new year

life is beautiful, but finite.
i like being intentional with my time
and marking it as it passes.
this is why new year's eve is not just another day.

it's a day to
reflect
consider
take stock
make changes
and be intentional.

so i'd like to share
last year's memories
and this year's dreams.

14 things in no particular order
i will fondly remember from 2014:
1. listened to jazz piano dreams coming true.
2. released three shirt designs i am truly proud of.
3. volunteered in the arts community.
4. enjoyed a visit from friends who live overseas. treasured friends.
5. took a chance and got rejected. worth it.
6. renewed a lease for the first time in five years.
7. welcomed new people into my life, and said goodbye to others.
8. made unprecedented efforts to be healthier.
9. marked a decade passing since high school graduation.
10. got on a plane for the first time in four years.
11. paid off my car. one less anchor.
12. embraced being an emotional being on a new level.
13. brought another puppy into my home. welcome, Fluff.
14. re-dyed my hair blue. i'm me again.

15 things in no particular order
i am looking forward to in 2015:
1. completing an art project four years in the making.
2. taking more steps toward eliminating my student debt.
3. rebranding myself.
4. traveling to new places.
5. becoming healthier and happier in my own skin.
6. building creative connections.
7. being brave. trusting myself.
8. finding joy in daily life. encouraging positivity.
9. growing. learning new skills.
10. taking full advantage of my first Keep It Local card.
11. reading more often.
12. maintaining relationships with far away friends.
13. risking, getting rejected, and taking more chances.
14. participating in one of the most exciting artistic endeavors i could imagine.
15. sharing life with the best friends and family anyone could ask for.

yearning

everyone yearns.
we desire.
we envy.
humankind has accomplished impossible feats of technology
and explored vast expanses of talent and ambition
because we WANT.

we want things.
we want intimacy.
we want recognition.
we want to be wanted.

the word yearn is an interesting beast.
for funsies, here's the webster's definition:
verb. to have an intense feeling of longing for something,
typically something that one has lost or been separated from.

intense feeling could be considered an understatement.
humans feel so deeply.
emotions permeate our very existences,
pushing us forward or dragging us down.
feeling is a phenomenon in and of itself...
a blessing masquerading as a curse.

today i yearn.

i yearn for adventure.

i yearn for a change of pace.

i yearn for experiences outside the definition of daily life.

i yearn for something extraordinary.

i find myself peeking around corners

and speaking to passing strangers

in hopes of discovering any element of NEW to be had.

i yearn for new.

i am seeking, and i believe i will find.