Growing up, I never really had much of an interest in books. The earliest memories I have of books, like many others, were of my mother and my grandmother reading to me back when I couldn’t do so myself (honestly, I asked them to even when I could). For some reason, the desire to read…

I love to write. As with anything worth having and enjoying, I have to work for it. More specifically, break through a barrier practically everytime. Not including those magical rare moments where the stars align, sheer inspiration strikes, I’m in my zone with my pen in hand or laptop in front of me, and I…

I don’t run much. Ask anyone, I hate it. For some reason, today, I woke up with the intention to get up out of bed, step out into the sunshine and, well, hit the ground runnin’. My neighborhood actually has a beautiful path by the wetlands that lights up every summer, making me constantly wonder…

Everyone has a favorite part of their look. Whether it be a purse, jewelry, or even a keychain, he or she does not and cannot leave the house without it. It’s their signature piece that has become so iconic of that individual’s style and personality. It has so much meaning to them, that it has…

Each grain, chipped away from earthly rocks by the age-old waters Your shallow shore, your perfect paradise Created by the sea’s patience and persistence The unexpected fragility of stone combined with the graceful force of the waves With ebb and flow, from stone to sand Why insist on remaining the boulder, when you could be…

April 10, 2018: Our third day in here in Amalfi, and this proud night owl and moon child woke up before her alarm yet again. It’s been happening so naturally, so organically, I almost didn’t even notice at first. I was even keeping these night owl eyes closed, hidden from the sun. Then in that…

Hi! How are you? When most people ask you that, what do you say? More importantly, do you mean it? I, personally, have developed the autopiloted, cheerful answer of “I’m good, thank you! And you?” with a large side of smiles. Some days I honestly mean it- “I’m good!” While some days, I don’t- “I’m… good.”…

When I was about 11, my family finally decided to get a swimming pool installed right in our backyard. I had taken swimming lessons in the community pool since I was maybe 6. Once you got me swimming around in the water, it took so much more than a tide or some chilly waters to…

“This world does not revolve around you.” “You are not the center of the universe.” These words have often been said and heard by many. Perhaps directed toward some who deserved it, and mentioned by others who grew tired of the selfish. Obviously, these phrases imply that the selfish person in question either behaves or…

Growing up, the big thing for girls was usually and unsurprisingly- princesses. Whether that obsession developed from movies, television, or storybooks, it was common if not expected. Often,  we would even be addressed as such. “What’s wrong, Princess?” “And how are you today, Princess?” Even today, as an adult, you can tell quite a bit…