4th of July, 2020

Hola,

I hope you guys had a fantastic 4th of July!

The Fourth is my family’s biggest celebration, and we typically host a huge party with friends and neighbors. This year was quite different, however, but we still had a great time! Although the pandemic took away our party, it did not take away our annual firework show… Every year, neighbors contribute to a massive firework pile that never fails to blow me away (literally).

There is something special about that burst of color against the night sky, and I look forward to it every single year. As firecrackers, sparklers, and fireworks filled the night, all of my worries kind of faded away, and I was able to truly live in the moment. I especially needed that this year, so it was awesome! How did you celebrate?

Happy Independence Day 2020!

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Not Alone

I never expected 2020 to accompany one of the greatest pandemics that has ever faced the world… I don’t think any of us saw this coming on January 1st when fireworks and streamers lit up the sky to celebrate the new year. Merely three months later, schools are closed, businesses are shutting their doors, grocery stores are almost empty, and people are in self-quarantine to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading any further.

It is okay to be afraid during a time like this, and it is okay to be worried. However, we must not allow these emotions to overpower our faith, and we must understand that some things are truly beyond our control. No amount of anxiety will change the situation, so the best thing that we can do to right now is to stay in, stay sanitized, and stay faithful.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

I can’t promise that you won’t get sick, but I can promise that you are not alone. We are all going through this together, and we will overcome this. Please take care of yourselves and know that you are all in my prayers. Stay safe!

A New Decade

A new decade has begun, and a new journey awaits… No matter how 2019 went for you, do not forget the lessons and experiences that helped you become the person that you are today. I hope 2020 is a great year, and I am excited to see what it has in store for all of us.

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I am astounded at the growth of this blog within the past twelve months, and I could not be more thankful for the tremendous amount of support. This site topped 8,000 views this year, and I received visitors from all over the world! I am so glad to be part of this community of writers because you are all so talented and inspiring. My most popular post in 2019 was ‘Don’t Be Beautiful’ so be sure to go check that out if you haven’t already!

Beyond the blog, I also want to give a shout-out to all of the people in my personal life who were always there for me and made the year so memorable especially my mom. I don’t know what I would have done without you guys, and it means the world (you know who you are.) 2019 definitely wasn’t an easy year, but it was one that I wont forget because it truly changed my life.

Here’s to a new year and a fresh start. Happy 2020!

Special Treat

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

In my last post, I told you to stick around for a special treat, and I meant that literally. Although I am definitely not a baker, I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes, so I hope that this post inspires you to give it a try! Have you tried these cookies before? Would you like to see another recipe? Tell me your thoughts in the comments, and I hope that you enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup- firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 Cup- softened butter
• 1/2 Cup- peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 Teaspoon- vanilla
• 1 and 1/2 Cups- all purpose flour
• 1/2 Teaspoon- baking powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon- baking soda
• 1/2 Teaspoon- salt
• Sugar
• Hershey kisses

Directions:

Heat oven to 375′ F.

Combine brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter in a bowl. Beat on medium speed until well mixed. Add egg and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat at low speed until well mixed.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and place milk-chocolate Hershey kisses on each cookie while warm. Allow them to cool, and enjoy!

(I do not own the rights to this recipe)

Fall Semester 2019

This semester was harder than I ever expected, but I learned more life-lessons within the past sixteen weeks than any of the other semesters combined. Looking back, I am not really sure how I made it through everything, but I couldn’t be more thankful for the experiences that helped me become who I am today despite the challenges.

I always use to tell myself that nothing is impossible and that I could do anything I set my mind to if I was determined enough. This helped me achieve great things in the past, but this semester humbled me to realize that some things truly aren’t possible. I was pushing myself harder than I ever had before, and I was setting unrealistic expectations for myself. This year, I took a full semester at the college through dual-enrollment while dancing full time as a professional trainee ballet dancer. Though I had done this before, my academic courses were more difficult this time, and the demands were a lot higher. I was only getting about five hours of sleep every single night just to keep my feet on the ground, and the exhaustion/stress really started to take a toll on my health.

I learned that “you can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”

The problem was, I was trying to give 100% effort at both school and dance because I didn’t know where I would end up or what I even wanted anymore. A professional career in ballet is extremely competitive, and universities are also highly selective; I needed to be perfect at both. It was about mid-October when I realized that something had to change because I physically couldn’t do everything anymore, and I was wearing myself out… I had some big decisions to make. After thinking everything through, I decided to no longer pursue a professional career in ballet after Nutcracker which was one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make. Even though it is a huge change in my life, I know that I made the right decision, and I did what it best for me. Since then, I am so much happier, and I passed all of my classes!

Through it all, it truly was bittersweet to walk off campus for the last time knowing that some of my friends wont return in January… From the coffee shop shows, Friday morning laughs, “flying squirrel” (inside joke), study groups, and hot chocolate chats, I couldn’t have hoped for a better group of people to hang with. I made some great friendships, and I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories! It certainly wasn’t an easy semester, but we got through it together. The Fall semester is officially complete. I can’t believe it, but we did it!!

