Dream

Dream, where have you gone?

You set with the sun,

but never rose again.

Did I bury you alive?

Or were you already dead?

San Francisco

Over the past 3 1/2 years of college, I've been given many awesome travel opportunities; my most recent being a trip to the lovely San Francisco for the National Communication Association conference. Luckily, the trip wasn't all work and no play. California has always been on my list of places to visit, and I couldn't have had a better first impression. For 3 days I explored the crooked streets, savored the best clam chowder I've ever tasted, visited San Fran's most famous spots, and enjoyed a beautiful view from the 39th floor of the Hilton Hotel in Union Square...

View from my hotel room at sunrise

My new favorite tourist attraction

Pier 39

Don't be fooled, sure they look cute, but they smell awful!

Crowds, crowds, and more crowds

"Who You Callin' A CRAB?"

Recognize this guy? He earned some fame with his appearance on The Princess Diaries!

Best $4.50 I've ever spent

Twin Peaks

First time on the Golden Gate

One of many beautiful Victorian style houses

Trolley

Ferry ride under the Golden Gate

Just in time for the sunset

Alcatraz Island...SPOOKY

The city from the ferry

"I left my heart in San Francisco, high on a hill it calls to me

To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars.

The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care.

My love waits there in San Francisco, above the blue and windy sea,

When I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me."

Frank Sinatra,

I couldn't agree more.

Home

Getting home for Fall Break this year relied heavily on God's wonderful provision; a provision so great I can't help but think He must have really wanted me here. Whether I ever know His exact purpose for this trip or not, I do know one thing. I love my family. A simple fact I always knew, but I am beginning to truly understand the complexity of it's meaning more and more. With this understanding comes responsibility: love as Jesus loves. Obviously, this is not some new idea but rather a reminder...

....I obviously never finished that little bit but figured it was worth sharing anyway.

Another Day

Another rainy morning.

Another cup of coffee.

Another day to serve the Lord.

He answers prayers according to His perfect will.

Those without alignment to His plans:

He provides comfort and peace and a better way.

My God in heaven, there is nothing greater.

His son Jesus Christ, there is nothing sweeter.

I long for holiness.

I long for peace.

I long for a pure heart, mind, and soul.

But most of all I long to dwell

in the overwhelming presence of the Spirit,

which surpasses all understanding.

Which provides rest to the weak and hope for the lost.

How could I not praise?

How could glory not be brought to Your name?

Without You my breaths are just passings of time.

But in receiving the breath of life,

my breaths are moments surrendered to You,

so that I may be an example of Your love and light.

Let each breath I take not bring me closer to death,

but closer to life.

To eternity spent with You.

Dear autumn: get here already!

Summer days are dwindling with classes starting in only a few days, but sadly, the Missouri heat seems to be here to stay for a while more. I, however, have the spirit of autumn stirring within me. I long for the crisp, cold air, the sound of colorful leaves crunching beneath my feet, and Fall fashion. But even when the long awaited season arrives, it still won't be as beautiful as it would be if I were in Michigan. There is nothing like fall in the "mitten." I often catch myself staring at photos from my trip back home for Fall Break last year.

Seriously. What's not to love?

More Photography

By George Flattery...

Owl Cake

How awesomely cute is this cake?

I love just about everything My Owl Barn posts. So if you love owls as much as I do, you should really check it out.

Howdy!

To be honest I never actually heard anyone say "howdy" in Texas. But even without the Texas cliches, I still had an awesome time visiting with my family for a few days. The drive was a whopping 15 hrs. long, which explains this greasy hair, no make-up, tired eyes look:

But after a day of recovering, the highlight of my trip took place at the Fort Worth Stockyards. I highly recommend anyone in the area to pay a visit to this wonderful southern attraction.

My family loves laughing, and nothing made us laugh more during my stay than a couple of good rounds of "Imagine If..."

And we love eating almost as much as we love laughing. My favorite meal: a delicious breakfast of crepes, fruit, hash browns, and coffee.

My visit was relaxing and just what I needed before heading back to school in a couple weeks!

Thanks Marc Jacobs

"What strikes me as so appealing nowadays is seeing the woman as opposed to the outfit." -MARC JACOBS

A while back I had a conversation with my dear friend, Marie, about how I feel like I have no style because I'm so simple when it comes to "fashion." The Marc Jacobs quote from InStyle magazine made me feel a whole lot better.

Also, I've only used a straightener/blow dryer/curling iron on my hair two times in the last three months. It was refreshing to read these quotes from the same InStyle issue from Gossip Girl star, Leighton Meester:

"In my normal life I don't even really wear makeup. I'll just use a little cheek stain, curl my lashes, and put on some lip balm and sunscreen."

"On days off I wash my hair and let it air-dry. I've completely forgotten how to use hot tools."

I guess I'll start embracing my simplicity. :]

Photography

My dear friend, Haley Scott, is a jaw dropping, good photographer. Here are some of my favorites from our shoot yesterday...