iEKO3R9hxEXKydvF9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/736B2CF1-28DD-4A21-A88F-F47E8215D4FC.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZVKkt_oYEY/XmfRIURsEdI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/E_EoVO0-JoYCNhvp1f0o8dSBK1ELjyilwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/470CA96D-CCD2-4377-AAC1-CC6D63B084DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZVKkt_oYEY/XmfRIURsEdI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/E_EoVO0-JoYCNhvp1f0o8dSBK1ELjyilwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/470CA96D-CCD2-4377-AAC1-CC6D63B084DC.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWKgjrupG8k/XmfRL0R7hWI/AAAAAAAAFig/n8CjppzNJksyVCxRmXpV25QgHn8LTfnbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/760886D8-4398-42D3-8ECE-04A1B0AEB529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWKgjrupG8k/XmfRL0R7hWI/AAAAAAAAFig/n8CjppzNJksyVCxRmXpV25QgHn8LTfnbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/760886D8-4398-42D3-8ECE-04A1B0AEB529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7bVi2FrH70/XmfRIRzi0YI/AAAAAAAAFiY/-zXRxFNI0YoXDBn7FO9JXXhi1aLcKhjlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/52085EA5-A72D-4E98-ADAA-32B2EA9B41D0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7bVi2FrH70/XmfRIRzi0YI/AAAAAAAAFiY/-zXRxFNI0YoXDBn7FO9JXXhi1aLcKhjlACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/52085EA5-A72D-4E98-ADAA-32B2EA9B41D0.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h-6z7dIXlg/XmfarY7aDjI/AAAAAAAAFjI/94K5YgpOF-Y4V4qm-OqrdQ09k_Agm6d3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/84EB2752-2F7C-47CB-B9CD-1720B751FDE8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="747" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h-6z7dIXlg/XmfarY7aDjI/AAAAAAAAFjI/94K5YgpOF-Y4V4qm-OqrdQ09k_Agm6d3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/84EB2752-2F7C-47CB-B9CD-1720B751FDE8.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOJ7AWZQw9A/XmfRONI7XAI/AAAAAAAAFis/CL6yw2-szowM1VXMG12aG4ipODdQYRgzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/E6533A76-0C6C-47D0-87C6-1867BFD7E375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOJ7AWZQw9A/XmfRONI7XAI/AAAAAAAAFis/CL6yw2-szowM1VXMG12aG4ipODdQYRgzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/E6533A76-0C6C-47D0-87C6-1867BFD7E375.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiUCRjiByv4/Xmfar1UhMkI/AAAAAAAAFjM/Aw1DDiJ7qfQECYyN1xQe9g7_bBiB4ZRbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/6F383BEE-7857-4F72-A06C-E736E50C40EB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiUCRjiByv4/Xmfar1UhMkI/AAAAAAAAFjM/Aw1DDiJ7qfQECYyN1xQe9g7_bBiB4ZRbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/6F383BEE-7857-4F72-A06C-E736E50C40EB.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aabfnyAYSFE/XmfRL46xIOI/AAAAAAAAFik/Tv_wJWtw3Sg7392PKTYOAxHThs2kzPK6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/98102223-3C9C-4A0F-B16C-E395A2E7A9E4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aabfnyAYSFE/XmfRL46xIOI/AAAAAAAAFik/Tv_wJWtw3Sg7392PKTYOAxHThs2kzPK6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/98102223-3C9C-4A0F-B16C-E395A2E7A9E4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This past February I had the opportunity to go visit my brother and sister-in-law in Germany. Germany never fails to draw me in with its magic. I could spend forever walking along its cobblestone streets with my face up towards the sky staring at steeples. I adore peeking into crowded bookshops, even when every book is in German or French, or finding tea shops that smell like a million different flowers. And I haven't even gotten started on the food.<br />
<br />
But most of all, I love my family there. My brother and his wife. Their love for Christ overflows in their love for one another and the love they have for those around them. Being with them is being at home, which makes Germany feel like a little sliver of home. I just adore anytime spent with them and always leave feeling refreshed and encouraged.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where/who is a little piece of home for you, away from home? Something or someone that feels just like on giant, warm hug. I dearly hope we all have a place or person like that, and that we can be that person for others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Praying you have a peaceful week,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-24092091744055509862020-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:002020-06-17T10:32:13.801-07:00My 2020 Reading Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFiKuC8ipE/XiY9uCf-diI/AAAAAAAAFgE/61XWh8G28z41VcmSZZkwXtRLN64pa5V6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7FBA204C-319D-4344-A95F-4CD044E21458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFiKuC8ipE/XiY9uCf-diI/AAAAAAAAFgE/61XWh8G28z41VcmSZZkwXtRLN64pa5V6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/7FBA204C-319D-4344-A95F-4CD044E21458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello dear friends.<br />
<br />
2019 was a wild ride for me, full of travel, growth in my faith, starting a new job, moving into a new apartment, and last but not least-reading. <br />
<br />
There were months I read a lot, and months I read not at all. Of course, this had to do with everything that was going on in my life, but it also had to do with the lack of discipline I had. Reading, yes, should be seen as fun, but I will often allow myself to veg and watch Netflix, or scroll on Instagram for an hour, versus picking up a book.<br />
<br />
My hope this year is to read more that I did in 2020, so I created a couple of reading goals that will ideally hold me to that. Guidelines, you could say.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Read 60 books (5 books a month)</span></b><br />
<br />
Last year I read 50 books, which is a lot and I'm happy with that number, but I also know I'm capable I'm reading much more than that. Half of 2019 I spent outside of the States, and while being back home, I definitely spent a large amount of time rewatching shows like Friends and The Office, instead of reading. This year, I've set the challenge to at least 60. So far this is going well, as I've already finished 5 books (yay!).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Read at least 1 nonfiction book a month</b></span><br />
<br />
If I allow myself, I will mainly read fiction. Although there's nothing wrong with fiction (I love a good fiction novel), I want to be more intentional with my reading. I want to make sure to set some time aside to learn about other people, current events, history, etc. Especially if I'm studying English Lit at school, I'm going to need to make an effort to actually read something other than fiction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKkqz8VKf44/XiY9-lLuXiI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/cXmBTUsEG4UJH2MHCwuU2xFDjnVweoRGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/43A79F91-D991-41D8-8E9E-E122290187AE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKkqz8VKf44/XiY9-lLuXiI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/cXmBTUsEG4UJH2MHCwuU2xFDjnVweoRGACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/43A79F91-D991-41D8-8E9E-E122290187AE.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Read at least 1 classic a month</b></span><br />
<br />
I tend to be someone who reads classics a lot, but I can also go months without picking up a classic. Come this Spring I will be beginning my English Lit degree, so I shouldn't have too much of a challenge here, but I wanted to make it a goal nonetheless. There are countless classics I want to get to.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Read poetry every night before bed</b></span><br />
<br />
Now I can't be the only person who just scrolls on their phone before bed, ya? But that is something I most certainly want to erase from my nightly routine this year. Instead, I'm trying to replace watching youtube videos or instagram stories every night with reading some poetry. This will most likely not happen every night, as I'm only human, but I'm going to do my best to make it a priority.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyKTtW2Jo60/XiY9zx9pPmI/AAAAAAAAFgI/hjnSQPOaj1AdPk7_2GoIK2pJt3aCpFpqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/18B5D3B9-E06E-4438-9788-7E777AFC1C0D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LyKTtW2Jo60/XiY9zx9pPmI/AAAAAAAAFgI/hjnSQPOaj1AdPk7_2GoIK2pJt3aCpFpqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/18B5D3B9-E06E-4438-9788-7E777AFC1C0D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Read at least 3 books from my bookshelf a month</b></span><br />
<br />
I've always been someone with way more books on my shelf that I haven't read, versus ones that I have. Currently I have at least 100 books on my shelf, and I've maybe read 25% of them? It's not good guys. My goal is to look at my bookshelf first for books to read, instead of buying more or only using the library (although I whole heartedly love libraries and think people should use them more). I also want to practice only keeping the books I actually enjoy or intend to read, and donating the rest to my local library, or reselling them to my favorite used bookstores.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Buy no more than 2 books a month</b></span><br />
<br />
Going off of my last goal, I want to restrict myself from buying no more than 2 books a month (not including books for school). I'm going to try and buy even less than 2 books a month, but for my own book buying sanity, I've set it to 2 for now. One thing I'll do to help myself in this department is to look at my local library first before purchasing anything. Libraries are such an incredible source and should be used WAY more. Seriously, go visit your local library.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Write a review for every book I finish</b></span><br />
<br />
Finally, I want to get better at writing at least a sentence or two about every book I finish. I find it such a good resource to have a record of my thoughts on every book I read. Star ratings simply are not enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What are your reading goals for 2020? Do you have any reading recommendations for me? I'm hoping to update you all only my reading every month, but if you want to stalk my reading life in more depth, make sure to follow me on<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31906945-elizabeth"> goodreads.</a><br />
<br />
Have a lovely day,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-51183530742759955772020-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:002020-01-15T19:05:58.949-08:00Was it real? // Today I Noticed #1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KV7tqT6tPE/Xh_RK6w-5xI/AAAAAAAAFfM/kGoxnEV5GxsYGUn8H5bsvGiJBjX404iSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/654BE1B8-16DE-49B1-8F8C-389E74B019F6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KV7tqT6tPE/Xh_RK6w-5xI/AAAAAAAAFfM/kGoxnEV5GxsYGUn8H5bsvGiJBjX404iSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/654BE1B8-16DE-49B1-8F8C-389E74B019F6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few months back, I began a new writing challenge. Every day (or as much as I could) I would freewrite in my journal beginning with "Today I noticed." It's something I've started to do again, but I've also been looking at some of the old entries. Some of them are full of jumbled up words because I was too tired, others have some wisdom to them, and others are just downright silly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today I decided to share one of my entries.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Today I noticed just how much I question my interactions with others. I've always considered myself an open person. I want to create deep, personal relationships with others. I want to be real-and I think I am! It's after those real encounters that I begin to question the authenticity of them. </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>I'm a firm believer that some of the best conversations start in the car. Liv and I carpooled to the city together today and just talked. We talked about love, travel, shame, privilege, pain. We talked about things that matter, and it felt real.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Was it real?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>And you see, I begin to ask myself that question because I know the things she's said about me in the past. What if she tells people what I told her? What if I get hurt?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Today I noticed that to live a truly vulnerable life, you can't begin to question every tiny or big interaction you have with someone. You can't control what they do, or say, or feel. All you can be is truly yourself. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Overall, I'm choosing to look at the evening as a good one. No matter how real or fake it was, I know for certain that I was real, we got to know each other better, and it was a beautiful night in the city. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*names and location have been changed for privacy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you find vulnerability hard? Do you often feel guarded around others? Consider how leading a more vulnerable life could bless you and those around you! Remember that no matter how much you care about what others think about you, the only thoughts and mindset you can change is your own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hoping you're all having a lovely day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-16971009864813557862019-03-12T06:18:00.001-07:002019-03-12T06:18:25.622-07:00i forgot how to write.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r4mtOlUcIg/XIestRRfKdI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/wK6fudwgyeIRIkGCCiQ9N6vEWcURWe0ogCLcBGAs/s1600/167B744B-F111-44B1-BBFA-8EFD0C65BD37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r4mtOlUcIg/XIestRRfKdI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/wK6fudwgyeIRIkGCCiQ9N6vEWcURWe0ogCLcBGAs/s640/167B744B-F111-44B1-BBFA-8EFD0C65BD37.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Life gets crazy and I get lazy and next thing I know, it's been months since I've even looked at my blog.<br />
<br />
I forgot what words are and how one can use them to create movement, change, and inspiration.<br />
That happens when writing becomes convincing your professor to give you an A.<br />
<br />
I forgot that writing brought me joy and discovery and release.<br />
So much better than netflix or chocolate, am I right?<br />
<br />
It's been awhile since I popped on over here to say hi. A lot has changed in the last few months that is exciting and new, but life has also been full of mood swings and confusion. I've been avoiding writing anything, here or on paper, because I'm afraid to face my thoughts.<br />
<br />
it's time to face my thoughts. You ready?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9v737fwKrYw/XIetX6ak_vI/AAAAAAAAFRg/xeSNaE82-18o4Dgol2h3a8bx48GBKHVpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2C7EFE7A-68F9-476E-875D-35E480D326D1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9v737fwKrYw/XIetX6ak_vI/AAAAAAAAFRg/xeSNaE82-18o4Dgol2h3a8bx48GBKHVpgCEwYBhgL/s640/2C7EFE7A-68F9-476E-875D-35E480D326D1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I graduated with my AA-DTA, which means I'm half way done with university! This is just one more step in completing my goal of getting my BA. From there, who knows what will happen. Honestly. I'm in serious need of help in that aspect. I'm pretty sure I change my mind on what I want to study and where I want to study every five days or so. There are many factors, including money, relationships, future occupations. I'm trying to learn to remain present even when every cell of my brain is screaming to know what is ahead.<br />
<br />
I moved half way around the world to study a different language and eat lots of food and cry about missing my dog. That's what a gap year is all about, right? It's been a huge move-being immersed in a different culture and having to be independent, but it's been so so good. I cry a lot and boy there's no way I could do this without the Lord sustaining me with joy, strength, and boldness every day, but every day He does, and I'm so glad to be here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJNfAFZkmU8/XIetsxIKmNI/AAAAAAAAFRo/pq6Rzmf40RcEjVrRd4shsNMIaMgXf-fLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/B34650CC-85B6-4052-B40C-3A894D23EE60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJNfAFZkmU8/XIetsxIKmNI/AAAAAAAAFRo/pq6Rzmf40RcEjVrRd4shsNMIaMgXf-fLgCEwYBhgL/s640/B34650CC-85B6-4052-B40C-3A894D23EE60.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm so thankful for the people back at home. It's so easy to feel as if I'm split in half living in a different country and creating new friendships and family here, when everyone in my former (yet still current) life are back at home in the States. Despite that, I've never felt pushed away or isolated. My friends and family still continue to update me, pray for me, encourage me, and send me silly selfies. I'm so grateful for the encouraging and faithful relationships I have back at home.<br />
<br />
