Currently: December 6, 2016
Friends, picture this::
You're sitting at your kitchen table, writing a letter with words laced in nothing but love to a complete stranger — words that remind this human that despite rocky, shadowy and lonely times, they are not only loved, but also seen, worthy, valuable and brave. Now place yourself in the shoes of the person who will open your letter.
You've come home one day with a heart that has been heavy for a while to find a loved one with a bundle of letters — a bundle of letters all meant for you, written by hundreds of strangers. Letters full of encouragement and words that remind you you're not walking through this life alone. These letters express that other people want to lift up some of your burdens and love on you for the length of a piece of stationary.
Let's write some letters. Twelve, to be exact. The time for The 12 Days of Letter Writing has officially arrived, so get that stationary, your favorite pen and strings of sentences ready. We have twelve people to love on. Yesterday was the official kickoff on the More Love Letters blog and each day (until Dec. 15) will unveil another sweet soul's story. Click here to see Kat's and Ashley's stories, and keep checking back every day until Dec. 15 for another person to write to.
The holiday season can be tough. I know that, you probably know that. Loving on others can help keep our hearts a little lighter.
http://www.moreloveletters.com/12days/
PS:: I'm SO super excited to be one of the Influencers for the project, along with my writing accountability partner, Gabbie Cook -- We (along with a few other stunning ladies) will be blogging and social media blasting for MLL!!
Soooooo.... Keep it social! If you feel called to participate — maybe for all of the twelve days, or maybe for just one story that particularly tugs on your heart, write a letter. Then use #MLL12DAYS on Instagram and Twitter to share your letter and help spread the word of this beautiful mission!
Currently: November 29, 2016
Photo by Betsy Hinze
Oh man, have I had a week. I bought a car. I crammed all my things into my car. I drove to Grand Island today and picked up an apartment application. Fingers crossed I'm accepted to move in and can get all of my belongings out of my car before I start my job as the Publications Coordinator at a church on Thursday. WHEW. I have no idea what I'm doing — basically taking everything as the tiniest of baby steps because I'm sure everything will work out. RIGHT???
I'm currently nestled under twelve blankets at my friend's house (shout out to Mel for letting me crash until I can move into an apartment, my parents thank you too). A cocoon seems logical because...
Anyone else feel as if they're a baby deer slipping around on ice as we navigate this "adult" world?? I soooo want to take a break and go to a secret dinner party in the woods.
Yesterday I stumbled upon an insanely lovely lady named Betsy Hinze via the Rising Tide Society. She calls herself a wondersmith and throws artistic surprise dinner parties. She leaves invitations for hikers to find in the forest. WHAT. So up my alley. Her work makes me think of how neat a collaboration between her work and my thesis work would be. Now definitely dreaming of installing my thesis in a tree as Betsy hosts a secret dinner underneath.
I'm so glad I've connected with Betsy — she lives in Idaho and I'm in Nebraska, but we talked a bit yesterday and we're definitely interested in collaborating in the future. While I'm trying to accomplish big "adult" steps right now, I'll keep dreaming up whimsical ideas that may contribute to a future secret dinner party to keep that wonder of childhood alive.
Watch this video ::
"Sometimes I hide my invitations in the woods to be discovered by lucky hikers, sometimes I tuck them into books for people looking for answers, sometimes I have a niche community of people apply to attend... and each time, the event is completely free to them."
— Betsy Hinze
Photo by Betsy Hinze
PS :: Remember my thesis? See what I'm talkin' about? HOW NEAT WOULD A COLLABORATION BE???
Photo by Betsy Hinze
Last one. She also makes the most whimsical ceramics. Do yourself a massive favor if you're feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities and decisions — check out Betsy's work here.
Currently: November 22, 2016
Perhaps my fondest memories from my high school days come from briskly walking home with my sister so we could make it to the couch by 4:00. We had a daily date with the Gilmore Girls.
Not going to lie, I multitasked and binge watched all of the seasons in the last few months because I wanted to prepare for the four episode revival that's being released on Netflix on Friday (!!!). I'm devoting this week's blog to all thing Gilmore. Coffee. The iconic banter. Kirk.
PS :: If Luke and Lorelei don't end up married, I'm going to cocoon myself away for good. I'm entirely ready to to bawl into my coffee mug during the four 90 minute episodes.
Guilty pleasure :: Gilmore Girls quizzes.
