Full circle.

As I cleaned the kitchen this morning (one of my regular "chores,") I was suddenly inspired to write this post. Its been a very, very long time since I've been inspired to write anything. I think a lot of that has to do with a lack of good literature--I used to read so much, and then I would NEED to write. As I've gotten older I've switched from books to movies, and not only does that feel so less productive, I have lost my zeal to write. But more on that later.

And so with that thought, I present a comparison of the last year and the new: 2015 and 2016.

{me with my one of my beautiful besties (Rebekah) on our recent trip to Washington DC} 

2015

I traveled a lot. In general 2015 was a transit year for me. I was still getting through the emotional baggage of my "almost relationship" (you've seen me mention it here and there throughout the last couple of years.) Even though I was "way past him," there was a lot of damage done. I wasn't really seeing God showing me a "big" or promising "plan." I felt lost and discouraged. Oddly enough, random opportunities for travel and projects popped up when I least expected them. In 2015 I visited*~

• Michigan (costuming for The Wizard of Oz)
• Colorado (Wind River Ranch)
• Illinois (makeup/wardrobe for an Independent short film, Concrete Hearts) 
• Pennsylvania (an annual Regency Christmas Ball I've attended many years)
• Virginia/Washington DC (a trip planned with my sister Anna and two friends I met on the ranch)    

2016

I may travel a bit less, but I have a "goal" to meet this year. Vision and following through with goals/plans is such a satisfying feeling! Lord willing I'll be back in Colorado this summer, hopefully for a much longer stay. My life usually revolves around happenstance--whatever is thrown my way. So who knows, a lot may happen this year that I can't foresee. ;)

2015

I overcame a lot of personal conflicts. I lost friends, I gained a ton more. I also dealt with a lot of anxiety and depression--like I already mentioned, I'd lost a lot of confidence. Even though I couldn't always feel it's effects, God was gently healing me. Ok, sometimes not that gently. He pushed me into situations that were uncomfortable or awkward. My mom was hugely encouraging--she helped me out of a very dark place. As I began extending myself I began to see a huge change in my attitude, my outlook on life, and my relationship with family, friends, and God. 

{at the butterfly house at the Natural History museum, (one of the most beautiful things I've ever done! The butterflies loves my cardigan,) and the WW2 memorial with another bestie, Virginia.}

2016

I'm not perfect, but I think I've coming full-circle into the woman I truly am meant to be. Anyone who has been following my various blogs over the last, I don't know, 8-9 years? Has seen me through many changes. Of course these are just snippets of life, but I've always viewed my blog as a type of online journal. Anyhow. I've shed my coat, in a sense. I've overcome a lot of fear, and at almost 25, I  know who I am.

2015

I wasn't going anywhere with my life. I had all these hopes and dreams that I talked about constantly. As I began conquering personal battles, I began to grow. I'm independent. I know what I'm doing with my life. Nothing except for divine intervention can stop me.

2016

Besides juggling work and all that life throws at me, there are a few things on my "to do list," that I'd really like to complete this year.

1. Read more. Talked about this a little already. :P I'm going to make the most out of the local library! Right now I'm reading my first Angela Hunt book--anyone else a fan? Its been awhile, a good, long while since a book has caught my attention as much as The Awakening. Its very raw, full of detail, deep character development, a good, centered plot, lack of cheesiness, oh, and its well written. 
2. Write more.  I need a laptop (mine died a couple of years ago and I've converted to a tablet,) so I can just write. Everything. I miss it a lot more than I knew. When I started watching a lot of movies I lost my inspiration. As ironic as that sounds. Books keep my imagination alive. So I want to write. I'm not a pencil and paper kinda gal, I need a blank Word Document.
3. Serve. Serve. SERVE. Always a passion of mine, and something I got to put into action a lot more last year. This summer, if I end up back on the Wind River Ranch, I'm dedicating myself to full time ministry. 
4. Save for Europe. Yeah I've been talking about it for years. But now that I'm making decent money (waitress job vs nanny job,) I can see it finally happening. My mom has scores of family in Italy and France, and I think (maybe 2017?) its time to finally see the land of my heritage.
5. Invest. I'm all about saving and using funds wisely. But in essence, its only money. Every week I try to do something fun-- like taking my mom out to a nicer restaurant, or buying tickets to a concert next month. Practicality while taking advantage of my single life.

Those are the big ones. Might sound like a simple list, but I'm happy with it. I don't know if you can see the soul of this ramble, but I hope there are glimmers of it, between the lines. If you liked this post, leave me a comment and let me know!