Thankful Thursday // 8

101. A new camera which will allow me to better capture life's little (and big) moments.

102. Discovering new musicians.

103. The way that food can bring people together.

104. God's strength and patience, the only things that keep my mouth closed rather than lashing out.

105. Encouraging words.

106. Beautiful quotes which put into words the things I feel but cannot express.

107. My church family. I love being able to talk to people from several different generations within the span of ten minutes.

108. Desperately needed rain.

109. The quiet of early mornings.

110. Hot chocolate.

What are you thankful for this week?

So much to find out about

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination, then, would there?"

-Anne of Green Gables-

When fall comes around, I find myself pulling out my quote notebook and pulling out all of my Anne quotes which seem to perfectly describe the wonders of this season.

Also, I bought a new camera!!! It's a Nikon D5300, and it's my first dslr. It was the perfect thing to come home to today. I'm still trying to decide on a name. Any suggestions?

Plans change

I should know by now that things don't always (or, rather, hardly ever) go according to my personal plans. God has His own plans for me, and He has been teaching me this past year that I need to stop attempting to control everything. 

I didn't mention it much, but last year I went away to a Christian college about nine hours away from my home. It was an amazing school, I was in a wonderful one-year program called Israel and Archaeology. Once the year was over, my plan was to stay there and get my bachelor's in accounting and then maybe even my master's. I applied for and received a position as an RA, so I would have a job. I was so happy to have the next four-five years of my life planned out.

But then. (How many things turn on those few words?). In between semesters, I started having doubts about where I was headed. As amazing as the school was, it was expensive, as most colleges tend to be. I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to study. I considered transferring to my sister's Bible college, about an hour and a half away from where I was currently attending school, but as a transfer I wouldn't get the scholarships I needed. So that backup plan was gone.

After many tearful video and phone calls with my parents, I made a decision that would have seemed like a failure to the high school Emily. I decided to move back home and attend community college studying business. Back in high school, it seemed like the "smart students" went away for school while the people who weren't really going anywhere went to school locally. But I needed to realize that what other people, especially mostly disinterested ones, think about my choices does not matter. 

I'm happy with my choice. I haven't had to pay anything for school or textbooks this fall without taking out any loans. I'm saving money and able to work more hours and save more. I still don't have any long-range plans, but at least I'm not taking out thousands of dollars in loans with no plans.

I'm back with my family, my friends, and my church. Do I miss the friendships I made this past year? Yes. Do I miss being that far away from my family? No. Do I regret my decision? No, not at all. Missing something doesn't mean you shouldn't have made the choice or that you made the "wrong" choice. 

This isn't what I had planned, but it's where I am.

Friday Favorites // 5

Here we are again, with another Friday Favorites. I also just realized that the last post I put up was a Friday Favorites. Oops. I promise I have something different scheduled for this weekend. :)

// Any girl who loves music should have this skirt. It's just too cute. The website also has a bunch of other wicked cute clothing. (Sorry, sometimes I have to let my Mainer show). //

// I know I've mentioned this blog and podcast before, but I loved this post over at The Art of Simple about setting autumn resolutions rather than New Year's resolutions. I think I'm going to do this today. //

// Homeward Bound by Allyse Smith. I sang this song in my high school chorus a few years ago and loved it, then my Spotify Discover playlist chose it for me this week and I fell in love with it again. //

// Also, I listened to every song The Gray Havens have on Spotify, especially Gray Flowers and Train Station. Again, thank you Spotify Discover (students only have to pay about $5 a month instead of $9 for Spotify premium. So worth it). //

// I just bought a refurbished Nikon D5300 yesterday. I am so, so excited to get my first dSLR in the mail soon. Also, slightly terrified that I spent that much money on one thing. //

// And in honor of all the tv shows starting up again this fall...any Once fans, particularly Rumbelle shippers will appreciate this pin, And this one. And all of you Whovians (it starts on Saturday!!!): Shut up and just cry your eyes out. //

What have you been loving this week? Are any of your favorite tv shows coming back this fall? 

Friday Favorites // 4

Another week, another round of Friday favorites!

(Also, posts three days in a row? What is this?)

// This headband tutorial looks pretty easy. I need to make some of these. //

// I bought some of these mason jar lids at Target last week. I've been enjoying drinking iced tea out of them as I say good-bye to summer. //

// Felicia's Stash Less series over at The Craft Sessions. They've been making me think about being more purposeful in the yarn and craft supplies I purchase. //

// There's always time for tea. //

// This encouragement to make a real connection with people instead of just surface level connections online. //

// The movie Leap Year. It's so cute, plus the Ireland scenery and accents are gorgeous. //

What have you been loving this week?

Thankful Thursday // 7

91. Technology that allows me to take college courses online.

92. Having people I know come into my work to say hello.

93. Headbands/headscarves for bad hair days.

94. Quiet early morning walks.

95. Ministry opportunities.

96. Fresh beginnings in fall.

97. My family's sense of humor.

98. Little sister giggles.

99. Old pictures that bring back so many good memories.

100. Little sisters (aged 9, 7, and 4) who enjoy watching Jane Austen movies.

Simply Tuesday...on a Wednesday // Yarn Along

Reading and knitting are two of my favorite things, and I love doing them at the same time whenever possible. This book, though, is hard to do that with because I just want to underline so many wonderful quotes in it. Simply Tuesday is an amazing book by Emily Freeman that's all about celebrating the little things. It's one of those books that just has to be read slowly, and that's okay.

These socks are the Anne Socks from an edition of Jane Austen Knits (one of the only knitting magazines I invest in) knit with Cascade Heritage Paints sock yarn, one of my favorite sock yarns.

What have you been reading or knitting lately? What's up next on your list?yarn