- Click here to find out which character you are. Emmy (my lovely sister) and I both got Rory -- let me know in the comments who you are!
- This one is "The Hardest Gilmore Girls Quiz You'll Ever Take." Maybe it's not the hardest one (I got 12/12) but the questions will fill your heart a little bit.
Lessons learned from the Gilmores.
On choosing your family. On being yourself. On allowing loved ones to change and grow. On being uncool. On putting in the hard work. On not letting a difficult personality turn you away. On unapologetically eating. On hurting people who hurt you. On making your love loud and clear. On swallowing your pride. On insisting on something being what somebody else needs. On paying for mistakes. On keeping stories alive. On continuing to grow.
62 of Kirk's Jobs
Beauty shop clerk, shirt designer, security alarm installer, dog walker, Yummy Bartenders company founder, mailbox artist, filmmaker...
Please, Luke. Please, please, please.
If there's just one thing we can expect in the revival, there will be coffee. This article gives the tally of cups the Gilmores managed to get their hands on — even though Luke protested frequently! Hint :: the number is big.
JESS
There were a few things that bothered me about Jess (yeah, yeah, he was "too cool" for lots of things) but in the end, he's my favorite guy for Rory.
Currently: October 25, 2016
Coffee in the garden is one of my favorite pastimes during the crisp fall mornings. Intentionally breathing refocuses my attention for the day and I'm determined to cozy up while I can before the midwest winter hits. Today's "Currently" is all about getting warm.
H&M, $12.99
Plaid scarf
The scarf in my coffee-in-the-garden photo above is from H&M and it's perhaps the coziest scarf I've ever owned. It spans the size of a blanket so, of course, the logical thing to do is to use it as such. A blanket scarf is also a sneaky excuse to carry a "blanket" outside of my house this winter.
telegraph.co.uk
Get cosy: why we should all embrace the Danish art of 'hygge'
I'm so looking forward to my own apartment so I can transform it into the coziest sanctuary of warmth inspired by hygge... "the absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things." Wooden furniture and decor, natural lighting, candles, the softest blankets and sweaters, homemade snacks and coffee... I want to get rid of everything that doesn't make me happy or have a purpose. Anyone else want to try this with me?
Weavings
Yarn is soft, therefore weavings are soft. I'm hoping to start making a bunch of weavings of neutral colored yarns to sell for the holiday season. Finished one late last night and then started another! Stay tuned for more info because supporting artists by gifting handmade items is the way to go.
Campfire mug from Art Bar
Art Bar was my favorite place for coffee dates with sweet friends when I lived in Hastings and I'm obsessed with their campfire mugs. I might have to buy one to have coffee in and keep a piece of Hastings with me.
Currently: October 18, 2016
I will always cheer for a lady who buys herself a bouquet spotted at the market if the buds catch her eye. I was called "queen of the weeds" while working on my thesis because I carried armfuls of foraged flowers back to the studio so I could tie them into floral strands. I'm tempted to stop and look at roadside sunflowers and it would make my heart burst if I could own a flower and art store someday. But my lack of a green thumb is apparent as I cannot keep plants or succulents alive.
That said, here are some things perfect for people like me who take on the title of "plant killer." Click the headings for more info!
Lily and Val
I learned this week that it is actually possible to win Instagram giveaways! Lily and Val is shipping me this sweet print, rose gold clipboard and (fake!!!) succulent and I'm so very excited because these won't need any maintenance — I can imagine the little succulent on top of a stack of books in my future apartment. Also, Lily and Val just released their fall and holiday collection and everything screams cozy.
House Plant Cupcakes
My heart! These are almost too cute to eat. The DIY doesn't look too tricky, just make sure you don't stick on pointy cactus spikes before serving to guests.
Modcloth, $39.99
Modcloth "Get Your Chlorophyll" Pillow
As much as I love this, I can't convince myself to spend $40 on a pillow — but I'm going to keep my eye out for cactus fabric because I just might make one.
Stay Home Club, $24
Stay Home Club, $15
Stay Home Club's "All My Plants Are Dead" Tote Bag and Print
For anyone who's a little disgruntled over their lack of ability to sustain plant life, I'd recommend these products designed by Kaye Blegvad. It's okay, maybe someday we'll learn. Also, if you're a little disgruntled about anything, Stay Home Club is perfect for you. This is where I bought my basset hound shirt and patch from, so I approve.