picnic at the park

My wonderful friend and former roommate Jo is in town this weekend! She, my suitemate Keri, and I decided to have a picnic at the park and take pictures today. We stopped by Whole Foods, then headed out to Percy Warner. It was the perfect way to spend an almost warm March afternoon. We took a few serious pictures, but mostly we just goofed-off. It was fun getting my camera out again! 

xo,

Katy

recent shoots

a college senior:

   

and an engagement:

   

These are from February and January, respectively. I just realized I hadn't posted them yet. :)

xo, Katy

from here to there

 

Nashville - Spain - Morocco

xoxo,

Katy

you don't bring me flowers anymore

 

I was having a crummy day earlier this week. I don't remember why now, exactly. I was probably upset at myself for the same old things. (Actually, it was probably because it was 15 degrees outside and I had to go grocery shopping.) I had joked on twitter that I was going to reward myself with tulips for actually unpacking my room (two weeks into the semester). As soon as I walked into Trader Joe's, I saw bunches of tulips on sale for $1.99. I wanted to buy ALL the tulips. And I decided: why shouldn't I buy myself some flowers? If I'm waiting around for a boy to bring me flowers I'm going to be waiting for a very long time. So I bought flowers. Because sometimes you have to love yourself. You have to say, "I'm sorry." I'm sorry for being so angry at myself for things I can't control. I'm sorry for not giving myself the same amount of grace I give to others. I'm sorry for not always taking care of myself.

So I bought them, arranged them (poorly), photographed them, and then ate an entire bag of carrots. The end. 

xo,

Katy

Bethany - college senior portraits

 

1. It was about twenty degrees out when Bethany and I ran out to take her senior pictures in front of the library. 2. Bethany kept laughing at me because I was being bossy and kept jumping up and down and clapping over how pretty the light was. (BUT SERIOUSLY! IT WAS SO PRETTY.) 3. I love dis chick. We were suitemates our sophomore year. And look at her now! All grown up, married, and graduating. I'm so thankful to call her one of my best friends. You're going to do such great things in life, Bethany! Rock that BA in English! :)

xo,

Katy

january hymn

 

Here's what my face looks like these days. Yes, my hair really is getting that long. I'm growing it out to donate. That's the only thing that's kept me from chopping it off pixie short again. I asked Bethany to take a couple pictures of me after I finished up her senior session (in the twenty-degree weather, I might add. I guess that's what friends are for. ;) ) This building has so much significance for me. This is probably one of my school's last years in the historic Richland-West End neighborhood, so I've really made it a point to enjoy the neighborhood while I have the chance. It's absolutely gorgeous, even in the dead of winter.

One more minor update--I've been cast as the role of Sister Berthe in Welch's production of The Sound of Music. I'm reaaaaaally excited! This is another last for me. I've had a good run in our musicals here. It's going to be sad to leave.

xo,

Katy

around the bend

Well. Here I am. My last full semester of undergrad. The past four years have been some of the hardest--and best--years of my life.

Today I am swallowing my disappointment. I still don't know exactly when I'll be graduating. August? December? Regardless, I can't walk until next May. Regardless, this is my last semester in the dorm as a full-time student.

My roommate is gone. Back to Michigan for a semester. These white cinder block walls don't seem quite so friendly anymore. This room feels too empty.

My health is falling apart. I recently found out the autoimmune disease I have is still attacking my body. My thyroid, iron, vitamin D, and B12 levels are all shot. I've been put on some pretty intense supplements. I've had to start a cleanse to give my immune system a break. No dairy, wheat, potatoes, sugar, caffeine, red meat/pork for me. Current status: hangry. 

I may not get to participate in the musical this year. It breaks my heart. I love musical theater so much. Being in the musical has always been the bright spot of the spring semester. I don't know what I'll do if I can't swing being in it. Probably cry a lot. 

But today I am celebrating.  For the first time in my life, I have hope for my health. The world is before me, fresh, clean, and new, like the cold, cleansing snow that falls in places much farther north than here. My friends continue to be the wonderful, supportive people they've always been. My family continues to show me unconditional love. The courses I'm taking this semester are going to be incredible.

There is always good with the bad.

Lately the Lord has been asking me, "How much do you trust me?" At times, I feel my answer is no more than an uncertain shrug. But it all comes down to this. My plans are useless. My own devices fail me, over, and over, and over. Do I trust Him? I have no choice but to. He has proven to be beyond faithful.

xo,
Katy