wilderwoman.

"Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I mat bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life."

-The St. Francis Prayer

You can't tell, but there is a picture of Christ behind me in this photo.

I am so grateful for him today I can't even stand it.

How blessed I am to know that I am never alone.

There is always one who completely understands what I am feeling.

I know I look like a filthy orphan in these pictures, but I assure you this is one happy, healthy girl right here. These were taken earlier this year when I was working as a field staff at a wilderness therapy program in The Grand Staircase Escalante. Best job in the world, hands down (don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the job I have now, but... seriously). I would not trade those months living and working in the wilderness for anything. It was an unforgettable experience being in the great outdoors all the time, closer to God than I ever thought possible, connecting with remarkable people and the breathtaking environment around me. Not to mention the fact that having the opportunity to help others through their recovery did wonders for my own recovery. I can't wait to go back for a visit to my favorite place next month! Wilderwoman for life!

My favorite wilderness dish. Key lime pie baked on the campfire.

Look at me. I am so cultured.

And of course... the infamous creeper face!

...I just realized that there are five pictures of JUST ME on this post. Five! How vain am I?

Monday Mugs.

Yeah, it's been a while...

I finally have a moment to breathe.

Life has been way too busy lately! I wish it would slow down a little bit!
If it isn't one thing, it's another.
I would really like a vacation.
But who wouldn't, right?
And being busy is always better than being bored... right?



It's only 9:30 am, and I already feel super productive today.
I drove Chase to work.
I went to the gym (early in the morning... miracles do happen).
I did some laundry (huge accomplishment, I know).
And I am even making time for some of this:

Only three days until the movie! I am so excited!

Yes, those are smiley face fruit snacks next to my tea... I am a classy lady.

Coincidentally, this picture illustrates two of my obsessions: candles and mugs.

I am also rather fond of reading, but I wouldn't venture to say that it is an obsession of mine.

My deep love for candles started years ago when I was in high school, but the whole mug thing started fairly recently. Maybe it has something to do with the time of year and the fact that I drink much more hot chocolate this year than I ever did before (and I drank quite a bit before... don't judge). Who knows!

But I love my cute little mug collection so far! Chase saw me lusting after this particular mug and plate combo at Target a couple of weeks ago, so of course he bought it. He is so great. This particular morning, I was an Early Bird, so it seemed fitting.  However, it is not often that I feel justified in using this mug. With my sleep schedule being the way it is lately, it generally makes more sense to use its counterpart, which I went back and purchased last week:

Adorable, I know.

Happy Monday, everyone!!!