ending 2013

Elm Street

Waco, Tx

I really do love these people.  I am so lucky to have so many friends who feel like family.  It is cool how a city, like Waco, can feel like your home within two years.  I remember I hated it to much when I first moved.  The word “despise” sounds so dramatic and hateful now, but I so clearly remember despising Waco.  I did not like the fact that highway 35, a concrete eyesore, ran through the whole city.  The lack of trees and the open sky made me feel strangely oppressed and hopeless.  I kind of felt I had nowhere to go.  But, I have learned the lesson that everyone learns repeatedly throughout their life… that God always provides for where He guides us.  I truly feel like Waco is home.  

It is going to be interesting, difficult and beautiful to re-learn this lesson a bunch of times throughout my life.  

the beach

Emerald Isle, 2013

I spent my fall break weekend in North Carolina.  It was much needed to be with my family.  It is cool how when all you are doing is resting, staying in the same location and being "with each other" a few scraggly days feel like a week.  

Josie

Chris

Caitlyn 

Emil

Maryville, TN

My cousin Emily is graduating from high school this year! 

Nance and Kat

Waco, TX

Lately I am learning I am not super adventurous.  Yeah, I love the outdoors  This has always led me to believe I'm some wilderness trekker.  But on my own I am just really not compelled to go all Lewis and Clark.  So I mean really explore...like find hidden treasures.  Not just the new taco truck.    Luckily I have been given me some friends to get me out of my lame-o patterns of going to the same 5 places (even if they are outside).  Nancy (pictured below) is the queen of adventure and Kat (pictured above) is always up to try new things.

 Kat Golightly

What an amazing soul!  Her name is Kathleen, not Katherine, people.  She is loyal, gentle and kind.  When I am with Kat I feel a calmness.  But yep, watch out, because she's also a little whippersnapper. Whatever that means.  I feel like I am always hearing rando stories out of this girl that crack me up.   Kat's also been around town...she's quite a trekker of the States.  Check out her pics and BEAUT watercolors on her blog.  

http://dearunremarkableme.wordpress.com/

Nancy Magana

She is the coolest.  Easy going, laid back and will laugh instantly at all your jokes with the most hefty laugh you've ever heard.  Trust me, I am not as funny as Nancy makes me feel.  She makes people feel valued for exactly who they are.  Not to mention she is a workin' machine.  Seriously, she wouldn't let you know it because she is always as relaxed as a cat on a Sunday afternoon, but this girl is so loyal to her big commitments.   Also, she has a voice that sounds like hot chocolate pouring into a mug.  Smooth...as butter. 

Her blog documents explorations into the depths of Waco, TX  

http://nlmagana.wordpress.com

www.freeasaburde.tumblr.com

Keegan and Eliza

TN, July 2013

My cousin's daughters are the cutest.