The Official Guide to Being Nature Counselor (and Loving It!)

The campers are coming! The campers are coming!

Welcome to CYO Camp, new counselors! I am so excited to see what magical experiences come to you all as you start your journey. I will be joining you in July after I finish my summer classes, and I can not wait to meet everyone!

I wanted to type up a little something (a guide, kind of), specifically on being Nature Area counselor, how to love it, and how to make the kiddos love it too. I loved every day I spent at camp last summer, but something about being the Nature Guru was one of my favorites.

Yep, those are antlers. Oh yeah. 

So, if it's your first time at Nature Area, you may be a little nervous, and I know I was. So let's get to some activities and tips you might love to use during your time as Neeeture Counselor:

Activities

For All Groups

1. "ORT Goals/ Worm Bin" 

This is one that I did with every group, despite gender or age. You know that ORT and compost are a major part of camp, but you'll also find that a lot of campers don't completely understand the "why" behind it. Why is ORT bad? Why is compost good? How does awareness of both make us Stewards of the Earth? 

• So with this activity, I first set out a red and a green bucket on the floor of the Nature Center. I let the campers come in and sit in a circle around the buckets. This is a good time for introductions and maybe some nature-related puns. (You have to be silly, because the campers aren't always so pumped at first when they arrive)

• Next I ask if anyone can explain why we collect ORT and compost. What are some things we eat that would go in the red bucket? And the green? Where does ORT go after we throw it away? What does CYO camp do with the compost? I'll then explain to them what landfills are, and why putting less in them makes us Stewards of the Earth.

• Then I take out a piece of paper, and write down their group name and number on it. I say "Are you guys ready for the ULTIMATE CHALLENGE?" (You know, be dramatic. They laugh). Then say you think that this week at camp is going to have the least amount of ORT EVER RECORDED IN THE HISTORY OF CYO CAMP, but only with their help! You have them talk about how much ORT they have had on average at meals, and how they can have less. 

• Now we ask them to make a goal. Example: "today at lunch your group will have half as much ORT as usual, and at dinner we will have NO Ort." Let them decide what meal will be easiest to have No ORT.  Then write down their goal on the paper and have the counselor keep it. The kids will love announcing at meals that they reached their ORT goal. 

Now, this activity actually works. We really did see a big decrease in ORT when we had the campers start setting goals. So go for it! They all enjoy it. Make sure you give the campers a chance to play with the worms in the worm bin after explaining to them what compost is and why the worms like it. This is a huge highlight for them. 

2. "Nature Hike/ Un-Nature Hike"

Every group I did this with loved it, especially if it was a beautiful day outside. First I'll explain the Nature Hike:

• First have the campers make a little journal out of a paper bag and ribbon, or paper, or whatever supplies you have handy:

• Then have them write their name and group number on the front, and decorate it however they like.
• Next, explain what kind of wildlife and nature we have at CYO camp. Maybe tell them a story about a time you saw a fox or caught lightening bugs at camp. 
• Now, we take them on a walk to the Darn and back, from the Nature Center. Let them stop along the way and draw things they find (a turtle, a bird, a pretty wildflower). Let them take their time exploring and finding. 
• I always make sure to show the kids the bird boxes along the way, and stop at the Raptor Box before the Darn. Explain to them what birds of prey are. The boys love that part.
• Once we get to the Darn, I let them stay for a while, drawing what they find in the area and just mostly enjoying the sunshine. 
• Then we walk back and I tell a riddle or some puns on the way, and that's it!

Now, the un-nature hike. This one is fun too, but a little different:

• Before the group arrives, set up a bunch of trash and things you don't find in nature between the Nature Center and the Darn. When they get there, talk about things you would and wouldn't find in nature. Have them explain. Then explain to the kiddos that you're going for a walk, 
• Along the way to the Darn, ask them if they see anything that we talked about that doesn't belong in nature. Have them collect it and give it to you (you can carry a bag). 
• There are ways to vary this and make it exciting. Have them get into pairs and reward cool points to the pairs as they turn in trash. Be creative! 

Again, all ages and genders really like these activities, because they get to go on a walk to the Darn and back, and it's fun to just be outside. 

For Girls Ages 11-15

1. "pop tab bracelet" 

You will need help from your Area Manager getting supplies for this one, but if you can get the supplies, it's worth it. 

• If you can learn how to make these (they are super easy. You can find a tutorial on YouTube to learn before teaching it), it is so much fun. Girls love this, and it makes a great "sustainability" lesson. Teach them about what it means to "re-use" something, and how it makes them "Stewards of the Earth"

2. "Magazine bracelets"

This one is usually made with Starburst wrappers, but at camp you would have to just cut a bunch of magazine pieces up for this activity. Again, totally worth it!

• Same thing, just teach sustainability with this one. Why is it important to reuse wrappers or magazine paper? :)
• You should pre-cut the paper, to save time.

3. "The River Runs Through"

There are instructions for this one in the Nature binder at camp, but I'll explain how I did it a little differently. 

