morning thunderstorm

Waking up to a thunderstorm this morning brought me back to Sunday afternoon.

We got caught in the rain as we were buckling on the covers for the boat. We ran along the dock and dirt path as the rain pelted our bare backs. It was humid and the skies were grey but our smiles triumphed the storm. We stayed outdoors and stood in the rain; it hit us hard and fast as our laughter continued to echo throughout the area. The cold rain woke us up, cooled our hot skin and fed us energy to run around some more. Standing on the porch, we breathed in the dirt and the earthy scent that rose from the ground. Everything was alive as we watched the rain slide easily down our arms, hair, bodies.  And with heavy breaths we tiptoed back through the doors, dripping, but filled with serenity and content.

Being twenty, I have never purposely stood in the middle of a heavy rainfall. But I had never felt so alive and at peace with myself—I absolutely loved it.

-t

Cottage Weekend

Here are a few photos from the cottage. I could not have been more privileged to have had the opportunity to surround myself with such great people for an entire weekend.


-t

weekend update post

I already miss waking up to silence and simplicity.

This past weekend was mind-opening. I discovered a little bit more about social interaction and how easy it is for me to slip into the background to become the observer. I do not show enthusiasm the same way most of my friends do; I absorb and keep everything to myself when I am in the moment. There is no screaming or laughing loudly—just a smile and acceptance.

Late Saturday night we decided to go for a swim in the river. It was pitch black and when we looked up, stars were sprawled across the dark canvas of a sky. It was beautiful. Breathing in deep, the aroma of trees, fresh lake water and burnt coal filled our lungs. We felt invincible. We stripped down and all jumped in; some from the dock and some from the back of the boat. It was glorious to hear the splashes—we broke the midnight silence. We all crawled out of the lake and tore off our bikinis and swim trunks. We were born again. The water was cold and the air was humid. It was one blessing as we all jumped into the water again and again, and again. The water glistened in the moonlight as our bare bodies glided through the water.

I truly lived this weekend.

(pictures to come)

-t