Boone Weekends

This morning, I woke up and decided to have a good day. It's been a long week capped off by the world's longest Friday.

I woke up bright and early and the sun shinning outside my window was my motivation to get up, get out and put a smile on. The weather in Boone today was flawless. The sun was out with all its glory, and the temperature stayed around 70 degrees, but the constant breeze made me so ready for the leaves to start changing. I walked over to King Street and treated myself to lunch at Hob Knob.

Hob Knob is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Boone. All the food is local, and they have an overwhelming amount of vegetarian and vegan options. Today I got the Avocado Tempeh Melt. It is homemade bread with aioli, sautéed tempeh and onion, avocado, fresh cilantro, romas and melted cheddar. Yum! It really hit the spot and I was accompanied by another customer's poodle who stretched out under my table. We made great conversation. After lunch, I proceeded down King Street for some window shopping.

There are so many quirky little stores in Boone. My favorites are the art stores and the all natural, spiritual, incense burning stores that capture the "hippier" vibe Boone has to offer. They are all so unique, homey and local. I can't wait until I have some friends that will hang out on King Street with me...haha...seriously though...I need some friends.

Naturally, I had to try the local coffee. No offense, Starbucks, I love you, I really do. I just wanted to try something new. So I adventured out to Bald Guy Brew. I'm a simple girl, so I just got a hot cup of their house coffee. Even though it was about 4:30, the coffee was still steaming hot and tasted as if it had just been brewed. I may or may not being sipping on the microwaved leftovers now.

All in all it was a good day. Friday afternoon was disappointing to say the least, and left me wanting to mope. But I fought the comfort of my bed and had a good day. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do now or where to go from here. I was really counting on Greek life to find friends to fill my days, and a place where I fit in and am always welcome. I'm really counting on God's timing right now and I have faith that I'll find somewhere and some people that make me feel at home. It all takes time, but patience is not my strong suit. I'm sure I'll figure it all out.

Rest in The Presence of The Lord, Truett Cathy

Today, we lost a great soul. Today, I lost the person whose vision solidified my faith.

Truett Cathy

I began attending Winshape Camps in 2005, as a Chippewa. I was only 10 years old when Truett Cathy's spirit captivated me. In my first few summers at Winshape, Truett would come and speak to us on Sunday night. The topic of the conversation could be anything from a scripture that had been on his heart or, most memorably, abstinence. I can distinctly recall Truett going off on a tangent about how boys should cherish us, and if a boy ever tried to get us to do anything we shouldn't do, "say no and slam the door or whatever object is closest to you in his face."

My first summer at Winshape Camps 2005

As the years went on, and Truett grew older he could no longer make the trip out to Mount Berry to speak to us. But my 3 first years, when he did come, he always directly handed each of us a gift and a warm smile. The most memorable to me were a sign that read "I AM THIRD" as a reminder to put God first, others second and yourself third, and a gold frame, with the words "If it is to be, it is up to me". This frame now sits in the living room of my home. His genuine personality and care for each of us campers was evident in all he did when he visited us at camp. I am so lucky to have experienced such a soul, even if it was for only a few moments.

First year Chickasaw 2006

I am so grateful for the influence Truett and his family has had on my life over the last 9 years. To have known such a devoted follower of Christ, and have him speak love and truth into my heart, is a blessing that could never be replaced. Having submitted an application to serve as part of Winshape Summer Staff 2015, I can only hope for the privilege to serve in the name of Winshape, for the kingdom of God.

Winshape Camps

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

Proverbs 22:1

 "Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give someone else our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return."

Thank you for your love and service, Mr. Truett Cathy. Although it hurts my heart to see such a great man of God gone from this earth, I know you are sitting next to The Lord right now, fully covered in His love and Grace. I am so excited for you to be with The Maker you so greatly loved and served. Rest happily knowing what an impact you have left on the tangible world in the name of God.

The Journey

Hello & welcome!

I've been wanting to start a blog since before I could remember. Unfortunately, laziness, exhaustion and frustration overpowered my will to get this thing up and running. Now that I'm living in a new place and starting a new part of my life, I figured it was time. So, let's talk about my new home. I live here:

Pretty incredible, right? I'm a lucky girl. Boone, North Carolina has my heart right now. Every morning I wake up to the most beautiful mountain view right outside of my window. I'm about 5 hours away from my family, dogs & boyfriend, which of course can be tough from time to time, but I'm liking it here so far and I'm slowly but surely  making friends. Proof:

I suppose my charm and personality is coming in handy after all.

There are about a million more things to do, learn and experience. I'm anxiously awaiting everything that lies before me on this journey. I hope to grow and love a lot. 

Please continue to be patient with me as I figure this whole new blogging world out! It might take me some time, but I think I'll get the hang of it. Until next time, my friends!

XO