Today's wisdom:

courtesy of one of my most favorite childhood books,

The Polar Express

Sometimes the most real things in the world

are things you can't see.

Do you believe?

Waiting and hoping go hand in hand.

And in the Bible, hope is not another word for maybe.

Hope--biblical hope, Christ-centered hope--is this:

the confident, alert expectation

that God will do what He said He would do.

It's kind of wonderful:

That 5 minutes outside can make your whole day sunnier

(have I mentioned I love the city at Christmastime?)

That baking and a Christmas movie

sounds like the perfect night to me.

when people go out of their way just to say hello to you

and ask how your day is going

to spy that someone is also listening to the

Glee Christmas soundtrack next to you on the bus

to drop a Kiss in a cup of coffee.

just because.

And here's something that's ALWAYS wonderful...

I LOVE when Postsecret
makes my heart happy.

Hello December!
A Frost(y) picture and poem to start your day off...

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost's Miles to Go Before I sleep

Happy Last Day of November!

Is it possible for someone to find you amazing exactly as you are?

Is it possible for someone to make you feel good about yourself in every single way?

For that someone to know it's his/her job to make you feel good

but want to just as well.

Yes. It is.

Kinda makesyouwanna do this.

Word Art.

" What you create of your life

is just as important as

what you create during it."

Steven Boyett.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Two days until Thanksgiving!

Put a little fire in your love. And a little love in your heart.

Today I believe:

That sometimes wanting something isn't enough-
that (sometimes) you have to ask for it.

That a brisk morning is quite refreshing after a dark, rainy day.

Just the aroma of chai tea can brighten my morning.

That email is great and all-but snail mail has an elegance
and endearing quality that cannot be transmitted
via the internet.

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year in the city.
There's evergreen and silver and gold bulbs everywhere you look.
There are twinkliing lights adorning every building.
There's an unmistakable energy in the air.
And I love it.

A cozy sentiment from a Christmas made-for-tv movie...

(As corny as they may be, they're Christmas, so I'm inclined to watch.)

Sometimes just knowing something isn't enough-

you have to believe.

You have to know with your heart.

Then, that knowing turns into believing.

God,

Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change,

the courage to change what I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Just enjoying my Sunday ritual of browsing the postsecret pages...

A truth and a confession.

Do you ever catch yourself assuming the worst of people-

not because they've done anything to warrant it-

but because you're afraid that if you put too much trust in them,

they will only end up hurting you?

It's a self-preservation mechanism,

and I find myself reverting to it all too frequently.

What I really want (and moreover, what I truly believe in)

is that you should always assume the best in people.

I hate watching tv shows where the best friend believes an ill-born rumor

over her best friend or even a family member.

I want to yell and ask them to take a step back

and really think about who/what they should be believing.

They shouldn't jump to conclusions just because they want to guard their hearts,

because we all know that the people we love the most

are the people that can hurt us the most,

but they should pause and remind themselves

that, just because we have been let down in the past,

doesn't mean we have the right to expect the worst-

And why would we want to anyways?

Treat yourself.

Did you ever want to do something completely out of character?

I get the urge to out-do myself every now and then.

I indluge in little pleasures that make me feel-

that revive my spirit and make me powerful.

These little acts aren't harmful or damaging-

they're playful and unihibited.

For instance, yesterday I painted my nails blue.

And it blue me away.

Into the Wild

I just started reading this pseudo-biography

of one young man's journey into the unknown.

It's moving and heart-wrenching-

humorous and dark at the same time.

I highly recommend it. Disappear Into the Wild.

My favorite passage thus far:

Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.

Bodly do things (something I often personally remind myself of)...Make each day a new horizon.

It takes grace to give grace;

it takes hope to give hope;

it takes love to give love.

I can give these to you

because Christ gave them to me.

Paul David Tripp

Lest we forget...

Fate.

It's something holy, not superficial.
This I know.
Born from the Lord, received by your heart.
Pure and true.
Not on a pedastal or lost in a fairytale-land,
but given to all.
Freely it grows and stronger as it does.
Hold on.
Or it will hold you. In Love. Always.

Sometimes I forget to jump.

I forget that, in life, I have to take risks.

I have to put it out on the line-

and hope, pray, wish for the best.

I must pry myself free

from the tangled web of what-if's and why didn't I's?

I have to break out of the boundaries I set up-

why did I put them in place to begin with?

Sometimes I'll fall short,

but sometimes I'll get more than I ever could have imagined.

And when that happens,

I am reminded of the importance of the jump.

Life is an adventure; make the leap.

And then one day it happens...

And nothing is ever the same.

Nor would you ask it to be.

To everything there is a season;
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

God gives,

and He takes away.

And He gives again.

