5 Things I’m doing to stay cozy + productive this winter

Maybe you live somewhere sunny and 75, and winter isn’t all that different from summer except that there aren’t any leaves on the trees. There’s no need to change your routine because the weather isn’t against you. But here, in the North, the weather can always be against you. Roads are icy, visibility sucks. It gets dark at 4 o’clock.

Life shifts accordingly.

Winter is a time to stay indoors, and: catch up on leftover work that got neglected during the summer. At least that’s what the next couple months look like for me. I literally had no time this summer to do anything but stress and work and run and sleep.

Oh, and eat.
I did eat.

Needless to say: I’m really looking forward to a slower season. And I’ve got a list, too.
5 things I’m doing to stay cozy + productive this winter.

 

Read many, many books

Reading doesn’t quite count as productive, but it fits the definition of cozy like a glove. Besides, I haven’t had nearly enough time to read this year, and there are SO MANY BOOKS I HAVEN’T READ BUT WANT TO. You understand, right?

My winter TBR includes:
– The Interpreter | Suzanne Glass
– The Girl You Left Behind (a re-read)
– Culture Making | Andy Crouch (a re-read)
– Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

I can’t commit to more than 4 books, if want to complete everything else I’m putting on this list, ha.

 

Learn to knit a pair of socks

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a little while, and idk, it seems like a very aesthetic winter activity. I don’t know anything about knitting with double point needles, but I found this tutorial, which uses straight needles, and it looks waaayyy more manageable than other kinds of sock knitting I’ve seen.

 

Grow my plant collection

If you know me, you know that I am that obsessive plant lady-type. I love the plants-hanging-from-every-nook-and-cranny aesthetic. I used to have. . .like a ton of succulents but a lot of them either died from exposure (cue: *crying face*), or I had to give them away because #reasons. Anyway, I really want to get back into – scouring thrift stores for cute pots, and getting clippings from my friends to restart a new collection in my living room.

Make/Set some long-term goals to work toward

You know the feeling when you have ideas and plans, but you can’t sit down or think about them because life is pushing you into the next day and the next? That’s how I’ve felt lately. But now that life is a little slower, I can finally do just that – write down what’s in my head, and what little steps I can do to bring them into the real world. Sticking to goals is not my strong point, but I’ve heard that writing them out is a good place to start.

 

Work on Neglected Photography Projects

Yeah. . .a big one. I haven’t been as intentional with photography as I really want to be. I haven’t learned very many new techniques or photographed outside my comfort zone. Although I’m quite proud of the photos I’ve taken this year (more than any other year), I know I have a long, long way to go. So…a couple of things on my list are:

– Take photos of the sky at night
– Figure out how to edit video in Photoshop
– Calibrate my monitor/color spaces for accurate color rendering
– Do a photo shoot – with people!!!
 

. . .

This winter is gonna be a good one, I can feel it. I’m already excited about snow (even though it is a little cumbersome when you’re trying to get to work in the morning and you gotta dig your car out). The beauty is worth it.
 

cheers.
k.

postscript #1 – all photos
(except the header)
are mine

 

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

• Do you have any 2018 goals you gotta finish before the 31st? • Any special winter plans? • What is your favorite “cozy” activity?

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Thankfulness Thursday no. 3 | the point of it all

I think a lot about the point of things. Searching, asking for the bottom line. I guess it’s because in world that wants to pile stuff, I want to tear it all away and look at the stuff underneath.

Of course, since it’s Thankfulness Thursday time, it’s time to think about the point of gratitude.

Why are we thankful? What is the underlining feeling behind gratitude?
What are we really saying when we’re grateful?

Here’s what I think:

. . .

I think all the lists we make of the things we’re grateful for are different ways of expressing: we are just grateful to be here. All the wonderful things about life, don’t take away from life itself – they just accompany life in a way that makes it sweeter. And that’s maybe why we’re commanded to rejoice always, again I say, rejoice. We’re supposed to be thankful for being here. For life. For breathing. Life. That’s the cake. The rest – light and friends and sunrises – is frosting.

Every time we’re grateful we’re saying that the experience of life is what is incredible.

. . .

