Happiness is ...

I can't take the credit for this; it was not my idea -- but I ran with it anyway =)

I wrote this in response to a note on Facebook that one of my friends had posted. I've reworked it since then and really like it. It's not an exhaustive list by any means, but it's a start. Feel free to add your own thoughts in response.

And feel free to run with it ... as I did. =)

Happiness is …

Millions of stars on a lost island so bright you never need a flashlight; the whisper of the moon telling me something greater is out there. It’s summer raindrops patterning the sidewalk; the cool fall breeze that smells like apples and pumpkins; the bright white of snow not yet disturbed by little feet.

Happiness is …

Gliding along the dance floor with only the music as company. It’s knowing that you worked hard for something worthwhile. It’s creating art from nothing in a world where it’s quick to be forgotten.

Happiness is warmth.

It’s an old blanket passed down for generations that smells like Nonna’s house. It’s the aroma of biscotti, a twist ice cream cone with sprinkles and a cherry on top. It’s mini golfing, golf cart riding, and midnight swimming on our “very own vacation” to Memaw’s.

Happiness is …

The love of a family you hardly see but always know is there. It’s the sound of laughter around a table, a guitar and voice on a clear evening. It’s the company of friends, good food and fine conversation. It’s summer nights that never end surrounded by people who are family by blood or laughs, love or conversations. It’s late night trips to diners, inside jokes and taco bell well past midnight.

It’s the hug of a mother, no matter how old the child. It’s a familiar voice echoing on the telephone line. It’s the dream of forever love; the sweetness of chocolate mixed with cherry by the fire. It’s sweet child voices calling your name, singing songs of love. It’s finding joy in the simple things.

Happiness is peace.

Peace with self, peace with the world, peace with God.

It’s standing back and knowing that for one instant, the world is good and right for a change.

I turn 22 in 10 minutes ...

I turn 22 in a matter of a few minutes ... in fact, I probably won't finish typing this before the clock strikes twelve.

Twenty-two. Seriously, I cannot believe it. In some ways I feel so much older than that with all of my experiences and dreams and goals in life. But most days I can't seem to fathom that I've been alive for twenty-two years. Where does time go? How does life manage to fly by so quickly that blinking causes you to miss months at a time?

I've been so blessed in my life with my family, friends, opportunities and experiences. God has been good to me. I'm excited to take on this new year of life. It will have many firsts and milestones, I am sure ... graduating from college, first time walking at graduation, first real job, possibly first apartment or moving out, first set of bills, first time actually living like an adult ...

Wow, 22, you seem like a lot to take on, but I think you'll be worth the challenge ...

Poetry Aloud!

Alright. Well, this one won't be long as it is already late and I am exhausted from the week. It has been a very interesting, very busy past seven days. I went to a concert in Philadelphia on Sunday to see John Mark McMillen, Chris August, Gungor, and the David Crowder Band. We didn't get home til close to 1am that night and I taught the next morning. Then throughout the week, I had a bunch of stuff due and had several responsibilities that kept me out fairly late. I think I was up til 2:30 or so another night and after midnight probably the rest of them.

We did a good deal of fundraising this week for two of the clubs I am in. All week there was a table set up on campus with information and selling "grab bags." Thursday night we had a Denny's fundraiser and then tonight we had a Poetry Aloud! program downtown in Millersville's 42 N Prince Street Building.

I read two original pieces this evening and then I also competed in what is called a poetry slam. I understood it as a "performance" of an original piece. I was under the impression that we were to memorize the poem and then perform it "dramatically" with our voice. I had such a blast. I am posting the videos below so that you can check them out if you'd like. =)

This video (above) is the Slam Poem. It is called "Shades of Gray." I wrote this poem in two parts. The first part came last April on a rainy day. I was people watching and it inspired me. I wrote the second half this past Tuesday night, in the dark, at 2:30am (on Wednesday morning) after finishing a paper.

This video (above) is of the reading from the Poetry Aloud! program. The two pieces are called "Writing on the Walls" and "Paper." "Writing on the Walls" came about one day when I was writing some poetry in my bed, and while I was working through a block, I had to restrain myself from writing on the sky-blue wall right in front of me. "Paper" came about as I pondered my insane habit of doodling and writing on my exposed skin.



I hope you enjoy listening to my poetry. I love writing and I love sharing it. Hopefully it brings you as much joy as it brings me =)