Tag: Inspiration

Christmas 2021 review:

Hailey Madison3 Comments

Hey y’all! Ahh, well here I am. I ask for your pardon for just sorta disappearing the past couple days, and for completely just skipping over the last 2 days of Blogmas-

– wait, WAIT!!! Before you throw those tomatoes at me, let me plead my case. *crowd lowers tomatoes*

On Christmas Eve, which would’ve been Blogmas day #11, I plainly didn’t end up having time to sit and write. We went over to my Aunt & Uncles house and had dinner with them, and we had a great night with them! I got to see my cousins, we all played a game and it was a blast. We ended up staying quite awhile and by the time we got home, it was late and we were all exhausted, so I decided to just call it a night, and i’d post on Christmas morning.

Well.. there came Christmas morning, and once again I had no time to write. My family opened up gifts, and then had to get ready to head over to see family for lunch. We also had an amazing time over there getting to swap gifts and eat until we couldn’t eat anymore. I loved getting to spend time with everyone, and getting to laugh and smile so much. I figured i’d just sit and write when we got home that evening..

Well we then decided we were gonna go to the theaters and see the new Spider Man (which was INCREDIBLE!! Goodness, that movie was awesome you guys have to watch it!) So we went on home to drop off the gifts and leftover foods, get ready real fast, then quickly head off to the theater. I had such a great time, and honestly after all this, I won’t apologize for not posting. I had such a wonderful couple of days- so wonderful that I couldn’t sit to write- and I can’t apologize for that 🙂

There are so many more happy details from this holiday season that I could never fit in here. I hope your Christmas was amazing as mine was, and if so, then I hope you understood my reasons for stepping away 😉

Today I am going to be sharing with you the gifts I got this Christmas! I got so many beautiful things that I am beyond grateful for. I thank God for my family, and for His provision once again this season.

~

button pins for pants, savvy minerals lip luxe & eyeshadows from my parents

a candle, & notebook from a dear friend

Starbucks gift card, and pocket size poo-pourie (i won it in a game 🤣) from my youth pastors

Snacky things from my parents & my Nanna and Papaw

necklace from my sister

(hehe i can see my reflection)

All vinyls from my parents

pencil organizer from a friend (i needed this so bad, took awhile to organize it all haha)

PoP figures from my parents and my Aunt & Uncle

high top vans from my parents

a plethora of hair clips from my brother, parents, and Nanna & Papaw

fuzzy socks from my parents, pjs from Nanna & Papaw

Sweater (AAAHH the mushrooms!!) and jeans from Nanna & Papaw

a new journaling Bible and MHN poetry books from Nanna & Papaw, a favorite read from my parents

art supplies all from my parents

paints and brushes from my cousin

(I also forgot to get pictures of the secret santa gift I got from a church friend, she gave me the SOFTEST blanket ever, a Christmas sweater, a devotional book, and some sweet treats! Many, many thanks to that dear friend!!)

~

And that concludes today’s post. Thank you so very much for all the love you guys give, I appreciate you more than you know! I would love to hear about your Christmas as well, and any of your favorite gifts you received 😉

Until my next return, i’m sending much love your way!

moments of sunshine: blogmas day #9

Hailey Madison1 Comment

(3 days until Christmas..)

Heyyy friends! 😉 I hope your day has been absolutely lovely.. I’m very happy to say mine definitely has ❤

This morning, I felt heavy. For no specific reason really, other than I felt like everything in my life was moving so slowly. Like compared to the lives of others, mine was simply inadequate. I have these things run through my mind pretty often, and it’s a painful thing to feel. I feel as if my life is just so dull. Nothing to be truly happy about. Nothing I do, or say, or have will ever measure up. I don’t go enough places, I don’t take enough pictures, I don’t have enough. Like I have nothing to be proud of. Nothing to feel good about. I felt like I would never truly get what I seek. Like I would never truly feel the happiness I want. I felt as if I’m just misplaced.