This came to me, little epiphany one night in the car. I had been thinking about what to write about each Thankfulness Thursday coming up, and it occurred to me that maybe the point of gratitude could be simplified. Reduced, even, to something beyond the lists we make. I don’t know if it can be proven, or if there even is a thing-behind-the-thing, when we talk about gratitude. But I do know if someone kept asking my why after I said the thing I was grateful for, eventually, I’d confess: “I’m grateful for life, and that’s the end.”

hope your week
is lovely.
k.

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

• What are you thankful for? •

Thankfulness Thursday no. 2 | adulthood

Guys, how has your week been?
I hope you’ll me write in the comments and tell me how your Thanksgiving went. : )

This week, I want to share one, monumental, important part of my life that I’m grateful for. That is. . . Adulthood.

Yes.
Go ahead and shoot darts because I know twenty year olds aren’t supposed to say they enjoy growing up. Isn’t that what the phrase – adulting – is supposed to convey? Collective distaste for taking charge of our own lives?

I know it sounds crazy to say I love adulthood, but I really do. Yes, it’s is hard and messy and complicated. But it’s rewarding, oh so rewarding.

. . .

// Driving yourself places. . .there’s nothing like it. Everything is quiet if you want it to be quiet. Or loud music if you want loud music. There’s time for praying or singing or thinking.

// Coffee dates are magical. I had my first one, just recently. My friend bought us coffee and I bought us ice cream. We talked about the bookstores we want to visit, if we ever do. We froze walking but it was fine. I drove myself home after, feeling so. . .grateful that I get to do this thing, even.

// Independence, people. I’m not talking about macho I-don’t-need-anybody-ever independence. I’m talking about quiet independence – the kind that comes with choosing things that matter to you. I like this color. These are my favorite movies. I want to keep all my miss-matched socks because nobody cares what color my socks are anyway.

// Making decisions that are all your own < < < it’s a really good (and scary) feeling.

// Working. It’s best if you have a job you love (I’m lucky to have one), but working period is a great feeling. You’re doing something with your time. You have spending money – imagine that! Or if nothing else, work makes rest all the more special.

. . .

I’m thankful that adulthood presents opportunities to learn new things about the world. When I was a child, I didn’t care much for the outside world because I figured it was my parents’ job to figure out. They paid bills, I didn’t. Simple. My world was smaller and in a way, easier. But I wouldn’t trade easy for what I have now – membership in a bigger world. I still have a lot to learn (as Twitter is more than happy to point out). I have a lot to learn about public spaces and making decisions without second-guessing myself.

Adulthood has forced me out of my shell. I’ve had to call in my own doctor’s appointments and talk to insurance people. I can’t stuff money away like I used to. Time management – now, that’s a real struggle.

But you know what? It’s worth it. Totally, 100% worth it.

Maybe my lens is a little foggy. Maybe I’m romanticizing it. Maybe I won’t feel this way when I’m older and experienced. But right now, I am
so
grateful
for
it.

cheers.
k.

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

• What are you thankful for? •

Thankfulness Thursday no. 1 | debut edition : )

Good morning, it’s November.
*writes something mildly cliché about how fast time flies*

So. Grace Ann does a blog series every year called Thankfulness Thursday – in which, participants share, on Thursdays, what they’re thankful for in preparation for Thanksgiving. If you like, you can read all about it on her blog*.

which you should also
follow immediately bc
she’s incredible.

 
Two weeks ago, when she wrote her first post for the series, I knew I had to do it. Reason being, I have been thinking about gratitude a lot. More than ever. Everything that’s happened in my life this year really has me thinking that I really have no idea how much gratitude matters. No. Idea.

If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said: “Sure yeah. I struggle with gratitude. Doesn’t everybody?” I would have brushed it off as a “Seriously, you’d ask me that? Duh.” question. I know you understand this. None of you are thinking right now: “Gosh, I didn’t think anyone had issues with gratefulness!! It’s so easy.”

AHEM.

