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Houses are not homes,
we’re not made of bricks and stones.
Home is you and me.

Daily Haiku on Love by Tyler Knott Gregson

“When I say, ‘I love you,’ it’s not because I want you or because I can’t have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I’ve seen your kindness and your strength. I’ve seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You’re a hell of a person.”
— Joss Whedon

Wise words from a wise man…

Please, help me down from my soap box…

I find the question, “How are you?” to be one of the most pointless questions known to man.
When you ask a person how they are, you’re not going to hear how they are.
You’ll get a “fine,” “good,” or some other vague response.
And I’m not sure why, {okay, maybe I am}but today I am absolutely and completely fed up with it.
Pardon my French, but those half hearted responses and
the question that demands them are complete and utter bullshit.
Let me back up. What I think I’m trying to say is:
Wouldn’t the world be a wonderful place if people asked
one another how they were because they really, truly cared?
Always,
L.A.

Sunday Song

Amy Winehouse. Need I say more?

Always,
L.A.

I can hear the bells…

Today via Facebook I was made aware that another one of my friends is engaged!
This makes eight weddings within the next year that I’ll be at! Ha, it all makes me feel a bit old…
{hehe & a lot like the e-card below!}

Hope your weekend’s spent blissfully relaxing & finding each little adventure life has to offer!

Always,
L.A.

{And yes, this post’s title was most definitely a Hairspray reference.}

I would like to close my eyes
       For just a minute or maybe two.
I would like to close my eyes
       And take some time to dream of you.

A note to my one day husband,

Please try not to take yourself too seriously. I’ll love you all the more for it.

Love Always,
me

Do not lose heart

I am a woman of faith, or at least I do my best to strive to be. More often than not though, I follow St. Francis of Assisi’s advice, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary use words.” But today's daily reading is kind of wonderful and I could not help but share it with you. {Long, but wonderful.}

It's from 2nd Corinthians 4:7-18:

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “ I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

No matter what we're struggling with, and no matter what tragedy the world is faced with, {today the Aurora, CO shooting comes to mind} we must not lose heart. Our God is an amazing God, and even in the midst of all the craziness, we must remember He has something truly great planned.

Always,
L.A.

If you haven’t yet, I suggest you check this guy out.

…and I promise I meant that in the least creepy way possible.

A link is attached to the photo taken from tylerknott.com. My suggested plan of action??
Click. Browse. Enjoy.

 

Happy “hump day” everybody!

Always,
L.A.

P.S. I secretly {or not so secretly anymore I suppose} find the phrase “hump day” slightly revolting…

& another quote

“She craved a presence beside her, solid. Fingertips light at the nape of her neck and a voice meeting hers in the dark. Someone who would wait with an umbrella to walk her home in the rain, and smile like sunshine when he saw her coming. Who would dance with her on her balcony, keep his promises and know her secrets, and make a tiny world wherever he was, with just her and his arms and his whisper and her trust.”
— Laini Taylor

I’ll admit it. I collect quotes in the same way others collect bottle caps or postcards.

I find their much more useful than bottle caps or postcards though,
for all those little words strung together, those words reek of life.

And in case you haven’t caught on yet,
I love life.

Always,
L.A.

“One of the most difficult things to say to another person is, I hope that you will love me for no good reason. But it is what we all want and rarely dare to say to one another – to our children, to our parents and mates, to our friends, and to strangers… no matter who we are to one another and who we are not.”
-Russell Banks

Be not ashamed of your tears

It’s okay to cry. Unfortunately, the world can be a sad place more times than not.
But no matter what, no matter how bad it hurts, you cannot let that sadness consume you.

In this world full of tragedy and unrealized potential, look for beauty in the brokenness.
In the pain find your strength. See the hope in what seems hopeless.

And never forget to keep smiling despite it all.
Keep on smiling and, as far as I’m concerned, you’ve won.

Always,
L.A.

Sunday Song

Happy Sunday everyone. No matter if how hot the sun is shining or if the rain never comes, keep on smiling your perfectly imperfect smile, you never know who might just need to see just that.

