January 12-27

It's a longer post than usual, my friends. Grab a coffee or hot cocoa and settle in. ♥

January 12

On the topic of coffee, it is wonderful. On the topic of tea, also wonderful. I can, indeed, confirm that $11 does buy happiness, or, at least, a couple of refreshing drinks in a hipster environment.

January 13

Fun fact, what would it be like to dye (part of) my hair blue? Like, bright blue? What about a nose piercing? WHAT SAY YOU? I don't know, I've never dyed my hair before. And maybe I never will. But blue, though.

January 14

A Monday that didn't know it was a Monday. The best kind!

January 16

Didn't write yesterday, oh well. "Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place." - Rumi

January 17

Ran 3+ miles tonight under the stars and I really needed it. Super refreshing!

January 18

The day I drove off with my coffee mug still on the roof of my car. RIP. (Gone, but not forgotten.)

January 19

I woke up with a song in my head and haven't even left bed yet. Going to transcribe the melody.

January 20

Dad is reading the Harry Potter series for the first time and he randomly busts out with laughter and comments about how large Hagrid is and how mean Uncle Vernon is and it's kind of my favorite thing!

January 21

Went back to the place in the forest that felt like a dream. Staring up as the pines breathed back their thanks to God.

January 22

A lot of little blessings today and another fun run, feeling really into running again.

January 23

Was taken hostage by a late-night craving for mac and cheese yesterday so had to #MakeItHappen for today's dinner. Cuz sometimes, ya just gotta.

January 24

"That Neville kid can't keep track of his toad. Come on." - A quality update from my father, whilst reading the Harry Potter series for the first time

January 26

RIP Jan. 25, never to be written about in Ye Olde Journal. The highlight of the day was most definitely getting 2 books, 4 magazines and 1 album for $2.50 at the library book sale.

January 27

It happens faster than you expect and almost overnight. This is what it feels like, I tell myself. Write this down. Remember now so you can look back.

I just have to say thank you to everyone who takes the time to read these silly little updates. When I started this blog back in September, I was very nervous about sharing candid thoughts, but it has become something I truly enjoy and knowing that I will be posting them pushes me to be more creative about remembering each day. So thanks to you for reading! I really feel blessed that anyone would take the time. 

December 31-January 11

Note: This is what the notebook I write these daily entries in looks like! She was given to me as a gift for my birthday and remains nameless. Do people even name their journals? I DIGRESS.

December 31

Couldn't be more blessed as we enter a new year. Every hard moment has led me to the forthcoming newness of 2019, and it's EXCITING. In a way, I feel like the new year started for me back in September when I turned 25. Since then, things have been different, and in a good way.

January 1

This evening on a walk I heard someone blasting "Love Train" on stereo speakers inside their house, and I couldn't sum up my vision for the new year more.

January 2

Haven't sang with the sister in so long but we picked up a song with my dad [on] piano and had a mini jam session. I forgot how full it makes me feel, the life it brings to a house at 10 at night. If I could bottle it, it wouldn't come close to the real thing.

January 3

What I'm really ready for is that feeling of Friday morning and knowing Saturday is the next day and that no matter what, the day ends in a weekend.

January 6

Haven't written in a few days but that's because I've been so tired and enjoying these early 2019 days. I feel exceedingly grateful for the month/year I've had already.

January 7

Song of the Day: "Spoonful" by Grizfolk. DANG!

January 8

Today I realized just how much I need to rest. So much has happened already in 2019, exciting stuff, but I need to rest up. I thought about how my word for this month on my blog is Nourishment and how I need to nourish my body to be able to rest, recharge and properly enjoy each day. I feel I could say more, might post about this for NOURISH, but I may sleep instead.

January 9

Song in My Head: "99" by Barns Courtney.

January 11

Didn't write yesterday. Today, overheard from a little girl irate in the park: "It's just another place I have to go." Same, girl, same. #HermitsForLife

December 23-30

December 24

Totally forgot to write yesterday. Today was a long, full day. Before we left for the Christmas Eve party, I edited photos in Lightroom and read a little and braved the busy aisles of Publix to get sushi (worth it). Good to see Jordan and Jack, Daisy, everyone.

December 25

A calming kind of Christmas. I ran to some podcasts before the world woke up, then cocoa and gifts with the fam in my flannel Christmas pants (WOOP). A double nap day.

December 26

Christmas is over and things are starting to feel normal again.

December 27

Really excited about a project coming up on the blog. Took the morning to unplug and write by hand, read my Bible. John 3:17 is on my heart. I still have days left of break and can't wait to see what God does with the time.

December 29

Didn't get to write yesterday! But this morning I got to run and feel cleansed. I ran to an old Rookie podcast interview with George Saunders, whom I've yet to read. He had great advice, specifically about taking it phrase by phrase when editing and avoiding cheesy or overly sentimental writing. WHICH, YO, I STRUGGLE WITH.

December 30

Really can't believe 2018 is already drawing to a close, but it's been a perfect end to a crazy year.

December 17-22

December 17

In the new year, I want to be all about instruments, movement. Writing my blog posts in a notebook and then transferring them. I want to listen to podcasts on my walk breaks and on the way to work. I think good things are in store.

December 18

A Happy Erin (A Guide):

• Writes
• Podcasts and walks and drives
• Prays for others
• Runs!!!
• Unplugs by 7 pm
• Is content with what she has

December 19

I think now that the year is winding down I'm getting semi-anxious at the prospect of free time. Very tired. But Christmas is almost here!

December 20

I can't believe it's 5 days until Christmas. Today kicked off my vacation so I'm stoked. I've been listening to a lot of podcasts, and most of them discuss writing, so I'm inspired. I hope this break is full of all the peace I need to stay creative, compassionate, motivated for the new year.

December 21

Got coffee with Jordo, K and Daisy and had real, gritty, genuine convo. Kay and I went out after to pick up a few more gifts and later went to the park and the library. Fun was had!

December 22

Got to catch up with Sophie today at the coffee shop. We had such great conversation and I've missed her.

December 9-16

December 9

A lazy day after a busy weekend. Mumford and Sons' "Delta" is the jam.

December 10

Had a really awesome day because I started it with a lot of prayer on the ride to work, which helps replace anxiety.

December 12 

OMW I forgot to write yesterday. Like at all. I am overwhelmed. I need a quiet place in the woods where all I say all day is hello to the coffee shop barista. That is all.

December 14

OMW I forgot to write again. I've had a lot on my mind so it's ironic. But even though I've been thinking a lot and doing a lot, I'm grateful because tonight I got to go to an Anberlin concert with my sister and my best friend.

December 15

Woke up tired after the concert but relieved to be able to sleep in and drink coffee and write and wear my new Anberlin sweatshirt. It's one of those days where I read blogs and feel so inspired by the beyond-sweet blogging community and marvel at all these wonderful creators and writers who get it, all around the country and even the world. It lights me up, I love it.

December 16

Sleepy this a.m., but still made it out to church. One of those services that makes your eyes well up and realize how good God is. Looking forward to 2019 and how the Lord might use me. So grateful for grace and the reminder that we can't (and don't have to) do it on our own.