I'm learning that there is never an end to my relationship with God or in the studying of His word. In fact, the more I study and confess, the more I see just how messy I am. I thought I was ready to teach people about what I know, but in reality, it's been much more like God teaching me, me crying, being confused, falling on my face, and then talking about what God has been teaching me. It's humbling and hard, and I don't think that pattern will stop anytime soon. Maybe less crying, but no promises.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AKO0roCroE/XIetZZpkccI/AAAAAAAAFRg/JhwEvaVrNvc1hXYo3axKFKuriis8whWKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/9E366611-6FE3-4CB5-B4A2-8F878FA79CF6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AKO0roCroE/XIetZZpkccI/AAAAAAAAFRg/JhwEvaVrNvc1hXYo3axKFKuriis8whWKwCEwYBhgL/s640/9E366611-6FE3-4CB5-B4A2-8F878FA79CF6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at me! I have a huge smile on my face. Obviously I needed to jump back on here. Although I've been a bit (or very) inactive over here, I've been trying to stay somewhat active over on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalthoughtss/">instagram</a>. It's been so encouraging to see how the Lord is working in all of your lives, and to have the continued support of the blogging community over on that platform.<br />
<br />
I was talking to a new friend the other day about what I was passionate about, and I started talking about writing and building community, only to realize just how long it had actually been since I'd done that. I've missed my little corner of the internet. I'm not sure how active I'll be on my blog for the next couple of months, but writing is what I love. You'll see me again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What have your thoughts been recently? How has God been working in your life in the last few months or so? Leave me a comment below and let me know how you're doing, dear.<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you shortly,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-40203785276606232822018-06-22T12:27:00.001-07:002018-06-22T12:34:59.787-07:00How Eating Snails Changed My Life<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSXisBPsNLE/Wy1MqJHkgdI/AAAAAAAAE7s/audrPCZUSXoc9-IAgC_6pZiLGkd-TNIywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSXisBPsNLE/Wy1MqJHkgdI/AAAAAAAAE7s/audrPCZUSXoc9-IAgC_6pZiLGkd-TNIywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8526.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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? </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEAucb7cx3w/Wy1MsMX7B3I/AAAAAAAAE7w/vbVSYl5tsEgOfxjKMHTyGCyZRR7n4vWZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEAucb7cx3w/Wy1MsMX7B3I/AAAAAAAAE7w/vbVSYl5tsEgOfxjKMHTyGCyZRR7n4vWZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Will you let it change yours? </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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.<br />
<br />
If you would like to learn more about my upcoming travels, shoot me an email at whimsicalthoughtss@gmail.com</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Happy Traveling!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Elizabeth</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-68245466694218202342018-06-10T22:37:00.000-07:002018-06-10T22:37:22.836-07:00Finding the Power in Poetry<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMGJzcOY5t4/Wx4F_UKHhxI/AAAAAAAAE7M/TJSBhtoAJRwN3BtiqhH-dtmfWSE9y2iKACLcBGAs/s1600/annie-spratt-168943-unsplashpower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMGJzcOY5t4/Wx4F_UKHhxI/AAAAAAAAE7M/TJSBhtoAJRwN3BtiqhH-dtmfWSE9y2iKACLcBGAs/s1600/annie-spratt-168943-unsplashpower.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/cUlFt_jZXtE?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out; white-space: nowrap;">Annie Spratt</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/search/photos/poetry?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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:<br />
<br />
"Run.<br />
You have 58 seconds from the end of this message.<br />
Your house is next.<br />
They think of it as some kind of<br />
war-time courtesy.<br />
It doesn't matter that<br />
there is nowhere to run to.<br />
It means nothing that the borders are closed<br />
and your papers are worthless<br />
and mark you only for a life sentence<br />
in this prison by the sea<br />
and the alleyways are narrow<br />
and here are more human lives<br />
packed against the other<br />
more than any other place on earth<br />
Just run.<br />
We aren't trying to kill you." (An excerpt of "Running Orders" from <i>Water & Salt</i>)<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Poetry is power.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Most of all, I invite you to find the power of poetry. Allow it to give you a different view of the world.<br />
<br />
If you would like to learn more about Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, <a href="https://www.lenakhalaftuffaha.com/bio.html">click here</a>.<br />
If you would like to learn more about the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, <a href="https://www.skagitriverpoetry.org/">click here</a>.<br />
If you would like to read some of my poetry, <a href="http://imchasingmoonlight.blogspot.com/">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy writing,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-46656567215505744822018-05-24T10:56:00.000-07:002018-05-24T10:56:16.379-07:00Backpacking Through Ireland Hello friends,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfwBzbdHWIk/Wus4L7TS3AI/AAAAAAAAE0U/h5lQbJ2dusANcVESj_pNjVVHsmCLSqF-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2FDCD1F3-F951-4659-828C-4EC44517C1D2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfwBzbdHWIk/Wus4L7TS3AI/AAAAAAAAE0U/h5lQbJ2dusANcVESj_pNjVVHsmCLSqF-gCEwYBhgL/s640/2FDCD1F3-F951-4659-828C-4EC44517C1D2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XFiE2EXks8/Wus4PXxhBSI/AAAAAAAAE0U/BZajM1U9dakmDcxAcfXAOwa4zr7VxysjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/23E518EA-421F-425C-9120-D8BCD6236ACB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XFiE2EXks8/Wus4PXxhBSI/AAAAAAAAE0U/BZajM1U9dakmDcxAcfXAOwa4zr7VxysjQCEwYBhgL/s640/23E518EA-421F-425C-9120-D8BCD6236ACB.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl-KoGOINeQ/Wwb1sgN7o0I/AAAAAAAAE3M/nfx1WzDfytwRzkjJkjymDtkd3o8dyCmRwCLcBGAs/s1600/9FED98FB-39F8-4B40-98CA-63A7DA52532F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl-KoGOINeQ/Wwb1sgN7o0I/AAAAAAAAE3M/nfx1WzDfytwRzkjJkjymDtkd3o8dyCmRwCLcBGAs/s640/9FED98FB-39F8-4B40-98CA-63A7DA52532F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdrRRQzhlPI/Wwb1uYAglMI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/a5uzz8mq8IoW-LdFwPypw4GBgatN8W0cgCLcBGAs/s1600/47A9A357-2AE4-4FA4-B3C5-CA9796E0EB43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdrRRQzhlPI/Wwb1uYAglMI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/a5uzz8mq8IoW-LdFwPypw4GBgatN8W0cgCLcBGAs/s640/47A9A357-2AE4-4FA4-B3C5-CA9796E0EB43.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaNW3E7JAvU/Wwb1yUCHKWI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/gyk_wWwnj3sdZnfGH1tvyjjYVAcNeQ1UgCLcBGAs/s1600/4988D144-4192-4431-A878-6F00C3E3F606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaNW3E7JAvU/Wwb1yUCHKWI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/gyk_wWwnj3sdZnfGH1tvyjjYVAcNeQ1UgCLcBGAs/s640/4988D144-4192-4431-A878-6F00C3E3F606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ye4wz-GU2Q/Wwb114rLmaI/AAAAAAAAE3c/qIFMoLgOOf8lD1Y7gRNMfiBqVLQYpAEcACLcBGAs/s1600/ACB37A97-FEBA-4C00-ADA3-0FC850BF2ECD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ye4wz-GU2Q/Wwb114rLmaI/AAAAAAAAE3c/qIFMoLgOOf8lD1Y7gRNMfiBqVLQYpAEcACLcBGAs/s640/ACB37A97-FEBA-4C00-ADA3-0FC850BF2ECD.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFCnKK6dWOw/Wus4dkyyUJI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/tch-vps0UrENDjuGIC_Y8CIluPsyS6OOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFCnKK6dWOw/Wus4dkyyUJI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/tch-vps0UrENDjuGIC_Y8CIluPsyS6OOQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYIo8US2mW8/Wwb2yuqmiII/AAAAAAAAE30/Ss182g5MoNY-qTWLbVmR7ghXR5GT-cBTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYIo8US2mW8/Wwb2yuqmiII/AAAAAAAAE30/Ss182g5MoNY-qTWLbVmR7ghXR5GT-cBTQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHMkAQeRIJo/Wwb2-Gt-77I/AAAAAAAAE34/ba8DRus3BhYG5EaokpPh2LLcFd6G6jWOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHMkAQeRIJo/Wwb2-Gt-77I/AAAAAAAAE34/ba8DRus3BhYG5EaokpPh2LLcFd6G6jWOQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKu15JqREhw/Wwb3Eiw_OVI/AAAAAAAAE4A/lDcL_MwUjv0xlvsr84sWA_vbjeHz43jbACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKu15JqREhw/Wwb3Eiw_OVI/AAAAAAAAE4A/lDcL_MwUjv0xlvsr84sWA_vbjeHz43jbACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27K5Dswfsk/Wwb3KX2l9PI/AAAAAAAAE4E/UualrntaYt0RgCpSuU8nLyiDD6DmxxWNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27K5Dswfsk/Wwb3KX2l9PI/AAAAAAAAE4E/UualrntaYt0RgCpSuU8nLyiDD6DmxxWNgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pCZc9qaovM/Wwb3P4TcXSI/AAAAAAAAE4I/H38VSGaqaWMyqNlVAX6ngvlag5_nbeH9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pCZc9qaovM/Wwb3P4TcXSI/AAAAAAAAE4I/H38VSGaqaWMyqNlVAX6ngvlag5_nbeH9ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki97u-G_Hpw/Wwb6IqrUieI/AAAAAAAAE5M/KWuUf5Z2-Uk_1pofzMY3M0H7ve0cpNEtQCLcBGAs/s1600/4C82D423-B5C3-475F-80DA-52C6019A2FF1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki97u-G_Hpw/Wwb6IqrUieI/AAAAAAAAE5M/KWuUf5Z2-Uk_1pofzMY3M0H7ve0cpNEtQCLcBGAs/s640/4C82D423-B5C3-475F-80DA-52C6019A2FF1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-im_3dpa4RHc/Wwb3TgAqcqI/AAAAAAAAE4M/Wqelw2JmFrAv68oKWo6eutX8ec6JI1xWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-im_3dpa4RHc/Wwb3TgAqcqI/AAAAAAAAE4M/Wqelw2JmFrAv68oKWo6eutX8ec6JI1xWgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8912.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR5Kj7Sx4rs/Wwb3iKiqU8I/AAAAAAAAE4Y/DMxjPV3ddXk0tEbXnlNPREG4VsPztFoBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR5Kj7Sx4rs/Wwb3iKiqU8I/AAAAAAAAE4Y/DMxjPV3ddXk0tEbXnlNPREG4VsPztFoBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgTaaRNfyjE/Wwb3l6nKORI/AAAAAAAAE4g/USmMMByA3KEYKLK27lCM34_nNI3qlY5OwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgTaaRNfyjE/Wwb3l6nKORI/AAAAAAAAE4g/USmMMByA3KEYKLK27lCM34_nNI3qlY5OwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Can't get enough from just photos? Want to watch a weird video of my friends and I? Go for it darling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FQNTIlZ5b8g/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQNTIlZ5b8g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful rest of your week dear friends,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-89842140229166279552018-04-07T19:35:00.001-07:002020-09-07T07:55:58.070-07:00My dad died on a beautiful day.<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw4kFD-Bb_I/Wsl6OPj6XYI/AAAAAAAAEyo/iEedssnjRvYgssUoAq7aAHnjzKEJBiN7ACLcBGAs/s1600/BD2BDF75-9A1E-4DCA-8502-4BE05B2CE3D1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw4kFD-Bb_I/Wsl6OPj6XYI/AAAAAAAAEyo/iEedssnjRvYgssUoAq7aAHnjzKEJBiN7ACLcBGAs/s640/BD2BDF75-9A1E-4DCA-8502-4BE05B2CE3D1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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.</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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.</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">My dad had just passed a few hours before. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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.</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;">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.</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you, Lord, for beautiful days. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="92" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's just one chapter of my story. What's your story?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-73842453372952875552018-03-14T16:54:00.000-07:002018-07-29T00:32:25.658-07:00Your Burdens are NOT yours Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jsnRglJenQU/WqmrO8-h8yI/AAAAAAAAExk/JrWswCkP2vIfZTuawyuxnmEbv014fZVpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/F7B2F498-48E8-43F1-B4E3-A8EF46DB13B8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jsnRglJenQU/WqmrO8-h8yI/AAAAAAAAExk/JrWswCkP2vIfZTuawyuxnmEbv014fZVpACPcBGAYYCw/s640/F7B2F498-48E8-43F1-B4E3-A8EF46DB13B8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks_jnDD_9oA/WqmrF4V78iI/AAAAAAAAEww/7XSa_fzJkfoCmorAJcW5GqVmsWOGIP17QCLcBGAs/s1600/723E3769-03AD-49F8-9427-5BD6BD33138C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks_jnDD_9oA/WqmrF4V78iI/AAAAAAAAEww/7XSa_fzJkfoCmorAJcW5GqVmsWOGIP17QCLcBGAs/s400/723E3769-03AD-49F8-9427-5BD6BD33138C.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o9Vj2ItRYQ/WqmrFnK2qRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/Ug081ma4vZ474z0ZStiGvsNIfmK4FVU4ACLcBGAs/s1600/797DD0F9-7A43-444E-ABB3-C10E29B46DB5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o9Vj2ItRYQ/WqmrFnK2qRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/Ug081ma4vZ474z0ZStiGvsNIfmK4FVU4ACLcBGAs/s400/797DD0F9-7A43-444E-ABB3-C10E29B46DB5.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVNZ0mR2KHQ/WqmrHsWL0qI/AAAAAAAAEw0/JMrx-R0oRvIYIh5BB4Dq3Nv1Rdac1J8OACLcBGAs/s1600/98927516-0A8B-49FC-A85B-73108A16F18C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVNZ0mR2KHQ/WqmrHsWL0qI/AAAAAAAAEw0/JMrx-R0oRvIYIh5BB4Dq3Nv1Rdac1J8OACLcBGAs/s640/98927516-0A8B-49FC-A85B-73108A16F18C.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68wlruyauS0/WqmrP0dkSUI/AAAAAAAAExc/vT9Ph4j3WGoxxMmmiQMPIXvLOIHftkpeACEwYBhgL/s1600/FD738FD1-08A4-4FEE-9718-073121595F7B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68wlruyauS0/WqmrP0dkSUI/AAAAAAAAExc/vT9Ph4j3WGoxxMmmiQMPIXvLOIHftkpeACEwYBhgL/s400/FD738FD1-08A4-4FEE-9718-073121595F7B.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxnamEWSTiA/WqmrLgzKSGI/AAAAAAAAEw4/WRut_NedE2osz1HgBkaXkWlyoXruZ1PagCLcBGAs/s1600/C67A80B5-5EB6-4D89-98A7-B3D2192EE8FE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxnamEWSTiA/WqmrLgzKSGI/AAAAAAAAEw4/WRut_NedE2osz1HgBkaXkWlyoXruZ1PagCLcBGAs/s400/C67A80B5-5EB6-4D89-98A7-B3D2192EE8FE.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey there friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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 <i><b>what is my purpose?</b> </i>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. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead of answering my question directly (He's already given me the answer, after all) <b>He sent me peace in the form of sunshine</b> and a dear friend willing to go on a spontaneous adventure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>And it's day like these where God's goodness just overflows me with joy.</b> The sunshine shows me what I was missing in the darkness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. <b>But guys, we are not called to do this life all by ourselves.</b> We are much too much of failures to do that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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 <b>out of darkness, there is light</b>. But most of all, I am reminded that my burdens are not mine alone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love you all so much,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-53363097476043779432018-02-20T20:05:00.001-08:002018-02-22T09:05:43.757-08:00Christians, let's start thinking about our actions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Eiev0Xl-4/WosWmbOzVAI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/Oa9rlDVbPXktUtKsIXY-ECd6pSF6aCyLACLcBGAs/s1600/773896C1-0FB4-4E53-9FE8-95F3FA643559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Eiev0Xl-4/WosWmbOzVAI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/Oa9rlDVbPXktUtKsIXY-ECd6pSF6aCyLACLcBGAs/s640/773896C1-0FB4-4E53-9FE8-95F3FA643559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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, <b>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. </b><br />
<br />
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. <b>It continually strikes me dumb how many people are so willing to be rude to a complete stranger</b>, 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.<br />
<br />
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 <b>MISS</b>, 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.<br />
<br />
And honestly, <b>I wanted to cry</b>. (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." <b>Is this how Jesus called us to live?</b><br />
<br />
And guys, <b>I'm not saying I'm the innocent party here</b>. 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? <b>Christ has called us to live a life full of service and radical love</b>, proclaiming His glory and light. Is making snarky comments at the hostess or avoiding someone because they have too many face piercings doing that?<br />
<br />
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. <b>Remember that people are watching you.</b> 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 <b>how are we proclaiming Jesus today? </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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.<br />
<br />
