Dear 2013...

Dear 2013,

   A little piece of me refuses to believe that within a couple of hours, you will have completely faded away. Everyone around the world will be joined in celebration tonight; drinking, having lavish dinners, watching firework displays and being surrounded by loved ones. And then of course, there is the well-known countdown- the last ten seconds before the clock chimes midnight when everyone is kissing and hugging and wishing each other a “Happy New Year!”

2013, you were wonderful. I will never forget the people I met, the ones I grew closer with, the places I went, the things I learned and the opportunities I had. The only thing left to say is this: farewell 2013 and thank you for everything.

To the New Year, I welcome you with open arms. Bring on whatever you have in store for me. I'm ready. 

Sincerely,

We Must Wonder

After going a little stir-crazy, my sister and I grabbed our coats and cameras and ventured to the great outdoors. That is… our backyard.

While taking photos, Lee Ann Womack’s song, I Hope You Dance, popped into my head. I wish I knew why certain songs chose certain moments to surface in our minds. Had I heard it the other day without realizing it? Or had I breezed over it while flipping through radio channels?

I’ve never really paid close attention to the lyrics, so I looked them up. The opening line is my favorite by far.

'I hope you never lose your sense of wonder’

 

This song is about taking chances and not being afraid to try something new. It urges us to experience the wonders of the world and to be confident enough to not deny ourselves the opportunities to live.

It's about awareness. 
Small joys. 
Not taking life too seriously.
 Curiosity. Discovering new paths.
 

And having courage.

But most importantly, it tells us that we must question. We must seek. We must explore. And we must wonder.

Believe

Good morning and a very merry Christmas to you!

As I sat watching the ThePolar Express yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that this movie is far more than simply an enchanting tale about a train ride to the North Pole.

The Polar Express challenges us all – both young and old alike – to never lose our sense of awe, wonder, and fascination. For children, these things come naturally.

Josh Groban’s song, “Believe”, truly embodies this idea. It explains how as adults grow up, we forget what it was like to be a kid and believe in something magical. This loss of awe and wonder is tragic.

We were dreamers not so long ago

But one by one we all had to grow up

When it seems the magic's slipped away

We find it all again on Christmas day

This movie reminds us that Christmas isn't just about gifts, great food and a twinkling tree. It's about love. Building precious memories. Remembering those who aren't with us anymore. Staying true to our traditions, a nod to our past. But most of all, it's about family. Without family, we don't have a tangible link to the past or the future. Without family there is no magic and no wonder in Christmas.

I hope you feel a sense of magic and wonder today, as you celebrate the birth of our Christ and are surrounded by those you love. 

Happy holidays,

Let the countdown begin!

December has at last arrived, which can only mean one thing; Christmas is just around the corner!

Everything about this holiday is merry and bright.

 I will forever be captivated by the smells, the lights and decorations, the snowy weather, 
and the cheery atmosphere all around.

Yesterday was spent with my family decorating the house. We put on some holiday tunes, sipped on hot, delicious drinks and took some goofy pictures to capture just how much we love this holiday.

I present to you..
The Lee Family: Christmas Edition.

 Oh and by the way...

17 days until school is done.
22 days until Chicago.
23 days until Christmas.
57 days until Italy.

Let the countdown begin!