Signed, Sealed, Delivered

I was laying in bed last night, unable to sleep, thinking about everything in the world, of course. I got to thinking about the idea of texting and how truly impersonal it is. I honestly don't know what made me think of all this. Maybe it's because I'm heading off to college in three short weeks and will have to find new ways to communicate with my family and friends (I can't just walk downstairs to talk with my mom or hop in the car to see my best friend anymore). I read an article somewhere that explained how texting is ruining relationships. I totally agree. Now, couples and friends text nearly all the time, leaving little to wonder about. You tend to ask, "what's up?", but then when you see that person and ask what they've been doing lately, you already know the answer. Relationships are supposed to be exciting and almost mysterious, but texting diminishes that anticipation and mystery. 

As a girl in a newly long distance relationship, texting is the only form of contact for John and I. I wouldn't trade our phone conversations for the world, but it got me thinking. What happened to writing letters? Just good, old fashioned letters. We can't put our text messages in a shoe box under our bed and read them when we get sad. You can't feel a text message in your hands. Letters are so much more personal and require actual thought. It's crazy to think that our world has become so fast paced, that we don't even have time to sit down and reflect in writing on our day. Instead, we send short and sweet text messages, hoping to just get our point across.  I guess what I'm getting at is the art of writing letters is important. In 6o years, I won't be able to look back through my phone and read some of my favorite text messages. But, I could do that with letters.

I encourage myself, as well as y'all, to write letters. Journal. Do something that requires a pen and paper. Put your phone away and actually write something for someone that they can keep for years. Get a journal and write about your day. I'll admit, I may not write everyday in my journal, but I try. The innocence and art of writing is slowing fading away... let's not lose it altogether.

The Price is Right

My Grandma and I had quite the garage sale this weekend. After a few long days cleaning out my closet and room, I was so happy to get rid of some of my old things. To be honest, I really had no idea what I was doing with this garage sale. But with the help of my sweet Gran, we got it all figured out. The weather was great and I enjoyed meeting some interesting people!

^ The only way to survive 6 a.m. mornings... good 'ol Starbucks. Ohh, I don't miss you, Lariette mornings. 

The only downside to the sale was that people will argue and argue and argue to get something for basically free. Like, um no sorry, that is worth $10.. $1 just won't work. But hey, I guess that adds to the garage sale experience! I wouldn't of had it any other way. 

Big D

Yesterday, I spent the day in Dallas with some awesome people. My mom is the coolest, and booked a room at the W for my sister's birthday, which meant that I had an excuse to hang out at the pool all day. My sweet friend Caroline came with me! We kept joking that we didn't quite belong at the W (very rich 25 year olds while we still look like we're 15...), but we tried to fit in as best we could. No one tripped, fell, slipped, or anything else embarrassing! I'd say it was a success ;) 

^ my sweet sister. Happy 22nd, Meri!

Caroline and I explored a little bit more of Dallas and stopped to eat dinner at the Truck Yard. It reminded me of Austin, with it's food trucks and overall design. There were even dogs everywhere... and a dachshund, which of course, I freaked over. Afterwards, we headed across the street to Steel City Pops. Even though the bees there were ridiculous, I would totally recommend it. It was awesome.

^strawberry popsicle. yessssss.

After a few more stops (and one to Anthropologie, of course) we headed home. It's safe to say, I was exhausted. But, I am so thankful to have days like that. It makes me excited to head off to college and spend more days exploring the city with my friends. Days spent stumbling upon cool things and eating really good food are my kind of days.

Life in the Past Week

Without John, things have been pretty boring around here. It's been one week and I already miss him like crazy. I've been trying to soak up my time at home, but I can't help getting sad at night when I'm wrapped up in a blanket, watching a movie, with no one to join me. I seriously can't wait for him to be home. 

This past week was spent by me trying to find things to do. I went dorm shopping with my momma (so fun - seriously) and hung out with my grandma. I've been painting and reading and laying out and hanging out with my mom and of course napping (I took two naps yesterday...). 

^ My July 4th was actually quite boring, but I thought I'd make a festive flag cake, just for fun. Let me tell you, freedom tastes so good. ;)

^ A few friends and I drove to Canton for some serious dorm shopping. Waking up early and driving an hour and a half was so worth it! I found the perfect pieces for my dorm and got to spend time with some of my favorite people.

^ I love these crazy animals. And they love me. I don't know what I'm going to do without them when I leave. And I don't know what they're going to do without me. As I type, Riley is nudging at my arm, most likely begging for a walk. 

^ Lately, I've been scrolling through old pictures, being all nostalgic, of course. Isn't he so handsome? This one totally made the cut for my dorm bulletin board.

Happy summer, everyone!