All my love,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-88356374810363694702018-02-08T20:21:00.001-08:002018-02-09T09:16:44.453-08:00He's Still Good // When God's Plan Looks Different Than Ours <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPB9luyGTcI/Wn0e5t6m63I/AAAAAAAAEtY/49mf71s82uIUSYtuEcJHU2n381Zc9XQlACLcBGAs/s1600/0FA6112A-B58C-4487-A956-B43D3B3204E4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPB9luyGTcI/Wn0e5t6m63I/AAAAAAAAEtY/49mf71s82uIUSYtuEcJHU2n381Zc9XQlACLcBGAs/s640/0FA6112A-B58C-4487-A956-B43D3B3204E4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"and if not, He is still good."<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this phrase a lot. <b>It's easy for me to hike up a mountain in Yosemite and proclaim his goodness</b> 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.<br />
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."<br />
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. <b>But what if God's plan looks a little bit different? </b><br />
<br />
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. <b>I knew God was good, so I began to pray. </b><br />
"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."<br />
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?<br />
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.<br />
<b>But that's not what I wanted.</b> 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?<br />
<br />
<b>"and if not, He is still good." </b><br />
<br />
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 <b>throughout those doubts and worries and grief, God is good.</b><br />
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.<br />
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. <b>God doesn't promise to keep all hardships away from us, but He does promise to walk through them with us. </b> 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.<br />
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. <b>He knows. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;</i><br />
<i>and though the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;</i><br />
<i>when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,</i><br />
<i>and the flame shall not consume you." </i><br />
<i>-Isaiah 43:2</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. </i><br />
<i>-Romans 8:28</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful week my friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="lang-en" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 44.79999923706055px; margin-left: 48pt; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -48pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-48781590446333512372018-01-29T14:49:00.000-08:002018-01-29T14:49:03.947-08:002017 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B47UZSySr9o/WGHWWQgaq4I/AAAAAAAADm0/6PVHigOpCgs4LywrobwnLkRcbJbIKHBjACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/7233204E-AC48-4010-AB19-F8082C477BC0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B47UZSySr9o/WGHWWQgaq4I/AAAAAAAADm0/6PVHigOpCgs4LywrobwnLkRcbJbIKHBjACPcBGAYYCw/s640/7233204E-AC48-4010-AB19-F8082C477BC0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxL5v3DSZlo/WHhAb0h7wbI/AAAAAAAADo8/jAX2Xv3VMj8pkGz_wuOE28gUTlq9Gfv6ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/E936D76E-7576-40EF-ABC8-477A6DCA2CFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxL5v3DSZlo/WHhAb0h7wbI/AAAAAAAADo8/jAX2Xv3VMj8pkGz_wuOE28gUTlq9Gfv6ACPcBGAYYCw/s640/E936D76E-7576-40EF-ABC8-477A6DCA2CFF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OykA-Ne2JQU/WGb4hiJqd3I/AAAAAAAADnk/0wLw02EMVDU_EypExdqObn4vDg5D4HfSgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/B0E260E4-DCAF-4B06-B453-E4CCECDFC136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OykA-Ne2JQU/WGb4hiJqd3I/AAAAAAAADnk/0wLw02EMVDU_EypExdqObn4vDg5D4HfSgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/B0E260E4-DCAF-4B06-B453-E4CCECDFC136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
January.<br />
<br />
<b>started my second quarter of college </b>and met one of my now closest friend (Demetria) in my Pacific Northwest History and Advanced Composition class.<br />
<b>was working on my poetry blog </b><i><a href="https://imchasingmoonlight.blogspot.com/">Chasing Moonlight</a> </i>(go check it out-I just posted something new).<br />
<b>really just did a whole lot of schoolwork, </b>listened to a plethora of musicals, read a ton of good books, and dealt with being sick for a week or two.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/01/hey-there-january.html">Hey There January</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/01/life-happenings-managing-sickness-and.html">Life Happenings</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/01/favorite-period-drama-soundtracks-youre.html">Favorite Period Drama Soundtracks</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/01/pity-parties-are-my-specialty-job-1-2.html">Job 1-2</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXp_uUcv0g/WI5qZZP309I/AAAAAAAADro/xR_-OZ6Oalw55c7QFSopQ0GgmaPu_KusACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/B2FA306B-87C4-4D5E-80C3-C25482A335A9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXp_uUcv0g/WI5qZZP309I/AAAAAAAADro/xR_-OZ6Oalw55c7QFSopQ0GgmaPu_KusACPcBGAYYCw/s640/B2FA306B-87C4-4D5E-80C3-C25482A335A9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnlNQXIYSw/Wm4afcYEztI/AAAAAAAAEkc/O8c6pTYp5oYA3TClw1BLdYKxPdbNJBGlwCLcBGAs/s1600/adventure%2B%252877%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnlNQXIYSw/Wm4afcYEztI/AAAAAAAAEkc/O8c6pTYp5oYA3TClw1BLdYKxPdbNJBGlwCLcBGAs/s640/adventure%2B%252877%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
February.<br />
<br />
<b>ate SO many hot fudge pop tarts </b>after my yoga class. exercise made me hungry and they were always just right outside, sitting in the vending machine, waiting for my $1.<br />
<b>realized that blogging was hard </b>and that working + being a college student made focusing on my passions very difficult.<br />
<b>spent a lot of time at the college </b>laughing with my best friend Chloe, eating french fries, and talking in class (sorry professors).<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/02/hey-there-february.html">Hey There February</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/02/chats-over-coffee-2-on-vulnerability.html">On Vulnerability</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/02/im-bad-blogger-tired-eyes-and-no-words.html">I'm a Bad Blogger</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFINvKoxQs/WLp6ZIOVbVI/AAAAAAAAD3s/Fitbvh3wnWcqS86uvQhwVkYy5u0fh77HgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/9B8929D7-F6D6-4312-B059-CC43B5DCE865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNFINvKoxQs/WLp6ZIOVbVI/AAAAAAAAD3s/Fitbvh3wnWcqS86uvQhwVkYy5u0fh77HgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/9B8929D7-F6D6-4312-B059-CC43B5DCE865.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5X31N40Dtk/WOneImjUb7I/AAAAAAAAEAM/VG5GAmCbn1c0dDX9SD_Jhx9O0QCs5CuRQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/527E149D-5C48-4E34-8B0C-E656F44771B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5X31N40Dtk/WOneImjUb7I/AAAAAAAAEAM/VG5GAmCbn1c0dDX9SD_Jhx9O0QCs5CuRQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/527E149D-5C48-4E34-8B0C-E656F44771B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQl-mH1cmNs/WOnk_Hphh_I/AAAAAAAAEBQ/-G2pkqd9BC8g-l8a2cVNLA3ytg_zUFGpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/1207DD8D-7677-41F8-BB82-FDB9805BB020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQl-mH1cmNs/WOnk_Hphh_I/AAAAAAAAEBQ/-G2pkqd9BC8g-l8a2cVNLA3ytg_zUFGpACPcBGAYYCw/s640/1207DD8D-7677-41F8-BB82-FDB9805BB020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai25ek8R2_Y/WPuQg-tVuNI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/nqP6oSjqMf81aE8CmTrrOBlrFMH1iQ4uQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/39C45B26-A507-4324-AD89-67EB5E1FEA14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai25ek8R2_Y/WPuQg-tVuNI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/nqP6oSjqMf81aE8CmTrrOBlrFMH1iQ4uQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/39C45B26-A507-4324-AD89-67EB5E1FEA14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
March.<br />
<br />
<b>housesat in the middle of nowhere </b>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.<br />
<b>died because of finals</b> but also killed them so really whose the real winner here?<br />
<b>went to Portland for spring break </b>with my beautiful mama. we ate way too much food, did way too much shopping, and listened to way too many oldies. 10/10.<br />
<b>and visited Multonomah Falls </b>which was super pretty but really cold.<br />
<b>also had to deal with super weird weather</b> 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.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/03/hey-there-march.html">Hey There March</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/03/blessed-is-one-whom-god-corrects-job-3-5.html">Job 3-5</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/03/top-five-winter-reads-reading-stats.html">Top Five Winter Reads</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaM3_0O-NVs/WUnNTt0uDTI/AAAAAAAAEJU/aUVSL_Uxm_EdPjNR3stgT65oOrPBKohFQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/1A786B67-AC96-4DE8-80C2-3E2D0E55A7B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="858" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaM3_0O-NVs/WUnNTt0uDTI/AAAAAAAAEJU/aUVSL_Uxm_EdPjNR3stgT65oOrPBKohFQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/1A786B67-AC96-4DE8-80C2-3E2D0E55A7B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v67R8oZsPDE/WITx_EWT1YI/AAAAAAAADp0/s6d14q3Ylf8QQm81hDiob-6Sw7HE6tHDgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/BB07D533-3AA8-47FB-8203-C8F9EF2425E4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v67R8oZsPDE/WITx_EWT1YI/AAAAAAAADp0/s6d14q3Ylf8QQm81hDiob-6Sw7HE6tHDgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/BB07D533-3AA8-47FB-8203-C8F9EF2425E4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-uVyA9a5us/Wm4hX9cgYxI/AAAAAAAAEks/MRz_qmX_9aE1krQqXw9gvY39GyP3OHvswCLcBGAs/s1600/15E1F5E6-3C33-4050-879C-09841C948E20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="639" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-uVyA9a5us/Wm4hX9cgYxI/AAAAAAAAEks/MRz_qmX_9aE1krQqXw9gvY39GyP3OHvswCLcBGAs/s640/15E1F5E6-3C33-4050-879C-09841C948E20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
April.<br />
<br />
<b>started my third quarter of college </b>and took some super awesome classes, including intro to fiction and journalism.<br />
<b>fell super behind on blogging </b>and didn't post my travel diary till a little bit after I had returned from spring break.<br />
<b>redesigned my blog </b>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<br />
<b>celebrated Easter with my beautiful family </b>and remembered the sacrifice of Christ and His amazing amazing grace.<br />
<b>got my senior pictures taken </b>by the lovely lovely Elissa and she did such a good job guys!<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/04/hey-there-april.html">Hey There April</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/04/travel-diary-portland-oregon.html">Travel Diary: Portland</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sar-fjiucg/WPuQv8IiX7I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/R8KUs1pLpdY9WkOlLL74JjxQgkGXSqINwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/A501FFF5-EBFF-4172-9F21-51CC5814B67B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sar-fjiucg/WPuQv8IiX7I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/R8KUs1pLpdY9WkOlLL74JjxQgkGXSqINwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/A501FFF5-EBFF-4172-9F21-51CC5814B67B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZes8RmkbVg/Wm4lbWqBZII/AAAAAAAAEk4/377Lzc2if0ssBA_rQJ-nN8Nqkx1IdC9FACLcBGAs/s1600/19E7469D-B8DE-46C3-9147-F76CDFAE084E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZes8RmkbVg/Wm4lbWqBZII/AAAAAAAAEk4/377Lzc2if0ssBA_rQJ-nN8Nqkx1IdC9FACLcBGAs/s640/19E7469D-B8DE-46C3-9147-F76CDFAE084E.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZBNOmp4wd4/Wm4lpTKn_LI/AAAAAAAAEk8/tD6oYoh34SMCo5-G6Qo0FqVNRgiED7uYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZBNOmp4wd4/Wm4lpTKn_LI/AAAAAAAAEk8/tD6oYoh34SMCo5-G6Qo0FqVNRgiED7uYwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
May.<br />
<br />
<b>went to homeschool "prom" </b>and swing danced with a ton of my close friends and ate pasta and kind of killed my feet (heels are not my friends).<br />
<b>got accepted into my dream university </b>but later learned that dreams change and life happens.<br />
<b>i got hired at my first official job </b>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.<br />
<b>also murphy turned 1!! </b>so that's pretty exciting.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/05/hey-there-may.html">Hey There May</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/05/travel-diary-multnomah-falls-and-beacon.html">Travel Diary: Multonomah Falls</a></i><br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/05/five-ways-to-have-ultimate-family-night.html"><i>The Ultimate Family Night</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1A6CIb4k7k/WVZ9TARvuWI/AAAAAAAAELU/1gsP7rF0vfsYDepTyDA5h9ztFsBTqBIGQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/FDF073A5-751E-46DD-9377-E908F3ECB48B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="547" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1A6CIb4k7k/WVZ9TARvuWI/AAAAAAAAELU/1gsP7rF0vfsYDepTyDA5h9ztFsBTqBIGQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/FDF073A5-751E-46DD-9377-E908F3ECB48B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xSNXlp-cKQ/WUnNcL_-GvI/AAAAAAAAEJU/tPSvaq43R0ob5pHMrjEuoFnaXhDYbhLUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/628883ED-38D9-49D5-8332-6FA049B5A7A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xSNXlp-cKQ/WUnNcL_-GvI/AAAAAAAAEJU/tPSvaq43R0ob5pHMrjEuoFnaXhDYbhLUQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/628883ED-38D9-49D5-8332-6FA049B5A7A5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TxuZdJ2AQ4/Wm4n1QDiHUI/AAAAAAAAElU/JROllFoz3-gxT8y4x5IGo3ogRhiPQcmowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4712%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TxuZdJ2AQ4/Wm4n1QDiHUI/AAAAAAAAElU/JROllFoz3-gxT8y4x5IGo3ogRhiPQcmowCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4712%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_9n_Lhe904/WXBOfDrtGwI/AAAAAAAAEOE/cz4wwY-pNSsRKnJukbhUF8zzaRvRpAQ6QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/159EE879-5F3B-4A6B-BF06-EC5E79DD206C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_9n_Lhe904/WXBOfDrtGwI/AAAAAAAAEOE/cz4wwY-pNSsRKnJukbhUF8zzaRvRpAQ6QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/159EE879-5F3B-4A6B-BF06-EC5E79DD206C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
June.<br />
<br />
<b>my brother zachary got married</b> to my beautiful sister in law, Nicole. but then they moved to montana and left us all behind, but still. they're so cute!<br />
<b>i graduated high school </b>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.<br />
<b>the little bro turned 16 </b>and got his license (which is so crazy!)<br />
<b>i went on lots of adventures with my family and friends </b>including exploring seattle, hiking to a hidden lake, and hopping on rocks along the water.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/hey-there-june.html">Hey There June</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/life-right-now.html">Life Right Now</a></i><br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/on-change-being-left-behind-and-finding.html"><i>On Change</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjrkRfCQBY/Wm43SbmumlI/AAAAAAAAElk/mIPD6G14BbUasj7PogrTBkZufoCEi9rEgCLcBGAs/s1600/77128BC6-121F-4249-AE93-D69F28E4147C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjrkRfCQBY/Wm43SbmumlI/AAAAAAAAElk/mIPD6G14BbUasj7PogrTBkZufoCEi9rEgCLcBGAs/s640/77128BC6-121F-4249-AE93-D69F28E4147C.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXF_uXiUn0/WXBTR7GmVlI/AAAAAAAAEOE/BeDYgq5zzns6oiXe-oXd1n97dtVhKVtagCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/A7F0AFCC-F897-4858-8BE8-204179AB10D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXF_uXiUn0/WXBTR7GmVlI/AAAAAAAAEOE/BeDYgq5zzns6oiXe-oXd1n97dtVhKVtagCPcBGAYYCw/s640/A7F0AFCC-F897-4858-8BE8-204179AB10D4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XDFNQnd1LE/WXrVt9vYIcI/AAAAAAAAER4/xXCPo3vKq-4RjVxQaogzp_2qcUJSHRozQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/E22D78BB-7A9E-4DEA-AF5B-7D7625C0B307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XDFNQnd1LE/WXrVt9vYIcI/AAAAAAAAER4/xXCPo3vKq-4RjVxQaogzp_2qcUJSHRozQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/E22D78BB-7A9E-4DEA-AF5B-7D7625C0B307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjngbTclks/WZJ8miYmxZI/AAAAAAAAET8/RO6rnosojh4h6WPLQS-XYvKYyyBFtWKpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/F75A9F52-7C91-4AE9-AF70-CD882015805F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjngbTclks/WZJ8miYmxZI/AAAAAAAAET8/RO6rnosojh4h6WPLQS-XYvKYyyBFtWKpACPcBGAYYCw/s640/F75A9F52-7C91-4AE9-AF70-CD882015805F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLI13zokup8/WZJ7nFqVjrI/AAAAAAAAET8/5qRv1zYnEqIp9IIZmhHaEatC6HgnL2RFwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/2B9DC1F5-C48C-4AB7-868E-74873482F725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLI13zokup8/WZJ7nFqVjrI/AAAAAAAAET8/5qRv1zYnEqIp9IIZmhHaEatC6HgnL2RFwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/2B9DC1F5-C48C-4AB7-868E-74873482F725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU5BRE18NRk/Wm43csiJB6I/AAAAAAAAElo/uQ0mFqW5v0sjfClCepfibuFtdZSZOIkawCLcBGAs/s1600/0D41627B-C64D-4877-8E9C-8C680B8D3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hU5BRE18NRk/Wm43csiJB6I/AAAAAAAAElo/uQ0mFqW5v0sjfClCepfibuFtdZSZOIkawCLcBGAs/s640/0D41627B-C64D-4877-8E9C-8C680B8D3457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
