Perseverance

Perseverance: ___________ As defined by_____. I realize now that this is something I have had to learn through all that has happened this school year, and all the years before. It is an element I have always had, but not one that has always been there. Sometimes I get lazy and I don't do as much work as I should. It is something that as you get older you realize the importance of. And while I am officially graduating, I am excited to begin work on my bachelor's degree, more excited than I ever thought. I know that University is fun, and I am SO close!

Curious when I wrote that last paragraph...I never put in the definition. Here it is: Perseverance, noun, "steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success."

Sure?

Not so sure what to write about today. I feel so good and ready and excited for the future. Much has happened to help build it over the past few months and years. I won't say exactly what that is, but it rings true today as it ever has, pursue what you seek, work towards your dreams, and be patient. A lesson my grandma taught me when I asked her. It is truly odd how things turn out and who you end up being surrounded by. Oddly enough, it usually is not who you thought. Often, the few people you say hello to, walk past in the hallway, or even hang out with as children are often the ones around you. Not to say that we have to super worried and focused, but that we take care in how we treat others and what we say to them. For sometimes to have one good friend is to have the world.

Adulthood.

It seems to be a mixture of work, family, friends, and public appearances. We want other people to think that we have our lives together, houses clean, and nice cars freshly washed. We want them to think that we don't have any problems and we always have the perfect outfit. We work our dream jobs and vacation somewhere cool every summer. We visit the Bahamas, or Iceland, or Hawaii. Caked on mascara, bright blonde bleached hair, ruining an already small intellect. Perhaps cute photos of your family, or professing your love to your husband. No, not the adulthood I dreamed of. It seems peace is gone in a world searching for it. Families don't talk or play anymore. It is no longer slip on your clothes, or your swimsuit and let's have a good time! But, slip on your perfect fitting, brand new, trendy, unique, and expensive bathing suit. Not so much, "Oh, just go off to school and study," but, "build a career, make us proud, and look good while doing it." Not so much social media, but as antisocial as it gets. Children have many troubles and issues as our world continues in a downward spiral. Perhaps that insta gram worthy top, or those carefully articulated words are not the enemy, but the fact that we do them, and they are so important to us. Perhaps we are more flawed than we ever realized. More than face tune could ever fix. But, no, we don't show the world that. We are smart, kind, intelligent, and boss.

Slip on a clean shirt, the shorts you wore yesterday, and your old tennis shoes. Eat breakfast quickly, almost quietly. Grab some water, a granola bar, and your bag for lunch. Don't forget the sunscreen. Also, read a little bit quick. Zip up the tent drink some water and we are off. No photos required, we have to eyes for that. Stories we will tell our children when they wonder what we did as kids. We will journal when we get home. It is time we left, the sun is almost up and we are burning daylight. Up the hill, through the trees, take a left. Stop, breathe, and appreciate the beauty. The fresh, bright, blue sky. The white mixed in, just ever so slightly, the soft hum of bugs, heading off for the morning. The dog smells something, it is time we set off, in pursuit of a new, pretty view. The sun is up, time for a small snack. Family friends, work, and public appearances, haven't showered in three days. Best feeling ever.

A Blog About PAPER

Paper was originally created out of papyrus by the ancient Egyptians. As time went on, it evolved to something we know now. See, in the olden days, paper was not viewed as old fashioned and stupid. No, not just something for school, or grocery lists, or wedding invitations. No, now it is more of a nuisance. Why would I write it down, when I can put it on my phone? Perhaps even paper is becoming old fashioned. But, would that not be a problem? I mean, what about the, "next generation," or even our own kids? What about the fact that paper decomposes and even the founding document of the United States is barely preserved? Or the fact that one no longer prints pictures unless it is on purpose. Or perhaps the fact that no one cares to write letters. All emails, or photographs only shared through social media. Or the fact that some would rather watch a tutorial online, than actually attend the fitness class. Or real class, for that matter. How is there not an issue in online education, online registration, or virtual reality? Or that we have no real care for people, and social media increases that problem. But, even in reading old books, or books about old times, a connection can be found. They dealt with the same issue that we do, only they did not exploit their problems on a screen, or fake their issues there too. Perhaps it has just snowballed to a time when few care for others, but prefer to care for themselves, and only now is it apparent, obvious, or visible. For a large ego was to be seen, but not so much visible later, when others could distort ones image of another, or even themselves. Only now, as I am finally reading a genre I had once abandoned, do I realize that it is the same issues, only now, the disconnect is not only a physical disconnect, but an emotional and mental one. A problem I am certain goes far beyond forcing little children to pose cute for their mum's instagram. Or ignoring the fact that diversity is more present and more important than we realize. Just like the fact that I never realized Antonio is an Italian name.

Something I realized as I read a book. A book where the girl moves to New York from Ireland, takes a job in a shop, and does evening courses in Bookkeeping, with the hope of becoming an accountant.

