Tender Mercies

The moment I heard my youngest sister was going to Europe after graduation, I knew I wanted to join the trip. I never expected to, and figured I would have to live it vicariously through pictures. However, my incredible dad came to my aid and surprised me with a round-trip ticket over the Atlantic for my birthday. While I probably should have been most excited to see old architecture and art and experience new foods and cultures, what I looked forward to the most was spending 11 days with my baby sister Kristina who is 8 years my junior. I left home when she was 10 and got married when she was 13, so most of the sisterly bonding happened between her and my middle sister. Phone calls, texts, and old-fashioned hand-written cards in the mail have kept Kristina and I close enough, but I wanted some time with just us two, as adults.  The time I spent with my sister in Europe from August 6-August 17, 2016 was everything that I needed and wanted. I hope these pictures can show ...

My birthday happens to be National Hug Day. So naturally, we had to take a picture commemorating it! Two weeks ago my dad emailed me, asking me what I wanted for my birthday. At the time, my sister was touring Europe with my mom before beginning her semester-long internship in London. I told my dad that I wanted a plane ticket to Europe, but that I was just kidding. Except for that I wasn't. But let's be realistic here.  I celebrated my birthday this past week and was definitely spoiled by family and friends, most especially by my sweet guy. It all began on my birthday eve when, upon finishing up dinner, I told him that I just wanted to go take a hot lavender-salt bath.  He told me he would clean up from dinner and that I was to not worry about a thing. My body and mind thanked me as my muscles relaxed after a heavy day of stretching and yoga.   The next day I did not see Marshall until 6:20 PM. I began my day with a lovely yoga session in my living room, my ...