December’s last breath

a final exhale

drifts off in the wind

scattering memories like ashes

to be visited once again

the blue sky fades away

and everything becomes new

another year is born

from December’s last breath

The new year is on its way, and I think most of us can agree that leaving 2020 behind is quite a relief. Looking back, it is astounding how much can change in a matter of months, weeks, and even a day. To be honest, I learned more this year than I ever imagined, but I grew so much stronger through every fear, uncertainty, hurt, and disappointment. Although it is easy to focus on everything that went wrong, it is important to remember all the things that went right like welcoming my baby brother into the world, moving to a beautiful new house, graduating high school, and attending a university honor’s program. Overall, I feel like this year helped me become a better version of myself, and I am grateful for all of the things that I learned despite the hard times.

One of my resolutions for 2021 is making the conscious effort to write more even if it is only once a week or so. I do not intend to force words on a page, but I know that reminding myself to frequently write (even in a personal journal) will help me become more in sync with my thoughts and emotions…Writing always use to be the thing that I would revert to when things got hard, but I definitely didn’t do that this year which only made things harder. Nonetheless, I want to continue to improve my writing, so I think becoming more active is a great resolution.

That being said, I wrote a little free verse poem in honor of the coming year that I hope you find enjoyable… Here is to new beginnings, and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Adventure

Hello again. I know it is a little late, but I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas! I spent my week visiting with family almost twelve hours from home, so it was really special because we don’t get to see them very often. I am also thankful that I was able to be there to celebrate three big birthdays this year! This was actually the first winter that we have ever traveled to that part of the country, and the weather couldn’t have been any better. Though it was much colder than it was back home, it didn’t approach the sub-zero temperatures that we were expecting. Everyone kept telling us that it was unseasonably mild, so we were lucky that we could actually enjoy ourselves at this time of the year.

I also ate one of the biggest sandwiches that I have ever had at Primanti Bros. It was delicious, but it was ginormous; I have no idea how I was able to fit it into my mouth. I think my favorite part of the trip has to be snow-tubing with my cousins because I loved the adrenaline rush of racing down those tall, icy slopes. From snowman building to ordering a table-for-twenty dinner, we all had a really great time, and we certainly filled this Christmas with many memories.

Have you traveled anywhere recently? How was your holiday? I am super behind on the Reader, but I will try to catch up to some of your posts within the next few days. Thanks for reading!

musings and music// 12-17-19

Lights decorate rooftops and illuminate the streets to transform an ordinary town into a magical wonderland. Children add the finishing touches to their snowmen, and roads become busy with travelers who eagerly head home for the holidays. Loved ones gather around the fireplace as warm cookies are munched, and special memories are made in the heart of December.

---

I cannot believe that Christmas is only eight days away, and 2020 is right around the corner. This year really flew by, and I am shocked that this month is already halfway over. That being said, I hope you enjoy this month’s playlist, and happy holidays from my family to yours!

• A New York Christmas by Rob Thomas
• Carol of the Bells by John Williams
• This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
• It Must Be Christmas by Chris Young
• White Christmas by The Drifters
• Linus And Lucy by Vince Guaraldi Trio
• Candy Cane Lane by Sia
• Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson

What is your favorite Christmas song? Do you have any exciting plans coming up? What do you love about this time of year? Thanks for reading, and be sure to not miss my next post for a special treat.

Skating into Finals

I had such a great time ice-skating today with my bestie! It is such an accomplishment to be able to say that neither of us fell, but I have to admit that I came pretty close a few times. This afternoon allowed me to release some of the stress that has been overwhelming me and just have fun before finals week. In just a few days, this semester will be over, and the college will be closed until after the new year.

We just have to get through this long week of exams first… Here we go!

Nutcracker Casting 2018!

A few days ago, the casting for this year’s production of The Nutcracker was released. My friends and I had been discussing the possibilities for weeks now, and we had all been anxiously waiting to find out if our predictions were accurate.. I have been cast as a maid, the snow queen, and marzipan. I had never imagined that I would have been selected for these roles, and I am incredibly thankful.