In life,

there are seasons of despair,

and

there are seasons of dancing.

Today I believe:

In the power of a latte.

In the midst of my train running late, I didn't have time to grab coffee.

Serious underestimate of my dependence on caffeine.

that Ruffles are pretty, proper, and professional.

And I love them; they make me smile.

Sunflowers brighten a room without sun.

Instantly.

the Kindle is literary-genius.

I've owned mine for two days,

and I am addicted.

What do you believe?

Feel.

At the center of everything is the feeling:

touch, compassion, acknowledgment.

Go after feeling.

There are troubles here.

Sometimes we don't want to see them,

Sometimes we see them and don't want to believe.

In these houses they're quiet and swept under the rug,

Outside they're exploited and live-streaming through our veins.

In the aftermath of 9-11, in the aftermath of a shattered heart,

we cry, we avoid, we grieve, we forgive.

We may not face it gracefully

-we needn't even try-

But though we will surely falter,

we will always persevere through these troubles.

Do you remember the 2(1)st night of September?

Freshly shaven pencils

Yellow School Buses

Reddening Leaves

Beginning of Apple Picking Season

Labor Day Weekend

Start of football season

What are some of your favorite things about September?

Photo compliments of Kelly,

To whom I have wisely taught an affinity for Ticonderogas.

.Stunner Shades.

If I could capture my Saturday in one image, this would be it.

Day: sunny BBQ...sunglasses

Night: out in Wrigley...shades

I have to admit, I'm not a huge hat or sunglasses person.

But I transformed into one this weekend.

And now I think I'm a believer.

Thank you, Mike Posner.

A moment's grace.

It is in our weakest moments that we show how truly strong we are.

When we prove that we face our fears head-on,

with a bold, understanding

heart.

Happy hump day everyone!

Yes.

Doesn't everyone feel this way...

Everyone:

in every shape, color, form

wants to feel and know love.

We want to be loved for who we are, AND for who we are not.

I admit my

shortcomings.

I know that I do wrong.

But to love, is to love in spite of these.

To know that there is a person beneath the facade.

A real person that wants to be loved for who she is, and for who she is not.

What I know:

When you can't discern-trust Yourself.

There is a distinction to be made between first impressions and gut feelings.

In its truest form,

the latter is invested in hope and faith-rooted in love and deeper understanding.

So when you need to make a decision, think about not thinking.

Throw away your biases, your judgements, your prejudices,

and let your heart lead you.

I admit, it sounds cliche and, granted, way easier said than done.

But it's sound advice; it will not steer you wrong.

Dear Universe,

I am craving this location so badly right now.

Send me here, please.

All I need is a swimsuit and sunglasses and I'm there.

No worries, no stress, no problems.

Slow and easy.

I think I could live here forever.

Sunny and beautiful.

A place for peace and tranquility, in the middle of nowhere.

How perfect.

This is what I think...

1. Everything you do matters.

Your actions may be small,

but they still count.

2. From ruin comes transformation.

Courtesy of: Eat. Pray. Love.

3. there is a beautifully simple novelty in

nine perfect and one chipped nail.

4. Bruno Mars really knows what he's talking about.

You're amazing just the way you are.

When you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while.

5. Sunny and 80 degrees = the perfect summer day.

(Throw in a Cubs win and, whoa, that's pretty darn amazing)

Sometimes the world stops spinning.

And when it does : You know a deep breath will pull you through.

Revelation springs from a simple moment of reflection,

and you consider this before you speak.

The nature of the world will always be tumultuous,

But you've been told to escape to the still, small voice in your heart

-and to listen to it.

It's not easy- and it isn't always even fair-

But when you are your own keeper,

you must keep reminding yourself of this routine.

Or, you can open up, and

let the better person in.

Make yourself vulnerable to love.

It's alright to be scared.

In fact, it takes courage to be scared.

But be courageous in your quest.

To live is an adventure.

A cool word of advice on this sweltering Happy Tuesday.

Everyday, acknowledge the good in yourself as well as others.

Each night, before you go to sleep,

think back upon what you have done that day that you are proud of

-be it grand or small.

But also, think about what others have done

that you are proud of,

and Learn to be a better person.

Throw your heart UP into the air.

Congrats Katie

You're a star!

Our not-so-sunny stroll down Lake Shore Drive.

Lots of pink ponchos.

Go walkers!

Have you ever felt sunlight on your face?

On a day like that,

she takes a towel and her heavy heart

to the top of her studio apartment.

She can't escape the sounds,

but with her eyes closed,

the sirens turn to humming

and the knot in her stomach unwinds.

She can't explain it- nor would she try-

But there's something about that

Glimmer of light;

A beam of golden treasure.

