well, hi.

it's very easy for me to get distracted with online shopping. there seems to be a sudden overflow of elephant-themed jewelry on every website i visit, and i can't stop myself from clicking on each and every piece.. and before i know it, an hour has passed.

dernit.

today was lovely. my life, really, at the moment is lovely. i will openly admit that i have very little sense of direction and, on a good day, about ten dollars to my name. but how can i complain? how can i be anything but grateful?

i find myself very vulnerable to what each day holds for me, as every second/minute/hour unfolds, i am completely willing to go wherever it takes me. today the weather was divine and i spent some time sitting outside reading, reflecting, listening to nature. i feel very close to God when i am outdoors. sitting on the earth, something His hands have formed. listening to sounds He likes to hear- wind, birds, laughter floating in the air.

besides being vulnerable and willing to embrace life, i am learning about boundaries. the liberty that comes with just saying "no." instead of just accepting every obstacle people throw at me. i don't want to do that, you can't treat me that way, this doesn't make me happy. drawing lines in the sand for people to keep them from taking advantage of me. the beauty of growing up!!

and, if this is even possible, i am overwhelmingly grateful. as always, but even more so. i love my family so much. i would never envy anyone elses family, or wish to trade anyone's place for my own. i have an overflowing, deep life. warmth and kindness and so much joy in my family and friends. people on the outside must look at me and say, geez how did that kid get so lucky? i have no idea.

hopefully this month i'll be a more dedicated blogger. hopefully this month will be the most fulfilling, beautiful october you and i have ever had. thank you for reading.