July.<br />
<br />
<b>4th of july </b>meant sleeping under the stars, fireworks, roasting marshmallows, bike riding, and backyard baseball.<br />
<b>i started summer classes </b>which was honestly the worst decision but oh well, you live and you learn.<br />
<b>created my summer bucket list </b>which basically included lots of adventures and eating food with friends.<br />
<b>went on my first camping trip of the summer </b>with my friend Demetria. we camped in the north cascades and explored Winthrop and died of heat.<br />
<b>bought my hammock </b>and basically used it all the time. best purchase of the summer maybe?<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/hey-there-july.html">Hey There July</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/my-summer-bucket-list.html">My Summer Bucket List</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/hiking-fragrance-lake-summer-bucket-list.html">Hiking Fragrance Lake</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/camping-in-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">Camping in the Cascades</a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKMiyBGMjWQ/Wm45wfvA3FI/AAAAAAAAEl4/Cf3njeWuiRUVLkiWvAwNBC_bV-h1P6QtwCLcBGAs/s1600/8E2A8521-DB34-4B82-B5B2-B4ABEFA71254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKMiyBGMjWQ/Wm45wfvA3FI/AAAAAAAAEl4/Cf3njeWuiRUVLkiWvAwNBC_bV-h1P6QtwCLcBGAs/s640/8E2A8521-DB34-4B82-B5B2-B4ABEFA71254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynG3Y_DwkJk/Wm46g6QZ-WI/AAAAAAAAEmA/U-mPJ0DIHMEvz6J-lJSxvS6VJ_ejw0psACLcBGAs/s1600/FA92679C-5131-49DE-835D-1A2CE1E72C3F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ynG3Y_DwkJk/Wm46g6QZ-WI/AAAAAAAAEmA/U-mPJ0DIHMEvz6J-lJSxvS6VJ_ejw0psACLcBGAs/s640/FA92679C-5131-49DE-835D-1A2CE1E72C3F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktPm2sEA6fk/WamX0FSohBI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/ETb4FrBqh9UtnxcS_K3huu8Pj4JRX16uACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/6D4B03BA-214D-45D1-AA51-4E800B3DB6F8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktPm2sEA6fk/WamX0FSohBI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/ETb4FrBqh9UtnxcS_K3huu8Pj4JRX16uACPcBGAYYCw/s640/6D4B03BA-214D-45D1-AA51-4E800B3DB6F8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7VMWUzorI/WamYEaMBS1I/AAAAAAAAEWQ/lMBno1AQop0Jh_hOaDvCPDs1ygpmg6D-wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/9C8C3C96-33F3-493D-825C-CC1C4022388C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7VMWUzorI/WamYEaMBS1I/AAAAAAAAEWQ/lMBno1AQop0Jh_hOaDvCPDs1ygpmg6D-wCPcBGAYYCw/s640/9C8C3C96-33F3-493D-825C-CC1C4022388C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
August.<br />
<br />
<b>the berries came out </b>and murphy and i spent a lot of time eating them and getting sunburnt.<br />
<b>my dear friend sasha came and visited me </b>and we drank lots of coffee and explored mountains and made plans for the future and ate lots of ice cream.<br />
<b>lots of homework happened </b>as i fought to finish my summer classes without failing too many of them.<br />
<b>explored seattle part II. </b>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)<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/08/exploring-north-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">Exploring the North Cascades</a></i><br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/08/feeling-stuck-in-midst-of-restlessness.html"><i>Feeling Stuck</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fQNA-FPUyU/Wm5QwrPZtVI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/9TmSD9M4l70k4pGbZVy12bGH-GFH8N1FQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fQNA-FPUyU/Wm5QwrPZtVI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/9TmSD9M4l70k4pGbZVy12bGH-GFH8N1FQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OibZO2M63-Q/Wm5Q2IP_o5I/AAAAAAAAEmU/i4vFijGD2CMRohFwyhs-9xmeJKLDB2h5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OibZO2M63-Q/Wm5Q2IP_o5I/AAAAAAAAEmU/i4vFijGD2CMRohFwyhs-9xmeJKLDB2h5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXB4F839qlw/Wm5Q7flkNYI/AAAAAAAAEmY/mDQY3dLUVEklGwUMX4y1Bz1SIPZX44ZswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXB4F839qlw/Wm5Q7flkNYI/AAAAAAAAEmY/mDQY3dLUVEklGwUMX4y1Bz1SIPZX44ZswCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vu70oOi9Pw/Wm5RJOk1oeI/AAAAAAAAEmc/DuJdf9PLPvs0_MzpstwJKC7WZht_G6_CgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vu70oOi9Pw/Wm5RJOk1oeI/AAAAAAAAEmc/DuJdf9PLPvs0_MzpstwJKC7WZht_G6_CgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOudiQ9kwV8/Wm5Rht6FINI/AAAAAAAAEmo/KP5uHcV3_00LfulpL_AQxxSQRymcijJHgCLcBGAs/s1600/51265A98-0D05-4C27-813C-34C60C38A849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOudiQ9kwV8/Wm5Rht6FINI/AAAAAAAAEmo/KP5uHcV3_00LfulpL_AQxxSQRymcijJHgCLcBGAs/s640/51265A98-0D05-4C27-813C-34C60C38A849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
September.<br />
<br />
<b>said goodbye to chloe </b>as she left for YWAM and the adventure of a lifetime <3<br />
<b>went on my first ever family-free road trip </b>and even though i love my family, it was just an entirely different kind of awesome adventure.<br />
<b>first we stopped in portland </b>and did way too much shopping. we also spent some time eating lots of food and dancing around flower beds.<br />
<b>then we went to in n out </b>and OH MY WORD so so yummy<br />
<b>afterwards we arrived in yosemite </b>which was honestly the prettiest place ever. the hike killed me but also it was so worth it.<br />
<b>then we hugged super big trees </b>in the redwood forests.<br />
<b>and finally we drove up the oregon coast, </b>ran around in the sand, visited lighthouses, and attempted to find campsites that were still open (it was a struggle).<br />
<b>i started my 2nd year of college</b> and wow did it kick my butt.<br />
<b>i also got a job as the assistant editor </b>of the college newspaper AND a writing consultant at my college's writing center, so all in all some pretty cool opportunities.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/09/walking-streets-of-seattle-sbl-2k17.html">Walking the Streets of Seattle</a></i><br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/09/stay-your-light-matters.html"><i>Your Light Matters</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5yjx5Cv0oQ/Wm-UueOx4RI/AAAAAAAAEnU/29N0dCsxi181UePYLbU1tWViqwk2PEDZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/0ABD7833-CCAD-413B-880E-2F152D3BEF88.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5yjx5Cv0oQ/Wm-UueOx4RI/AAAAAAAAEnU/29N0dCsxi181UePYLbU1tWViqwk2PEDZQCEwYBhgL/s640/0ABD7833-CCAD-413B-880E-2F152D3BEF88.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odXsNQPNSX8/Wm-U-xXLA9I/AAAAAAAAEnY/gI2nVTWWAgMf3S6NxdGH59uhlBdgXtZcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/9746DC96-74B5-4D56-B2E4-542EA19A8939%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odXsNQPNSX8/Wm-U-xXLA9I/AAAAAAAAEnY/gI2nVTWWAgMf3S6NxdGH59uhlBdgXtZcgCEwYBhgL/s640/9746DC96-74B5-4D56-B2E4-542EA19A8939%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Znj32jYt6Lg/Wm-VKWQ4m-I/AAAAAAAAEnQ/xYT-wgd45EgU8EJHaZ5pZOvCntbNvy0jwCEwYBhgL/s1600/CBBD12BA-D9EB-4E9A-9FC7-58B25F9FD6E1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Znj32jYt6Lg/Wm-VKWQ4m-I/AAAAAAAAEnQ/xYT-wgd45EgU8EJHaZ5pZOvCntbNvy0jwCEwYBhgL/s640/CBBD12BA-D9EB-4E9A-9FC7-58B25F9FD6E1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykiZ-h_0VZs/Wm-VnqzC_gI/AAAAAAAAEnc/L0iO2kIRf8kWscwWLyPof9a0Xh8FcX5mwCEwYBhgL/s1600/F5245C47-F896-4686-88FA-B3C31793878D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykiZ-h_0VZs/Wm-VnqzC_gI/AAAAAAAAEnc/L0iO2kIRf8kWscwWLyPof9a0Xh8FcX5mwCEwYBhgL/s640/F5245C47-F896-4686-88FA-B3C31793878D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
October.<br />
<br />
<b>my mom and step dad left for a road trip </b>and that meant parties at my house (aka chilling with the lil bro and eating lots of french fries)<br />
<b>sasha came to visit me again </b>and i brought her to my favorite place ever, the north cascades. We did lots of gazing at mountains, shivering, and picture taking.<br />
<b>i dressed up like a cat at work </b>and tons of little kids laughed at me.<br />
<b>pumpkin patch time!! </b>totally carved my pumpkin with a christmas tree because i couldn't wait.<br />
<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<i><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-summer-of-2017.html">The Summer of 2017</a></i><br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/10/when-life-gets-too-busy.html"><i>When Life Gets Too Busy</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g54x-p6h3P0/Wm-ajUvRMiI/AAAAAAAAEoE/xwPVpe8OmmADu2iVs0nsvN4jLzC1G_TSACLcBGAs/s1600/69745F85-F007-44B9-B634-6971E763793D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g54x-p6h3P0/Wm-ajUvRMiI/AAAAAAAAEoE/xwPVpe8OmmADu2iVs0nsvN4jLzC1G_TSACLcBGAs/s640/69745F85-F007-44B9-B634-6971E763793D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It8zDrJmYvk/Wm-Yo2juj-I/AAAAAAAAEno/_XfSSPGU-Mc80Po1s87lc1SyaDuq08mIwCLcBGAs/s1600/8EC41E2E-26FF-480E-8570-3F5601C8C024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It8zDrJmYvk/Wm-Yo2juj-I/AAAAAAAAEno/_XfSSPGU-Mc80Po1s87lc1SyaDuq08mIwCLcBGAs/s640/8EC41E2E-26FF-480E-8570-3F5601C8C024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl-jihFI9tQ/Wm-ahajiiCI/AAAAAAAAEoA/z8VTe2TC3RsQGL5BQZhq6LVmGal2V9j-ACLcBGAs/s1600/D024CA4A-3911-4F68-90AF-CE4E5A200288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl-jihFI9tQ/Wm-ahajiiCI/AAAAAAAAEoA/z8VTe2TC3RsQGL5BQZhq6LVmGal2V9j-ACLcBGAs/s640/D024CA4A-3911-4F68-90AF-CE4E5A200288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
November.<br />
<br />
<b>went on my first college retreat </b>and had such an amazing time meeting new friends, worshipping Jesus, and having a 2010 dance party.<br />
<b>got an a on my psych presentation </b>and i'm still so so happy!<br />
<b>my momma turned 50 </b>and she's still just as beautiful and silly as ever ;)<br />
<b>all three of my brothers and i reunited </b>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.<br />
<b>my car got a little excited for christmas </b>and wasn't afraid to flaunt it.<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/11/10-reasons-why-christmas-starts-on-nov.html"><i>Why Christmas Starts on Nov. 1st</i></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7HBDoH34Q/Wm-ekubnLoI/AAAAAAAAEoc/ZAp6o7XFgTgECOk4mP_Qe40Jgd_NmAWUQCLcBGAs/s1600/9F3F22F4-E7E4-40EF-BA99-CF954D15396D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7HBDoH34Q/Wm-ekubnLoI/AAAAAAAAEoc/ZAp6o7XFgTgECOk4mP_Qe40Jgd_NmAWUQCLcBGAs/s640/9F3F22F4-E7E4-40EF-BA99-CF954D15396D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfAyzCZjtwo/Wm-ekSAY4aI/AAAAAAAAEoY/nfOpjTUbIBI3AGIdKEoYr-EbsGQySxTqACLcBGAs/s1600/21DAFEE1-DE8E-4E1A-8B4D-CDA897B51A7E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfAyzCZjtwo/Wm-ekSAY4aI/AAAAAAAAEoY/nfOpjTUbIBI3AGIdKEoYr-EbsGQySxTqACLcBGAs/s640/21DAFEE1-DE8E-4E1A-8B4D-CDA897B51A7E.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moQupjIuczo/Wm-es34M4ZI/AAAAAAAAEog/kF681yfBsJkr2fbp8X-EkZTn2lj2LEq4QCLcBGAs/s1600/C57D7B11-030D-44E2-AD42-CF48A2722545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moQupjIuczo/Wm-es34M4ZI/AAAAAAAAEog/kF681yfBsJkr2fbp8X-EkZTn2lj2LEq4QCLcBGAs/s640/C57D7B11-030D-44E2-AD42-CF48A2722545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYdCyqW79Ww/Wm-e2InrPrI/AAAAAAAAEok/QD_OARtbGXcngmPg1sT0OTSaKD1GkjfigCLcBGAs/s1600/D646759D-9941-4B4A-997E-883BEC3AC66F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYdCyqW79Ww/Wm-e2InrPrI/AAAAAAAAEok/QD_OARtbGXcngmPg1sT0OTSaKD1GkjfigCLcBGAs/s640/D646759D-9941-4B4A-997E-883BEC3AC66F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UQW1FRmrGI/Wm-edyVwcPI/AAAAAAAAEoU/8hLXHUMnNeMbo99HaTc9fmhHTBHCj-RYgCLcBGAs/s1600/06361129-2502-44DF-94F9-4560A5FCC061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UQW1FRmrGI/Wm-edyVwcPI/AAAAAAAAEoU/8hLXHUMnNeMbo99HaTc9fmhHTBHCj-RYgCLcBGAs/s640/06361129-2502-44DF-94F9-4560A5FCC061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rXCPeqHx8o/Wm-e4oasuZI/AAAAAAAAEoo/jm22PXCe-Uw64_waMeRvTjICAuQfh_nCwCLcBGAs/s1600/0AC47286-1B07-4BB9-BEDE-2779C4C87981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7rXCPeqHx8o/Wm-e4oasuZI/AAAAAAAAEoo/jm22PXCe-Uw64_waMeRvTjICAuQfh_nCwCLcBGAs/s640/0AC47286-1B07-4BB9-BEDE-2779C4C87981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
December.<br />
<br />
<b>fall quarter ended </b>which meant lots of homework but then sweet relief.<br />
<b>i turned 19 </b>and was able to have a whole bunch of my super close friends celebrate with me by going to bookstores and eating burgers.<br />
<b>my family and i went to leavenworth </b>which is this super adorable town that celebrates Christmas like non other and has super yummy taffy.<br />
<b>christmas was magical </b>because it meant lot's of family time and laughter with friends and i just love it.<br />
<b>also i was gifted all the illustrated harry potter books </b>which are just so darn beautiful i could cry.<br />
<b>and i ended my year with family and friends </b>and headed into the new year so happy and SO blessed (and also, again, in the north cascades).<br />
<br />
blog posts:<br />
<a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/12/instagram-doesnt-show-everything.html"><i>Instagram Doesn't Show Everything</i></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUTnOQM-qXo/WDOmVQOWIZI/AAAAAAAADfo/iS2hbTDDrSQxAZp7OsSOb_BRulq7cprgACPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
Love you all lots,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-81646471640841472742017-12-26T15:33:00.000-08:002017-12-26T15:33:08.170-08:00instagram doesn't show everything<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS5aO8n3C1o/WkLXvwRxAtI/AAAAAAAAEhs/W72zo1bQcDkN_QNQJg4dHp9fUAbnyjJKQCLcBGAs/s1600/9746DC96-74B5-4D56-B2E4-542EA19A8939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS5aO8n3C1o/WkLXvwRxAtI/AAAAAAAAEhs/W72zo1bQcDkN_QNQJg4dHp9fUAbnyjJKQCLcBGAs/s640/9746DC96-74B5-4D56-B2E4-542EA19A8939.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The year of 2017 has been a crazy year for me. My brother Zach got married, I finished my first year of college, some of my family members moved away, I went on my first solo roadtrip, and my dear grandfather passed away. I've been blessed and humbled, but most of all, struck completely in awe by the grace and beauty of God. And even though some hard things have happened this year, my life has been full of adventures, from road tripping and camping, to climbing mountains and hugging giant trees. So much beauty has been presented to me this year and I feel so very blessed.<br />
<br />
One of my dear friends, after stalking me for awhile on instagram, said "Liz, your instagram makes it seem like your life is just so much fun and like you're always getting to explore new places." And it really struck me just how easy it is to create this persona of having everything put together, even when you're not trying to.<br />
<br />
I have this journal that now has three years of entries (I really suck at keeping a journal). I picked it up a couple of days to let out some frustration, and saw that the last time I'd wrote in it was exactly a year ago, Dec 23, 2016. And the one before then was Dec. 22, 2015. It surprised me just how similar they all were.<br />
<br />
<i>Dec. 22, 2015.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Today I am here to vent all my feelings. It's probably healthier than bottling them all up and exploding. My biggest issue right now is how spiritually dry I feel right now. I haven't been focusing on God the way I should be. I've been letting the stress of school, work, and boys go before my bible study and prayer life. I know this needs to change, but I feel this distance. </i><br />
<i>Lord, help me to set my heart and soul in focus to you. Give me back your joy so that I can better serve you in my daily life. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i>Dec. 23, 2016</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lately I've been going through a lot of ups and downs. One day my relationship with God seems great, but then a couple days later, I feel like He's not even there. </i><br />
<i>I feel like a screwup.</i><br />
<i>I'm constantly messing up. I'm constantly giving into sin and going after what I desire, not what God desires. It's not something I like, and it's never worth it, so how come I keep falling into this trap?I feel like I keep digging this huge hole for myself and I try to climb back up, but then I slip and it gets deeper and deeper. </i><br />
<i>Is it possible to keep forgiving someone who continuously makes the same mistakes? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dec 23. 2017</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Today is the day before Christmas Eve and wow, I honestly can't believe another Christmas season has come and gone. </i><br />
<i>Life lately has been crazy. I feel so discontent, like I'm doing nothing with my life. Yes, I'm working my butt off, and I'm getting good grades in school, and future adventurous plans may be coming my way, but those plans seem so far away, my job continues to drain the life out of me, and school just adds to the tiredness. I'm busy, but I don't like the busy I'm busy with. </i><br />
