Consider

"I feel like if I blog after college I either have to blog about crafting, fashion, or babies. I don't want to blog about any of those things. And so I'm silent" - an old friend

I'm not sure how to begin. Because I don't know what I want to say yet. 

I've really missed this.

My life this year has brought changes that probably take place over the course of several years. 

Graduation. Marriage. Moving cross country. Working full time. 

My life last year was mornings blogging at coffeehouses, late nights writing papers for English, pining after the boy snail, knowing we would be together soon. 

And yet, I was comfortable with myself in those times. I was happy with my coffee in the morning and the click of my keyboard as I spilled out my thoughts to nobody in particular. 

I was happy being with myself. 

I haven't really been alone since I graduated. Don't get me wrong, it's been really wonderful. Getting married, I can't even tell you...

...Isaac is my best friend. He will always be my best friend. I struggle with words to express exactly how in love I am, that he is now dedicated to walking by my side for the rest of our time. 

But somewhere, I lost being with myself. 

Consider this an experiment. Consider this a new start. Consider it whatever you want...but most of all, consider me. Consider me a believer. A dreamer. Someone who still believes in magic and laughter and sprinkles on ice cream. 

Consider the autumn that surrounds you and consider coffeehouses to be the best source of medicine. 

Consider how your heart beats faster when you find a piece of home in a place you didn't expect. 

Consider the leaves changing and the evident hand of God's paintbrush. 

Consider what you once believed, that growing up would be an awfully big adventure. Consider "what would Peter do?"

Consider yourself lucky. Because no matter how you change, no matter who comes in and out of your life, if you can learn to be with yourself...it'll never be too lonely. 

For the chilly days and changing leaves from dnic on 8tracks Radio.

Location: One More Cup

American Rover

As I like to very snottily say, whenever I see a boat, "I pretty much grew up on a boat you know."

But seriously now...my dad and his brother grew up on the Lake of the Ozarks, and so did I. 

Ever since I was little, I've loved being on the water. Some of the best memories I have with my family are at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

So when I saw a groupon for a cruise on the American Rover, I couldn't resist. 

How lovely that I didn't! It was such a perfect way to end the boy snail and I's four months in Virginia Beach. 

Snail Papa and Mama come Friday, graduation Saturday, church Sunday, home-bound Monday!

You crafty girl, you...

Sometimes I talk to myself. Most people do right? Reminding yourself of something. 

Or maybe just a little motivation...

I've been talking to myself lately, "Oh, you crafty girl, you."

One thing I splurged on while I was here in Virginia was a sewing machine. A co-worker sold me one for cheap and I started in making belts, bags, and a few dresses.

I found this tutorial via pinterest for a summer dress. I'm a sucker for summer dresses. So comfy and easy. So I had to try.

Another tutorial I read suggested using old sheets. Already hemmed. Yes! 

Here is the result...

Necklace - Charming Charlies

Shrug - TJ Max Clearance

Belt - H&M

Dress - Thrifted sheet and summer dress tutorial

Sandal - Africa

Have a lovely, lovely day blog lovelies. And drink some tea for me!

Come on. I need you. from mmmandy on 8tracks.

Things I've learned in Virginia

It's possible to fall in love every day.

Coffeehouses will always make me feel at home.

Do not underestimate the power of magazine parties and wine, even over skype.

I like cats. Not enough to live with them. 

God has perfect timing. 

I love the boy snail (ok, so I re-learned this).

Beach = good

Never complain about the traffic in Kansas City. Ever. 

Make things you love a priority. Blogging (which I didn't do, and I wish I had), writing, singing in the shower, dressing up for no reason, crafting. These things are what make you, you. They make the day pass. They make things feel happy, even when it's rainy. 

Do the right thing, even if you get kicked in the butt for it. You'll feel better. And chances are, the Lord has somewhere else he wants you anyway. 

Never, ever, stop learning. 

Giveaway Winner!

Did you go without shoes today?

 Sadly, I work for corporate America who have no sense of humor about bare feet, so I had my TOMS on all day, but I did go mini-golfing without!

And beat the boy snail might I add. 

And now, for the winner!

Congrats Oly Reyes! So excited for you my old friend. And you will love this book. I promise. 

I know I have been away from Neverland. But wonderful things are happening. With a Save the Date...and a certain favorite movie of ours. 

Oh you shall find out soon!