Caffè Amore

College taught me to love coffee. I don't know about you, but there is something so comforting about a cup of coffee. The thought of going home on a cold day and curling up by the fire with a soft blanket, mushy pillow, and a big cup of hot coffee {with the steam curling up into the air every so silently} makes me sigh with happiness.

That may seem cheesy {even downright stupid} but it is so true! Maybe it's not even the actual coffee that makes me happy but the social aspect that accompanies it. After all, when individuals start paying anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00 for a beverage they could make at home, there has to be something to it.

People drink coffee for a number of reasons. Some to get them through the morning {it may be the one thing that gets them out of bed}, to stay up all night to finish that final paper due at an 8 a.m. class, some might simply enjoy the rich flavors, and others might drink coffee for the mere social interaction associated with it.

Whatever the reason, people all around the world love coffee {or tea which is cool, too}.

Now why am I rambling about this drink that comes from a little bean in South America? I honestly have no idea. Last night, around 11 p.m. I had the sudden thought of opening...a coffee shop. Yes, a coffee shop. I was on Pinterest for the next hour finding cozy cafe designs for inspiration, and was texting back and forth with my friend Amanda about my plans.

Imagine a little two story building that had an Italian cafe feel to it, with the upstairs as an open room with tables, chairs, and couches where students could study and talk. I would be in charge of marketing, my sister who currently works at Biggby Coffee would be the barista, my mom would be the baker in charge of all the homemade pastries, and the list goes on! Do I think this will actually happen? Not really, but it's an enchanting dream nevertheless.

Do me a favor. Stop reading, close your eyes and think of the word coffee. What do you think of? Emotions? Colors? Smells? Memories? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Here's what I think of:
Dark brown. Smooth. The smell of coffee grounds. Happiness. Contentment. Rich, earthy colors. Special moments and conversations with friends. Mom. Peace. Early morning. Sugar. Cream. Curling steam.

Midweek Thoughts

Does anyone else feel like they are having a hard time getting their act together this semester...or is it just me? What a crazy three weeks it has been. It feels as though it should be the end of the semester, but we are just getting started. Hello last semester of junior year!

As I sit here in my room which is in shambles, my hair stuffed under my favorite beanie because I had no time to tame it before class, and type away hoping my late homework assignments will just vanish into thin air...I breathe a sigh of relief that I finally have a moment to just be quiet and think.

There are so many creative things I want to accomplish and improve on. I am in the middle of creating a brand-new website for my college newspaper and I am so excited about how it is turning out. I will also be developing a virtual tour/map for my campus over the remaining time I am in college. I want to create quality, lovely, creative things...but alas, so little time.

If you trust in the Lord and do good,

then you will live in the land and be secure.

If you find your delight in the Lord,

 he will grant your heart’s desire.

Commit your life to the Lord,

 trust in him and he will act

{Psalm 3:3-6}

However, in between all the chaos from schedule complications + job drama + difficult classes + irritating classmates + multiple disappointing car hunts...God has been there. Even though I have felt lost, disappointed, and emotionally drained, He has been there guiding and protecting me. It never ceases to amaze me how good He is, and it has led me to trust Him more.

Have a lovely rest of your week!

P.S. Don't laugh. Here's a little sample of this week's assignment for my photography class: Lines. Oh, I am in love with black + white photos!

A New Chapter

It just dawned on me. I am a junior college student. I only have a year and a half left of college and then I am done. I will graduate, hopefully get a full time job in my field, and never have homework again. When did this happen?

This week I have been struggling to adjust to the fact that winter break is coming to a close and a new semester is starting shortly tomorrow. Christmas came and left so quickly I barely noticed it took place; we toasted in the the New Year with disgusting champagne and old movies; the decorations have been placed back in the basement to hibernate another year and I thought my enthusiasm went with them. 

This is starting to change. 

Slowly, I have had a creeping feeling of excitement growing throughout the day. I have an exciting semester ahead of me filled with classes such as Photoshop, Video Production, and Photo/Visual Communication; and a great team to work with on the college newspaper. 

Good things are coming. I can feel it.

Hello New Year and last semester of my junior year!