And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
A Moveable Feast |
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And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
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Dear Twinner, It’s our birthday! Congratulations on making 20 trips around the sun! Can you believe it? Only yesterday I was tackling you for stealing my stuffed animals and hitting you over the head with them—good times. In the past two decades we have grown side by side. In recent years we’ve spent more time apart than together, but you have always been and always will be my first best friend. Together we've learned so much: Like, how to hug and smile. We have discovered the healing power of a good nap. You have taught me that sun tan lines while working hard should be eliminated at all costs (even if it means wearing a onesie while mowing). Mamma bear taught us that spaghetti is best enjoyed without utensils and in the company of others. Pop-pop helped us learn that tractors, flannels, and sunshine are essentials of life and keys to happiness. I learned that anything can be conquered with cherry Kool-Aid in hand while decked out in my Sunday best. Sundays are the best. Together we remind each other that no one is ever too old for swings—ever. We have been afforded the invaluable lesson that dolphins should be kissed with care (and pigs fed beer with laughter). Ethan showed us that there are a few things a trip to the shore can’t cure. Mamma, Stephen, and Matthew were there to help us learn that Christmas stockings (and siblings) are sacred portals to childhood and neither should be lost nor forgotten. That big gold van and trips to see family taught us that car rides (and stroller rides) without seat belts may not be the safest way to travel, but they're definitely the most fun. Aunt Patti and Bryan helped us learn that snowboarding with people to push you back up the hill makes falling down it a little more worthwhile. Stephen, Leti, Mattia, and Davide led us on trips around the world to remind us to never stop chasing the things (and people) we love. You taught me the joy in catching fireflies and the magic of baseball in the summer. We’ve collected nicknames like potato, sweet potato, pop tart, corn pop, bran muffin, and sugar plum. Obviously we have become true aficionados of breakfast food. I have taught you to love the soul-stirring stylings of Jason Mraz, and we have learned that he is even more soulful and stirring live in concert. Through volume and repetition you have introduced me to Christian-rap and we’ve traveled long distances to see your favorite artists. It has blessed me to see how much you love the kind of music that inspires great things in you. With you by my side I've learned that photo booths, fake mustaches, and big ol’ glasses go hand in hand like, well, you and me. We truly have had a wild, colorful, and crazy past 20 years and I am so grateful to have shared them with you!
As I look ahead to what the next 20 years will hold for us I see us passing many milestones--together and apart, working hard, finding love, and taking advantage of everything life is worth. I’d be a very naïve 20 year old if I thought the next chapter of our lives would occur without any bumps in the road; so, as you begin your own incredible journey into adulthood I want you to carry with you the following birthday wishes: I wish for you to find work that is honest. The kind of work that leaves you tired at night, but that inspires you in the morning to rise without moaning I wish for you to remember that you are brave in the moments when you feel weakest I wish for you to find the kind of love that makes you feel strong and safe in the same instance, and reminds that you are known, needed, and valued I wish for you to reach the understanding that beauty and value are not synonyms for one another nor should one definition suffice as the house rule. You are not valuable because you are beautiful, you are valuable because you are human, and you are beautiful because you are a creation of God. Do not let the world persuade you otherwise. I wish that as you grow up you don’t leave your childhood behind. Always look at the world with wonder and every new day as a chance to play; play often I wish for you to discover the joy of knowing that home is not one place, but many places. Home is anywhere you can find love, rest, warm food and the comfort in knowing you can fart without judgment. I wish that you make it a priority to travel. You have a wild, adventurous spirit. Do not let the illusionary constructs of a “successful” life tame it. I wish for you to be aware of your health at every dimension. We are only given one body—use yours well. I wish for you to remember that there is no shame in an active mind. Explore and challenge what you think you know. Dig deep into long held truths, and treat graciously those things you would normally approach with skepticism. I wish that even as we grow apart we continue to grow together. I wish that as you move into these next 20 years you do not tread carefully, but begin with a splash and proceed boldly. And never, ever give up. I mean it. I wish for you many, many things, but at the end of the day I really only wish for your happiness. I’ve written a lot here already, much of which may be forgotten as you soon as you hit that little red “x” at the top of the screen, so if you remember anything from what I’ve written please remember this: I know best as anyone that our first 20 years have had their low points, up hill struggles, and confusing phases, but please—I beg you—do not let what you perceive to be the sum of your mistakes define who you are and what you do in your next 20 years, because, the truth is, you have never actually made a mistake you have only afforded yourself opportunities to gain enlightenment. Use that knowledge well. I love you forever and always, Michelle "Certo io vado."
Sometimes, some words have a way of encapsulating the theme of a certain day, or a certain string of days, and even certain strings of weeks, or months. Sure, I'll go. Michy These words: “Life is too short not to have the underwear, the coffee, and the haircut you want.” "Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him. When a man is getting worse he understands his own badness less and less. A moderately bad man knows he is not very good: a thoroughly bad man thinks he is all right. This is common sense, really. You understand sleep when you are awake, not while you are sleeping. You can see mistakes in arithmetic when your mind is working properly: while you are making them you cannot see them. You can understand the nature of drunkenness when you are sober, not when you are drunk. Good people know about both good and evil: bad people do not know about either. -C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Doing: Weeding invasive plants Learning Spanish Petting sweet pups Eating chocolate Contra This song: What are you loving right now?
<3, Michy This week I learned the difference between a 2-cycle and 4-cycle engine, how to start, clean and fuel a weedwacker, and how to drive a zero-turn mower. I was also taught that good work leaves you covered in dirt, and reminded that water breaks are essential.