But, of course, it is set in the fifties. And, I have yet to finish it, only been reading it a short time.

BUCKET LIST AND JUMPING OUT OF PLANES YO

Thoughts are funny. I mean to an extent we all read each others minds. In a simple way. Not that we have that talent as people, but if we listen, our "intuition" or "gut feeling," is usually right. "What the mind believes, the mind can achieve." Which is funny, I mean, how do we even know that? How can we tell another's feeling, even when we do not know their thoughts? I suppose it would be categorized as a spiritual connection. Something, that if you know a person in the right way, in a kind, loving, respectful way, you just know. You can tell. It is a funny thing. It is beautiful. And well, truthfully, the connections we make with other people are really what make life meaningful and worthwhile. What would life be without someone to share it with, someone to mourn with. Someone to experience crazy things with. Someone to JUMP OUT OF A PLANE WITH. (Cough Cough BUCKET LIST..Sorry mom, I will be sure to wear a parachute!) But, really, life is about the people you know. The issues you get through with those people, the bonds you form with strangers and family alike.

Old Woman

She sits quietly as she listens to her grandchildren's chatter. She knows the feeling of that age, long ago, when the world seemed simple in a beautiful, innocent, free way. She knows this world is beautiful now, but in a different way. A way that has changed her. Her children know much of her, her husband more, and yet her siblings more.
Grand stories of adventures, both alone, and with her husband. She knows so much. Attending different universities. Trying unique food. Connecting with people around the world. Inspiring all that she could. She does not realize or remember every detail as freshly, but she has kept them. In a place only an idea a hundred years ago. A place her children love for all of the unique people that inhabit it and inspire others. All of the people they claim as role models. She carefully tells stories of long ago. As a child in a "broken," home. Of life with two crazy, rambunctious brothers. Of siblings she never knew she would have, but that she learned to love anyway. Of parents she only heard about in books, but never knew she would know them. Of families that are split, but just as good, if not better. For she would not know so many wonderful people, if not for them. Of changing schools. Of hobbies as a child. Of those who inspired her. Of her lovely grandmother. Of the weekends and breaks doing chores and playing with her dogs as a Senior. Her grandfather, who passed earlier, but who inspired her to pursue unique activities, and allow her brightness to shine. Of her other grandfather, still present at the end of school, who felt distant at times, but who took her on horse rides, and all of the times discussing a range of topics, inspired by his magazines. Her mother and father, though very different people, similar in enough ways to make her feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Intelligent people, she says. Both well read, college educated, and kind. Both in their own fight for justice, mercy, and goodness. And both caring enough to guide her through her dreams, and let her pursue them, with enough support. Both teaching her to work hard for what she wanted. Both able to calm her, inspire her, and help her. Both truly have her best interest at heart, as I do, and as your parents do.
Adventures, she says, are not limited to travel and wilderness, but to the people you go about daily life with. Those who inspire you, those you read about and feel connected with. Those you relate to. Those who help you through a hard time. Those who convince you to push through the hard times. And those insane enough to help create your ideas, even when they question what you are doing. Those who help you to follow God, who humbly go about their lives, in pursuit of bettering themselves, and those around them. Those around who are kind, who truly care about you, and who refuse to use you. Those who choose to be your friend, simply because they can. Those who inspire you to pursue what makes you feel good, what makes you feel better, and what makes you feel connected to God and Nature. SO, to eighty year old me, above all, pursue these things, pursue what you know, and pursue the good people in your life. So that when this day comes and you are teaching your young grandchildren, they feel nothing but love, devotion, respect, and interest. And, most importantly, follow your dreams, you will only regret it if you do not. Do your best to be kind, loving, grateful, and strong. Follow God, follow your dreams, and help others. That is all I ask. Love, your seventeen year old self. Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 1:26 AM

JUST DO IT. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

(Insert Shia Lebouf Motivational video***) I am consistently realizing that my dreams are not so far fetched, my life does have merit, and that I can pursue any dream that I have, whether "realistic," or not, whether through my eyes or another. Life is not so complicated as we let it seem. When I am fifty years old, I can have a youthful of an attitude as I have now. I can dress young, talk smart, and dream big. No matter my age. In my favorite movie, Gilbert Blythe says that, "Being smart is better than being good looking." This is a sentiment that I agree with. I do not have to spend heaps of money, or hours on end to look good to impress others. Besides, all of that powder, mascara, and lipstick comes off at the end of the day. So it really is just an illusion. I feel like confidence and intelligence will serve you better in the long run anyway, more than globs of makeup that break you out. Dreams are much like life and life is much like dreams. When I get enough sleep I consciously, or perhaps unconsciously experience some pretty school stuff. And that inspires me to pursue those things when I wake up. Because, I think about it enough subconsciously that I experience it in my dreams. Perhaps they are so far fletched after all. Perhaps I will fly tonight, just before I wake up.