Nutty Weekend

Just like that, Nutcracker 2019 has officially come to a close, but I would do anything to go back and relive my moment as the sugar plum fairy…

I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to dance such an iconic role, and it was truly an honor to perform. My second show on Saturday night was better than I had ever expected, and I can’t recall time where I was that happy onstage before. I was overcome with joy, and I truly danced my heart out which doesn’t happen everyday. I am not sure how my dancing was physically, but I think that last show was one of the best ones I have ever done. If anything, it is definitely something that I will remember for a very long time.

However, I am going to be honest and admit that it was not an easy weekend for me, and this Nutcracker certainly had its hiccups. I was in a lot of pain as my muscles kept seizing up in the middle of my dances, my Achilles was hurting, and I had a really bad cough that was a constant struggle. Also, slipping onstage during the pas de deux of my first show was far from the debut that I had envisioned.

Despite the circumstances, it truly was an incredible experience, and I am already missing that theater. It has been an amazing journey to get here, and I have made so many memories that will last an entire lifetime. Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and also everyone who encouraged me backstage. The entire cast danced beautifully, and I am so lucky to have shared that stage with such a talented group of artists. This was truly a dream, and I will always remember Nutcracker 2019…

my old friend

Autumn,

I have awaited your arrival since the start of September.

Upon your return, you bring soft hues

that warm my soul through the chill of October.

There is so much to tell you, and a lot on my mind.

The leaves are falling as am I.

Acoustics drift through the silence

as cider steams from my hand.

On the porch, I have been waiting for you.

Hello, my old friend.

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Just a little bit of free verse this morning to welcome my favorite season… What are your thoughts on Autumn? Did you enjoy this post? Happy Fall!

Senior Year!

I am officially a senior… I feel really old when I say that, and it sounds a little freaky if I’m honest. I still can’t believe that I have actually come this far, but I know that my journey is only just beginning as I decide where I want to go from here. Auditions for professional dance companies are quickly filling up my calendar, and college applications, research, and tours are going to keep me busy for the next several months. I have reached a very confusing and stressful time in my life as I make major life-decisions that will determine my entire future in both dance and school.

The possibilities seem endless as I attempt to narrow down the perfect fit for me and figure out what I truly want to do with my life. For years, I had always seemed to know exactly what I wanted and thought I had a plan to get there. However, I am quickly realizing that life is much more complicated than I once thought because things are constantly changing, and new opportunities are always arising. Out of seventeen years, I think this just might be the biggest and most determining one yet…

Here’s to another awesome year, new memories, and lovely faces. School has officially begun, and I am almost to the finish line for high school graduation. I just have to get through a few more classes…This will be definitely not be an easy year, but it is SENIOR YEAR so bring it on!! I am ready, so let’s do this!

What was your senior year like? Do you have any tips to narrow down universities? What have you been up to lately? Thanks for reading!

Retourner

This week marks the beginning of a brand new season, and I am so excited for all of the amazing adventures that await. This is a very big year for me because I am a senior in the professional-trainee division, so this will be my final year with the academy. I have made so many great memories throughout the past five years, and I am so thankful for all of the wonderful opportunities that have had. The fact is, I am not certain where my future in dance leads because job contracts are so competitive. As much as I would love to dance in a company, nothing is guaranteed, so I am going to embrace every moment that I have in the studio this year. I am not going to complain about the fatigue, the stress, the aching muscles, the blistered toes, and the long rehearsal days… I am just going to dance my heart out, and enjoy doing what I love.

The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Professional Mixed Rep, Mulan, “an unwritten story,” and Night of Variations are all scheduled to take the stage, and I cannot wait to begin preparing for these productions. I know that this will be an incredibly busy season, but it will certainly be one to remember. I hope that you join me for another great year…

Thanks for reading!

Dazzling Colors

The sky was set ablaze, and every color imaginable flashed across the sky. Wondrous eyes peered up to the heavens while embers descended gracefully with a soft, flickering glow. It was one of the biggest parties that my family has ever hosted, and it made my heart so happy to see everyone gathered together on such a special day. My family gets pretty wild on this annual celebration, but this one was even bigger than the last… Each year, our wonderful community of neighbors pitch in to compile a massive firework collection that leaves the whole crowd in awe, and the show is always breathtaking. Bounce-houses, incredible food, sparklers, and smiles filled our yard as all the families came together for one huge party.

It was an extra special year for me because my grandparents were able to come celebrate too! I am so grateful that I was able to be home with my family again this summer because there is nowhere that I would have rather been on my second favorite day of the year. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for such an amazing night. I had an absolute blast, and I love you both so much!

What did you do to celebrate? Do you enjoy fireworks too? What is your biggest party of the year? I hope that you all had a safe, fun, and Happy 4th of July!