fireflies and butterflies

sit beneath the apple tree

baby it's just you and me

flipping through the pages of our black and white history

stories of our childhood dreams and summertime fantasies

of kings and queens and angry beasts

of fireflies and butterflies taking us to castles in the orange sky

we fought the dragons, slayed the giants

sailed away through oceans blue

baby it was just me and you

photo by Mike Bailey-Gates

Rachel and the Rachels: Rollin in the Water

One of my oldest friends and her husband and brother of Rachel and the Rachels. They are amazing people and talented musicians.

Show Your Freedom Colors

So lately I've been realizing that being vulnerable with people isn't as bad as you think it will be. I've seen the freedom in this recently. I've been blessed to work out a situation with a friend in such a real and freeing way. I'm thankful that at this point in my life I can see a potentially awkward situation and laugh at the possible ways of smoothing it out. And then easily move past it and continue living in the joyful moments of my life.

We shouldn't have to hold back our feelings because it's what society says we should do. If it will hurt others keep it to yourself but also learn to throw those thoughts out. If it will make you look dumb, but may resolve the issue, then speak up. People will be so much more responsive to you when you don't sit and stew in the drama. How prideful does it make me when I choose not to be honest with someone because it will make me look bad?

Put others first. Love others more. Show others you are genuine about them and life will begin to be less complicated. Drama-free. There is freedom in knowing yourself and finding out that those who accept you for all your faults are the people that really matter in your life. So don't hold back. Don't miss an opportunity to tell someone how you feel, tell them that they are beautiful today, or that they have made a difference in your life. Be willing to laugh at yourself during the hard times and uncomfortable moments. If what you're seeking doesn't work out, then at least you'll know you tried; and that feeling always wins over regret. Don't let the way people think of you make or break you.

Thanks to my friend who let me be completely honest and let down my guard and who showed me grace in the whole situation. Thanks for being able to laugh with me over it all and put it past us.

Death In His Grave

This song elicits so many emotions in me all at once.

Thanks to my lovely friend for sharing this with me.

Happy Friday!

"There’s nothing more intimidating than that blank page staring back at you."

- Anonymous

image by Simply Hue

Boca Burgers and Soy Sausages

So I love meat. I love a good steak, a juicy burger or a tasty carne asada burrito. I’ve never considered being a vegetarian because of this reason. However, lately with my schedule I haven’t been able to work out or do much physical exercise. So eating has become more of a chore than an enjoyment. I have felt more tired and “heavy” after a meal than usual. So in my plight to get more energy I’ve decided to become a vegetarian for the month of August.

This isn’t because I think killing animals for food is wrong (sorry those of you who do, I don’t mean to offend you), it’s more because I want to see how much meat intake affects my body daily. I know it’s not good to consume too many meats and poultry dishes but I don’t know that I eat enough of it daily for it to make a difference. But this is what I’m looking to find out.

My friend is a vegetarian and when we go out it seems it’s harder for her to choose foods or restaurants because of it. This is the part I’m not looking forward to. I don’t want to be the girl who has to order a salad while everyone else orders burgers. But my body is crying out for a change and I’m listening. Starting Aug 1, I’m saying no to meat…and whatever else being a vegetarian entails.

Here’s to the month of August and trying something new. Who knows, maybe it’ll stick and I’ll be craving Boca burgers and Soy sausages for the rest of my life…

We’ll see.

We're Sorry

I hugged a man in his underwear. I think Jesus would have too.

This story moved me.