• Have each girl draw a river on a paper bag. Her river can be anywhere. A city, a backyard, CYO camp, an imaginary place, whatever she likes. 
• Then connect all the rivers on the ground or picnic tables, and make it into one long river. Point at each river and say "who drew this one? Can you tell us about it? Where is it?" 
• Then ask "what kind of waste do you think might get into your river?" 
• As you go down the line, tell it like a story. "The waste from this river accidentally flowed into this backyard river, etc." Show how waste from one person's picture travels all the way down the whole connected river.
• Then I like to take out all the trash and have the kids guess how long it takes each item to decompose. They will be so surprised! 

Boys Groups 

Okay, this is the toughie. Boys have the hardest time at nature. But it IS possible for them to have a blast.

•  I like to start boys out with a run-around game like Sedimentary Blob. Let them get some energy out from the start.
• Boys also really enjoy nature hikes to the Darn. 
• The "Bat" activity and run-around game is always fun for boys. 
• Whatever you do, don't make them sit still for too long!
• Worms are a hit. Always. 
• The "mining for chocolate" activity in the binder is really fun, but warning: ONLY the more "tame" groups can handle it. If you have a really rambunctious group, they won't play the cookie game right, they'll just eat the cookies. Oops. 

Okay, I think I've hit on all the major fun activities for Nature! Here are some closing tips:

1. If a camper brings you a bug, or a turtle, or any kind of wildlife, be gracious! Make a little habitat for it in the nature center, and keep it there for a little while before setting it free. Campers love to feel appreciated, and you should always encourage them if they are being excited about nature and wildlife.
2. Don't let the campers hurt your feelings. Sometimes they will say "I HATE NATURE AREA!" and this isn't your fault! Just do your best to make it as fun as possible, but remember that you aren't Horses or High Ropes. The kids can be a little honest sometimes. 
3. Whatever you do, make sure when you are recording the ORT on the dry-erase board, that you are using Dry-Erase markers....Don't get in a hurry and use a sharpie on accident....Oops. Haha..

Well that's just about everything I wanted to say! Best of luck to all of you counselors out there, returning AND new! I can't wait to join you in July!

Love Always,

 Hannah Banana

The "Act of Kindness Project"--Who Could You Become?

A new question is at hand: What could you become by implementing random kindness into your life?

I have decided to attempt a project. This project is widely known, but rarely seen, and so I have decided to try the project and show you what could happen.

The project works in three easy steps:

1. Pick one person every day. Pick anyone you want. It could be a friend or a stranger or a mentor. When you are ready, you may even choose an enemy.

2. Take five minutes to ponder that person. What do they like? Dislike? What is going on in their life that you are particularly aware of?

(If you choose a stranger, think of that person as being a version of yourself. What would YOU like or dislike?)

3.Pick a random act of kindness to give to them at some point in that day, relating to what you thought about in number two. 

Rule: It must be implemented THAT DAY. One person=one act of kindness. Each day is a new person and new act. 

Why do this?

Being a camp counselor taught me that the secret to joy in this life is putting others before yourself. In this life, what you receive from others mirrors exactly what you give of yourself. So, how much growth could happen to one person's joy if they allowed themselves to give randomly to a new person every single day? Hmm...:)

Remember: This is not about bragging rights.

This isn't something you talk about. Okay, I might be talking about it but I'm speaking of it strictly for blogging purposes. 

But this isn't about saying "Oh yeah, I totally payed for your coffee today" or "I'm gonna do the dishes now because I'm trying to be nicer". 

We're not trying to get attention or glory. We are trying to experiment on how being kind to others makes us feel about ourselves. 

"Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy."

I will keep you updated on my experience with this project. <3

Get out there and try!

Love always, Hannah

Why Changing Your Major Is Actually Something to Brag About

Okay...I have an announcement (cue summer camp announcement song).

For those of you I know in person, please don't kill me for not telling you this already. It was a big BIG change and I wanted to be sure it was the right decision before I made it official.

Well I'm making it official. Officially official. Blog-ficial.

*drum roll*

I have changed my major to Pre-Nursing, and am only a couple semesters away from applying for the (official) College of Nursing.

Yeah, okay, obviously this is a huge shift from Elementary Education but that's what I am about to explain so... Read on!

Here's the thing about picking a major in high school: It's actually, typically a blind shot in the dark. 

Around the 10th grade, I started telling myself I would never make it in the medical field (even though that's been my dream for as long as I can remember).

I started believing the classes would be too hard, and that I wasn't smart enough to get through it (I know, right, can you say "pity party"?)

So I chose a major I was completely comfortable with. I knew I had it in me to be an excellent elementary teacher someday. (And I still believe that a teacher is one of the best things a person can become.)

But then I actually GOT to college, and realized that hard classes are nothing more than hard classes. You study, you push, you cry a little, and then there it is. A beautiful, glimmering A in the class. The math...the science...it's all just a challenge, but not a reason to settle.

So I started thinking:

Why am I letting a few classes stand between me and what I really want in life?

What I REALLY want is to become a nurse. It's my dream.. And the moment I realized that I have been selling myself short out of fear, I made the appointment to meet the Nursing adviser right away.