Always,
L.A.

Remember:

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And precious, so very, very precious. My heart and prayers go out for all those affected by the shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Remind those you love that you do, for we never know which breath will be our last.

Always,
L.A.

Truth

“I choke because my every day life begins too feel small compared to the expectation. And He breathes truth that a life is not made by lives saved or bellies fed or words written. To adore the one who created the Heavens and the Earth, to give thanks for who He is and all He has given, to worship and commune with Holy God, whispering in the quiet, clinging in the noise, believing in all
circumstances – this is what makes a life large.”
— Katie Davis 

 

How true this quote is.

I dream of changing the world, of doing something that, in the grand scheme of things,
really means something. But even if I change the world, accomplish every goal I’ve ever made, and lived the life I’d always wanted to, who am I to say that I’m a success?

All the power, money, and fame in the world won’t guarantee us happiness.  Being thin, smart, or beautiful won’t either. Having an amazing career, getting the promotion you’ve been working your arse off for, being the envy of your colleagues, it’s all meaningless in the end.

The world’s measure of greatness tends to be a little skewed. It’s easy to forget that.

But we must remember the truth.

Always,
L.A.

Rainy days and Audrey

Today it finally decided to rain, after almost an entire month without so much as a sprinkle. Take that drought. God, you know how much I love the rain, keep it coming.

There’s something elegant and romantic about rain. I think that’s part of why I love it. That and it reminds me of the great Audrey Hepburn in her timeless trench coat chasing after Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's. {Which also happens to be one of my all time favorite films.}

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That’s enough about our beloved Audrey for now though, for if I don’t hurry and settle into my old comfy chair with a book the rain will be gone before I can take any time to enjoy it the way I love to.

Here’s to hoping you’re all having an Audrey-esque day wherever you are, and humming Moon River, no matter what the weather may be.

Always,
L.A.

Run a 5k? Check.

Day one in the Cities: Madisyn, Baylee, myself, & Whitney

Whit & I shopping like the professionals we are {not} in the Mall of America.

St. Paul Cathedral – The gorgeous church Whit & I went to mass at Saturday night.
{We also changed in the car in the parking lot right outside
& gave the greeters a bit of a show on accident. Oops!}

Bay & I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning making team shirts for all of us.
{Go Team Kicking Ass(phalt)!}

Bay’s inner B.A. came out as she wore her sunglasses at night, and flipped off my camera.

We arrived at the fair grounds bright and early,
with Bay & I {literally} running on only three hours of sleep.

We were only four of over 19,000 who ran the Color Run in St. Paul Sunday morning!
{So. many. runners!}

The four of us looking rather clean before the race!

Bay made me run/jog the entire thing with her.
{Well, all but less than 1/4 of a k I power walked next to her.}

We finished!
{& more importantly, survived!}

Bay ended the run looking a little something like Braveheart.
{Her left contact was dyed completely blue! Ha, that’s one way to get colored contacts!}

The four of us all colored up.
{Hehe, let’s just say we got some funny looks every time
we stopped at a gas station on the way home!}

The weekend was absolutely wonderful, and the race, although definitely challenging for someone as out of shape as me, was 110% worth doing! It was a very laid back and fun experience, and I would recommend the Color Run to anyone who wants to run a 5k for the first time! The best part of the entire weekend was the emotional high I had after finishing. It’s a great feeling, knowing you can accomplish something like that.

Hope all of your weekends were just as wonderful!

Always,
L.A.

P.S. I meant to post this yesterday, but once I got home from work I crashed almost instantly and slept a whopping fourteen hours through the night!

Taking notes from Alice

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A suitable quote for the morning in which I’m going to attempt running a 5K.

If I were a contestant in the Hunger Games, the reason I would die is without a doubt my lack of speed. {Well that and I don’t possess an ounce of stealth.}

Happy Hunger Games everyone!
Err…I mean: I’ll see you on the other side!

{I know I said I was going to be optimistic about this run, but that’s the best your getting from me.}

Always,
L.A.

Off to the twin cities: Girls weekend

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Watch out Minneapolis & St. Paul! We’re headed your way!