The enchanted forest of snow has always been one of my favorite scenes out of the entire ballet, and I am absolutely honored to have been cast as the queen. I had always hoped that I would perform marzipan someday, but I never expected it to be so soon…

My very first rehearsal is Tuesday. Wish me luck! 🙂

Darkness

“Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.”

~Madeline L’Engle

In late December, I did a photo shoot with the incredible photographer, Richard Jean- Louis. It was such a fun experience, and I am glad that I am able to share more of this shoot with all of you. If you like this, be sure to check out my previous post Standards.

Photo Credits: Richard Jean- Louis

Standards

“I can’t control your behavior;

nor do I want that burden…

but I will not apologize for

refusing to be disrespected,

to be lied to, or to be mistreated.

I have standards; step up or step out.”

~Steve Maraboli

This is such a great quote, so I figured that I would post it with this great photo! This was taken a week ago during a photo shoot with the wonderful photographer, Richard Jean-Louis! I am looking forward to continue working with him in the future, and I am excited to share more of this shoot very shortly!

Photo Credits: Richard Jean- Louis

5 DAYS & Winter Break

It is now official… Winter break has arrived, and it will be 2018 the next time that those studio doors will open. To celebrate the holidays, we played “Secret Santa” and exchanged anonymous gifts with each other. I just want to take a second to thank my Secret Santa, whoever you are, for the incredible peppermint chocolates and adorable coffee mug that you have given me. 🙂 I LOVE IT! I wish all of my friends a wonderful winter break, and I am looking forward to seeing you all again when we return. It has been a great year, and I am excited to see what the rest of this season has to offer. Happy Holidays!

THERE ARE ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

The Snowman Tag

Christmas is getting closer, and that means holiday themed nominations and tags are going around the blogging community!! This tag, in particular, was created by https://elatedbooks.wordpress.com/ . One of my incredible followers from https://dreamingofguatemala.com/ nominated me, and I will gladly participate!

Rules:

• Credit (ElatedBooks) with a link
• Answer all questions
• Nominate as many people as you want, spread the Christmas cheer!

___________________________

Body: How many snowmen have you made? Feel free to share some memories!

I don’t even know! It may sound childish, but I make a snowman with my family whenever there is snow on the ground (big or small). We actually made two just a few days ago! 🙂

Head: What’s your favorite Christmas memory?

I have A LOT of great Christmas memories, but I would have to admit that last weekend was the most snow that I have ever seen in my entire life! I will never forget how incredible it felt to walk outside to over a foot of snow crunching under my feet…

Carrot nose: What’s your favorite vegetable for Christmas dinner/ whatever you eat on this day? 

I love it when my mom makes baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows and cinnamon! It is a family favorite…

Buttons: If you have a Christmas jumper, what does it look like?

Unfortunately, I do not own a Christmas jumper. Sorry!

Stone Smile: What makes you smile the most at winter?

My family and friends bring such great joy to me, and they always make me so happy around the holidays.

Stone eyes: What do you have to watch at Christmas? (This could be a movie, TV show, or even an advert!)

There are so many movies that I watch each year at Christmas time, but Home Alone and The Polar Express are always the first two that I watch. 

Twig arms: Have you ever done any snow angels?

Absolutely!!

Gloves: What’s your tactic in a snowball fight?

I don’t really have one!

Hat: What kind of hat do you have?

I have a hat that my mother knitted for me a few years ago, and it is super warm!

Scarf: What’s your favorite Christmas preparation?

I love decorating the house and putting the ornaments on the tree! I look forward to this every year…

I had a great time participating in this tag, and I am so thankful that Maggie nominated me! I nominate all of my awesome readers to enjoy this special holiday tag (if they wish), and I invite them to place the link to their post in the comments section so that we can read their responses. I hope that you all have fun with this!

Snowy Saturday

Today, we have over a foot of snow!

It is a pain, but it is so pretty though.

With snow up to my knees,

we don’t have many days like these.

When the flurrying powder covers everything in white,

I am finally experiencing the Christmas delight.

Snowman creating.

Cookie baking.

This is the best Christmas in the making.

~Maysa

It has been a snowy Saturday morning, as the snow continues to fall from the heavens. We now have over a foot of snow on the ground, and we are watching that number continue to grow.

It is truly a Marshmallow world, you guys. Stay warm and safe this magical weekend! 🙂