Dearest Summer,


Today was one of those absolutely delisciously warm and breezy summery days. One of those days that you could literally just spend hours walking around outside and be completely content. Even though it was somewhat humid it wasn't too hazy, which was fine by me. My pale ghostly skin treasured being illumined by the radiant vitamin d streaming through the fluffy white clouds. It was oh so very genuinely beautiful today. The taste of herb filled Italiano in my mouth, while gazing out at the lake at the vast mountainous views that surrounded me from the outside sitting area of the ristorante. Smiling, laugh lines growing wider as they spread across my face incessantly. Sides hurting. Friendship. 3 generations of women sharing themselves with one another. 

Yes, It was just simply one of those beautiful days where the sunshine glistened off of the lovely lake waters, and everything seemed relaxed and carefree. I watched as the many shadows cascaded all around me, falling gently against all of the 360 degree mountain views that encased my being. The clouds waved hello and goodbye over and over again. It made me long for my DSLR, which sadly enough had been left at home in her dark and very lonely camera case. Laying in the vibrant green grass, feeling the warmth of the setting sun on my face. Photographs for bios. 

Next time, Summer, I shall catch you in full glory through the lens of Lila Canon. Next time. Another beautiful day to be had. I'm waiting... Le sigh. 

Summer, I think you and I are beginning to fall for one another.

A Book Scented Green Date Day

This past Saturday was so much fun. Jared drove down to visit so he could take me out on a date day. An entire date day together! Okay, so I was only a little super excited about our date day, and I still am really. Just maybe I'll tell you a little bit about our day...
{image via: weheartit.com}
1) We went to one of our favorite local used bookstores (when I say local I usually mean anywhere from 30 min.- 1 hr. drive away) and perused the heavily packed bookshelves. I had brought in a nice sized stack of my own books to trade in for store credit, sadly Mr. Greg (the bookstore owner) was away in Germany. Long story short: firstly I can't go into a bookstore without at least purchasing a book or two, and secondly with the store owner being out of the country he couldn't exactly give me any trade credit. (Sad face.) Well, better luck next time on getting trade credit I suppose. Jared and I still had a lot of fun in the used bookstore, despite my lack of trade credit.

{image via: weheartit.com}
2) After having purchased 2 books Jay and I left the bookstore and we headed towards the BIG TOWN to grab an early lunch at Applebee's. I absolutely love their 2 for $20 deals! Good thing because that's what we ended up deciding to get. Jay settled for a steak and a ginormous mound load of fries, whereas I went for the three cheese chicken penne which is always fab tasting, but never fails to leave me without a tummy ache! :( Lunch was super delicious and while filling our mouths with yum-o delights we had some fun talking about how we both envisioned the Eragon movie really going down (gosh we are such nerds!), instead of the pitiful attempt that was the Eragon movie. If you've not seen the movie or read the book yet you should definitely see the movie first, but only if you don't want to be disappointed by the movie. If you are a literary lover however I strongly recommend that you read the book first, please! ;)

3) Jared has pretty much worn out all of his Summer clothes. That said we both ended up in the Belk, at the small town mall that is in the bigger city, and scoured the racks for a good deal on some decent dungarees for my guy. I am happy to announce that the mission has been accomplished.

{image via: teenhollywood.com}

4) I had suggested to Jay that we go and see the new Green Lantern movie. (Heather from Mrs. Southern Bride and Rachel from Dove of Snow said it was a good movie. Great recommendation ladies. Thanks!) I'm really glad I did too, because we both loved it! Surprisingly enough I actually liked Green Lantern more than the new Pirates 4 movie. Shocker, I know. I pretty much shocked myself when I declared that I like Green Lantern over Pirates 4 at the end of the movie...pretty sure I shocked Jay too! The movie was full of the Classic Sci-Fi essence and a lot of quirky humor. You'll just have to go see it for yourself to understand...


5) Later on in the evening after we got back from the movies I asked my sister Mary if she'd take some photos of Jared and I together, and sweetly enough she obliged. I don't think Jared is ever too thrilled to pose for the camera, but it really means the world to me when he does. I love having my photo taken beside the guy that has my heart. Thank you for humoring me, Jay, even if you don't understand why I have the compulsive desire/need to take photos of everything in existence including your handsome face.

So, yes, that was my date day with my guy this past Saturday. It was a wonderful day! Anyone have any more creative ideas for date days? I'd love to hear them if ya got them...

Just Relax Restless Bird


{image via: weheartit.com} 
"People who won't settle down, wandering hither and yon, are like restless birds, flitting to and fro."
{Proverbs 27:8} 

I must confess to you, that I am the daughter who won't settle down in His presence without a struggle. I am the one who cannot seem to make nest where peace reigns and resides at in my heart and mind at times. I am the restless bird, flitting through life, to and fro, never knowing where to go, or how to relax within. I want to let Him show me how to relax my soul, but I strain to pull away from fears and doubts daily. My fears, they leave me restless, in a state of unrest that eats at my worm infested joy. I let my fears eat me alive, out of body and soul. It's sitting still and resting my inner self that stands against me and my sanity. Relaxation is calling...

There are many passages throughout scripture that speak of not worrying, and I am constantly reminded over and over again when I recall their precious words to mind that I am not to fear, but I am instead meant to have faith that my Heavenly Father will clothe and feed me. He wants what is best for me. I know He wants me to truly rest and relax, to cast away my fears and let Him inside. He wants to be the one to calm my restless feathered heart.

I'm sure both you and I have all of the scriptures that tell us not to fret or worry committed and memorized within our hearts and minds, but do we really ever take to heart that we are not to fret and worry? Do we see that we are indeed held in higher regard than all of the beautiful birds in the world? Should we let our fears keep our minds and hearts from taking flight, or should we release our cares and settle down in Him? I think He's calling us to relaxation, with a mind that's stayed on Him.

So what can you and I do to ensure that we don't become like the restless birds? We can meditate, pray, read scriptures, focus ourselves on becoming more Christ-like, try and clear our minds of our worries by talking to a close friend about our life issues, or we could even try our hand at decluttering our hearts by writing out our swimming emotions in a journal. Maybe writing isn't your thing though? You could try playing piano (or another instrument), painting, sewing, reading, taking photographs, walking, biking or doing anything that fills you up and relaxes you (and also invites Him in to calm you) and sends fear and restlessness out with the wind in the door where they belong, so that you can be maxed and fully relaxed, you beautiful bird you!

We are His children, who are worth far more than feathered birds! We should be care free, when in the care of God. Can we find the greatness of His peace together, and let those frenzied feathers rest for a spell? I am starting to learn that it is okay to let my mind get lost in it's many thoughts of creative chaos daily, as long as I remember to reject my fears and let my mind be stayed on Him. Only then, when He is my rock, will I find rest.

Other Scriptures For The Restless Bird: 
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds." (Matthew 6:26, MSG)

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2, NIV)

"And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward." (Daniel 12:13, MSG)