Gilda

I've replaced Michael with a newer model, meet Gilda.

 

She's not allowed on the couch...

...

river love

            

I've always loved Angus, whether he's singing with Julia or solo. He does something here with his voice I've yet heard him do. It's wonderful.

Maybe, just maybe

I've been in Italy for just over a month now, living with a family and enjoying the quiet peace Tuscany brings to my soul. This quiet (when their 130 lb Great Dane isn't pouncing on me) encourages a lot of reading, reflection, some blank moments, and many pensive ones. The other day I had a bit of an awakening. I found myself reminiscing of High School; the experiences I had, the people I was friends with and those I was not, the people who judged me and those I judged. 

In these awkward pubescent four years of my life, I felt belittled and unrecognized for my qualities.  My boyfriend of the time would often comfort me with these words, "They just don't understand you". This was just one of the many things that justified my decision to live in misery. 

Even till this day my "no one understands me" attitude sticks with me like a leach on warm flesh. It has got to go! 

Maybe, just maybe, my High school experience sucked because I allowed it to. Maybe, just maybe, there was constant drama and tension in my home because I created it. 

Maybe, just maybe, I do not believe anyone understands me because I have not taken the time to understand them.

This

 
               

imagine

In some way, this image inspires me, invigorates me, and gives me hope.

seeing

As the trees do hum
And the oak bends as willow
Will the birds take flight

a new year, a new mountain

 This summer in Italy my pop and I hiked up to a place called "Buco di Montepertuso" meaning hole in the mountain. As we were hiking up the stairs, feeling parched and fatigued, we knew there was purpose in our journey. Once we reached the top my heart swelled and I became overcome with joy at the sight. We looked out over a small town off the Almalfi Coast called Positano; it was incredibly beautiful as the sun was descending, putting the community to rest.

Mountains are magnificent, wondrous, metaphorical, symbolic, and absolutely captivating. They are thought of as being challenges to overcome, obstacles to climb, and ambition to conquer.

I already feel as though this year is a mountain waiting to be climbed, and I am at the bottom looking up at the peak laughing with sheer delight as well as gasping for air at what is ahead. 

“Give me this mountain” (Josh. 14:12).

I can't wait for the moment when I've reached to top, but I also am prepared for the journey up the montepertuso!