a year in review

530 Hillside Ave. 

Our view of  St. Mark's Episcopal. Not pictured: magical breezes wafting through the windows.

Today I turn 25. And I'm feeling all the feels. So how 'bout a reflective post?

Last year, I finished four years at Bellas Artes School of Music as a private piano instructor. By the end of July, I said goodbye to 39 precious students, their families, and amazing colleagues.

Chicagoland had been good to me, loving me through dear friends, family (my cousin, brother, and soon-to-be-sister come wedding time this April) and church community. But last winter held a lot of unexpected loneliness and frustrations.

I said goodbye to living in Glen Ellyn in August. My family and friends packed my whole life up in my '99 Buick, and I moved to my home state, Virginia. Making room for the NEW.

Just in time for an oldest brother's wedding to his beautiful bride.

And then the most magical week in a cottage on Chebeague Island, Maine, with three amazing women.

And then heading to Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, for an unforgettable three months of deepening and uprooting and quiet and beautiful people and Father's love.

10 days of exploring the South Island, and then it was home for Christmas.

Most recently it has been a building, slow, transitional time.  And I'm grateful for family close by.

This past year brought more CONFIDENCE, and less FEAR. More ACCEPTANCE of who I am, and more FREEDOM to explore and embrace all.

Here's to 25, to taking even more risks and growing in all the ways.