But like most things, feelings pass.

God proved these feelings wrong later this evening by giving me some beautiful moments. Such as a night of sitting by a beautiful Christmas tree, listening to a sermon, sharing chocolates, playing an intense game of Uno Flip, holiday movie trivia, and just laughing until it hurt. And on the way home from youth, music played in the car as stars shone bright out the window, and a big golden moon hung in the sky. There is always something to be proud of. There is always something to rejoice in. There is always something to be happy about. And tomorrow, there is even more happiness to come.

small group tonight, but oh how happy they make me:)

Don’t base your idea of happiness off of what someone else’s happiness looks like. Do not compare. You are so lovely in so many ways and you are so unworthy of comparison ❤ You are exactly where you are meant to be. You are not misplaced, you have everything you need right now to thrive and rejoice. When I feel as if I have nothing, I remind myself of all the things I have been given. God has given me everything. Do not compare your life to another’s. Your life is so different, and God has you here for a reason. Life is what you make it. God makes everything beautiful in His time. There is so much more to come, some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet. So give it time. Among all the lows, and wavering emotions, there will be moments of sunshine ❤

and so winter begins: blogmas day #8

Hailey MadisonLeave a comment

(4 days until Christmas..)

I sit here once again at my kitchen table, watching out the window a big open sky with a sunset fading from blue, to pink, to orange. What a lovely first day of winter! 😊 It feels so peaceful here after a full day of being out and about. It hasn’t been extremely eventful, but I thought it’d still be worth it to sit and write about the kind of day I had:)

This morning I made myself a breakfast of sunny side up eggs (cooked a little too long but they were yummy *nods*) with some bagel seasoning on top which makes it soooo good. You probably don’t really care for what I ate this morning but it was a small detail that made my day brighter ;D (i had a real nice lunch too in case u were wondering)

I spent some time reading in bed with my new favorite blankie EVER. It was a secret santa gift from a friend and oh my goodness I AM IN LOVE. (i now know what it’s like to sleep on a cloud.) It’s by far one of my favorite parts of each day.

(me in my blankie)

Later in the afternoon, we went out on a search for a few more last minute (very last minute) gifts.. and I returned with no gifts for anyone but myself hehe.. It is dangerous for me to go shopping now, I feel whenever I do there is always just something I don’t want to leave without 😂 My goodness especially at the mall, there were so many cute things!! I didn’t get many photos, but I shall share a few!

I bought these blue light glasses and I love them so much!! So much so, I ripped off the tag as soon as i left the store just so I could wear them the rest of the trip hehe. (oh.. yeah those are my siblings being weirdos in the back 😂)

I also got a beautiful ear cuff! I don’t have a good picture of that, but it is rose gold and covered in pretty jewels. I still haven’t gone to get my ears re-pierced, so a cute ear cuff will suffice until then 😉

We spent alot of time walking through stores and there were such cool things! It hurt a little to leave them behind, but they’d hurt my wallet even more. 😅

Such as this absolutely adorable backpack!! (y’all have seen “Up” right??) It has a bunch of Russel’s little badges all over it and oh goodness I wish I could have it so bad! But unfortunately, I do not think a backpack would be worth $80.. yeah I was sad:( But definitely still going on my future wishlist.

AHHHH this shirt! SO cute, my goodness I love Winnie the Pooh ❤

Here’s another random photo; I just thought this little pin was too cute! Box Lunch is crazy expensive, but UGH so adorable!

That’s about it folks. This post was quite short and simple, but I so enjoy making those kinds of posts! Thank you guys so much for poppin in and listening once again to my endless and slightly unamusing words. (seriously thank you, i’m so happy you guys have enjoyed blogmas 😉 ) After coming home, we took time to chill, and now I hear my Nanna and Papaw are coming to visit! Sooo i’m gonna log off, and call it a day:) Have a wonderful evening loves, and I shall return again tomorrow!

what goes in comes out: blogmas day #7

Hailey Madison6 Comments

(5 days until Christmas..)

