owl.

Showing off my new owl ring while sipping on a Monday morning cup of Waffle House coffee. Credit to my boy for the photo. 

Currently Listening: "All or Nothing" by Mutemath

lovely.

I want to make a quilt from all of these patterns. Yep.

concentration.

  Who knew that buckling down and finishing homework could take so much work. Honestly, there are so many things that I could be doing that I would enjoy. Not to mention the fact that people, the internet and thoughts whisk me off to my fairytale land of creativity. I realize more and more that this lack of discipline, or concentration, not only shows up in my school work but in many other areas of my life. Even the wonderful ideas I have of creating, painting, making music, etc. are set aside just for the excuse of wasting time. I want to be more diligent. As most anyone knows, this trait can only come with practice. I liken it to friendships. Although at this point in time there aren't many that I can compare this to, but it's true that you only get out what you put in. Our fulfillment of joy is only present when the reward of our efforts are seen. I want to complete a novel that I have been working on for months. I want to paint a canvas that I am pleased with and enjoy. I want to find the words to the melodies that float about in my mind daily. I could find a downfall of almost anything that I choose to do. What's hard is I know how much greater the hard work will feel once completed. I presume this is just another fight with flesh that we must overcome. Possibly more of a scheduled week would help with this problem. A solution is hiding somewhere. I'll find it.

Currently Listening: "Holocene" by Bon Iver

apple cider.

I have decided to try this spiced apple cider recipe. I hope it is super tasty because it looks delectable. recipe found on this wonderful blog.

autumn.

  It turns out that autumn in Georgia ends up feeling much more like a mild summer. The mornings have a refreshing breeze but soon after the sun rises into the sky the warmth engulfs our Southern peach state. There have been some very nice days that are more than comfortable to sit outside and enjoy the breeze but also a few that make me want to resort to shorts and a t-shirt.

  I am enjoying being content. I am working hard to find the reward in the more thought-provoking or frustrating things in life. Many days I wish I could be Mrs. Fix-it and create perfect situations of how life would work out. After I finish day-dreaming, I realize the kind of responsibility that would rest on my shoulders if I were to attain that job. Working at fixing me, I think, is responsibility enough. I don't always have the right reactions nor say all the right things, but I am learning; learning not to be selfish but more so think of the people around me first. I reckon the world would be a much more pleasant place   that way. 

  I feel like the need for grace grows daily. It's an overwhelming feeling when I realize there is enough.

Currently Listening: "Someone Like You" by Adele

simple pretties.

It was a sunny, Sunday afternoon spent having good conversation with great company.

The bright yellow makes a pop against the dark backdrop of this picture.

I love the assortment of chairs around each table. So unique!

A freshly found Vintage bicycle displayed in front of a wonderful wooden slat wall.

Currently Listening: "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens

invest.

  What does it mean to invest? In my short 18 years of experience, I have found that it means to give of something important, voluntarily, knowing fully that there may not be a return in order. Stock brokers understand this. Every day they put the fate of a large sum of money into the hands of a company that may or may not succeed. It seems like humans continue to lower their intelligence by entering into this type of trade. To our demise, we set ourselves up to win big or lose it all within a matter of minutes. 

  The only answer that I can muster is that the hope of winning or out-weighing the odds overcomes the fear of defeat. People make this large-sum investment not only in stocks but in various aspects of life. We put hope into people, the economy, traditions, a country or the government counting on the fact that all of these things "could" turn out well. Investing in people would have to take first place in comparison to other things. It is personal. Instead of green paper falling from your pockets, your heart, emotions, and feelings are left in a vulnerable place of loneliness or fear. The return, or lack of, is much harder to handle. 

  So why do people just not have friends? Why do people invest in an almost assured return of nothing? One must decide that the risk is more rewarding than safety. It takes a great deal of courage to be a friend. At times I struggle in thinking I am a good one. I have to be selfless. Relationship leaves no room for  selfish ambition. Daily, I work on being strong enough to be revealed. A pleasant return one week is followed by the lack of feeling or requited love. No longer a hermit, I am crawling out of my shell.  Friendship is worth it; the belief of being worthy to have friends is too.

Currently Listening: "Jezebel" by Iron & Wine