<i>I know God has an ultimate plan for my life, and that He'll guide my steps, but sometimes He too seems so far away and so very quiet. </i><br />
<i>But all the same, I continue to remind myself that this won't be forever. I work because I need money to save for the future. I go to school because an education is important to my dream of teaching English. I won't be rooted in this spot forever. </i><br />
<i>This restlessness won't haunt me forever. My Savior is indeed good, so so good. There are greater things in store for the future. Sometimes it just takes awhile. </i><br />
<i>Oh Lord, please give me strength to climb mountains. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is the season where people present their best selves. Their pictures are full of fun in the snow and smiling faces decorating a Christmas tree. We get greeting cards in the mail full of happy looking families and we sing carols full of holly jolliness. But instagram doesn't show everything guys. Those happy family Christmas cards don't mean they have everything put together. My caption about how beautiful God's creation is and how he just humbles me every time I step outside, doesn't mean my relationship with God is perfect.<br />
<br />
And that's why I share these journal entries. To show you that despite what I and everyone else may present to the public, it isn't everything. I still have struggles, doubts, sadness, and restlessness. My relationship with Christ is constantly being stretched and strengthened. There's a backstory to where I am and how I got there and what I'm feeling. Today, I want to be honest and show you that messiness and struggles and bumps are always present, yet God gives us strength to climb mountains and touch waterfalls and sing at the top of our lungs. Sometimes though, we just don't show what got us there. So let's make 2018 the year where we present more honesty and embrace authenticity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you present yourself differently online than in real life? How do you feel about hiding the "less desirable" part of yourself? Trials and fears and doubts are a part of what makes who we are. Don't ever be ashamed of reaching out to the Lord and the people who love you. Let God assist you in your journey to climb mountains <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful week,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-19734630469692823422017-11-05T20:59:00.000-08:002018-01-02T19:20:55.485-08:0010 Reasons Why Christmas Starts on Nov. 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfhRK2U4hig/Wf_rkuBGoqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/7w1MFl4bGq4lAZ_1MIgvbQVodZNL77TVACLcBGAs/s1600/584859B1-F15F-4263-9D6E-83EC5E9F9C31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfhRK2U4hig/Wf_rkuBGoqI/AAAAAAAAEgU/7w1MFl4bGq4lAZ_1MIgvbQVodZNL77TVACLcBGAs/s640/584859B1-F15F-4263-9D6E-83EC5E9F9C31.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
1. it snows and makes everything beautiful and is just screaming at you to listen to Christmas music.<br />
<br />
2. your mom and grandma start asking for your christmas list.<br />
<br />
3. commercials on tv start having red and green and jingle bells.<br />
<br />
4. peppermint mochas are too yummy to wait for till after Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
5. not everywhere in the world has Thanksgiving in Nov. so therefore if Christmas can start other places on Nov. 1st, than it can in the U.S. too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPd6gGJys1k/Wf_rqJW0K_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/w4dx3kS6tBoOsUloGPPQovXZXTgkq1vnQCLcBGAs/s1600/B5C70EFD-FC0C-44F6-803C-9D09286F99E6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPd6gGJys1k/Wf_rqJW0K_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/w4dx3kS6tBoOsUloGPPQovXZXTgkq1vnQCLcBGAs/s640/B5C70EFD-FC0C-44F6-803C-9D09286F99E6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Christmas music makes people happy and why shouldn't people be happy during Nov?<br />
<br />
7. it's cold out, baby, it's cold outside.<br />
<br />
8. starbucks' christmas cups come out so obviously a huge corporation agrees with me.<br />
<br />
9. more time to eat christmas candy.<br />
<br />
10. because gosh darn it i love Christmas and should be able to celebrate it however long i want. stop judging me!!<br />
<br />
<br />
(tell me why YOU think christmas starts on Nov. 1st)<br />
<br />
ElizabethElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-9130747360979606412017-10-07T12:47:00.002-07:002018-01-02T19:22:20.597-08:00when life gets too busy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kN0V1nP_tSU/WdkuTrt8QcI/AAAAAAAAEfE/5p1xzwjKCzcxok6WNJfs0jiQwGgTiwgIgCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kN0V1nP_tSU/WdkuTrt8QcI/AAAAAAAAEfE/5p1xzwjKCzcxok6WNJfs0jiQwGgTiwgIgCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>when life gets too busy, take 20 minutes...</b>to read your bible, say a prayer, pet your dog, rest your head, stare aimlessly outside your window.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, go visit your grandma...</b>drink lots of tea, give her hugs, and laugh at old family memories when you went to the beach and aunt susan got pooped on.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, go to a bookstore...</b>or two, or five. browse, smell, read, buy.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, treat yourself to pie...</b>that good pie from your favorite bakery. eat and share with a friend while watching your favorite tv show.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, go outside...</b>walk along the water and breath in the fresh air, because you're alive and it's there to wake you up. sit and observe while drinking coffee.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, slow down and cook...</b>make something you've always wanted to try and promise to yourself it's okay to take your time and make mistakes.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, grab a friend...</b>go outside when its pitch black and pouring rain and dance your hardest. sing at the top of your lungs. teach her how to swing and ask her to show you how to waltz.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, hop in the car...</b>and go watch the sunset, or sunrise. explore a new place and sing along to the radio, not caring if the other drivers are judging you.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, sleep in an extra hour...</b>enjoy the refreshment of rest.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, stay home on saturday...</b>watch the rain pour outside from your window and hold a cup of warm tea in your hands. catch up on your favorite bloggers and read for pure enjoyment.<br />
<br />
<b>when life gets too busy, rest...</b>take time for yourself to reflect and recharge, and join back in when you're ready. because the world is waiting for you, it'll be there when you come back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
when life gets too busy, what do you do? as school starts up again and we head into the holiday season, don't forget to take some time to rest in the Lord, read a book, and drink some tea. don't let the hustle and bustle get to you. remember it's okay to take time to stop and reflect. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
have a wonderful weekend,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
elizabeth</div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-43819858380567395202017-10-01T09:40:00.002-07:002018-01-02T19:26:14.282-08:00The Summer of 2017 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YuNRWKRsCg/WcNPxwbdm5I/AAAAAAAAEbE/LRBpH4ZItU8UctQVshwoHw6D0f7JyrHPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YuNRWKRsCg/WcNPxwbdm5I/AAAAAAAAEbE/LRBpH4ZItU8UctQVshwoHw6D0f7JyrHPwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hqGxasW1aM/WcNUoY0wDrI/AAAAAAAAEbg/srETnHCJwGYxnJ4UoTmPXWjZoU1oDssgwCLcBGAs/s1600/F2D992F8-421F-477E-B531-76326A1BE16F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hqGxasW1aM/WcNUoY0wDrI/AAAAAAAAEbg/srETnHCJwGYxnJ4UoTmPXWjZoU1oDssgwCLcBGAs/s640/F2D992F8-421F-477E-B531-76326A1BE16F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jAFb8KsvQ8/WcNib1km5VI/AAAAAAAAEdU/-O6CimyE0VUNdJvRJV4VfqR22GNp3lMrQCLcBGAs/s1600/01503E9A-9B3C-4FF7-A422-54C510B9CEB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jAFb8KsvQ8/WcNib1km5VI/AAAAAAAAEdU/-O6CimyE0VUNdJvRJV4VfqR22GNp3lMrQCLcBGAs/s640/01503E9A-9B3C-4FF7-A422-54C510B9CEB9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALjAuvvZQIY/WchTjO5K1BI/AAAAAAAAEeM/dQ_67DttIcEGxfQEzyq7LhvyS7fm1K6QgCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="718" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALjAuvvZQIY/WchTjO5K1BI/AAAAAAAAEeM/dQ_67DttIcEGxfQEzyq7LhvyS7fm1K6QgCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx-y5l8QRQQ/WcNWtpP7VVI/AAAAAAAAEcM/m7V1dGkSkWYQoBbCVZ2UHxu6luD-FCEfQCLcBGAs/s1600/A01CADD0-BE6F-4774-81B1-736D3C4F3C96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx-y5l8QRQQ/WcNWtpP7VVI/AAAAAAAAEcM/m7V1dGkSkWYQoBbCVZ2UHxu6luD-FCEfQCLcBGAs/s640/A01CADD0-BE6F-4774-81B1-736D3C4F3C96.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>june</i></b><br />
<b>-my brother got married!!</b> and all my siblings got to be in the wedding party. it was such a beautiful day, plus, aren't my boys just adorable?<br />
<b>-the zoo happened. </b>i brought me nanny kiddos and we explored and laughed and complained and pointed and smiled.<br />
<b>-i explored state parks in washington. </b>and took dramatic photos and later got burgers from a drive-in.<br />
<b>-lots of sunsets and car rides. </b>and country music and a very happy liz.<br />
<b>-i finished my first year of college. </b>with a good gpa and a new friend. whoop whoop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf40Oo7y4d8/WcNWssLVe-I/AAAAAAAAEcI/HNDGG761gj0Y6AVPzeh-1OlPuT16tiwDwCLcBGAs/s1600/C1064507-7921-4685-A1C1-0162B4D32DCF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf40Oo7y4d8/WcNWssLVe-I/AAAAAAAAEcI/HNDGG761gj0Y6AVPzeh-1OlPuT16tiwDwCLcBGAs/s640/C1064507-7921-4685-A1C1-0162B4D32DCF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Miqrew3U_g4/WcNg2edE38I/AAAAAAAAEcg/r3mojkbDinMJS9rN4EnWSRI1cyk95yuzQCLcBGAs/s1600/77495119-3A6F-4F08-836C-760736113EF3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Miqrew3U_g4/WcNg2edE38I/AAAAAAAAEcg/r3mojkbDinMJS9rN4EnWSRI1cyk95yuzQCLcBGAs/s640/77495119-3A6F-4F08-836C-760736113EF3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37VPicOkK4Q/WcNhvSMwTsI/AAAAAAAAEc8/hErq_tU411cASPMuCeg1PTOXwJcpA4zWgCLcBGAs/s1600/25ADC344-5112-47FE-BBE5-C9625F14453D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37VPicOkK4Q/WcNhvSMwTsI/AAAAAAAAEc8/hErq_tU411cASPMuCeg1PTOXwJcpA4zWgCLcBGAs/s640/25ADC344-5112-47FE-BBE5-C9625F14453D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ownjgige7to/WchTfbRR-MI/AAAAAAAAEeI/iLF1ZU1uDRsJI1dieHsFtOD7Sc9DOpX5gCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ownjgige7to/WchTfbRR-MI/AAAAAAAAEeI/iLF1ZU1uDRsJI1dieHsFtOD7Sc9DOpX5gCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ceyvtx-DJRA/WcNTkt7q_vI/AAAAAAAAEbU/C62JrPCPOawmIoHeCHGsV-uXlTM4UswAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ceyvtx-DJRA/WcNTkt7q_vI/AAAAAAAAEbU/C62JrPCPOawmIoHeCHGsV-uXlTM4UswAQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbbJT83Lm3E/WcNU5W5hwBI/AAAAAAAAEbs/AzYVwURVQSsayhoRSc5tNWt8N2VCxttUACLcBGAs/s1600/DF674ACB-F7AE-476B-B8BE-09CC59901598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbbJT83Lm3E/WcNU5W5hwBI/AAAAAAAAEbs/AzYVwURVQSsayhoRSc5tNWt8N2VCxttUACLcBGAs/s640/DF674ACB-F7AE-476B-B8BE-09CC59901598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMI4pTkGqg/WchToA0FGtI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/VFSieXcWEb0dWoTeCgDTXfa4ZWyaXFxBgCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMI4pTkGqg/WchToA0FGtI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/VFSieXcWEb0dWoTeCgDTXfa4ZWyaXFxBgCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkPN0kvqYJM/WchTrxQgZ3I/AAAAAAAAEeU/3kshCdqZ7rMURmUp2U-OEI35X4wBcKrrQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkPN0kvqYJM/WchTrxQgZ3I/AAAAAAAAEeU/3kshCdqZ7rMURmUp2U-OEI35X4wBcKrrQCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>july</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-4th of july happened. </b>which meant fireworks, campfires, bike riding, bbq's, polaroids, and flag-themed attire. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i went camping</b>. without my family and with a good friend. we may have almost burnt the campsite down while making popcorn. but other than that, we rocked. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-evening swimming. </b>then following an evening on the dock with deep conversations and soft sunsets.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-explorin my second home. </b>aka the north cascades, where there are lot of mountains, and trees, and lakes, and beauty.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i bought birkenstocks. </b>wow where have these been during the rest of my life? (probably $99 away).</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-hiking with the chloe. </b>who is the bomb (and who tried to kill me by forcing me to hike up hills). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-relaxing afternoons spent hammocking. </b>while reading and journaling and resting in the one who gave me breath..</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-ice cream was consumed a lot. </b>because what's a summer without ice cream?</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i started summer classes. </b>the ugly of the summer (the bad was working, the rest was the good). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwsvMAGfUmc/WchTfKbNLTI/AAAAAAAAEeE/YZhDAOk9DKYHKyo55hW6UqlG3Aa2Ns4bQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwsvMAGfUmc/WchTfKbNLTI/AAAAAAAAEeE/YZhDAOk9DKYHKyo55hW6UqlG3Aa2Ns4bQCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99FHT1mX-Is/WcNUwHYqTvI/AAAAAAAAEbk/4FoZfyRSVMU6PDSRvhhn4Umgraccl51MgCLcBGAs/s1600/E62D0335-74A3-4FBD-8E2A-C1943CBC109E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99FHT1mX-Is/WcNUwHYqTvI/AAAAAAAAEbk/4FoZfyRSVMU6PDSRvhhn4Umgraccl51MgCLcBGAs/s640/E62D0335-74A3-4FBD-8E2A-C1943CBC109E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKwtMFaTLJQ/WcNho3TesnI/AAAAAAAAEc4/cucEnnK2UmkvVbJLwinHe9bMZPeF0xGLACLcBGAs/s1600/2747E275-A6F3-4FF1-B5AE-4F3090C9BA5E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKwtMFaTLJQ/WcNho3TesnI/AAAAAAAAEc4/cucEnnK2UmkvVbJLwinHe9bMZPeF0xGLACLcBGAs/s640/2747E275-A6F3-4FF1-B5AE-4F3090C9BA5E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kGd6VEf4rs/WcNhi9q5CEI/AAAAAAAAEc0/EEoNKPHtMR0x0VcIUpfCRb1UJCWjLN8cQCLcBGAs/s1600/3711E135-5296-4096-BAD4-FD606334AA4D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kGd6VEf4rs/WcNhi9q5CEI/AAAAAAAAEc0/EEoNKPHtMR0x0VcIUpfCRb1UJCWjLN8cQCLcBGAs/s640/3711E135-5296-4096-BAD4-FD606334AA4D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjPo52jNib8/WcNiYnqyA1I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/4AVB7UHL-Ks4x_iUpKEHU8hlO2p0h8xmACLcBGAs/s1600/12CE5541-105F-4A3D-BE76-5C97BE832A39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjPo52jNib8/WcNiYnqyA1I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/4AVB7UHL-Ks4x_iUpKEHU8hlO2p0h8xmACLcBGAs/s640/12CE5541-105F-4A3D-BE76-5C97BE832A39.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>august</i></b><br />
<b>-my super awesome bestie came to visit me. </b>we spent a lot of time eating candy, reading books, and exploring new coffee shops.<br />
<b>-lots of homework happened. </b>because summer classes were not my friend and kind of took away my august.<br />
<b>-we had a puppy visit! </b>and they were so cute oh my gosh.<br />
<b>-i explored artist point again. </b>it's so pretty up there by mt. baker and i was honestly in such a happy place, i didn't want to leave.<br />
<b>-Murphy and I had some quality time picking berries. </b>i picked, he ate.<br />