And I'm proud for changing my major. Why? Because...

Changing Your Major is Something To Brag About!

It may seem embarrassing to change your major. You may feel like people will judge you for "not having your life together" 

NEWS FLASH: no one really has their life together in college. 

It is so much worse to settle for a life path that you hate just because you feel like it's too late to change your major. Change it now while you are still in college. Change it now while you still have the choice to dream big. 

Be proud. No one is going to judge you when you are happy in your career (even if it took a little longer to get through college). 

My mom used to tell me something when I was a little girl. Maybe I forgot it a little along the way, but I sure remember it now:

"Dream big, and God will dream bigger."

God walks before us ALWAYS. He blazes the trail. I am not afraid...in fact I've never been so sure of anything in my life. 

Good luck to anyone who is ready to change their major. Do it and BRAG about it.

You got this. 

Love Always, Hannah <3

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From the Journal of a Camp Counselor

I'm back, everyone!

As some of you may know, I spent the past nine weeks at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa in Brown County, IN (please look it up because it is basically the best place on Earth), working as a camp counselor for the whole summer.

...I am practically spilling over with songs, riddles, jokes and stories to share with everyone! (Thank God for blogging, right?)

I learned more in my summer as a counselor than I'm sure I've learned anywhere else in my life. ..

(I now know how to make a connection with someone based off of only their shirt.
I now know how to soothe three girls that are very homesick at one time in the middle of the night.
I now know how to build a heck of a fire, rain OR shine.
I now know the difference between a One Cup of Coffee kind of day, and a most-definite Two Cup kind of day..)

(And of course, the more tired you feel, the bigger you smile.)

I learned that children are profound and create some of the most beautiful thoughts without even trying.
I learned that kids love, need, and thrive on purpose and feeling important.


Of course I could write pages and pages on what I learned, but I wanted to share with you one of my journal entries, because being a counselor was beautiful in an unconventional, raw kind of way...in a way I don't know how to share other than in writing from the exact place and time. (Journaling is like time travel...)

So here is an entry from one of the best moments of the summer...

"Today was a major turn around (FINALLY! I knew God could turn even this week around..) The rain actually stopped (again...finally) and I even got to take all the girls' wet, muddy socks to the health center to be washed and dried. You would be surprised how a pair of dry socks could change the morale around here. I'm so tired, honestly. I stayed up pretty late with (a camper) because, even though her homesickness IS amazingly better today, she woke me up crying last night. We talked for a longgg while and she is seriously so smart. This girl is inspiring to me. I mean how many 10 year old's can name ANY Greek god and also tell, in detail, the story behind that god? Not to mention her extensive knowledge of the Harry Potter series...Love it! But what made today amazing wasn't just the lessening of the rain or the dry socks. It was this...moment I had. We were walking out of the stables from horseback riding and I was asking (the camper that is homesick) if horseback riding was her favorite activity this week (since she loves horses) and what she said next changed my entire day.

"I liked my horse a lot. But my favorite thing about camp is my new friends. I've never made friends at camp before. I didn't think I could."

THAT is why I am a camp counselor. Because at the end of the day, this girl now believes she can make friends...something she never thought she could do. Knowing that I played a hand in getting these girls to connect...it's something I'll never EVER forget. I better (finally) get some sleep. Goodnight!"

It was one of my favorite moments. I hope that I can carry the skills I learned at camp with me for the rest of my life.

Don't forget to follow/like A Muse on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/amusebyhannah?fref=ts

What Being Called a 'Basic White Girl' Actually Feels Like

"She just looks like a basic white girl"

Most Popular Definition of 'Basic White Girl' :" A female who conforms to her surroundings and claims she is unique. She often drinks Starbucks, wears Ugg boots and Chacos and posts selfies on social networking sites every day. Also uses hashtags that don't have anything to do with the picture itself and wears oversized t-shirts." --Urban Dictionary

Today I will be posing the question: What are we actually saying to girls when we call them 'basic'?

I was called 'basic' for the first time last fall. 
Autumn has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. I remember loving fall as a toddler, rolling in the leaf piles with my brothers and collecting acorns as treasure. 
So when expressing aloud one day last fall that "I just love Autumn so much" and being laughed at for being a "basic bitch", I felt an odd sense of hurt. 
I was called 'basic' again that winter when I learned how to knit warm, chunky infinity scarves for myself and friends. 
I wore my hand-knit scarves with a comfy pair of warm winter boots and a big, chunky sweater. I felt very confident in this outfit because it was warm, cute, and partially crafty. The last  comment I expected to receive when I when I went out in public was "you just look like a basic white girl". 
And truthfully, I wasn't okay with this. Why was I being made to feel like I am just like every other girl, when there is so much more to me as a person?

And I realized something then: the phrase "basic white girl" is not only hurtful, but a sick double standard as well.

What are you really saying to a girl when calling her 'basic'?

The term 'basic' at its definition is something that is simple and fundamental. 
By calling a girl 'basic', you are saying to her that she not only has no qualities that separate her from others, but also that she is plain and has little value above others. 

