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...

Sometimes things do go exactly right.

Not always, not everyday, but sometimes they do.

You take a step back and realize you wish you could hang in that moment forever.

It's the warm feeling in the pit of your stomach, the good kind of ache in your heart.

It's knowing that no matter what comes next, this moment was perfect.

I had that yesterday. It was a special day-Chelsea's graduation.

Huddled next to each other, my aunt and I watched her walk across the stage,

brushing back tears imagining how she will continue to amaze us in the future.

To watch her grow and turn into such a beautiful person-inside and out- is one of my greatest joys.

Congratulations Chelsea, I love you.

Today I am head-over-heels for...

1. Wakey!Wakey! in the One Tree Hill finale.

I listened to this one on repeat all morning.

2. James Patterson. I have been home for 6 days and I have already read three of his books. Murder-mystery-romances are clearly one of my guilty pleasure/mild addictions.

3. "Teach us to care and not to care". T.S. Eliot. Wrapping my head around this and what it may look like in action.

4. THE WEATHER. Hello, summer. I love it!

Today is one of those days that makes you want to do everything and nothing all at once.

You don't want to waste a moment of sunshine- but waste and nothing are at odds today.

Because simply relaxing and blissfully relishing the sun, the warmth, the breeze is everything.

Artwork via Anna Heun

Congratulations Class of 2010. It has been an amazing 4 years.

My eyes are starting to feel the sting of tears already.

It would be impossible to put into words the quality

of the memories that I have made in this chapter of my life.

Suffice to say, that I will never forget.

I will hold on to and cherish the friends I have made and experiences I have had, always.

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Goodnight...

If something is twisted, untangle it.

Start with individual pieces; twirl the little parts around the larger ones.

Take hold of one piece, then wiggle weave wrap it through the loops.

Don't focus your entire energy on the overall,

and don't let the minor setbacks surmount your gain-instead, abandon them.

Know that you may have to make tangles along the way to 'untangled'.

Accept that we learn from all attempts.

So make mistakes. And learn from them. And keep working. Keep untangling.

You'll find that there's something kind of wonderful about being knotted and breaking free.

image via rosiehardy