contemplation and adventure. that’s how i roll.

computer in my lap. blanket covering my legs, with my toes peeking out (’cause my feet always get hot). a single candle burning on the kitchen island emitting a cinnamon-y autumn smell and a soft glow. rain pouring down outside. cloudy morning darkness. a cup of coffee, of course. and a cozy, autumn playlist perfect for the mood.

i am basking in this first day of my 39th year. a year that i believe will be marked by contemplation and love and adventure. last year my love gave me my moleskin journal, some colorful pens, a funky, amazing camera strap. and what did i do with those gifts? i spent the year taking photos, writing, and coming the the conclusion, the complete understanding, of what my dreams truly are. and i used those gifts she gave me to chronicle a very important, transitional ,and amazing year – filled with deep heartache and extreme joy. excitement, confusion, fear, and amazement. a year that ultimately ended in experiencing dreams coming true.

yesterday, my love gave me mala beads (buddhist meditation beads), a gift card to a bookstore, fingerless gloves, and a tent with the a special note attached. last year, lina’s gifts to me were like a prophecy of my year. they were perfect. and so, i believe that this year’s gifts are the same. hence, my understanding of this next year to be one filled with contemplation and love and adventure.

it was a quiet, simple, and very meaningful birthday. and it was perfect.

SWEET MESSAGES FROM MY PARENTS.

AN INSTAGRAM CHECK WHEN I WOKE UP… AND THIS IS WHAT I RECEIVED. WHAT A FUN AND AWESOME MESSAGE FROM MY SWEET AUSTRALIAN FRIEND, ASH!

AND TO START MY MORNING OFF RIGHT, I TURNED ON THIS SONG. SNUGGLED UNDER THE COVERS. AND LET IT ALL SOAK IN… NOW I’M READY TO CELEBRATE!

MY LOVE CAME IN SINGING AND  BROUGHT ME BREAKFAST IN BED, FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL SWEDISH WAS WE USUALLY CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS. SOON AFTER, I HAD A MAJOR HOMESICK MOMENT FOR SWEDEN. CRAZY, HUH?

TIME FOR PRESENTS!!

LOOKY WHAT I GOT! MEDITATION BEADS, GLOVES, A GIFT CARD TO FEED MY BOOK NEEDS, AND A TENT!! WHO’S UP FOR A ROAD TRIP?!

LET THE BIRTHDAY FIKA COMMENCE! SUNNY DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE.

AFTER AN AFTERNOON OF WRITING, PLANNING, NAPPING, AND SITTING – ALL ON MY BALCONY, MY LOVE & MY BROTHER TOOK ME OUT TO DINNER. MY ONLY STIPULATION WAS THAT I WANTED TO BE OUTSIDE. AND THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. THESE WERE MY FAVORITE COLORS YESTERDAY.

YEP. 39 FEELS PRETTY AMAZING. AND I FEEL OVERWHELMINGLY BLESSED.

One comes of it, love it, love it
Let go of it, love comes from it
We’re not of this world for long
Faith and promise keep me honest
When starvation falls upon us
Daylight told me here I’d be
Gone with cold words spoke among hers
Wretched in the tongue of their world
We’re not of that world at all, we will never be
Wouldnt it be fine to stand
Behind the words we say
In the best of times
Oh, and you and I know all too well
About the hell and paradise
Right here on earth
Keep it, use it, build it, move it
Flames cant touch how time will prove it
Watch us fly as loud as we can
Let her heartbeat change what I am now
Wouldnt it be fine to stand
Behind the words we say
In the best of times
Oh, and you and I know all too well
About the hell and paradise
Right here on earth
– Avett Brothers 

now, it’s time to get started on my 52 to 40! peace and love.