What right does anyone have to take one look at a girl and tell her she has no worth?

Based on what? Her shoes? Her coffee? 

So freakin' what if she likes stylish, trendy outfits. You can't blame a girl for wanting to look cute. So she has Chacos...okay? They are sturdy and perfect for all weather-types.

Oversized T-Shirts: lots of girls wear them because they come from social events they went to with friends...Big deal.

So what if she enjoys a hot Starbucks drink sometimes? Starbucks is delicious, last I checked...

The point is, calling out girls on being basic is destructive to their self-esteem. 

No one likes being told that they are just like everyone else and that they are not unique. "Basic Bitch" is a phrase that NEEDS to be stopped. Now. 

Basic White Girl is a sick double standard

Since when is it okay to consider other  trends acceptable, such as "Dad Bod" or "Frat Boy Style" without it being destructive in any way, but in fact admirable and cool? 

So "Frat Boy" style-donning people can go around looking exactly the same in their clothes and trends and be considered attractive and popular...but when girls do it they are just "annoying basic white girls"? 

Everyone has a right to feel like they can wear whatever they want without being attacked by society.

(Because only in our society do we have people being judged relentlessly for being gay or different in any way, but also for being "too normal" as well. )

Ladies: Wear whatever in the hell you want. If it makes you feel confident, wear it. If Chacos are comfortable and Uggs are warm, wear them. 

It's up to us to make this phrase stop. 

Stop calling girls 'basic'. You're not funny. It's a phrase that is meant to belittle and hurt females.

Stand up for yourselves. You are ALL unique. 

Love always, Hannah

The 5 Stages of Watching Someone Else's Graduation

First of all, shout out to my big brother Sam for receiving his B.S. degree in Biology this past Saturday! He's off to med school next fall and is a huge inspiration in my life. <3

So yeah, this past weekend I went to my brother's commencement ceremony and watched him receive his college degree.

And I realized something:

Going to someone else's graduation is a very introspecting event and there are five VERY distinct stages in which one goes through as a spectator...

(Each of the following stages is brought to you by my favorite television stars. You're welcome.)

Stage 1: Happy Fun Time

All the graduates are walking in, waving, and smiling ear to ear.
You get the satisfaction of shouting for your particular graduate as you see them marching in.
Pomp and Circumstance.
It's borderline euphoric being surrounded by that many happy people at one time. And you think thoughts like "wow what a happy day" and "they worked so hard to get here!"
Stage 1 is a pretty fun time.

Stage 2: Total Life Re-evaluation (and a side of crippling fear)

It's all fun and games until the commencement speaker starts his introduction.
Gotta love the guy that owns three businesses, started eight organizations for the poor and, like, cancer research, and also volunteers part time at the homeless shelter he created. And he "started right where you are today!"
And then you realize you are currently not doing anything productive with your time and immediately start questioning your path.
Literally I went in to this last commencement planning to be a teacher and left thinking I should probably go live in Africa and go fight poverty for a while.
Great, thanks Speaker Guy. Great.

Stage 3: Daunting Concern 

Stage 3 is that moment you realize just how many names they are about to start calling, and you're not so sure you're mentally prepared for it.

Stage 4: Bored Revelations

They are still calling names.
It's been an entire hour of names.
Amazing the things you will discover about life during this time.

Stage 5: The Final Stage: Unbearable Hanger

You are so proud of your graduate. You really are! You cheered loudly for them as they received their degree. 

But in the fifth and final stage, the hanger is too real. You are hungry. You are tired. You are so not having it anymore with unnecessary words from the Guys on the Stage. It is time to get on outta there.

I know this to be true. I hope today's post has prepared you all for the next commencement you spectate. 

ALL jokes aside, I am really proud of my brother. I loved seeing him graduate and it was a once in a lifetime event. I just thought I would bring a little comedy into your day, readers. 

Thanks for reading!

 

Plan Like an Adult; Play Like a Kid (the best zoo trip you will ever have)

If you're anything like me, the idea of "growing up" is pretty daunting and you may be feeling like life is not quite as exciting as it was when you were 6...

So to shake things up I decided to revert to one of my favorite childhood activities and take a trip to the zoo. This time, however, I brought my sweetie and used my impressive adult planning powers to make it (literally) the best zoo trip I've ever had.  AND YOU CAN TOO!

First things first: Check the website

We chose to visit the Birmingham Zoo, which is typically $15 or so per adult. But with a little online exploring, we found out that the zoo is half-price on Tuesdays.

Omg.

We had no idea, and it didn't exactly spell it out in bold on the homepage. We had to explore a bit to find out and then suddenly our price was cut in half!

Also by exploring the website a bit you can find out fun facts and current events about the zoo. We learned that the zoo had some newborn baby animals we had to check out while we were there. 

But THEN there is the information on there about events that happen at certain times throughout the day. Like apparently if you get there at a certain time in the morning you can feed the giraffes for a couple bucks. 

What??! 

And we definitely did. 