<b>-chloe and i explored seattle. </b>there were lots of pretty flowers, crowded streets, and tall buildings that made me feel small but happy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pLuUAGsS_k/WcNif1tPBLI/AAAAAAAAEdY/GcCbrKZHhpgOYA11sdxTUlxnHwxtBs1MgCLcBGAs/s1600/11F7573F-FD34-47A6-AC05-2359A0198B91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pLuUAGsS_k/WcNif1tPBLI/AAAAAAAAEdY/GcCbrKZHhpgOYA11sdxTUlxnHwxtBs1MgCLcBGAs/s640/11F7573F-FD34-47A6-AC05-2359A0198B91.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zozP2KUJaDE/WcNUwQUQduI/AAAAAAAAEbo/PxeNNedM45ItR2VPcXQ2mJ5FXLWit75fQCLcBGAs/s1600/E11D2791-16BD-4000-80A3-4C71B08F25ED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zozP2KUJaDE/WcNUwQUQduI/AAAAAAAAEbo/PxeNNedM45ItR2VPcXQ2mJ5FXLWit75fQCLcBGAs/s640/E11D2791-16BD-4000-80A3-4C71B08F25ED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0Wza6fYznU/WcNVBzqEg4I/AAAAAAAAEbw/Q0b_If7t6Rk8t7G6yCpLS8jZtGTwIB28gCLcBGAs/s1600/D82CBAF8-D47A-4785-99B8-46ECC3480F25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0Wza6fYznU/WcNVBzqEg4I/AAAAAAAAEbw/Q0b_If7t6Rk8t7G6yCpLS8jZtGTwIB28gCLcBGAs/s640/D82CBAF8-D47A-4785-99B8-46ECC3480F25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrjST0LIte4/WcNVok_sDBI/AAAAAAAAEcA/0NKH7U-Swf0vNi2kpCAIT3BuNX0eGCCawCLcBGAs/s1600/C8033631-45F3-4479-8959-D6B26EEA8802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrjST0LIte4/WcNVok_sDBI/AAAAAAAAEcA/0NKH7U-Swf0vNi2kpCAIT3BuNX0eGCCawCLcBGAs/s640/C8033631-45F3-4479-8959-D6B26EEA8802.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fWyU5rcfZY/WcNVmTHv1OI/AAAAAAAAEb4/47UVQ40Atvo12VD-1X8Bz2X9SigYz7QPQCLcBGAs/s1600/C9DD6B73-3918-41BE-8DDB-BB6370C62C6B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fWyU5rcfZY/WcNVmTHv1OI/AAAAAAAAEb4/47UVQ40Atvo12VD-1X8Bz2X9SigYz7QPQCLcBGAs/s640/C9DD6B73-3918-41BE-8DDB-BB6370C62C6B.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtudu4nc4sw/WcNg56n92oI/AAAAAAAAEck/VVZOdMY34vEss3mNg2z2Dg8QWt6YbQ6zACLcBGAs/s1600/733876DF-9249-4D76-ADBC-1426F46FE091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtudu4nc4sw/WcNg56n92oI/AAAAAAAAEck/VVZOdMY34vEss3mNg2z2Dg8QWt6YbQ6zACLcBGAs/s640/733876DF-9249-4D76-ADBC-1426F46FE091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p62xBfXMggM/WcNhYKY4tbI/AAAAAAAAEcw/oNyBg6eJOrogJT6zJF_7Nd9GKoQ-zDJBACLcBGAs/s1600/3FB7BEB4-C020-4608-B074-453CC862A9C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p62xBfXMggM/WcNhYKY4tbI/AAAAAAAAEcw/oNyBg6eJOrogJT6zJF_7Nd9GKoQ-zDJBACLcBGAs/s640/3FB7BEB4-C020-4608-B074-453CC862A9C5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9xjwARxsrc/WcNhOLDSd9I/AAAAAAAAEcs/0zUVKmF6FbYYQcJI9qYCqE9AHFKMyekGQCLcBGAs/s1600/5345F4EB-69AC-49CC-9DAB-7B2F7E5C9539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9xjwARxsrc/WcNhOLDSd9I/AAAAAAAAEcs/0zUVKmF6FbYYQcJI9qYCqE9AHFKMyekGQCLcBGAs/s640/5345F4EB-69AC-49CC-9DAB-7B2F7E5C9539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUxBtGA9G-k/WcNiDeWePII/AAAAAAAAEdA/WtFkNKwgGdQqEkbpOa3HfOIkfkFqDIKIQCLcBGAs/s1600/1F152C32-D72B-4AD2-B754-441CB334CE77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUxBtGA9G-k/WcNiDeWePII/AAAAAAAAEdA/WtFkNKwgGdQqEkbpOa3HfOIkfkFqDIKIQCLcBGAs/s640/1F152C32-D72B-4AD2-B754-441CB334CE77.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1b9LzU45Qc/WcNiMNnRrEI/AAAAAAAAEdE/RmCloOmRtkEx7XHJW_S43FbqUFpjP0hQQCLcBGAs/s1600/16C2B094-66B8-4463-9D16-E6984880D15E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1b9LzU45Qc/WcNiMNnRrEI/AAAAAAAAEdE/RmCloOmRtkEx7XHJW_S43FbqUFpjP0hQQCLcBGAs/s640/16C2B094-66B8-4463-9D16-E6984880D15E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdCobykh6GI/WcNVUmqtENI/AAAAAAAAEb0/Jg6QjX3D42MgJnpQFi5tE1TwDvYAt-cegCLcBGAs/s1600/D2D74861-E8BD-4071-BBC7-C04CBC7EEAD5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdCobykh6GI/WcNVUmqtENI/AAAAAAAAEb0/Jg6QjX3D42MgJnpQFi5tE1TwDvYAt-cegCLcBGAs/s640/D2D74861-E8BD-4071-BBC7-C04CBC7EEAD5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-ahJt6umac/WcNiT4K1hjI/AAAAAAAAEdI/8uMzCh8VkyYLmv8VvfAO9u_MnincB96GwCLcBGAs/s1600/01571A61-65AA-48AD-9DD2-ECEAB2F793CE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-ahJt6umac/WcNiT4K1hjI/AAAAAAAAEdI/8uMzCh8VkyYLmv8VvfAO9u_MnincB96GwCLcBGAs/s640/01571A61-65AA-48AD-9DD2-ECEAB2F793CE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>september</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-chloe left for ywam in amsterdam. </b>if you don't know exactly who this chloe is, she's my best friend and i miss her so much but i'm also so happy for her and excited. ah. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i became a bangs ambassador! </b>(white shoes pictured above). honestly these are the comfiest shoes ever and the company is amazing, go check em out (and comment if you're interested in becoming a bangs buddy and receiving a rad discount, i'd love to hook you up). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i reintroduced myself to portland. </b>and i still like it just as much as last time, especially since there were flowers involved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i went to in n out. </b>which is hundreds of miles away from my house so this was surreal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-yosemite was just as beautiful as i imagined. </b>and going back and staying multiple days (or weeks) is on my bucket list.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-there were tons of big trees at the redwoods. </b>i hugged a few and found my inner tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i got sandy. </b>because the oregon coast and salty waves get along quite well with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>-i watched lots of sunsets and took too many photos of them. </b>but who can have too many sunset photos in their life? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
what kind of adventures did you go on this summer? leave me a comment down below and let's chat about the amazing, beautiful summer God gave us this year. (also yes this is so late but i needed to post this anyways because of memories) :) <3 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
have a wonderful day,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
elizabeth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-5356008021199596462017-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-15T23:17:02.813-07:00#stay // your light matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCpQh5n4LN8/WbhneCxZJWI/AAAAAAAAEXA/WjeV5Hm_HhE12I03lqarPVhvLbEvcEnLgCLcBGAs/s1600/3A1F71CF-EDA4-4514-972E-2B8A51811AB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCpQh5n4LN8/WbhneCxZJWI/AAAAAAAAEXA/WjeV5Hm_HhE12I03lqarPVhvLbEvcEnLgCLcBGAs/s640/3A1F71CF-EDA4-4514-972E-2B8A51811AB9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
when sweet sweet elissa asked me to write a post on the word "stay" in honor of World Suicide Prevention Week and her dear friend Maddy who passed away on Oct. 4th, it got me thinking of a lot of moments in my life where "stay" was difficult. I remember having to move and loving where we lived, i wanted to stay. i remember my dad holding on to the last of his days, being told i had to let him go, when all i wanted was for him to stay with me. I remember the anxiety and sadness i felt, and not wanting to stay anymore. but most of all, i remember the whisper i heard, telling me to "stay," because i was never alone.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
so what does stay mean to you? for me, i see it different ways</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
i. staying present. it's hard these days to sometimes just keep yourself planted in the now, instead of alway being worried about the future. but staying present, taking note of where you are and respecting that, that's what staying should look like.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ii. staying faithful. this is a hard one sometimes, because it's easy to want to do your own thing and to think you can figure it all out on your own, but stay faithful to the Lord. seek his presence, give him your time, and live your life in step with Christ. stay faithful, fighting the good fight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
iii. staying hopeful. it hurts when people tell you to just be positive, because i get it, that's not always possible, but don't lose hope. one of the many many wonderful things that our Lord gives us, is never-ending, unrelenting, overflowing grace and hope. because of him, we can have hope for the future and say "it is well with my soul."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
so honey, i know life is hard, i know there are struggles that no one knows about, that you're ashamed of, that you keep hidden in the darkest corner of your closet. i know, because i've been there, i've hid in that closet, fists held tight, eyes blurred, and silent sobs so no one would hear. it's so lonely, and scary, and small, but you know what dear friends? that small closet is never too small for God. stay, and find refuge in him. stay, because your light matters </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
stay-what does that word make you think/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love you all my sweet friends,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
(find out more about Elissa and why she's so passionate about this topic <a href="http://letters-to-jayna.blogspot.com/">here</a>)</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-34413405213025850352017-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-05T06:00:15.911-07:00Walking the Streets of Seattle // SBL 2k17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Xl3jhjcAI/WamYDNj0LNI/AAAAAAAAEVw/7mctw7mcCRwF1NcBl8dSC4xILZvPY9sOgCLcBGAs/s1600/9B60D806-962E-4E87-BE92-CB728507E3D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Xl3jhjcAI/WamYDNj0LNI/AAAAAAAAEVw/7mctw7mcCRwF1NcBl8dSC4xILZvPY9sOgCLcBGAs/s640/9B60D806-962E-4E87-BE92-CB728507E3D2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey there,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's official, August has ended and the beginning stages of fall will soon be upon us. Hasn't this summer gone by quickly? For me, it's been jammed pack. Any free day where I wasn't working or had a bucket load of homework, I tried to squeeze in some adventures. I was actually looking at my August page of my agenda, and realized not one day was left unmarked. With that being said, I'm so thankful for the lovely times I've had this month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On August 30th, my friend Chloe and I took to the streets of Seattle to explore. Chloe is one my best friends, and she's actually leaving for YWAM in Amsterdam this September on the 17th. I'm so beyond proud of her and I know she'll have an amazing experience, but nonetheless, it's hard to see her go. To have one last adventure together, we visited Seattle like true tourists, and of course, recorded it using Chloe's beautiful camera and photography skills. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktPm2sEA6fk/WamX0FSohBI/AAAAAAAAEVo/iz5U2k9NMKctE14jDEKZfi355IRjGAWLQCLcBGAs/s1600/6D4B03BA-214D-45D1-AA51-4E800B3DB6F8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktPm2sEA6fk/WamX0FSohBI/AAAAAAAAEVo/iz5U2k9NMKctE14jDEKZfi355IRjGAWLQCLcBGAs/s640/6D4B03BA-214D-45D1-AA51-4E800B3DB6F8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns570J5lduE/WamYL6IzseI/AAAAAAAAEV4/u6D0Wvdppz8c092qBadTiRuZIs5M05WYwCLcBGAs/s1600/AFBFE195-2AC4-4032-8A73-716EDA8F975A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns570J5lduE/WamYL6IzseI/AAAAAAAAEV4/u6D0Wvdppz8c092qBadTiRuZIs5M05WYwCLcBGAs/s640/AFBFE195-2AC4-4032-8A73-716EDA8F975A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7VMWUzorI/WamYEaMBS1I/AAAAAAAAEV0/XYiCd3wzBugu5NP1wCNt738Iov3HzF8awCLcBGAs/s1600/9C8C3C96-33F3-493D-825C-CC1C4022388C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7VMWUzorI/WamYEaMBS1I/AAAAAAAAEV0/XYiCd3wzBugu5NP1wCNt738Iov3HzF8awCLcBGAs/s640/9C8C3C96-33F3-493D-825C-CC1C4022388C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-wRzzh-MXU/WamXaY1goxI/AAAAAAAAEVU/_65hVAaodYURMbFIWfEL53H5926A_K_5QCLcBGAs/s1600/12CE5541-105F-4A3D-BE76-5C97BE832A39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-wRzzh-MXU/WamXaY1goxI/AAAAAAAAEVU/_65hVAaodYURMbFIWfEL53H5926A_K_5QCLcBGAs/s640/12CE5541-105F-4A3D-BE76-5C97BE832A39.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first stop (after 30 minutes of driving in circles attempting to find parking) was Pike Place Market. If we were to explore Seattle like a tourist, this was a must. I for one am not a fan of large crowds, but the market is such a classic and has lots of interesting items. I adore all the flower stands, though I've never actually bought any (only because I didn't want to walk around carrying them for the rest of the day). There are also numerous book stores, candy shops, food stands, and more. I tried my first turkish delight (it was amazing) and listened to amazing street music. Would Pike Place be somewhere I longed to visit all the time? No, but it's a nice spot and definitely and important place to visit when exploring Seattle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igGZB4aN2gc/WamYUWakcJI/AAAAAAAAEV8/94dUv_P5lsQnFUUEu3_9uzOjX_lOxcfXACLcBGAs/s1600/BDB6F862-39ED-4F41-9047-A1502AF90CDB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igGZB4aN2gc/WamYUWakcJI/AAAAAAAAEV8/94dUv_P5lsQnFUUEu3_9uzOjX_lOxcfXACLcBGAs/s400/BDB6F862-39ED-4F41-9047-A1502AF90CDB.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lOcDd9RNBo/WamYcP5QhSI/AAAAAAAAEWE/06xvXVUbthUgXteTDi_pBU9NbkzKwQihgCLcBGAs/s1600/DDD945A7-530C-4A6F-AD1A-6F3B421DC92E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lOcDd9RNBo/WamYcP5QhSI/AAAAAAAAEWE/06xvXVUbthUgXteTDi_pBU9NbkzKwQihgCLcBGAs/s400/DDD945A7-530C-4A6F-AD1A-6F3B421DC92E.jpg" width="297" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42Fq-DoTLJc/WamXcVwU10I/AAAAAAAAEVY/xuIIMYyTVxU8QITuyOaRihDDGjWg3CzyQCLcBGAs/s1600/395FF3B1-5278-4DDB-BD44-01532B1C113D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42Fq-DoTLJc/WamXcVwU10I/AAAAAAAAEVY/xuIIMYyTVxU8QITuyOaRihDDGjWg3CzyQCLcBGAs/s640/395FF3B1-5278-4DDB-BD44-01532B1C113D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FTFQFtUlCI/WamXt6LN3vI/AAAAAAAAEVg/vbe8gT2bOqMC7wIDv3XzxJolTCVKpfKdwCLcBGAs/s1600/503F3BCC-2667-4426-9255-B56C6E1B9378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FTFQFtUlCI/WamXt6LN3vI/AAAAAAAAEVg/vbe8gT2bOqMC7wIDv3XzxJolTCVKpfKdwCLcBGAs/s400/503F3BCC-2667-4426-9255-B56C6E1B9378.jpg" width="297" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KKViVUek-g/WamYjq5i8II/AAAAAAAAEWI/IoLME3BgpF0cA_yZ9WQarwZ7qReLpHHigCLcBGAs/s1600/E86A75BE-56D1-4CDC-9BE2-24A9B365CA8A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KKViVUek-g/WamYjq5i8II/AAAAAAAAEWI/IoLME3BgpF0cA_yZ9WQarwZ7qReLpHHigCLcBGAs/s400/E86A75BE-56D1-4CDC-9BE2-24A9B365CA8A.jpg" width="297" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, to add to our tourist activities, we took to the waterfront. The waterfront has some more cute shops, lots of seafood, the Seattle Aquarium, and the great ferris wheel. I'd never been on the ferris wheel, mostly because it costs a lot and being stuck in a cage while it goes in circles never appealed to me, but it was actually quite a lovely experience. The views up top were beautiful, you could not only see the city, but look across the water as well while boats were sailing by. Lots of pictures were taken by Chloe (many that are not shown) and it was definitely worth the stop!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7srzlV9GUi0/WamXkZK4Q7I/AAAAAAAAEVc/sqsOuip17SsipxUpWF5JNfmyk9lIS-DcACLcBGAs/s1600/2E72FFEE-114D-4B28-9C03-470601D6E895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7srzlV9GUi0/WamXkZK4Q7I/AAAAAAAAEVc/sqsOuip17SsipxUpWF5JNfmyk9lIS-DcACLcBGAs/s640/2E72FFEE-114D-4B28-9C03-470601D6E895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our day of walking and exploring (and find this adorable pink wall), we found a starbucks for the much needed coffee boost, and explored the city by walking and shopping and getting lost. As someone whose grown up in a small little valley, it takes awhile for me to feel comfortable in the city, but as the day came to a close, I was finding myself more and more in love with the bustling of people, towering buildings, and coffee shops on every corner. Maybe I'm not ready to move to a large city yet, but I have a feeling Seattle may be seeing more of me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did you grow up in the city, or more away from the hustle and bustle? Which environment do you prefer? I think both have lots of positives, but I'd have to say I do love the quiet and easy parking that my valley has. Makes for a much less stressed Liz.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful day,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-78944249354049875262017-08-26T18:14:00.000-07:002017-08-26T18:14:00.170-07:00feeling stuck in the midst of restlessness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSBuCXJYxJI/WZ-6zGpangI/AAAAAAAAEUg/W5C6MYKCnuYNxY5X9xGxod3btSq0-wp2QCLcBGAs/s1600/94A14A4E-E11A-48D4-BC4A-F26FB5308EA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSBuCXJYxJI/WZ-6zGpangI/AAAAAAAAEUg/W5C6MYKCnuYNxY5X9xGxod3btSq0-wp2QCLcBGAs/s640/94A14A4E-E11A-48D4-BC4A-F26FB5308EA2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>i.</b> i feel sorta stuck, you know? i'm stuck in my hometown, while almost everyone i know who is my age is off to college, or traveling, or interning. i feel like, yes, doing another year of community college and working is the smarter option, but i can't shake the feeling of loneliness when I see everyone else up and go. i've been so restless lately, but i know that in my restlessness, i need to rest in the Lord and trust that He knows best and has a plan for my life. i've been learning over and over and over that life rarely goes according to my plan, because it isn't my plan that God is concerned with, but His own perfect plan. so even though i continue to bear a feeling of looniness, i know that sometimes i have to just feel restless, while resting in my Lord's perfect plan<br />
<br />
<b>ii.</b> but the restlessness makes me anxious. sometimes it's hard to sleep, because i continue to wake up from dreams. everything seems so overwhelming. i live in a mess of a room because the thought of picking it up makes me want to lay back in bed and close my eyes. at work, people ask my if i'm okay because i'm "quiet." i didn't realize i was acting like i wasn't okay, but now i feel weird. my finals were hard, and i'm scared i didn't pass them all. i don't have the time or money to retake classes, so my hands have been shaking for hours and my eyes continue to check my phone in search of a grade update. my shoulders ache from tension and my head begins to pound. resting in the Lord is so so hard, because becoming anxious is so easy, and being patient seems so hard<br />
<br />