Last week, I was chatting with a friend on the phone and telling her how, this year, with all its ups and downs, I wasn’t sure I’d have strength to look back and say, “I’m grateful for these trials. I count it as joy.” It was a scary thing to admit to her, because in spite of everything I still know certain things are true. It’s that feeling between my heart and my head that messes me up. I know, intellectually, that everything works for good, that trials will grow me, that in the end everything matters to the person I am becoming, but still. . .in my heart, I can’t see how any of it matters at all. I just want it to stop because it hurts. Pain blinds me to the bigger picture (the one I know He sees).

In short, that is why I need to do this. To have a written reminder that there’s a bit of light everywhere I look, and God has created a stunning planet. I am not living under a bus. I have a camera for goodness sake! I do have enough. . .enough. . .enough.

. . .

Today I’m grateful for the sound of Canadian geese. I see their v-shaped formations almost every day, as their cries celebrate winter (which is creeping up on us. . .hello November). And while I’m on the subject, I’m grateful for winter too. I’ve never experienced “winter” like I’m going to this year, and that makes me excited (a.k.a “southern ignorance” LOL)

I am SO GRATEFUL for friends, and conversations and forever in awe of the simplicity of: “Hey it’s been a while. How’s life?” I’m thankful that these seven words carry power to make people feel less alone.

I’m grateful for talented storytellers and films (which I watch alone, in bed, after my family goes to sleep). I’m thankful that James Horner composed such stunning music, I’m still listening to it long after he’s gone.

I’m thankful for this refrain.

Your Love has called my name
What do I have to fear?
What do I have to fear?

 

I’m grateful that THE NORTH IS GORGEOUS. My mom likes to say that most people only see this kind of beauty on calendars or desktop wallpapers. But I can touch it. I live in it, and that amazes me.

I am grateful for my hands. They’re expressions of creativity. Whether it’s through piano, or writing, or photography, or knitting – they’re one of the most fascinating parts of me.

I’m thankful for pens + paper, journaling, and film photos. I’m grateful that I was taught to read because I don’t know what life would be without books. I’m thankful that God is endlessly patient with me, this messed up and stubborn human. I am forever grateful for sunrises/sunsets (and please don’t ask me to decide between them).

. . .

 

I hope your week
is especially lovely.
k.

postscript #1 – all photos
(except the header)
are mine

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

• What are you thankful for? •

It’s Q+A time!

Hey guys,
Today I’m following up on the survey I put out on my blogiversary, and answering the questions you asked. But before I do that, I want say: thank you each and every one who took time to respond and offer your critique. The responses were SO helpful to me. : ) Now, without further delay: here are the answers to your questions.

 

Favorite color?

I wouldn’t say I have a “favorite color” anymore. I used to, when I was younger, tell people “forest green” or “navy” or “black”, even. But now, I say I have a favorite “color palette.” Those would include woodsy colors, flannels and light, earth tones. Think: all colors associated with fall and early summer – those are my favorite.

p.s. I also have a personal Pinterest board,

if you want to see my aesthetic/color preferences.

 

Story world you’d like to visit?

This is a hard one. Many of my favorite stories have worlds I necessarily wouldn’t want to visit. Also. I’m always relating stories – to the real world instead of imagining myself in them.

“Okay Keira,” you’re thinking, “answer the question already.”

Truth is: I can’t. Younger Me would have said, “Narnia” without hesitation, or maybe “Ranger’s Apprentice,” but Adult Me doesn’t carry the same imagination skills anymore. LOL.

 

Non-fiction book you’d recommend everyone to read?

This question made me laugh. I don’t have just one recommendation, I have five! I actually plan to do a blog-post on this at some point, so I will save those titles and give you just one.

Everybody, Always / Bob Geoff

Look, I know it’s a popular choice – brand-new as it is – but let me tell you this book is worth every good review and every reader’s time. It’s an easy one to start, if you’re new to non-fiction, and it’s full of insights that will blow your mind. I read it a few weekends ago, and it blessed me beyond words.

 

Favorite school subject (when you were in school)?

I went through at least 3 favorite subjects in school. At first it was English, then history (especially if I was reading biographies or watching films), but I also enjoyed parts of Algebra in high school. Oh, and Music too.

All those, yep.

 

Favorite food?

I really depends on the day/season. Like. . .this week I tried vegan egg-nog and it was SO good I think I’m never going back to regular egg-nog.

 

Most beautiful place you’ve traveled to so far?