Yeah it was awesome as it looks. Thank you, website. 

Next: Check the weather!

This is probably the most crucial. Not only is it better in the morning, but if it's cool outside the animals will be ACTIVE. 

I'm serious, getting there in the morning on a cool summer day is the perfect combination. 

When it's mid-day and extremely hot, the animals just lay there sleeping....and that makes for a pretty boring day. 

But when it's cool, the animals are up doing crazy awesome things! It was amazing!

Examples:

This tiger who just wanted to enjoy his possum snack/toy

Yes that is a possum head, Yes he was playing with it. Yes he was that close to us!

This Horton that Heard a Who

Did you know there are aprox. 3,600 muscles in an elephant's trunk alone? 

The elephants were walking around finding treats with their trunks and picking them up and eating them. Also we had never seen an elephant drink water with its trunk in person, which he did, and also get so close to us we could practically reach out and touch him!

This peacock who was feeling extra fabulous

Okay we really aren't sure why but this peacock was walking around minding its own business and then, right before our very eyes, it shook shook shook its wings up out and suddenly it was looking at us like this. Fabulousness: Level Max.

Okay and finally, the Rhino.

I don't have a picture  of Mr. Rhino but get this: He was bathing himself in a mud hole only ten feet away from us. Not just bathing, either.

Rolling.

Playing. 

Splashing. 

He stood up and SPLASHED back down into his bath, spraying mud in all directions...including ours. We literally got mud thrown on us from the unexpected splash-zone.

Not enough to ruin our clothes or anything of course. But it was absolutely awesome!

Next: Pay for the Lorikeet or other bird feeding encounter

This only costs a dollar a person and was probably the highlight of our day. 

Basically you get a little cup of nectar and walk in to the exhibit. There, the birds land on you and eat right out of your hand. It is SO amazing to see these little guys up close!

And who knows. You might get a really good selfie with one of them.

This is my new bestie, by the way

Just be zoo-savvy :D

There are tons of other activities at the zoo that you never knew about. Feeding fish to pelicans (if you show up at the right time, again, check the website), camel rides, sea-lion show....and many more. 

It's all about how you plan. 

Now that I know all of this, I will NEVER have a boring zoo trip again. 

Who is God in the Midst of Tragedy?

How can we seek comfort in tragic times?

"But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I called to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears." (2 Samuel 22:7)

The Lord God is close to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 59:16)

When our hearts are troubled, we MUST seek the Lord. When we give our anxious hearts to God, we gain peace. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ". 

Who is God in the midst of tragedy?

Our Comforter: 

"..God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction..." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Our Overcomer:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)

Our Guide: 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Our Strength: 

"Do not panic. I am with you. There is no need for fear for I am your God. I will give you strength. I will help you. I will hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you." (Isaiah 41:10 The Message)

Our Protector: 

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

Unchanging: 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

In times of trouble, it is so good to know how great our God is. In Him, the pain of today will pass. 

RIP Katie. You will never be forgotten, sweet girl.  

Love Always, 

Hannah

Women Are Taking Over TV and Literature and We Couldn't be More Excited (No Spoilers)

So I have started to take note of a new trend occurring in TV and literature and it's really inspiring and awesome.

Strong female leads! That's right. Women are taking over, guys. Seriously, go to your nearest Barnes and Noble and take a walk through the Young Adult Fiction section. Or check out the more popular TV shows on right now.
Women are being represented fabulously now and you might not have noticed yet. But you will.

I compiled some examples for you, dear readers. Let's just start with TV.

1) Game of Thrones

Maybe you aren't an avid watcher of this show, but if you are you know the women are the real force of Westeros. 

 "Yes. All men must die, but we are not men." -Daenerys Targaryen

2) Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

This Netflix original is a perfect ode to women picking themselves up by their bootstraps and rescuing themselves. Kimmy is an absolute inspiration AND hilarity ensues. 

3) Orange is the New Black

The women of Litchfield Penitentiary are breaking new ground by being down to earth, not necessarily shining stars. They are proving to everyone that you don't have to be rich, sexy, or powerful to be wonder women. These women are BELIEVABLE, and believable women is what TV needs the most.

Okay, there are plenty more. but let's go ahead and take a look at literature now.

We all know about The Hunger Games and Divergent, which are incredible! But what's unbelievable is the amount of books that came out last month and this month alone by and for women!

1) Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed

Not only is this book ethnic, realistic and painfully truthful, but it features a young woman who REFUSES to let her parents arrange her marriage and decide her fate. 

2) An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This novel features a young woman who is a slave under a Martial Empire and risks her life to save her brother by becoming a spy. So basically. Awesome woman. This came out just this month!

3) Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

This new release for May features (guess what?!) an awesome young female who learns to see the world through the eyes of a victim of her brother's crime (whoa). Can't wait to get my copy. 

And there are TONS more that are being released left and right!

Mosquitoland by David Arnold, featuring a young woman on a journey cross country

Popular by Maya Van Wagenen, a memoir about a young girl experimenting with a 50's-inspired social project 

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh about a 16 year old girl who is forced into a marriage only to take revenge. 