<b>iii.</b> yet, sleep always come, darkness turns to light, and a new day appears. the wave of anxiety and stress continue to ebb and flow, but the steadfastness of the Lord never fails, so i wait in His arms. when i can't sleep, i cry out in prayer. when my body aches, i lean into Him. when my hands shake uncontrollably because the answer is taking too long, i repeat, "He is faithful." and when i can only see the bad, i write out the good. because sometimes it's so much easer to see all the bad in our life, but the reality is, our blessings are so much more. so i thank God for who i am, and where i am, and i know that even in the midst restlessness, God is always good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
muddled up thoughts from a midnight ramble. what has God been teaching you lately? how do you react when faced with restlessness in your life?<br />
<br />
love you all lots,<br />
<br />
elizabeth<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-6125921518181871022017-08-24T13:14:00.000-07:002017-08-24T13:14:12.861-07:00Exploring the North Cascades // SBL 2k17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4xdYEstUD0/WZJ7odj-bxI/AAAAAAAAETM/4FPwEqq0MDw_ifq42KwgWV3WhiOeDnAcQCLcBGAs/s1600/27DCB402-5E07-4874-918E-CCFDE0D67FFA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4xdYEstUD0/WZJ7odj-bxI/AAAAAAAAETM/4FPwEqq0MDw_ifq42KwgWV3WhiOeDnAcQCLcBGAs/s640/27DCB402-5E07-4874-918E-CCFDE0D67FFA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello dear friends,<br />
<br />
It's been awhile, hasn't it? August has been a crazy month, full of work, online school, random adventures with friends, and movie nights with the little bro. I've taken a break from blogging because I needed to spend the extra time surrounded by the people I love and having small summer adventures. If you want to stay updated on what's going on, feel free to follow my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalthoughtss/">Instagram</a>, I've been trying to stay fairly active over there. All that being said though, I've missed this small corner of my life and I'm glad to be sitting down and writing again.<br />
<br />
If you read my last post, <a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/camping-in-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">Camping in the Cascades</a>, you would know my friend Demi and I took to one of Washington's beautiful national parks and attempted our first solo camping trip (I would say we quite succeeded too). Because we were so close to the North Cascades, we took a day to drive over the pass, explore places along the road, have a quick hike, and take lots of pictures. I truly believe the North Cascades are an underrated national park, so if you ever have the chance to come and visit, you must take it! It's absolutely gorgeous up their in the mountains, and it just has a way that makes you feel like you're at home, even if it's your first time visiting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLI13zokup8/WZJ7nFqVjrI/AAAAAAAAETE/F1K62NuvqHAkdORaD4VzGMHpu0LNyCIqACLcBGAs/s1600/2B9DC1F5-C48C-4AB7-868E-74873482F725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLI13zokup8/WZJ7nFqVjrI/AAAAAAAAETE/F1K62NuvqHAkdORaD4VzGMHpu0LNyCIqACLcBGAs/s640/2B9DC1F5-C48C-4AB7-868E-74873482F725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5TZEn1J0Zw/WZJ8VEyVWhI/AAAAAAAAETs/Mhh6GGmTv04yFaq9VYOwm4BPZgXtIR6JQCLcBGAs/s1600/BAD74B52-81B3-4715-8A18-9FEC27C1554F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5TZEn1J0Zw/WZJ8VEyVWhI/AAAAAAAAETs/Mhh6GGmTv04yFaq9VYOwm4BPZgXtIR6JQCLcBGAs/s640/BAD74B52-81B3-4715-8A18-9FEC27C1554F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The pass that goes through the North Cascades is super gorgeous. Even without getting out of the car and putting on your hiking boots, there are so many amazing sights. Demi got a few pictures through the car window, and then we deiced to pull over along the road and check out a small waterfall that was right alongside the road. It was almost 90 degrees, so the mist coming off the water was very welcomed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cZ6HB_ZOE0/WZJ7nr4Uw0I/AAAAAAAAETI/aa2f2bwxlrQ0Jbq84yiDKurbjb_uG8gMwCLcBGAs/s1600/10E5C66C-A52D-4340-B927-3D8F80037307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cZ6HB_ZOE0/WZJ7nr4Uw0I/AAAAAAAAETI/aa2f2bwxlrQ0Jbq84yiDKurbjb_uG8gMwCLcBGAs/s640/10E5C66C-A52D-4340-B927-3D8F80037307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBw6mpfzI94/WZJ8Dd09UFI/AAAAAAAAETk/o5iRUloYSgshhGvkuDw-1-YEeaLN0fpiACLcBGAs/s1600/AF31F6D2-55C9-4B31-BA12-11F3DBFB4BFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBw6mpfzI94/WZJ8Dd09UFI/AAAAAAAAETk/o5iRUloYSgshhGvkuDw-1-YEeaLN0fpiACLcBGAs/s640/AF31F6D2-55C9-4B31-BA12-11F3DBFB4BFB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjngbTclks/WZJ8miYmxZI/AAAAAAAAET4/gCFNwcdXulYtMDdhCYfRa1lu-TOvPXr3gCLcBGAs/s1600/F75A9F52-7C91-4AE9-AF70-CD882015805F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjngbTclks/WZJ8miYmxZI/AAAAAAAAET4/gCFNwcdXulYtMDdhCYfRa1lu-TOvPXr3gCLcBGAs/s640/F75A9F52-7C91-4AE9-AF70-CD882015805F.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIhS0S-yfZU/WZJ8gvqDTjI/AAAAAAAAET0/vBNFo1vy5QYDkN12nEECbYbRm51gwwkEQCLcBGAs/s1600/EC582665-A421-41D4-A09D-5BEC1B2F5306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIhS0S-yfZU/WZJ8gvqDTjI/AAAAAAAAET0/vBNFo1vy5QYDkN12nEECbYbRm51gwwkEQCLcBGAs/s640/EC582665-A421-41D4-A09D-5BEC1B2F5306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The North Cascades has many beautiful hikes to offer, but you can get a marvelous view of the mountains and deep blue water without climbing thousands of feet. Demi and I decided to walk/hike Rainy Lake, a hike of only 2 miles. Of course, us being us, we found another trail that strayed off the original path. Next thing we know it, we're climbing down a mountain side to get to this beautiful spot. It was absolutely gorgeous and we got quite a few pictures, but with the sun baking us and bugs buzzing around everywhere, we were quick to leave. Or at least, after being lost for about 15 minutes and trying to find the "trail," were we quick to leave. It was an adventure for sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2ypmLwOeTA/WZJ79ZQj6MI/AAAAAAAAETc/WrSAlo-3aCI8zPS9BNP3Uf8uwDz6E_KMwCLcBGAs/s1600/A8FF4F0B-CC36-4649-8D2B-0E6DC3ACAE95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2ypmLwOeTA/WZJ79ZQj6MI/AAAAAAAAETc/WrSAlo-3aCI8zPS9BNP3Uf8uwDz6E_KMwCLcBGAs/s400/A8FF4F0B-CC36-4649-8D2B-0E6DC3ACAE95.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5AI-8a21VI/WZJ7ZIbzroI/AAAAAAAAETA/ckL353w71n4B8JZ0JzhoNlaKpMppXtwCwCLcBGAs/s1600/18EFCAE6-D16F-4F1C-843A-EC0198CF68E5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5AI-8a21VI/WZJ7ZIbzroI/AAAAAAAAETA/ckL353w71n4B8JZ0JzhoNlaKpMppXtwCwCLcBGAs/s400/18EFCAE6-D16F-4F1C-843A-EC0198CF68E5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our little trek in the mountains, we continued down the pass into Eastern Washington and stopped at a cute little tourist town, Winthrop, for some swimming, shopping, and food. I've been road tripping to Winthrop with my family ever since I was a little girl. I have so many fond memories there, including put put golfing with my brothers, fishing in the creeks with my dad, window shopping with my mom, and the many family camping trips where we were all eaten alive by the bugs. Going again, but this time with Demi, was a lot of fun! We of course had to stop and get some ice-cream, which was quite the treat in the extreme heat. We also found a lake to take a dip in and a bookstore to treat ourselves with. All in all, it was a successful stop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiCYypN-JGs/WZJ70KK1mhI/AAAAAAAAETU/7cv65flo_NwEZwH1NBr7xNhAubAUVf6OQCLcBGAs/s1600/3571F8C8-ADD2-4D8D-A106-5A78ED985461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiCYypN-JGs/WZJ70KK1mhI/AAAAAAAAETU/7cv65flo_NwEZwH1NBr7xNhAubAUVf6OQCLcBGAs/s640/3571F8C8-ADD2-4D8D-A106-5A78ED985461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKXleK9-dOc/WZJ7vcgWT4I/AAAAAAAAETQ/ZyBT0LhjobwVn7i6g3IKbzLwkaf5X6FAwCLcBGAs/s1600/3092996F-B27C-4833-8CAE-61B634C46CF4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKXleK9-dOc/WZJ7vcgWT4I/AAAAAAAAETQ/ZyBT0LhjobwVn7i6g3IKbzLwkaf5X6FAwCLcBGAs/s640/3092996F-B27C-4833-8CAE-61B634C46CF4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, after a day full of adventure, we started the 2 hour car ride back to our campsite. Trying to beat the sun set, we only made one stop at this beautiful lookout. Sadly, the lighting was quite harsh and we weren't able to get a lot of good pictures. There were multiple lookouts, ones I didn't even know about, and ones we didn't have time to explore. This spot will definitely be revisited in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What adventures have you been on lately? I know summer is coming to an end, but don't forget to take advantage of the rest of these beautiful days to explore the outdoors. And don't forget to check out my <a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/my-summer-bucket-list.html">Summer Bucket List</a> to stay informed on what I've been accomplishing (you know, besides just doing homework and cuddling with my dog). Stay tuned too, for there are some more adventure to come in September :D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful rest of your day,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-6992698174898710342017-07-30T17:24:00.000-07:002017-07-30T17:24:35.515-07:00Camping in the Cascades // SBL 2k17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgKgzjfpjrY/WXy5hH3SVgI/AAAAAAAAERk/luU5ghG3-uceGK82GoQpQkIOqXGn2dD3QCLcBGAs/s1600/E22D78BB-7A9E-4DEA-AF5B-7D7625C0B307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgKgzjfpjrY/WXy5hH3SVgI/AAAAAAAAERk/luU5ghG3-uceGK82GoQpQkIOqXGn2dD3QCLcBGAs/s640/E22D78BB-7A9E-4DEA-AF5B-7D7625C0B307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LoADbaHx0M/WXy4r77vdpI/AAAAAAAAERA/ClWmb3ZlTRsS9hKdkrXeF1SMLfFG_gEsACLcBGAs/s1600/4EA3BD29-B6D9-43C9-A967-4F5134FC7587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LoADbaHx0M/WXy4r77vdpI/AAAAAAAAERA/ClWmb3ZlTRsS9hKdkrXeF1SMLfFG_gEsACLcBGAs/s400/4EA3BD29-B6D9-43C9-A967-4F5134FC7587.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umwvvYUhhBE/WXzAKoLIDrI/AAAAAAAAERw/Qfb06RFA9M8RkeT09aW5688ipYxEtgw3QCLcBGAs/s1600/A95F39EE-871B-40DA-9F52-5461E4CCF609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umwvvYUhhBE/WXzAKoLIDrI/AAAAAAAAERw/Qfb06RFA9M8RkeT09aW5688ipYxEtgw3QCLcBGAs/s400/A95F39EE-871B-40DA-9F52-5461E4CCF609.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umwvvYUhhBE/WXzAKoLIDrI/AAAAAAAAERw/Qfb06RFA9M8RkeT09aW5688ipYxEtgw3QCLcBGAs/s1600/A95F39EE-871B-40DA-9F52-5461E4CCF609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week I was able to pack up, grab a friend, and relax (as much as you can in 90 degree heat) in the beautiful outdoors. My friend Demetria and I are both working and taking summer classes, but we decided we both needed a little break from it all. For three days, we did minimal school work, hiked, attempted to take instagram-worthy pictures, read, and smelt like smoke and sweat. It was a wonderful trip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWFjeVEt1ks/WXy42bpEh6I/AAAAAAAAERE/Lr1tj7Lu-zQmdqB5lETiHKpxUgIJZWFCQCLcBGAs/s1600/62F22F54-A82B-4CC0-A76C-56353DF49417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWFjeVEt1ks/WXy42bpEh6I/AAAAAAAAERE/Lr1tj7Lu-zQmdqB5lETiHKpxUgIJZWFCQCLcBGAs/s640/62F22F54-A82B-4CC0-A76C-56353DF49417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo6G6fxmtSs/WXy5JZ00djI/AAAAAAAAERU/cP6fVcDHs7og-V_NuyfnrFpUDp8ZjS-AwCLcBGAs/s1600/A6E6F08B-DF16-4CFC-8589-E389F4EC8033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo6G6fxmtSs/WXy5JZ00djI/AAAAAAAAERU/cP6fVcDHs7og-V_NuyfnrFpUDp8ZjS-AwCLcBGAs/s400/A6E6F08B-DF16-4CFC-8589-E389F4EC8033.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiEbJ-8PTHw/WXy4TOGiPAI/AAAAAAAAEQo/IyPhA0sRIugcgwteGapNyKoPU5J7QaXNQCLcBGAs/s1600/108779DC-67A3-4810-A3B0-FA2C59DD5CC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiEbJ-8PTHw/WXy4TOGiPAI/AAAAAAAAEQo/IyPhA0sRIugcgwteGapNyKoPU5J7QaXNQCLcBGAs/s400/108779DC-67A3-4810-A3B0-FA2C59DD5CC6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dESTY9ZH4ww/WXy43WG84mI/AAAAAAAAERI/GfDcR7uCxAMd2BOSBnIycm1_KQbztBS3ACLcBGAs/s1600/65248ED0-2B93-4270-B62E-76081378C036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dESTY9ZH4ww/WXy43WG84mI/AAAAAAAAERI/GfDcR7uCxAMd2BOSBnIycm1_KQbztBS3ACLcBGAs/s640/65248ED0-2B93-4270-B62E-76081378C036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We reserved a little camping site in Newhalem, a small company town located right before you start the drive up the North Cascades National Park Pass. It's absolutely beautiful up there, definitely an underrated national park. If you ever get the chance to go, take it! We stopped at a few viewpoints and took a hike (more on that in a future post), but there were also quite a few smaller hikes down by our campsite that we explored. A couple years ago, there was a big forest fire, so a ton of the forest was burnt down, but there were wild flowers everywhere and a beautiful creek with huge boulders. In the 95 degree weather, Demi and I welcomed the freezing cold water. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnv7Yr5io6Y/WXy5d905h6I/AAAAAAAAERg/izsnFoFGDNwaQrXmutYVqniqw2b-Cx5awCLcBGAs/s1600/D60508ED-14E6-445D-AA82-F3F20DFAB6DA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnv7Yr5io6Y/WXy5d905h6I/AAAAAAAAERg/izsnFoFGDNwaQrXmutYVqniqw2b-Cx5awCLcBGAs/s400/D60508ED-14E6-445D-AA82-F3F20DFAB6DA.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxKu3TlnKnI/WXy5COwM56I/AAAAAAAAERM/DvpjTP7FWT097CCEfZJ8XRSzGh0HAyd1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/69B302BC-AAA9-4940-BD5B-09A6C7FE8281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxKu3TlnKnI/WXy5COwM56I/AAAAAAAAERM/DvpjTP7FWT097CCEfZJ8XRSzGh0HAyd1QCEwYBhgL/s400/69B302BC-AAA9-4940-BD5B-09A6C7FE8281.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhbINm_WbQk/WXy5jgIvEeI/AAAAAAAAERo/oKcXMWEpYwgp0lM0_1Z3YCqOP2spczH5wCLcBGAs/s1600/E56D0357-0CF1-4A2E-A91D-246E00D6C3E5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DhbINm_WbQk/WXy5jgIvEeI/AAAAAAAAERo/oKcXMWEpYwgp0lM0_1Z3YCqOP2spczH5wCLcBGAs/s640/E56D0357-0CF1-4A2E-A91D-246E00D6C3E5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On one of our little hikes, we found a big stump and couldn't help but take a few pictures. Maybe yoga and ballet aren't are specialities, but being photogenic definitely is. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErQZdCxdqTY/WXy4j51ZqcI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/QQ13uiHEt402Ks-EbGbQf708yMgOVsPYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/228E3F83-30FE-4007-ACBA-D5E8A5E1B498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErQZdCxdqTY/WXy4j51ZqcI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/QQ13uiHEt402Ks-EbGbQf708yMgOVsPYQCEwYBhgL/s400/228E3F83-30FE-4007-ACBA-D5E8A5E1B498.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEiLCoR3vOM/WXy4jlu92xI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/BzsPxoJctPIXRcPcECxom7uVtG5F3NDcACEwYBhgL/s1600/36E0F9FC-4F86-4E97-A836-F6C9DF9A6DB0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEiLCoR3vOM/WXy4jlu92xI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/BzsPxoJctPIXRcPcECxom7uVtG5F3NDcACEwYBhgL/s400/36E0F9FC-4F86-4E97-A836-F6C9DF9A6DB0.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, we had to stop for ice cream on our way back home. We visited this adorable little ice-cream stand that sold organic raspberry chocolate chip ice cream, and let me tell you, it was pretty darn yummy. They had a little garden of wild flowers out back too and Demi and I couldn't resist, so we snapped a few photos of our ice cream. Sure, some of it melted in the process, but that's the price we had to pay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What kind of summer adventures have you been on yet? I feel like camping is a must during this time of year. Anything crossed off you bucket list? Don't forget to check on mine, because I'm getting through my list and it's exciting ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful day,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-11332346479919240822017-07-20T08:15:00.001-07:002017-07-21T12:17:28.964-07:00Hiking Fragrance Lake // SBL 2k17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_9n_Lhe904/WXBOfDrtGwI/AAAAAAAAENM/06rVm2u_HQ8wT_kasSigEjID0Qw8UoBRwCLcBGAs/s1600/159EE879-5F3B-4A6B-BF06-EC5E79DD206C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_9n_Lhe904/WXBOfDrtGwI/AAAAAAAAENM/06rVm2u_HQ8wT_kasSigEjID0Qw8UoBRwCLcBGAs/s640/159EE879-5F3B-4A6B-BF06-EC5E79DD206C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey there friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've read <a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/my-summer-bucket-list.html">my summer bucket list post</a> (which you obvisouly should go do if you haven't), then you'd know my number 1 thing was to hike Fragrance Lake. A couple day ago, my dear friend Chloe and I did just that. After a six mile roundtrip hike full of switchbacks, sweat, and satisfying views, I had completed my first activity on my to do list, and then ate a well deserved burger. Of course, did you really go on a hike if you didn't take photos? Chloe and I say no, so here are a few of my favorites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7jC1UWBK7M/WXBOtfWQfcI/AAAAAAAAENY/PBiMwmkQs-sGcmHpsYTatbnpHdQQwSwMACLcBGAs/s1600/2B2F639C-967B-47BE-9507-04C3BC6A5E6E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7jC1UWBK7M/WXBOtfWQfcI/AAAAAAAAENY/PBiMwmkQs-sGcmHpsYTatbnpHdQQwSwMACLcBGAs/s640/2B2F639C-967B-47BE-9507-04C3BC6A5E6E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5httLnFyh-w/WXBOf9JfysI/AAAAAAAAENQ/DOryYvPDEy8WCl0ziklZEWA12kWKUD2dwCLcBGAs/s1600/E7E21220-C7AD-42C0-A5A2-75990DBA4B42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5httLnFyh-w/WXBOf9JfysI/AAAAAAAAENQ/DOryYvPDEy8WCl0ziklZEWA12kWKUD2dwCLcBGAs/s400/E7E21220-C7AD-42C0-A5A2-75990DBA4B42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hCFlKk4ZVg/WXBOq8YPp4I/AAAAAAAAENU/a8A4WGlMQzESspUusUbveT5SBtbnjhAEgCLcBGAs/s1600/25ADC344-5112-47FE-BBE5-C9625F14453D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hCFlKk4ZVg/WXBOq8YPp4I/AAAAAAAAENU/a8A4WGlMQzESspUusUbveT5SBtbnjhAEgCLcBGAs/s400/25ADC344-5112-47FE-BBE5-C9625F14453D.