Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

1.  This new clutch...

...because it is handy and stylish.

This coffee filter art project...

...because it was my attempt at being an elementary teacher.

 This monster...

...because kids are more creative than I am.

 This flooded street...

...because I had to walk through it and was almost swept away.

I've also been obsessed with reading this fashion blog.  Her recent wedding and wedding pictures are full of Southern charm, and I absolutely love her classy style.
And this blog of WWII-era letters.  How wonderful to have all these momentos.

Wishes

I wish that I could tan outside, pop in my headphones, read a book, and have a glass of something sweet and cold.

Lately my schedule has been busy, full of running around, to-do lists, and little gatherings. I wouldn't mind a day to relax, but between work and celebrations, the relaxation is to be surrounded by family.

And although I wish to be sitting in the sand beside a husband, 47 days doesn't seem so far away.

Last Day of School!

I have never cried on the last day of any school year.  Girls around me would wail and sniffle, but I would just sniff at the new, clean smell, give a few awkward hugs, and wander out the door.

This year is no different.  All schools apparently have the same smell on the last day.  A few girls are still sniffling (even though they will be back next year).  And later today, I will wander out the door with no regrets and a few goodbyes.

I gave all the teachers I worked with a mug and a card.  Although I was fairly anti-junior high, I feel that I have worked with some of the best in the system, and for that, I am truly grateful.

A "Hey, Boo" mug for the "To Kill a Mockingbird" teacher.
A "My Precious" mug for "The Hobbit" teacher.
A "May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor" mug for "The Hunger Games" teacher.
Two Anthropologie mugs for the ones who might not have wanted a mug of their book ("Lord of the Flies, anyone?).

Wish List

The O.G.

The O.G. | Lo and Sons

AKA "Overnight & Gym Bag." As more and more trips have been happening, and as moving is on my mind, and as I am an organized packrat, I have been looking for sleek, pocketed, efficient bags.  Although the price tag is ridiculously steep (and I will probably never own one), I am in love with the features of this particular bag.  Watching the video as it is chocked full of useful and normal items, necessary for big trips, I drool with the thought of  a sleek, fashionable bag with enough pockets to fit almost everything.  As an added bonus, the lavendar lining on the inside is gorgeous.


* Neither "Wish List" posts nor "Wish List" photographs have been endorsed by any company. I do not (currently) own any items, and all views expressed are entirely my own. 

An Underground Adventure

This time we were prepared.  During our last cave adventure, R and I practically froze as we weaved our way through the dark cave for the 30 minute tour.  Knowing this one was considerably longer, we dressed warmly for the occasion. 

Eerie lights guided us through the maze of rock, Tennessee dirt, and wooden guardrails.  Pointing out the stalactites and stalagmites, our guide was quick to elaborate on the beauty and history of the natural wonders of the cave.

Perhaps for creativity, the park has left a recreated version of a whiskey still, one of many that used to litter the recesses of the cave.  Local residents used to be able to wander in and out of the cave at their own leasure, and while some of the property has been defaced by traveling groups, there still remains bits of history, such as graffiti from the Civil War and artifacts from indigenous tribes.

And for the last part of the tour, we rode in a boat to see the cave's pond filled with fish.  Although I do hate to look at schools of fish, the underwater lights had a surreal effect on the walls of the cave as dark, big fish created shadows.

It is amazing to think what this cave had seen in all its years.  It's amazing to think of the people who wandered in and discovered its secrets.  And even more amazing is that there are still parts undiscovered.

Surprises

I've never been that good at surprises.  I like to know things, especially wonderful things, before they are scheduled to happen.  And while this frustrates some people, the anxiety is sometimes overwhelming if I know a surprise is coming.

This week has been full of surprises, some good and some bad.  And as I try to place myself in every situation, I find that I cannot foresee how I would react.  How I would feel and what I would think.  And for now, it's ok. But I pray for those people, and I know God's plan is the best plan.

But even more surprising is what I do know.  As I mentally prepare myself to leave and settle in Alabama, I'm surprised by the attachment I hold to the place I currently call home.  I am attempting to take avantage of the time left here, but I find myself shutting down before it's time to say goodbye.  I feel that is a natural reaction, but it's tough all the same.  The thought of serving in a community this June where my heart is not is frustrating and makes me angry.  I want to have my whole self in my neighborhood because I will soon be gone.  And I never thought I would be so happy where I am.  It's amazing how God knows what we need, when we need it.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This eyeshadow palette...

...because it has the perfect array of colors, and I got it way cheaper than normal price.

This stack of thank yous...

...because they are finished.

This raspberry cheesecake cookie...

...because only the BF Subway carries them it seems. Delicious.

These flowers...

...because the best types of flowers are the ones that are beautiful and you never had to plant.

This lounge chair for two...

...because I told Karl we needed it.  And we will.