And so many more!

Girl Power is SO happening. 

That's all for today, Happy Tuesday!

Love always, Hannah

How to Kill a Relationship in 5 Words

Okay, I'm going to be honest. I've killed my fair share of relationships. I'm not only talking about romantic relationships either. I mean friendships as well.

Everyone can say that they've been a part of a failed relationship at one point or another, so I decided to take a closer look at my past relationships and see where exactly things went wrong.

5 words:

This is all your fault.

Taadaaa! That's the killer, boys and girls. This is all your fault. 

I've said it to ex-friends, and I have had ex-friends say it to me. This sentence is toxic, and when you boil every failed relationship down to its core you will find these words, perhaps in different form. Either way, blaming something, no matter what it is, completely and totally 100% on the other person is a sure way to lose them.

However: I learned that nothing is wholly someone else's fault. Ever.

Yeah, they cheated on you.
Sure, they've changed into a completely different person that you don't even recognize (gotta love that)
Mhm, they said something hateful about you behind your back.

Are they perfect? No.
Are you perfect? Nope.

There you have it. Everyone has reasons for doing everything. That does not mean they aren't in the wrong, but it also doesn't mean that what they did to you is completely their fault.
We MUST try and look at whoever has wronged us and truly see what they are experiencing. Their life could be a whirlwind of issues that is causing them to cheat or change or be hateful. It doesn't make them any more "right" but it does help us see that it isn't ALL their fault either.

Here's the thing: everyone is doing the best they can to get themselves through the tumbles and storms of life. Everyone is trying to make it.

NO ONE, I don't care who you are, wakes up every morning and says "I'm going to stab (insert name) in the back" or "I think I'll just break (insert name)'s heart today".

There are a million reasons we act on behaviors. Most of it is for survival. So here's the question: the person that wronged you...what do you think they are trying to survive?

So give it a shot. Next time a friend or partner is doing something that you can't work through...try and see what they are seeing OUTSIDE of your relationship. God calls us to see not through our own eyes, but through other's.

If you decide to speak up about the issue, try NOT saying it's all their fault.

That's all for today, folks!

Love Always, Hannah

5 Ways My Dog Teaches Me To Be a Better Person

Happy Saturday, Blogosphere!

Upon moving to Alabama about 9 years ago, my family decided to take on the responsibility of raising and owning a Vizsla puppy, whom we decided to name Lucy. (Yes, she is named after Lucille Ball, because, after all, We Love Lucy).

She also goes by Lucy the Wonder Dog, Lu Dog, Lu-Lu, Best Dog in the Neighborhood, and Grumbelina (when she's feeling grumpy).

Lucy has also has her own theme song, of which we sing to her daily.

Deciding to get Lucy (well, honestly she chose us..) was the best choice we could have made, and here's what she teaches me:

#1) Love is blind

I just woke up. 

My hair is filthy and sticking up in 9 different directions. 

Yesterday's make-up is smeared all over my face. 

It's pretty rough. 

But then I hear the racing pitter-patter of Lucy's paws, signifying that a certain puppy is coming to greet me to the day, like she does every morning. She bounds on to my bed and lays directly across me. She's genuinely happy to see me, regardless of how I look.

And this is true for all dogs. They don't see your clothes, make up, hair....they don't care about the color of your skin or the shape of your body. Dogs see straight through us to our souls, and love wholly and blindly. This is the way I strive to be, and Lucy reminds me how to do that every morning.

#2) Appreciate the little things

Dogs truly appreciate the smallest things. For Lucy, a walk around the block can be the highlight of her day. I mean, she is happiest when she is in nature with her family....and that just shows that life to her is defined by the little moments, which are the most important moments in life. When I see my dog explode with joy just at the arrival of a family member to our home, I'm reminded that family, friends, small pleasures...they should be valued whole-hardheartedly every day.

#3) It's okay to be a little impulsive

Maybe it's because Lucy isn't the MOST disciplined dog out there....but she has a tendency to know what's good and attempt to take it.

I mean it's hard to be mad at her for trying to reach the brownies on the counter with her nose because, I mean...brownies are delicious! Of course she knows she shouldn't do it and she typically complies fairly well when we tell her no. But the truth is, she knows what's good and what she wants. Basically, dogs teach us that we don't always have to deny ourselves of pleasures. Sure, you're on a diet and shouldn't have that cookie but more importantly life is short and you should go ahead and let yourself have a little fun here and there. 

It just amazes me that dogs have a sense for knowing life is short, and they aren't even aware of it.  

#4) Forgive and forget

I'm going to make a confession here...I've snapped at Lucy unjustly before.

It's been a bad day and I'm really not in the mood to deal with her barking incessantly at the mail man. So I yell at her to "please SHUT UP!"...and then I've done it. I've hurt her feelings. 

She goes off into another room and curls up alone.

I feel horrible of course. So I go in there and all it takes is a smile and a "Heeey Lu-Girl" to get her tail thumping again. And just like that, all is forgiven.