The Blue Mountains in Oregon. I didn’t actually travel to them, I drove by them, but what I saw through the window was stunning enough to make the list. Also, I think Utah a beautiful place, and I’d love to spend more time there than I did.

 

If you could be any animal what would you be?

A panther. Because I’d be able to effortlessly climb trees and mountains, and live in the forest, and make my home in a cave by a river.

 

What is your greatest dream?

Goodness I don’t know. That’s a massive question. I have at least five different “life sized” dreams, but will I do any of them? Who knows? I have so much time; I don’t have enough time.

I guess I want to live with the knowledge and the peace that whatever happens it won’t be all for nothing, that it’ll all add up to the person I become, and none of it will be empty. I want to have loads of fun, and be serious too. I want to create something (don’t know what it’ll be yet) that lives beyond me – the person. Kind of like people are still listening to James Horner’s music, even though he’s not here to create more of it. I dream that whatever comes I’ll have the courage for it, and that I’ll live up to challenges instead of folding under them.

Yes. That is all.

 

What is your favorite photograph you’ve ever taken?

This is also hard. And it changes. Every time I take more photos, the ones I used to think where good, suddenly aren’t. . .anymore. That’s just growth, I guess. For instance: I feel something special about the “stunning sky alert” series I’ve been doing on Instagram. I just love skies and sunrises/sunsets so much.

Many photographs I’ve taken this year are turning out to be my favorites. For instance, I really love how this one turned out.

Also, this one.

I think, for me, the most special photographs are the ones in which I fall in love with the lighting. When the lighting turns out, it means I’ve done it. : )

 

How are you so darn lovely?

*coughs nervously and blushes* AHEM. . .no. That’s you Grace Ann. It’s all you.

. . .

 

Hope you all enjoyed this, and thanks again to everyone who asked a question.

 

see ya soon.
k.

postscript #1 – all photos, except
the cover, are mine

 

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

What is YOUR greatest dream? (No worries if you can’t answer the question. It’s massive, I know) • Feel free to take any of these questions and give me YOUR answer. I’d love to chat in the comments!

1 Year Blog Anniversary + Survey

*this post was supposed to come out a week ago

(a.k.a Oct. 16th – my actual blog anniversary. . .but

life is really crazy rn and I just can’t

find time to do everything. you feel me??

Wow guys.

Can you believe it? I have been pouring out my brain on the internet for 12 freaking months. People are reading my brain. It’s crazy.

On October 16th, 2017 I smashed that “publish” button, and launched Close to Nothing. The idea had existed in my head long before, but Oct. 16 marked the start of when I wouldn’t be writing just for myself anymore, but for others. You. And since then, I’ve loved the process. Writing, for me, fuels conversation. I love conversation.

It shouldn’t be a wonder to me that people enjoy absorbing what other people create. That’s how we’re wired, anyway – for connection and meaning through art. But sometimes it still takes me back: I participate in this. I get to write stuff that people appreciate. Wow.

I feel so honored I get to write stuff you enjoy reading. And when you take time to tell me you enjoy it, wow it feels like my favorite song just came on the radio. I say on my about page that I’d still be writing even if nobody listened, but let’s face it: it’s so much better when people listen.

It’s hard to adequately express my gratitude in a post each of you will read and wonder, “Is she taking about me? Or just bloggers she knows?” I don’t want to sound sappy either, if I say: wow I love all you guys so much. I’m so grateful you take time to read and comment. I couldn’t do this without you, thank you thank you.

But sometimes clichés are true.

I realize that blogging is both personal and universal. I write for my friends (namely: you), but I also write with the knowledge that someone across the planet could read my post without me ever knowing it. Maybe that’s why I feel that typing out gratitude over the internet falls short of expressing everything I want to say.

Thank you, falls horribly short, but it’s the only words I can think of.
So. Thank you: You, for reading my posts. You are inspiring. I appreciate you more than I can say.

Thank you, also to:

Abbie || Kate || Erin || Hannah || Ella Marie || Abby || Lisa ||
Kenzie || Grace Ann || Olivia || Leanne

I want to meet you all in real life.