Always,
L.A.

Never mind

A very dear friend of mine and I were having a conversation yesterday.

She's the type of woman who just has joy seeping from every pore of her body. She's kind of silly and goofy; she doesn't always think before she does one crazy thing or another. She's my kind of woman, the kind who saved me from getting lost in safe living and really helped me embrace life.

Or rather, she was. Lately she's been distant and sad.

Hmm. Sad...There's a word I never thought I'd use to describe her, but today's another day and for some reason that word fits her perfectly as of late.

My friend has been pulling away from me and from life in general for some time actually.

It was so subtle at first I didn't even notice. Not getting a call or text from her during the week was understandable. Life is busy.

But all of a sudden, she was so far away.

My very dear friend and I were having a conversation that should have happened months ago yesterday afternoon. She had just given another reason as to why we couldn't meet up for some time to come.

"True," I said, allowing her that excuse, "I just feel like if we don't talk soon though, it might be too late...ever feel like that? Like God or time has given you a deadline of sorts that most are unaware of? It's silly I know..."

"Ha not really following"

"Ha never mind."

But I am not the kind of person who can just let things go. So we ended up having a version of the conversation that should have been had some time ago. Turns out I was right about that deadline, but unfortunately I was too late.

Yesterday's conversation lead our friendship which had been stretching and splintering for longer than I realized, to break.

What a terribly sad thing, to lose a friend...especially one you still love an awful lot.

Always,
L.A.

“Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, 'What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.'

Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope.”

-Vincent Van Gogh

{via}

When I think about the future, my future at least, not much is certain, but I always picture myself, wherever I am, outside, sitting on a patio somewhere reading a book. {Although I doubt I will look as near as glamorous as the woman in this photo. But I'm okay with that.}

What about you, lovelies? How do you picture the you that will someday come to be?

Always,
L.A.

Frozen raspberries: An update of sorts

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Call me crazy, but I am absolutely in love with frozen raspberries as of late.
Can you say delicious and healthy? {And yes, I do eat them straight out of the bag. No shame.}

Remember that post about a month ago about trying to get back into shape & such??

Well these yummy little guys have sure made my journey that much easier. To keep you all updated, I’m down 11ish pounds thus far, but to be honest, it’s not really the number on the scale I care about. {Although I will admit, that is nice too.} Since I’ve decided to take control of my eating habits, I’ve just felt…better, you know?

I’m seeing muscle definition gradually return to my legs and I’ve been running a little further every day. Yes, getting up in the early morning just to put on four miles sucks something fierce, {especially for an infamous night owl and over sleeper like myself} but it’s definitely been worth it. & Even more so when my size 12 jeans and shorts are suddenly going on like cake these days. {Praise, Jesus!}

My first 5k is this weekend, {getting ready to check that bad boy off my leap list} and to say I’ve been nervous about it is an understatement, but I’ve finally just made up my mind that this, no matter how slow I may go or how many times I have to stop and walk, is going to be fun. If I die due running like only crazy people do, {because in my book, only crazy people would ever seriously run} at least I’ll die having a good time with a bunch of my girlfriends and covered in colored corn starch.

{Alright, alright- even I know I’m being melodramatic when I talk about death due to 5k, but hey everyone’s entitled to those moments.}

Always,
L.A.

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"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
- St. Francis of Assisi

Here I am writing on my old, unfortunately large laptop again. Bugger.

Always,
L.A.

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Wishes

It’s a funny thing, isn’t it?
Being content, happy even, when the things you want out of life are still very far from your reach.
But please listen to me when I say you need to live that way.

What fun is it to live constantly grasping for something out of reach?
Take things as they come.
All your worrying and wishing won’t bring them to you any faster.

Keep on wishing though.
For without wishes you’ll never have things that you’ve wished for come to you.
And isn’t that a wonderful thing?

To have your wishes come true?

Sunday Song

This video’s quality is a bit on the poor side, but this song is absolutely amazing. Seriously, it gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it. Enjoy! Hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend!

Always,
L.A.