Whether I'm feeling bored or anxious, happy or stressed, I can always count on the sun to make me feel better.

If I could prescribe one cure-all, I would nominate the sun.

Wasup August

Where o where did this summer go?

I know time flies when you're having fun, but seriously?

I heard something the other day that really got me thinking.

We were talking about how to make art that people are moved by because they relate to it on some sort of deep level.

And one person said that you should never try to make art relatable...that just the act of making something that holds meaning to you, and that you can confide in will have the most profound impact on helping people identify with it.

So I hear this, and I stew on it.

And I actually really agree with this.

I mean, think about things that move you.

They probably move you because you relate to them-you've forged a connection to the artist (the painter, the writer, the friend...)

Basically, it boils down to this:

Don't worry about the effect as you're creating something. Just be true to yourself, and confide in knowing that your raw words have the power to move.

Naturally, this ties directly into POSTSECRET SUNDAY! Enjoy a couple of my favorites.

This is how I feel about my Cubbies sometimes.

It's true.

Happy Tuesday!

As long as one refuses to know one's place,

there's no telling what one can do in the world.

Today I love:

1. Beautiful and profound words from the pages of a breezy, summer read.

Sometimes it's when you least expect it, that you find the very thing you need to hear.

2. Family breakfast in a quaint house with a tree growing up through the center.

Seriously, I'm not kidding. A live tree growing up through the house.

3. The comeback of a little band (not) from my youth.

You may remember them. Hanson.

Love love Thinking 'Bout Something.

On repeat for a small dance party in my room.

4. A brother who will go ice skating with you and show you how to set up a tent.

Country thunder here I come.

Which leads me to no. 5

COUNTRY THUNDER IN 2 DAYS! (Kenny in 5, Michigan in 6!)

Happy Birthday America!

Today is yours.

Celebrate your slice of Americana;

Make it special, make it big,

and -above all else- make it fun.

Throw glitter in the air.

We were drawn from the weeds.

Don't beat yourself up for not knowing all the answers. You don't always have to know who you are. You don't have to have the big picture, or know where you're heading. Sometimes it's enough just to know what you're going to do next.

Thank you, Iris.

Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity: this is the age of miracles.

Decisions are hard; there's no other way to spin it.

Choices seem black and white, but consequences bleed into gray.

Look for light at the end of the tunnel

-and when you can't see it-

look harder, it's there.

There's a golden age coming around.

New.

A new pair of shoes

A new book

A new haircut

A new relationship

A new summer day

A new family member

A new email

A new hobby

What is it about new that makes things burst with excitement and fear and wonder all at once?

For me, new isn't always the easiest thing.

Sure it's great to start something new; find a new friend, make a fresh start, wear something shiny.

But the prospect of the unknown can be rather scary.

Lately, I am challenging myself to work on new, while keeping the old -the true and faithful.

It takes courage and confidence, it takes help, and it takes a quietly-solid belief in yourself.

GO HAWKS!!!

Chicago Blackhawks are the

2009-2010 Stanley Cup Champions!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my city?!

And tomorrow...

I will be cheering on my Cubbies at Wrigley!

(Got to love the cross-town classic)

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

A bit of spontaneity and a sprinkle of hope for good measure.

Toss it up into the air and let the Universe take its course.

Don't hold on to it; let it go.

Let yourself be moved by something.

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts"

Dahls Chickens

Good things come in little packages...

Like brownies...

and CAMERON!

The little man came to visit this past weekend! He's such a big boy (almost 2 years old).

And, obviously he's been raised right; cubbie fan already!

We tried to play bags, but he didn't quite grasp the concept.

It was way more cute Cam-style anyways.

when the spirit is right, a soft surrender.

Today I know that my advice is good, but sometimes I just need to take it.

Today I learned books recommended by friends are always better; Bret Easton Ellis may be the author of my summer.

Today I think that just because i don't scream my feelings, doesn't mean i have none.

just because i seem indestructible, doesn't mean i'm not weak.

just because i don't cry in front of you, doesn't mean i'm heartless.

just because you think you know me, doesn't mean you actually do.

Today I loved sun!, and spending my day in it. It amazes me how something so simple can be so magical.

Tomorrow I will be thankful for more (please!) good weather, illinette reunions, and Chicago sports (what to do on a night without cubs or blackhawks?)

Life Rule: If it's not broken, don't fix it.

If something is working, don't go looking for problems.

Don't seek out inadequacies or dwell on unfulfilled desires.

Instead of counting what you could have, cherish the fortunes you do possess

-family, friends, knowledge, faith-

Treasure these.

Know that they work.

Sure you'll have to do some maintenance along the way,

but don't waste your time searching for ick (noun.)

And take comfort in this confession...