Dreams and Thankfulness

I'm sitting here at my desk in my dorm room at 3:16 am. I'm working on homework and I couldn't ask for anything better. I just like to sit here and be immersed in a field of creativity and brainstorming. I feel like in my room I generate ideas and become so much more productive than I am in class. Where I can think.
I've been thinking about a lot of things I'm thankful for lately, and what I'm dreaming for. I'm thankful for water, intricately decorated ceramic cups, new sketchbook paper, macs, milkshakes, coconut and papaya soap, granola, moms, dreams, family, babies, children wearing sunglasses, frisbee, and sunlight. Pure sunlight. I have so many dreams, dreams that just escalade beyond my wildest imagination. I want to live in the city one day, like Maine or California. To walk down a cobblestone pathway pushing a stroller and laughing in the slight breeze. To have a husband who cherishes me and supports my dreams and runs with me. Who chases after me and accepts me for who I am. Sweet children I can bake for, cook for, clean up, and dance with. Lives that I can instill truth in and teach. Little hands that I can hold and put tiny mittens on. Paintings, murals, stone, vases, and flowers that will flood my home and make it mine. The pitter patter of tiny footsteps down the hall, excited or afraid- always knowing I'll be there. Humor, lots of it and endless jokes. A hilarious husband who loves the beach and takes me on traveling journeys across the world. Who likes the smell of saltwater the the feeling of the wind on your back as the sun beats down across your soft skin.  Who reminds me of who I am when I don't believe in myself. Who reminds me of the father's love. A job that I love, whether it's being a stay at home mom, a work at home mom, a designer, or an illustrator. A church that can impact people and raise hope and faith higher than ever before. Family that lives close by so we can go on dates. Bikes with bells on them that we ride down the street. A safe haven. A window with a view of lights and a seat of cushions. Dreams that never die. Hope that lives on, and a love for life so strong that nothing will ever shake it.

...just some early morning banter, and some processing of how much I love to live and dare to dream. Because I know these things can come true.

P.s. Or maybe I'll move back to NYC, you know, that "concrete jungle where dreams are made of." ;)

Keep Summer

I've been thinking of a lot of methods lately to bring warmth into these cold months. (And it's only August, I shouldn't have to be telling you about this yet!) I hate to break it to ya, but it feels like October. I saw a red leaf already on a green tree today. Yikes! But, there is hope for warmth. Yes, inside, but it's more than just heat. Maybe it's because I'm a lifeguard and there's sand in my veins (mostly from accidental grains of sand swept by the wind into my water jug,) but I love sunshine, warmth, and the tropical aspect of both of those things. So what have I been doing? Well, back in June I decorated some picture frames with seashells and sand. That alone, in my opinion, can bring an instant feeling of warmth into any cold room. It's also a great way to condense all of those seashells you collect from trips on vacation that sit aimlessly in piles. Or a cup. Or strewn about on the floor. So the frames I made are all coming back to college with me on Tuesday, in bubble wrap and despite my father's attempt to squish everything into our Toyota Camry.  They will survive.I also just opened up a Papaya Coconut soap ( perfection!) which is so rich and inviting, leaving a pure aroma of the beach on your skin. For the hair I've become accustomed to Brazilian Keratin Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner that are awaiting their use in my shower caddy. A final, and the easiest way to bring some warmth into your life for these cold spells is Jesus. Simply put, let him come and seep into your heart, warm you mind with positive thoughts and penetrate your soul for something deeper. Oh, and don't cut your hair. Let it get beachy. Mine is only doing that because I won't splurge to get a haircut (I'm actually just stubborn and refuse to let someone other than my friend who now lives in Alabama cut my hair.) And eat chocolate, because that is a nonseasonal treat, so enjoy it as you gaze at your seashell frames across the wall.
Maybe I just have summer fever?
Well it's never leaving, so I hope you indulge on the shortness of the season and let it last much longer in decorations and beauty products.
I hope my tips were a little helpful!

About 14 years ago when my sister (left) was 5 and I (right) was 7. Duces.

My car ride home from college in May 2014