Thank my brother for this

My younger {but by no means little} 14 year old brother Cole showed me this video. Forgive me if you don’t find it even mildly entertaining. Cole quotes it all the time, which is exceptionally funny, especially now that he’s recently become {like as of today} an Old Spice user himself. Haha, love. that. boy.

Always, L.A.

PS: This picture shows Cole & Mattea {my 9 year old sister} in action. They’re pretty funny.

To the wonderful man who I will grow old with,

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It’s moments like this, with the sunroof open and the breeze whipping through my hair, in the company of truly lovely friendship, that I am content. Content that I am where I am, right at the very moment I find myself in.

I can’t wait to meet you, I really can’t, but before we start the rest of our lives together, can I just enjoy the freedom that comes with not knowing where life is going? This time of uncertainty, beautiful uncertainty?

I used to be a girl, waiting for her prince charming to come to the rescue, but I'm not that girl anymore. You don't have to rescue me. I'm happy, wonderfully and genuinely happy now, right where I’m at. And while I would love some company to revel in the joy of being content with all that God has given me, I can wait.

Now, a year into my college experience, I realize that it would not have been right for me to meet you some time ago, when I wanted to oh so terribly. I wasn't ready. I've grown so much in the past year, hell in the last six months, it's unbelievable. Someday, on a lunch date or something of the like, I’m sure I’ll tell you about it all.

For now though, I'm learning, slowly but surely, how to be patient. {Emphasis on the slowly.} God grant me patience as I do my best to figure out this life I've been given, without you here to help guide my plans.

But, whether it's a day, week, year, or years before we meet, know this:
Even at this very moment, wherever you are on this crazy journey we call life,
I love you.

Always,
L.A.

Me: Just another silly dreamer

Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever quite had a “light bulb moment” until now.

I’m changing the name & URL of my blog. “Just Another Silly Dreamer” I shall be.
That name. It’s me.

I’ve never felt quite at home where I’m at now; I’ve felt kind of sub-par. This sub-par feeling has been nagging and nagging at me and my inner perfectionist. But I am about to change all that.

So here I am world. Take a look at me.

Always,
L.A.

"If God had granted all the silly prayers I've made in my life, where should I be now?"
-C.S. Lewis 

How does one celebrate Independence Day the right way?? How about by starting a good ole grass fire that the fire department has to put out? Only my family...

Ha, let's just say I hope your 4th of July was slightly less eventful!

Always,
L.A.

Thinking of you

Some nights I find myself wishing to meet the person whose hand is the hand that’s meant to always hold mine, through good times and bad. The person whose spaces between their fingers are meant to be filled by mine.

Whoever & wherever you are, I can’t wait to finally meet you. Someday…

Always,
L.A.

Note to self:
Invest in a small notebook that can be kept in your purse at all times, so that whenever inspiration strikes you're prepared. That way you don't have to do your best to type it into a note on your phone, a note that can very easily be erased by the accidental push of a button.

These are the days I hate get unbelievably frustrated with technology.

Always,
L.A.

To change the world

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Yesterday while playing "The Ungame" for the first time ever, I was faced with a very powerful question: What is your greatest fear?

One of the girls I was playing with said she was afraid of dying young.

My greatest fear though, is not dying young, although that, without a doubt, is a tragedy.

My greatest fear is that I will die without really living. That I will check out of this life God has given me without having done anything of significance. In my "About me" I say something about wanting to change the world for the better. That is just as true now as it ever was. No matter what career path I'm contemplating at the moment.

I do want to change the world. All of it. Part of it. Some of it.
And all for the better.

Even if it's just one person's world, just one person's life whose a little bit better after meeting me.

In the end, that's what I want.

If I do that, I succeed. I fight the lies that the world feeds us, that one voice will never be enough, and I win the dreamer's victory.

And to die without accomplishing this? That is my greatest fear.

Always,
L.A.

Sunday Song

I don’t know what it is about summer, but it just makes me crave a good country song. All you Josh Turner lovers, this one goes out to you. (Doesn’t his voice just make you swoon?)

 

Always,

L.A.