 

 

The Survey

I decided to do a survey because, at this point, you all are probably familiar with the style/vibe of Close to Nothing, and I wanted to hear what you like and don’t like (or want to see more of). I know it’s scary to put your opinions on the interest, but I’m a friendly person, okay? So. If you’ll take 20 seconds to fill this out and let me know what I’m doing wrong / right – I’d really appreciate it!

. . .

Blogging is a joy, and I’m so glad to have reached this milestone (one year, yay!!). Here’s to many more years, because I’m not even close to being tired of this. I hope you aren’t either.
 

cheers.
k.

 

|| Let’s Have a Conversation ||

How do you celebrate your blog anniversary? • (give this newbie some ideas for next year) •What do you think about a follow-up Q+A post? Should I do one, still, or no?? • tell me your favorite thing about blogging. I bet we’re on the same page : )

the truth is not running away from you // journal

Fall is absolutely gorgeous in the Northwest. People say winter is coming early, but I don’t know. I wish I had photos to show you – the orange, yellow, and rust, mixed with green when I drive the highway. I’m still wearing shorts even though it’s cold or rainy most days. Why? Because. . .I am a stubborn girl and I want to see just how long it’ll take me to give them up. AHEM. #haha

Today, I don’t have anything special to write. Just something I need to share before it leaves my brain space completely.

Here goes.

So, I was chatting with a co-worker last week – about the Bible. We were talking about the ways in which people reject lies. How, when, some people find out that a particular belief they have about God isn’t, after all, true; all they want to do is reject anything associated with that particular circle/denomination/group. They want to fight against that idea of God so strongly it causes them to alienate people who still believe that way. How because they’re so hurt, they just want to throw babies-out-with-bathwater. They can’t believe a person, who, is supposed to teach the character of God, instead teaches the character of Man as he tries to define God. They can’t believe they were lied to.

I told him that it’s hard sometimes, to bridge the gap between people and God. He nodded first, understandingly. But then he said something amazing.

He said: “The truth is not running away from you.”

I can’t stop thinking about it.
The truth is not running away from you.

And it makes total sense. We tend to think that truth is this deep treasure, buried within the heart of the earth. Something that takes blood, sweat, and years to uncover. Something that has to be hard, or: how else would I appreciate it if I didn’t have to struggle? Yeah sure, sometimes we have to dig a little. Sometimes we have to wade through opinion to find truth. Yes, sometimes our hands come out a little dusty.

But what my co-worker pointed out was that God doesn’t put truth on the top of the shelf and dare us to reach for it without a ladder. He doesn’t label it with a different word, so we’d be confused if we found it. He doesn’t tie it to the end of a rope and treat us like cats – begging us to chase it.

No. If we truly believe that God is Father, we have to believe that He sees us as children. Children, right? Children who, probably can’t spell t-r-u-t-h if they tried, but it’s okay because He’s teaching us to spell.

And I think sometimes we get wrapped up in pursing “THE TRUTH OUT THERE” that we lose sight of “truth. . .right here in our backyard.” We want to chase truth that shouts and jumps and flashes with color. But we forget that truth is also gentle and quiet and still. It waits for you to come closer and ask it questions.

The search for truth is a wonderful, beautiful, and necessary thing. We need it. It’s the seam of our existence. But. Let’s stop telling ourselves (and others) that truth is unreachable and obscure.

Truth is near.
It is present.
It isn’t running away from you.

---

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.”

---

*that’s Deut. 30: 10-14, guys

 

 

always forward.
k.

 

p.s. I can’t believe it’s been a month since I posted here last. Life has just been an insane kind of hectic, and I find myself neglecting creativity in the name of exhaustion. Not good, right? Anyway. Tell me how you are. Any exciting plans this fall?

11 (Highly) Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Me (The Sunshine Blogger’s Award) | thanks, Abbie!

You might recognize the title of this post from a similar one Abbie wrote on her blog two weeks ago. You might have even seen that she tagged me (*sends hugs across the US*). If not, just know that this is what today’s post is dedicated to: answering all her questions. Here now, is: 11 Highly Interesting Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Me (a.k.a Keira answering Abbie’s probing questions about my life).

 

be sure to check out
Abbie’s post too – it’s
super amazing bc she is. : )

 

What would your dream career be?