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After 1000 feet in elevation in a little over 2.5 miles, we made it to the top where there laid a beautiful lake. It was just another mile of a relatively flat path around the lake, which of course had many trails down to the water where we waded and got attacked by the mosquitos. Note to self: bring bug spray next time. As always, Chloe and I were ill prepared, and we didn't bring swimsuits either, but we watched a few people swim and some dogs enjoy the water. But boy let me tell you, how I would have loved to jump in that water and cool down. 1000 feet really killed me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErY6SknnWHA/WXBTJ1l0zyI/AAAAAAAAENo/gikk03Ca18sJauJc2wTLRwT5_wLLMum1ACLcBGAs/s1600/2C1EC55F-6D81-4DB7-A264-C1ED1FE9D8DF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErY6SknnWHA/WXBTJ1l0zyI/AAAAAAAAENo/gikk03Ca18sJauJc2wTLRwT5_wLLMum1ACLcBGAs/s640/2C1EC55F-6D81-4DB7-A264-C1ED1FE9D8DF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwE3WWtDJ5g/WXBTFbTwKCI/AAAAAAAAENk/jc0DwgkWVyoAfSB9t899sqt5pjmhLejzQCLcBGAs/s1600/50CA5ECA-9521-47D0-865B-9E8B70E516B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwE3WWtDJ5g/WXBTFbTwKCI/AAAAAAAAENk/jc0DwgkWVyoAfSB9t899sqt5pjmhLejzQCLcBGAs/s640/50CA5ECA-9521-47D0-865B-9E8B70E516B4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lucky for us, the trails were mostly shaded by the tall trees. There's something so unbelievably peaceful about walking in the woods and listening to the sounds of nature. Something so simple always reminds me of just how non-simple and completely breathtaking our Lord is. I think we often forget just how beautiful this world is, and who made it that way. I can't stress enough how important it is to leave your home and explore the world, appreciating the beauty our amazing Lord created that surrounds us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwE3WWtDJ5g/WXBTFbTwKCI/AAAAAAAAENk/jc0DwgkWVyoAfSB9t899sqt5pjmhLejzQCLcBGAs/s1600/50CA5ECA-9521-47D0-865B-9E8B70E516B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXF_uXiUn0/WXBTR7GmVlI/AAAAAAAAENs/epLrDRNVyhgKKzf1CxYFUcvI4DQh_nBlACLcBGAs/s1600/A7F0AFCC-F897-4858-8BE8-204179AB10D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXF_uXiUn0/WXBTR7GmVlI/AAAAAAAAENs/epLrDRNVyhgKKzf1CxYFUcvI4DQh_nBlACLcBGAs/s640/A7F0AFCC-F897-4858-8BE8-204179AB10D4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVPWVyeSXZM/WXBTZJMkn9I/AAAAAAAAENw/mitMdygtPv8PvJnZZhQpja6mWSsdOT3VwCLcBGAs/s1600/FF5781C2-0B31-42D4-BBC9-5777F0A69FFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVPWVyeSXZM/WXBTZJMkn9I/AAAAAAAAENw/mitMdygtPv8PvJnZZhQpja6mWSsdOT3VwCLcBGAs/s640/FF5781C2-0B31-42D4-BBC9-5777F0A69FFC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For an extra .2 miles, there was an opportunity to walk over to a lookout before continuing to the lake. Obviously I wasn't going to turn down a beautiful view for .2 miles, so Chloe and I both enjoyed the breathtaking site of the water and taking pictures near the edge. I just adore how in Washington, you can be hiking in the woods, exploring hidden lakes, while also seeing beautiful views of the water and mountains. Maybe I'm biased, but I sure do think Washington has it all ;) If you ever need a passionate tour guide, hit me up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What summer adventures have you been on lately? Where do you find God's peace and appreciate his beauty? Don't forget to use this summer to explore new places, laugh a lot, and catch up with friends, okay? It's already a month into summer, so don't let it go to waste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a beautiful, wonderful rest of your day,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Elizabeth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-91814807207348532442017-07-13T15:55:00.000-07:002017-09-18T08:34:57.517-07:00My Summer Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JjPKqMVx0Y/WWbpU9EWn-I/AAAAAAAAEMo/dSRJe0DVyggczhjNx3K29w03U-QwbJIRACLcBGAs/s1600/033F653A-9CA7-4628-AEC9-5BEEEF48E3F1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JjPKqMVx0Y/WWbpU9EWn-I/AAAAAAAAEMo/dSRJe0DVyggczhjNx3K29w03U-QwbJIRACLcBGAs/s640/033F653A-9CA7-4628-AEC9-5BEEEF48E3F1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello there,<br />
<br />
Here we are, almost a month into summer, and I'm just now thinking about my summer bucket list. Sad, right? But despite the constant demand of school and work, I still have some fun plans for this summer and I'm excited! A lot of things are changing next year and some of my good friends are leaving on their own life adventures, so I want to make this summer special and memorable. Below are 30 different things I aspire to finish this summer. If you're curious on my progress, continue to check back! I'll be crossing off each item every time I finish it, and I'll link a blog post or instagram photo that documents the event.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/hiking-fragrance-lake-summer-bucket-list.html"><strike>i. hike fragrance lake.</strike> </a></b>i discovered this lake online last year, and ever since i've been super curious. it looks a bit difficult, but it has a really cool viewpoint and then a lake you can walk around and swim in.<br />
<br />
<b>ii. jump off the boardwalk. </b>there's an adorable small town near my house that has a board walk people enjoy jumping off of. i've always wanted to try it, so maybe this summer i will.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/09/walking-streets-of-seattle-sbl-2k17.html">iii. explore seattle like a tourist.</a></strike> </b>even though i live less than two hours away from seattle, i've never truly discovered it. this summer i'll be grabbing a couple friends and exploring it like a true tourist.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>iv. go sunrise hiking. </b>mornings are not my favorite, but sunrises and breakfast dates with a good friend make it worth the early wake up.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>v. roadtrip to vancouver. </b>another major city not too far away from me that i haven't explored.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>vi. buy a homeless person a meal. </b>there's not a lot of homeless people in my city, but there are a few. hopefully this summer i can find an opportunity to share kindness, warm food, and the love of Jesus.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>vii. finish book. </b>i've secretly been writing a book but it's very short and undeveloped. may or may not be about a girl and a boy and may or may not be in verse.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>viii. play messy twister. </b>this just looks really fun and full of laughs.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>ix. go to a drive-in movie. </b>still haven't experienced this classic summer activity, so maybe this year will be the year.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>x. use a polaroid.</strike> </b>i won a polaroid last summer and have only used it once. this summer i'd like to use it more and update my bulletin board.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xi. pay for the person behind me in the drive thru.</strike> </b>this has happened to me once and i would like to return to favor. 100 percent made my day.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/camping-in-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">xii. </a><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/07/camping-in-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">go camping</a>.</strike> </b>i love camping, but like fire and tent camping. in the wilderness, with marshmallows, the sounds of nature, and friends that are more like sisters.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xiii. take a road trip once school is out.</strike> </b>i'm taking summer courses onlinc, so life right now doesn't permit for road trips. once finals are over though, i'm hopping in that car.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXlKD4-nN4C/?taken-by=whimsicalthoughtss">xiv. try paddle boarding.</a></strike> </b>this just looks like such a blast, but honestly i'll probably fall 100x.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xv. go sunset kayaking.</strike> </b>on a lake, with a good friend, and deep conversations.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/08/exploring-north-cascades-sbl-2k17.html">xvi. discover new hikes in the north cascades. </a></strike></b>i love living close to such a beautiful place and i must take more advantage of it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xvii. try snow goose produce. </b>a super popular ice cream place just an hour away from my house.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xviii. go to a swing dance. </b>call me a classic homeschooler, but i've been convinced swing dancing is not half bad.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xix. try nature watercoloring. </b>i found the perfect watercoloring book with techniques on how to paint nature. now i must put it into action.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXv0255ng6j/?taken-by=whimsicalthoughtss">xx. go berry picking.</a></strike> </b>i love berries and i love getting a tan. a win/win situation.<br />
<br />
<b>xxi. pick wild flowers and make a crown. </b>because wild flowers are absolutely gorgeous and flower crowns make for the most beautiful pictures.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXs3YMyHGIp/?taken-by=whimsicalthoughtss">xxii. buy a hammock and go hammocking. </a></strike></b>this is a trend i'm totally into now and i kind of really really want to try it out. instagram will probably see it first.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xxiii. bake wild berry muffins. </b>there are so many wild berries around my house and i love muffins, so i think it's really just a match made in heaven.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYLo4LfHIIj/?taken-by=whimsicalthoughtss">xxiv. go tubing.</a></strike> </b>it's been awhile since i've done this and i'd really like to do it again.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xxv. play kick the can. </b>such a classic camping game.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xxvi. watch parent trap.</strike> </b>this use to be my go-to movie, it just gives me all the summer vibes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xxvii. have a picnic</strike>. </b>complete with turkey sandwiches, lemonade, chips, and cupcakes. and of course i can't forget the checkered blanket.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYeT92JAGhz/?taken-by=whimsicalthoughtss">xxviii. visit the farmer's market.</a></strike> </b>believe it or not, i've actually never been to a farmer's market. i'd like to support my local farmers and businesses though, so this is a must.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><strike>xxiv. make homemade popsicles.</strike> </b>because more fun and way healthier.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xxx. play putt putt golf. </b>i use to hate putt putt golf as a little kid, but now i find it a lot of fun, especially if there are good friends and ice cream involved.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
What about you? What are your ambitions for this summer? Leave me a comment down below and let me know. Hopefully I'll be able to complete at least half of my list, I'd be happy with that ;)<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful rest of your day,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1136833786206399444.post-89802095253075416382017-07-08T20:26:00.000-07:002017-07-08T20:26:41.891-07:00Hey There July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtlrkNHDXsI/WV500Bcz_9I/AAAAAAAAEL8/DJ0o0WVZCIUXxLcbH_60m0sWidz_Q43WgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtlrkNHDXsI/WV500Bcz_9I/AAAAAAAAEL8/DJ0o0WVZCIUXxLcbH_60m0sWidz_Q43WgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Hey friends,<br />
<br />
It's July, and here I am, eight days in, still working on my wrap up post. Classic Lizzy, am I right? But because I delayed so long, I'm able to use a firework photo, so truly I think my procrastination benefitted us all. Speaking of fireworks, how was everyone's Independence Day? I absolutely love July 4th, and although I had to work in the morning, it was still a beautiful day full of laughter, friendship, smoke, BBQ, smiles, and peace. Always a wonderful way to start off the summer.<br />
<br />
<b>Currently// </b>Laughing a lot because summer makes me happy, working and smelling like french fries 24/7, taking summer courses through my local community college because I apparently hate myself, rediscovering the joys of biking, living in a very messy room, loving my planner beyond my wildest dreams, and dreaming of many summer adventures.<br />
<br />
<b>Reading// </b>The <i>Amulet </i>Series by Kazu Kibuishi. This is a middle grade graphic novel series and it's absolutely wonderful! I've read up to book five so far and I just love the adventure you get to follow and the beautiful artwork. 10/10 would recommend.<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoying// </b>(hey it's me just wanting to say that so many of you had such amazing posts this month and if i could, i would give 20++++ shoutouts, but here are just a few of my faves). Cally's <a href="http://brinlael.blogspot.com/2017/06/desperation-binds-with-hope.html">desperation binds with hope</a> (because the emotions that wash off the words drown me in feels every time). Amanda's <a href="https://scatteredjournalpages.com/2017/06/20/when-god-doesnt-fix-it-learning-to-hold-onto-faith-in-the-midst-of-the-mess/">When God Doesn't Fix it </a>(because sometimes God's plan is different than our own, and always is it better), Demi's <a href="https://demetriajackson18.wordpress.com/2017/06/28/being-pulled-100-different-directions/">Being Pulled 100 Different Directions</a> (because Demi is the absolute sweetest and has brought such rich wisdom into my life), Hannah's <a href="https://hannahbrencher.com/2017/06/15/get-comfortable-with-feeling-uncomfortable/">Get Comfortable With Feeling Uncomfortable</a> (because life is not about being in our own little happy bubble), Elissa's <a href="http://letters-to-jayna.blogspot.com/2017/06/chasing-pink-sky.html">chasing pink sky</a> (because wow we don't deserve grace, yet we've been given it), and Olivia's <a href="http://summerof1999.blogspot.com/2017/06/excerpts-of-life.html">excerpts of life </a>(because her writing just feels like summer and sweet laughter).<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Loving// </b>Sleeping under the stars and fireworks, smelling like smoke after the roasting of marshmallows, sweet old people who always have something nice to say, iced coffee in my hand and wind in my hair, waking up to the birds chirping, spontaneous sunset adventures with close friends, deep talks over coffee, and berry picking during warm summer evenings.<br />
<br />
<b>Disliking// </b>How much summer classes are taking over my life, rude customers who just won't sit anywhere I tell them to, the lack of puppy cuddles I've been getting, working during the 4th of July, people telling me I am in fact not blonde anymore, and my family going on camping trips that I can't be a part of (seriously guys, rude).<br />
<br />
<b>Blogging// </b><a href="http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/hey-there-june.html">Hey There June</a>, where I talk about what happened in May and the upcoming month of June; <a href="http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/life-right-now.html">Life Right Now</a>, where I share some pretty major things that happened in my life and give ya'll a mini update; and <a href="http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2017/06/on-change-being-left-behind-and-finding.html">On Change, Being Left Behind, and Finding God's Voice</a>, where I talk about life not always going as planned and learning how to let God truly lead me.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hoping// </b>To figure out this time management thing so I'm not working so hard to juggle school and work, find a good college group for bible study, spend more time with friends, get back in the groove of blogging, find a book that makes me fall in love with reading again, and actually check a few things off my summer bucket list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="335" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--faAsiz9vH4/WDzsImQe-pI/AAAAAAAADiE/PT5W-Zj3xNMcE1icKURc83XFq9ILTSN3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/let%2527s%2Bchat%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
How was your June? Any plans/hopes for this July? Summer is such a peaceful time of year, don't forget to take advantage of the season, enjoy some time outdoors, and laugh a lot with friends and family by your side.<br />
<br />
Have a lovely day,<br />
<br />
Elizabeth<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05774981330553330773noreply@blogger.com1