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.