I would be a music photographer. I would travel around, documenting concerts, music fests, indie studio recording sessions, etc. . .I’d combine my extreme love for music, with my love for photography (something I actually know how to do). Maybe I’d even get invited to Abby Road Studios in London to photograph a soundtrack recording.

That would be amazing.

 

What fictional character do you relate to the most?

Really, Abbie?!? How do you expect me to relate to one character above all others? I love so many fictional characters for different reasons! But I’ll try.

Um. . .okay: Judas Iscariot.

Okay, so. Tosca Lee wrote this amazing book about him, and although it doesn’t pretend to be historically accurate (because let’s face it: what we know of Judas is mostly speculation anyway), I love it so much. I related to his struggles, and his doubts, and yeah. . .reading it almost brought me to tears.

 

Who is your biggest inspiration/role model?

I can’t say I’ve found ONE SINGLE PERSON that is my “biggest” anything. It’s hard to rate one above the other because each of them offers different inspiration in different ways + I gather inspiration from SO many different places/people.

But. If I had to make a list. . .

Deborah Lipstat | Kate Emmons | M. Night Shyamalan | Kinsey Mhire – her photography is swoon-worthy | Hannah Bretcher | Brene Brown | Rob Bell | Amanda Cook | Misty Edwards | Eric Ludy | Andy Crouch – he wrote Culture Making | Eric Metaxes | my dad | Freya Dowson – she does amazing humanitarian photography, you have to go check it out |

 

What goals are you working on right now?

Right now, I am trying to learn everything I can about how to be an adult in the real world. I am working almost full-time, so learning how to balance everything (blogging + creativity + life + rest + friends + photography) in sync with that is a BIG time goal. I’m also saving for a car and experimenting with this new, scary thing called a “budget”.

Send help.

#justkidding, I love
adulthood

 

If you could magically receive one quality, what would it be?

Courage.

There have been so many times when I wished I had just stood up and said “No,” even though it would have felt beyond uncomfortable.

 

What skills do you wish you had?

A photographic memory. Flying. Invisibility. Determination to stick with creative projects even though I don’t feel like it.

What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?

Oh my goodness, I love this question! I know that self-care is a “trending topic” these days, but honestly, I think people have always known its importance. It just makes sense – take care of you, and you will take care of others. That said, my favorite, favorite way to practice this actually comes in two parts.

1. I take a Rest Day (also called Shabbat, or just Rest Day if you want to be nonreligious about it)
2. I turn off my phone + the internet (done on most Shabbats, but it can be done anytime, really)

Seriously, Shabbat is the best thing I’ve ever done to stay sane in this crazy world. I know, I know, some people will say, “ugh, you’re following the Law and well. . .Sabbath isn’t commanded for NT believers and…aren’t you being legalistic and all that???”

No, guys. It’s freeing.

I won’t bog you down by explaining it all here (it would take waayyyy too long anyway). But. If you’re curious: I once wrote a blog post about Rest. And. . .Rob Bell has a dozen excellent podcast episodes on Rest and Menuha! and Rythmn.

He says, “If you really want to be productive, set it down and walk away.”

 

What is your favorite quote and why?

“If the engine isn’t joy, you can’t go the distance.” || Rob Bell

This one means a lot to me because it says that the basic fuel of the universe is joy. Not productivity. Not talent. Not knowledge or strength. Not any of the things we think will grant us success. No. It’s joy. Just joy.

and let’s just face it:
I don’t have ONE FAVORITE QUOTE.
I have HUNDREDS.

 

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned so far?

You are never stagnant. You are either running towards something, or you are running away from something else.

 

I wrote a blog post
about this too.

 

What are you most looking forward to this year?

My one-year blog anniversary! I’m kind of excited to hit this milestone, since blogging has become one of my favorite things.

Also, I am going to be living in a place where it snows, so I’m excited to take photos in it and drive in it, and act like a total #northernnewbe who has never lived in snow before.

 

yes, I know Northerners will lecture me
about how much snow sucks, but let
me have fun first, okay?

 

How do you want to impact the world?