Can you imagine if humans were this way? Being able to genuinely forgive and forget about whatever and whoever has wronged us...It would be a whole new world. This is the kind of person Lucy inspires me to be.  

#5) Trust your intuition

Dogs are led by their instinct, and they rely on their intuition. As humans, we are capable of doing that too and should try to practice listening to what are gut tells us more often. After all, it's usually right.

Thanks for reading!

Love always, Hannah

(Realistic and Easy) Yoga Poses For Boosting Confidence and Inner Strength

You don't want to get out of bed. 

You don't feel like washing your hair today (ugh that requires effort and like...a shower)

You DON'T want to give that presentation later.

You really just want to put on your comfy pants and stay home. 

This is really just the way it is for most people, especially during young adulthood. Life has a tendency to become a big ugly pile of "I don't want to's", because, let's be honest here....Netflix all day definitely beats going to school or work ANY day. 

What if I told you that in just 5 minutes you could feel more confident that you do right now? 

Yoga. 

It looks intimidating. It seems new-ageish. And I totally get the sensation of "uh...yeah my body doesn't do that." 

The truth is: there are poses out there that you can do, or at least attempt, right now with very little experience or effort. I personally do yoga almost every day. It clears my mind and somehow makes me feel more confident every time I do it. Just give it a try and you will see!

Hold each pose for about a minute and remember to breathe deeply during each pose!

1) Tree Pose

Tree Pose is not complicated and has real benefits on your health. 

This pose: 

• relieves tension in your hips (which is where a lot of stress/tension from daily life is stored)
• clears your mind (you'll be focusing on balance and forgetting about to-do's)
• makes you feel strong and able to speak your mind

For beginners, try the modification:

When you are ready:

Bring your foot up as high as you feel comfortable. 

Do NOT push your raised foot on your knee cap (can you say "knee injury"?). Simply rest it there without pushing. 

2) Sun Warrior Pose

This one is awesome. This pose:

• Improves digestion by releasing tension in major organs
• Opens the rib cage and chest to receive "happy" vibes
• Makes you look dramatic and fabulous
• Imagine being in the warm sun during this pose

3) Locust Pose

This one is very soothing. With eyes closed and breathing steady, this pose helps us imagine flight and envision soaring through the sky, away from stress and harm. 

4) Warrior 1 Pose

This pose: 

• Opens hips to release tension
• Opens chest and rib cage
• Elongates spine for posture
• Improves confidence

With this one, please make sure your knee does not go over your foot in the lunge. This can hurt your knee if you aren't careful!

5) Warrior 2 Pose

This pose helps us to embody the qualities of a warrior and reap the confidence from that. Many people choose to imagine positive energy flowing from their fingertips while in this pose.

Again, make sure you are breathing deeply and NEVER let that knee go over the toes. 

I promise if you put your mind and effort into these poses, you will reap the benefits of confidence and inner-strength. You may even find yourself speaking your mind more often, or finding courage in situations you used to fear. 

Thanks for reading and stay healthy, readers!

Love always, 

Hannah

Attention Graduating High School Seniors: These Lessons Can Change Your Life

Congratulations! You made it and you couldn't be more proud (and relieved) to finally be graduating high school.
No more endless note-taking day-in and day-out.
No more begging for Friday to arrive so you can catch up on sleep and then start back over on Monday.
THAT life will shortly be over. You, my friend, have a lot of learning and growing to do.
Let's face it...You're officially categorized as an "Emerging Adult". Congrats.
I would like to share with you some of the lessons I learned after graduation. These tips are SO important and will help you become all that you believe you can be and more, while also becoming a more genuine and grounded person.

1) Go read Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

"Kid, you'll move MOUNTAINS"

Seriously, go read this book. On the night of my graduation, I was brought to tears as someone read this aloud to me and my class. Some of the most beautiful lessons this life has to offer can be found in children's literature. So, step one, read this book. After all..."you have brains in your head and feet in your shoes...you can steer yourself any direction you choose".

2) Listen to your mom. She was right about everything all along

Mom nagged at me.

Mom griped at me.

Mom repeated the same dang argument in 100 different word combinations.

And then I got to college. 

One of the many lessons mom taught me was "If they will talk about other people with you, they will talk about you with other people". Basically, gossipers don't cease to exist once you hit college and they aren't to be trusted as friends. 

Did your mom ever tell you to brush your hair or fix your posture? Yeah, that was eye roll-worthy in high school. But in college, networking with adults is real and if you look ragamuffin all the time, you will surely injure not only the impression you give others but your self esteem as well. 

3) Daddy is still going to wipe away the tears

You may have shot up like a weed. Your chubby cheeks may have hollowed out some. You may use relatively impressive adult-like vocabulary (consequentially awe-inspiring). 

But you are still daddy's little girl (or boy...).

You may be grown up, but there will be break-ups (not just in relationships. Friendships break too).

There will be absolutely fascist, unfair professors.There will be bad tests. There WILL be bad interviews (or auditions, in my case). No matter what happens, your daddy is still going to pick you back up and wipe away those tears.

