Penny For Your Thoughts

 The sun sinks low over water,  rippling with rays. And the sun shines through trees, green with late summer life. And you, you watch it shift. The world turns, you breathe in, you thank the Lord for the air in your lungs, and you breathe out.  Because when the water ripples with unsettling motion it always finds a way to settle  once more. -Emma Lancaster

 I never thought I would have to think about the loss of a celebrity I loved as a child until I was at least thirty. However, here we are. A boyband member passed from this earth. Similar to many others across the world, this passing, while not personal, brings up personal feelings. We all lost a part of our younger selves with the loss of someone famous.  We are forced remember how fleeting light can be. Enjoy the warmth while you have it. Hug your young ones tight today, and be graceful to your younger self. -Emma Lancaster

I miss being 18. She was carefree, she was bold, she was courageous.  She learned so much more than I ever could now.  She felt things so big, she could be sad and bounce back, and she knew what it meant to be persistent. She had a joy for life, an eagerness to keep going, to grow. I don't have much time for feeling anymore, and what a weight that can be. I miss going on walks on nice days.  I miss being excited.  I miss living with my freshman-year roommate. I miss the feeling of tears drying, knowing that it would all turn out okay. I was softer. I miss her. -Emma Lancaster