That awkward moment

when you get frustrated at the person who has the book you need checked out from the library . . . and then you remember that that person is you.

finding myself in a burst for the sky

Also. This.

And this.

I feel like these pictures epitomize us. Em with her face towards the sun and glorying in its light. Me, with my wind-blown hair, ready to take off into a dream, yet grounded in autumn.

это мы.

Of mountain sound.

There are some days when you just need to go up to the mountains and cleanse your soul.

Wind-swept hair, hippie songs blasting with the windows rolled down. Rivers and roads. Touch of gold on the leaves, nip of autumn in the air. 

Because there is still the mother-daughter bond. After almost two years. (Has it really been that long? And yet, I feel like we've known each other for much longer than that, too.) And sometimes soul sister just knows when I need to run away and leave this earth-bound town. If only for an hour or two.

Because mountains are my sacred place. Grounded. Reaching toward heaven. And filled with soul-healing air. Fresh air. Clear air. Air to clear the head and strengthen the heart.

sunflowers and hyacinths.

There is nothing better than a good friend's wedding.

Except when two good friends are getting married. To each other.

 I learned that I am terrible at taking sneaky shots. Never hire me out to be your wedding photographer. 

 Mount Timpanogos Temple 

 THESE ARE THE BEST RUSSIAN CANDIES IN THE WORLD. 

 First dance. They are so cute together. :) 

Congratulations, Melissa and Oleg! I am honored to call you both friends. And I am so excited for both of you as you start your life together!

You Know Better Than I

I have always felt a sort of kinship with Joseph of Egypt.

I don't exactly know why. Maybe it's because I also consider myself a dreamer. Or maybe it's just because I love the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Both viable options. Especially the second one.

But I think one reason I love Joseph's story is because I can see myself in his story. Not because I have ever been sold into slavery or because my siblings have tried to kill me or because I have been thrown into prison unjustly.

But I do know what it's like to be persecuted for doing the right thing. I know what it looks like to have your hopes and dreams come crashing down. And I know what it feels like to be so humbled--broken, even--that all you can do is turn to God and ask Him to heal you.

Because that is the core of Joseph's story. It is a story of redemption. It is a story of how God does direct our lives, even in the most unlikely ways. And how God will mold us and shape us into who He needs us to be. Not for ourselves. But to bless others.

I've been kind of obsessed with this song lately. It's from the Joseph: King of Dreams movie. I've never seen it--I've only listened to this song. But it resonates with me. Especially the part about how even when we think we're choosing the "surest road," it can still lead us to a situation we didn't want to be in. But when we come to those situations, we can "know in whom [we] have trusted" and find the peace and comfort that God knows what He's doing and will never forsake us.

BYU Inauguration

Soooo, I meant to post this on Tuesday right after it happened, but life got in the way.

But basically, the inauguration of President Kevin J Worthen, the 13th president of BYU, was on Tuesday.

This was when the Marriott Center was filling with students. I thought I was going to be alone, because I came straight from class (and it was one of those days when I was being antisocial and was cool with sitting alone . . . because it's really not such a big deal as some people make it out to be--you can sit alone and be just fine), but then I ran into Mel! Out of 30,000 students, I got to sit by one of my most favorite people in the world. So I think that is pretty awesome.

Speaking of awesome, I really enjoyed the inauguration. It reminded me of graduation, with the professors and deans all in their robes and inspirational talks and medallions and great orchestra pieces, etc. But honestly, I am impressed with President Worthen. He seems like a down-to-earth, humble, brilliant man. And I think he is exactly who the university needs right now.

We go to the mountains.

Mountains to climb. Give me this mountain.

Last first day of school

There's something to be said about the first day of school. Especially when it's the first day of the last fall semester.

Those butterflies.

Wondering if the other kids will play with you at recess.

Or whether you'll see anyone you know at all.

Because remember this from last year?

I have friends again.

At least, I know where to find them now.