Be grateful for your parents if you have them. It brings them so much joy to see you happy and free. Please take time to thank and give back to them because loving you as much as they do is surely exhausting.

4) True friends are not found overnight

First of all, shout out to Friends and Netflix for being the truest friends of all in college.

I digress.

Post high school life is vast and potential friends are everywhere. You may decide to be someone else and alter your personality to fit into a certain group that you find appealing. And that's okay. But here's the thing, guys...friendships built on fake ground simply can't last. You HAVE to be yourself. And it's going to be tempting. You are going to feel alone at first when you don't really know where you belong yet. Whatever you do, don't rush into a friendship because you are feeling lonely. Be patient and be yourself. If you do that, true friends will find you. This is so important.

5) Real life is not like these Tumblr pictures.

This one took me a little time to learn, but I'm so glad I know this now.

PSA: Real life does not look like this:

You and your best friend aren't going to look like this: 

Yeah, admittedly these are nice photos. And sure, you are going to do fun things with your friends that FEEL this glamorous. But seriously guys, nothing in real life looks this perfect. 

I had a problem after graduating high school because I literally expected life to be like a Tumblr post. Cute and sunny and perfect. And then things ended up being....not quite that. At all. But I realized that Tumblr is just unrealistic. No one looks like that all the time!

Here is an example of what REAL people look like (no filters, no nothin'): 

Some of my best friends Anna and Noah being silly <3

Me and my friends Ashley and Savannah on a snow day

Okay, so, glamorous? No not really. It's not perfect. It's not like, sunny and our hair/make-up is not exactly flawless. But this is what REAL life looks like. Real laughter, real fun...it's not something you pose for, guys. The sooner you let go of the idea that everything has to be "Tumblr Worthy", the sooner you will see the beauty in your real, natural life. Never set expectations as unrealistic as a Tumblr photo. Just don't.

6) Drink coffee

You don't drink coffee yet? 

You will. 

7) Invest in the following: sticky notes, Thank You cards, and a planner

Sticky notes, because that thing you're forgetting you forgot already and it's due tomorrow but you forgot what time.

Thank You cards, because it means a lot to someone when you notice their good deed, or when you show them that you are grateful.

A planner because see previously mentioned "Sticky Notes"

8) Last but not least, make a habit out of having a good attitude

Emerging Adulthood is stressful, tricky business. It's so easy (and tempting) to become wrapped up in yourself...your to-do list, your schedule, your money, your time...And this can do major damage to you! Don't let yourself become the guy that always complains or the girl who only gossips all day long. How, you ask?

Take 10 minutes or less every morning to tell yourself what kind of person you are going to be that day.

"Today I am going to be selfless. I am going to put the needs of my friends and family before my own today. I am going to smile and laugh, despite how much I have to do. I am going to take time out to have lunch with (insert friend)." That's an example of some things you can tell yourself every morning.

Setting a goal to be a more positive person is all it takes to step towards a happier life, despite the stress you are sure to face.

Alright everyone, that's all for today! Thank you SO much for reading, and good luck out there seniors! If you enjoyed this post, please share on social media. I would love to see my blog grow!

Love always, Hannah

Paws for a Cause 2015

Hello all! Today I would like to tell you about a very special event that took place here in Jacksonville this past Saturday (the 25th) called Paws for a Cause. Goodness, where do I begin?...First, let me introduce you to Megan. There is so much to say about sweet Megan. Shortly after losing her mom to cancer, she was diagnosed with it herself. She was a WILD child with a bit of a mouth on her...She was never afraid to say what was on her mind. She loved doggies with a passion and possessed some very impressive guitar-shredding skills on Guitar Hero. Most importantly, she had unfaltering faith in God, and inspired everyone she met to put faith in Him and love Him unconditionally. But to me, she was a true friend. God called her home in 2009, and I remember the pain like it happened yesterday.                                                

This is Megan (Meggo, as I called her) and she loved dogs very much.

Every year, Megan's memory and love of dogs is honored while also raising money for Relay for Life at a local mut strut. Dogs of all shapes and sizes gather with their owners for a fun-filled day of walking, playing, and showing off tricks.

Owners line their dogs up to receive their complementary dog bandanna, participant number, and baggies for...you know...doggy business 

Proud owners show off their puppy's tricks!

Not to mention the precious costume contest....

After judging tricks/costumes and a nice nature walk, the owners gather for lunch time (the dogs ALSO show off their begging skills...) and a chance to win a raffle prizes.

2015 Paws for a Cause raised over $2,000 for Relay for Life and I couldn't be more proud of the turn out. Not only am I proud to have known Megan and been a part of her life, but I am proud to live in a community that supports the fight against cancer. 

Just another reason I am in love with Lil' ol' Jacksonville.

Oh, did I mention Lucy won first place in the tricks contest?!?! She was only a little stage fright...

If you would like to participate in Paws for a Cause next year and/or help raise money, go ahead and start by liking our Facebook page by clicking here! 

That's all for today, readers :)

Please share/subscribe and have a blessed day!

Love always. Hannah