{twenty seven}

Life has felt so vivid and real lately. Maybe it's having three different birthday celebrations spread over one week, or perhaps it's the recent progress and clarity of vision I've experienced in the last couple of weeks.  Things are moving, sliding into place, and it is good. God, you are always so, so good.

When I use the words above to describe my recent life, I do not mean easy or simple or obvious.  I mean full of energy, action and life, which often means things are even more uncertain or risky. I've realized that's almost required for success and fullness of life, to step out in the line of fire.

I've been doing a good deal of that recently, so on Wednesday when I turned 27, I took to one of my favorite forested spots for a reminder of God's bigness-- that when I step into the line of fire, it's in his arms and not on my own merit (thank goodness).  Is there really anything like nature to put the size of our Creator into perspective?

{details}

Dress - handmade by Alfie Ruth

Lace Top - Everly via Modcloth

Necklace - handmade by Seven Finches

Sandals - Seychelles via Modcloth

twenty.six

Today I turned twenty six.

Among other things, my Mom and Dad accompanied me on a pre-lunch walk around my favorite wooded area, Reed Turner Woodlands (yes, the very same from this wintery post).  It was such a warm and glorious day and as always, this place left me nostalgic about my childhood and the "nature heritage" my family has instilled in me from a young age.  I cannot describe the wistful way I feel when drinking in and walking among wild and natural beauty such as this.  I almost feel a part of it.

Twenty six feels less exciting than twenty five did for me, but in some ways I'm more blessed now than I was then.  I have closer friendships now, more knowledge and ideas in my head (and more insatiable curiosity with them).  I know the coming year will grow and bless me in new ways--  I'll become a first time Aunt (in just a matter of weeks!), I will continue to learn leatherwork and shoe making, among other things.  I'll keep on finding treasures of old and growing into the woman God creatively designed me me to be.  Blessed indeed!

-----

Details

{dress} - vintage 1940's, birthday gift from Mom

{tank} - Forever XI (for serious)

{necklace} - a fishing lure I found

{belt} - J. Crew

{sandals} - Sam Edleman via Nordstrom

{ring} - vintage 70's, inherited

twenty.five

Yesterday was my twenty-fifth birthday, and I can truly say that I'm stoked for this year of life ahead of me!  Is that strange that I tend to mark a "new year" by my birthday, rather than by January 1st?

My current season of life has been one of many new experiences and challenges, and this birthday was no exception.  I feel a little embarrased admitting this, but this was actually the first birthday I've ever had to work a full day on!  Suprisingly, it wasn't that bad and my day included many random, happy moments.  Amazing what God can do with our lives if we decide to forgo negativity and be open, isn't it?

I tend to dress for my mood (as frivilous or weird as that may sound) so open and joyful were definitely the muse for what I wore for my birthday (both to work and later to dinner)!  I can't tell you what my younger self would think of that! She was a much more cynical and bitter individual that I am today, and I'm so thankful my heart has changed-- healed really.  Here's to a bright 25th year ahead!

To work:

And later to dinner with friends and family: