Precious.

If a sleeping kitten isn't the sweetest thing ever, I don't know what is. Seriously. Maybe two sleeping kittens?

With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

This song found me when I needed to hear it most. When life was getting me down and I felt like things just wouldn't get better, I had lost all hope. And hope was exactly what this song gave me. It recently popped up in my iTunes again and I felt that same comfort that it had given me the first time. This song reminds us that suffering is everywhere, but life is beautiful and even in the darkest depths of winter there is promise of a new beginning. The chorus still gives me chills and I believe are the most inspiring words I've ever heard. Amen Marcus, amen.

"And there will come a time, you'll see
With no more tears and love will not break your heart,
but dismiss your fears
Get over your hill and see what you find there
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair"

P.s. this isn't the official music video but isn't it wonderful?

Bridges...and more bridges

Speaking of road trips, this weekend the parents and I took a road trip to see the covered bridge festival in Parke County, Indiana. It was magnificent, breathtaking, and oh so refreshing to get away for a night.

See, when I was growing up my parents had never taken my sister and I on random vacations so road trips were completely foreign to me. My dad has never been someone to just hit the road and see where the wind takes us! He is meticulous at planning exactly where we'll be down to the minute, which route to take, how many gas stops there'll be, including which parking spot is best! Okay so that may be an exaggeration (well, a slight exaggeration), but honestly there's no messing around with him. He has a purpose and doesn't like to dilly-dally along the way. I, of course, am the exact opposite and very prone to wandering (which he hates, by the way). So you can imagine my extreme shock when I suggested a fall excursion for the weekend and he went along with it!

Parke County, Indiana has a festival every year to celebrate their covered bridges. Each town sets up their own unique arts and crafts, while visitors drive from bridge to bridge through incredible scenery, stopping in town along the way. It really is an amazing experience and the fall colors will have you in awe. We did take this trip right in the midst of the busiest time of the year for me, and although I was stressed beyond belief, it was exactly what I needed to get my head straight.

 

The first covered bridge we drove through.

A visit to Turkey Run.

We came across an adorable little boxer who insisted on playing a game of troll. He was the troll and we were the unsuspecting travelers waiting to pass his bridge. After much barking, tire biting, and chasing of our car, he finally stepped aside to let us pass.

Bridgeton mill is the oldest continuously operating mill in Indiana. They make all of their flour there and the pumpkin bread was to die for!

Bridgeton had an adorable selection of crafts and antique shops.

The first day was cloudy and rainy, but the colors were beautiful nonetheless.

The haunted bridge was perhaps my favorite. I'm a total sucker for anything with a lot of history behind it and this bridge did give off an eerie atmosphere.

Plus that's where we found this little darlin'. I wanted to wrap her up and take her with us. I'm convinced she was there to protect any passersby from haunted spirits.

After day two of our getaway, we visited my sister at college and headed home later that night. Sorry for the long, rambly post, but I thought I'd share our mini vacation with you.

What do you do to refresh your mind?

I live for road trips

Seriously, there is just something about hitting the road with a map in hand and no particular destination that is so exciting. Sometimes when life is getting crazy, all you need is to pack up and leave home for a while (even if it's just a day trip) to really clear your head. I promise you will always come back refreshed and ready to take on the world again. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed, I feel that if I just crank up my ipod and drive, life really slows down and I can appreciate the world we live in. So have an adventure, explore new places, notice the beauty that is all around you, and just be.

"But why think about that when all the golden lands ahead of you and all kinds of unforeseen events wait lurking to surprise you and make you glad you're alive to see?" -Jack Kerouac

Today, I am excited...

Well, I admit I am excited most days, but today I am especially excited! Can you guess why?

Because my friends, I found this....

...and that means autumn is right around the river bend. And autumn is by far the most superior of all the seasons. I'm trying not to think about the fact that I am working 72 hours a week, including classes and both my jobs. Instead I'll try to focus on crisp, cozy nights by the campfire, autumn sweaters, magnificent colors, warm drinks, and layers, layers layers...

Yes, these are things that will keep me sane through the long hours and late nights.

 What's your favorite thing about autumn? I hope you all are having the loveliest September!

I might be insane...or something

Tomorrow I am waking up at 5 AM to drive with a close friend five hours to Iowa for a concert. I also have to be at work at 6:30 AM on Sunday, which means I need to drive another five hours to get home in the same day. That, my friends, is dedication. Now which band you may ask am I so dedicated to that I would endure 10 hours of driving and practically no sleep?

Hanson.

Yep, you heard that right. That Hanson. Mmmbop and all.

But, seriously, before you judge I urge you to check out some of their newer stuff. They are legit. Although, I do admit that my love for them mostly stems from my 90's fangirl days. Zac will always and forever be my first love.

 

credit

So yes I may be slightly insane, but after all the summer is winding down and life's all about adventures right?

Here's a song from their newest album...

 and just for fun, here's one of my personal favorites :)

23.

Today marks my 23rd birthday. It has not been an easy year, that's for sure.

It has been full of heartbreak, failure, and feelings of hopelessness.

But along with the hopelessness and despair, there have also been moments of joy, laughter, and beautiful blue skies.
If this year has taught me anything, it's that even in the darkest hours, I am strong enough to overcome whatever life throws my way.

And the sun will come again.