I can know say hello, how are you, where are you from, and where do you live in Spanish. Being reminded of my limitations in language is humbling. I have been reminded that communication is key and that, at times, conflict is crucial to community building. This week has been good. I hope your week has treated you well and that this weekend brings you rest and laughter! Much love and bermuda grass, Michy Good morning, y'all! This morning I woke up with one goal in mind: friggin' pack. But, then I found this article: Being Special Isn't So Special and I want to talk about it with you.
The article covers, mainly, why we as individuals aren't always as special as we think we are. When I first started reading the article I was like "No, I am special. I swear. My mom says so!!" but I kept reading and started to agree with him. He bases his assertion on the observation that in a world of a million blogs, worldwide Facebook users, and the opportunity at any moment to compare our lives to that of others leaves us feeling devalued and failures at not being able to achieve the life we want--or at least the life we are consistently told we should strive for. He argues that as a society we strive for earning more and more and more (the next Iphone, job promotion, or next opportunity to network), but we continue to feel like we are less and less and less valuable. And then I was like YES. His argument resonated with me for a few reasons: 1. I am growing up in a world of Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. My life is online in almost every way possible and that leads to constant comparison. 2. I'm a twin. This may seem like an odd reason, but even before I joined the world of social media my experiences, development, successes, and failures were cast against that of my brother. I became used to hearing from teachers, coaches, and friends "Wow you're nothing like your brother!" or "If he can do it why can't you?" 3. I often feel confused about how to obtain value in a world that demands value is achieved through appearance, money, and material substance. If you've ever met me I probably didn't have make-up on and you might have questioned if I even brushed my hair that morning, and for transparency's sake money is rarely a tool I can wield for gain in my day to day life. So I have to work on feeling valuable in my way, and by own standards. 3b. Let me cast a comparison against by family and high school friends (but certainly not everyone): I have carved out my own path towards higher education, and generally, in my own life. I was afforded the opportunity to travel and work for a year before going to a college that many do not even consider to be a real college. For the sake of this argument, in many ways I am not on the standard track for "success", and I try to not care what others think of the choices I've made to create my own happiness. I have to believe that I will be happy in the end—even during the times I’m told that I’ve already failed. My appreciation for this article stems from Manson's assertion that we all don't have to be CEOs, or world famous at anything, but we can all be important to our communities and valuable in smaller contexts—the contexts that matter. He recognizes that there is an innate human need to be seen and known and appreciated, but overtime we've misconstrued being known with how many "likes" we get on Facebook, and being seen if someone comments on our outfit, and being appreciated with how many universities offer us enrollment because obviously what we can offer an institution who doesn’t even know our name means we have value. Of course, I’m caught up in these modern trappings myself. I pay attention to how many hits this little blog gets, and get really self-conscious when my crooked teeth make it onto Facebook. And I’m definitely not happy with all of my experiences all of the time. When my friends who go to larger universities tell me of their larger experiences I get jealous. I wonder if I’m defective because I don’t want the latest Free People clothes or even care what brand my clothes are. Truthfully, a lot of my decisions can be traced back to the anxiousness of comparison and expectation that Manson talks about. I wish I knew a solution to breaking down a whole society worth of disillusioned success, but I don’t, and I’m hesitant to hastily subscribe to the solution Manson offers: not worrying about what others think, and embracing the simplicity of a mundane life. I think his resolution is flawed. Accountability within a community is so important. When I don’t have people in my life to remind me and nudge me in the right direction (even if that direction is just staying true to myself) I fall hard. And if a simple life was so satisfying why do droves of people literally hunger for more (Hello there, two trips to Italy). His resolutions provide options, but I refuse to accept that’s all there is. Value, I feel, is found when recognized. A warm hug from a close friend, or a silly award with your name on it—through those actions that recognize us we are told, and feel, that we are known by others and not just anyone, but by those who matter to us to. Also, know that you are great in your own right. I know that there are many times in life that we aren’t told and never hear we are valuable when we so desperately want to hear a simple “Thank you!” or “Wow what a great job!” or “I love you”. My opinions are but one of billions, but I am firm believer that you and I matter because we exist. We make a splash in this world simply by breathing. Whether you chose to agree with me or not is up to you, but I believe you were born with skills, talents, and a myriad of ways to contribute to the world around you even if that world is only ever your hometown or backyard. You are here and valuable. Do not ever forget that you matter and keep your chin up! Now, I really have to go pack. Happy Friday! Michelle xoxoxx I leave for school in a week folks and all I've accomplished is taking several selfies, making too much iced coffee, and singing along to The Avett Brothers.
Wish me luck! Michy xoxoxx (P.S. for presidential packing tips from yours truly read this post from February 2013 regarding my preparation for a trip to bella Italia) Jason Mraz + Raining Jane are the realest. (Sorry, Iggy!)
This summer I have many goals: Sleep in Work well and hard Earn ALL the cash-money Travel as often as possible Grow good food Knit cool coasters for Jessica Reconnect with old friends Stay in touch with new ones Become a person who owns more than one pair of jeans Become a blogger who actually blogs Face my fear of driving a stick shift ...and I'm sure much more. But at the end of the day--or rather the end of the summer--whether I've done all these things or not I want to live simply. I want to be filled with gratitude for this beautiful existence I call my life and I want to enjoy what I've been given now instead of worrying about things that will likely never happen. So in the spirit of Hemingway my most important goals this summer include: eating well, sharing, laughing often, and loving those who around to be loved. How will you live simply this summer? xoxox All my love (and much mid-Atlantic humidity),
Michy |
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