I want to speak and make people say “Wow.” I want to matter to the people closest to me. I want to leave a treasure trove of wonderful things behind (manuscripts never published, letters, photographs printed on real paper). And maybe…someday they’ll tell stories about me. Someday. . .when I’m gone or too old to care, they’ll talk about me in ways that won’t make me sound like a person trying to change the world. They’ll talk about me like I’m nothing special – just a person trying to do good work in the world, exactly who I’d like to be.

 

 

Now it’s YOUR turn!

I nominate:

Abigail, Story Eyed || Hannah, Letters to Myself || Erin, Acoustic Erin
Grace Ann, Totally Graced* || Kenzie, Paper Pizza

*I know you were already tagged.
Hope you’re okay with that. : )

Here are the questions:
1. what is your favorite genre to read?
2. if you could choose a different name for yourself, what would it be and why?
3. what is your favorite thing about being an artist/creative?
4. favorite song/soundtrack to jam out to?
5. how has the internet made your life better + how has it made your life worse? what do you do when you feel overwhelmed by it? (I know that’s three questions #sorrynotsorry)
6. link to something that has inspired you this month (it can be anything: blog post, video, book, song, podcast)
7. do you listen to podcasts? if so, what is your favorite?
8. what is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
9. what goals are you working on right now? (I stole this one from Abbie, bc yes, I love the question)
10. tell me how much you love snail mail (I know you do, right?)
11. what’s one piece of art/project/thing you’ve done that you’re really proud of?

Free Soundtrack Suggestions no. 2

Hey guys,
It’s me: back with another list of soundtracks-you-should-listen-to.

I hope you all aren’t too disappointed that I haven’t actually been “writing” on here lately. I really wish I had a “deeper” post to share with you all. Something that I’ve been thinking about, or some insight, whatever. Truth is, I have been thinking about a lot of things, but I just can’t get the writing to say what I want it to say. It keeps getting tangled up, like when you don’t wash your shoelaces by themselves and they get all wrapped and knotted around your shirts.

Anyway…
Let’s get into soundtracks now.

 

And Then There Were None

I found this one while browsing Spotify for the Poldark soundtrack and idk Spotify decided that I might like other soundtracks that star Aiden Turner. Turns out, I did. ATTWN is this mixture of intense creepiness and horror – but it’s awesome and I love it. I think we can expect great things from Stewart Earl in the future.

to start, listen to: the entire thing

 

Into the West

I love this one for it’s Western/Folk/Native sound. The flutes and drums and guitar – well, they’re just gorgeous together. Give a listen, and maybe then, go watch the miniseries (I know I want to).

to start, listen to: Buffalo Run, Gathering of Nations, Hunting the Buffalo, Into the West, Much to Learn from Each Other, Photography, Rations, The Mother Lode, The Sand Creek Massacre, Wheeler Reunion 1890

 

The Interpreter*

Honestly, guys. this soundtrack. I’m so obsessed with it. I saw the movie earlier this year, and wow okay, it’s really good.

to start, listen to: Tobin Comes Home, Guy Left His Lunch, Matobo, Zuwanie Arrives at the UN, Silvia Showers, Drowning Man, End Credits – if you want all the best tracks, otherwise listen to the entire thing without stopping.

 

*shhh, I’m actually listening
to it while I write this post.

 

 

Red Sparrow

I didn’t think I’d like this one much, and it’s not my favorite Newton Howard score, but it’s still pretty awesome.

to start, listen to: Overture, Anya, Come Here, There’s a Car Waiting to Take you to Moscow, Searching Marta’s Room, Didn’t I Do Well? (my favorite track of the entire thing), End Titles

 

The Postman

Little Brother and I fell for this one after listening to the Main Titles. It’s just epic, classic James Newton Howard style – what else matters, right?

to start, listen to: Main Titles, Shelter in the Storm, The Restored United States

 

 

 

enjoy.
k.

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|| Let’s Have a Conversation

Pick a track off this list and listen to it. Then comment below and tell me what you thought. • Also, tell me what soundtrack/song you’re currently obsessed with and we’ll make this a music swap, k?

Adventures | Inland Northwest

observations:
I love the Northern Hemisphere
Everything is so stunning I cannot take pictures of it all

 

 

 

hope your day
is lovely.
k.