Ah hello friend, please have a seat 🙂 *pats chair*

I find when I have a thought that’s been swirling around my mind for awhile, I need a creative space to get it all out as soon as I can. And I’ve had one of those thoughts today, as I do pretty often. So here I sit. In a fuzzy blankie. With yet another blogmas rant that has really no relation to Christmas. (brace yourselves)

~

I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.”

No, that does not mean you’re gonna turn into what you had for lunch today.

I mean atleast you shouldn’t.. I think we’re safe if I haven’t turned into a walking potato by now. (wait, no.. I take that back I am a walking potato hehe. 🙂 Okay back to the subject!)

To break it down more, you become what you consume. You are what you feed into your mind. What goes in always comes out, whether that be in you words, your actions, or your reactions.

Today’s world is constantly trying to feed us so many things from all sides. What you consume can build or break. It all depends on what you are letting into your mind. Not just social media, it can be the kind of music you listen you, the books you read, the movies you watch, even the people you let come near you, etc. It all has an influence. It all has an effect in some way. And you get to choose how it affects you.

First off, I think music today has one of the biggest affects on the human heart. There are so many evil, horrible things that are slapped on a pretty melody, and then basically celebrated by anyone who plays them. Music holds great power. Whatever you listen to, it will always influence how you feel. Music is a gift from God, and it evokes great emotion. Where did all the songs that lift spirits, provide hope and comfort and truth go? Filter what you listen to, watch what you are feeding your ears and putting into your heart.

Books. Oh how I love reading, with every little ounce of passion in my tiny body. Nothing can compare to a beautiful, exhilarating story. But there must be a limit. So many books out there that support and celebrate the impurity of this world. Stories have lost so many precious qualities, and they’ve lost what makes them meaningful. I am so disappointed when picking up such an intriguing book, just to find over-the-top profanity, suggestive themes, and so much support of what is wrong. I hate having to return to the library a story that held so much potential. What happened to the books that celebrate goodness, and show love, and help us to learn, and sway such deep emotions? Books that move us, and tug at our hearts to do something more. I’ve found that it’s often more about thrill and entertainment, which are great elements to any good book, but a story holds so much more than that. Careful what you are reading, books have great impacts on our lives. I can say all the same things for movies, films i’d say have an equal if not even more of an influence than books. The images you put in you mind have an influence.

That leads us on to social media. There are constantly pictures, and vidoes, and articles popping up just shouting for our attention. If we fix our eyes on some of these things too much, they can and will cause great damage. Comparison sneaks in when we get insight in someone else’s life, or when we see another’s success. Confusion or panic slips into our minds when we see all the chaos happening around us, and it becomes sickening.

There will always be some sort of influence in your life. Whatever you follow along with, you become. You are what you listen to, what you watch, what you read, and what you see.

It all has an impact on your thoughts and feelings, which then have an even greater impact. Fill up your heart with good things. Do not compare because you are amazing and unique and so much lovelier than you think. Be good to yourself. Surround yourself with good people who love and understand and follow what is true. Feed yourself good stories that teach and share viewpoints, enjoy music that comforts and brings joy, all of it. I think you get it by now.

We must set a limit for what we let in. Go to Jesus for answers, not to the world. Get in His word and see what He says. Let Him be the one to hold your heart. Let His truth and His love flood your soul. He is good. He is truth. He is peace. He is love. Cling to that, don’t let this world take it away.

Once you let Him in, people will see Him in everything you do.

Being open to beauty: blogmas day #4

Hailey Madison2 Comments

(8 days until Christmas!!)

Hello people, I hope that you’ve been having a lovely day! Welcome back to blogmas 😉

For today’s post, I have decided I want to write on a certain topic I’ve got to especially thinking about today. So, not necessarily oriented around Christmas, but just a thought I had that I now shall turn into a rant. *nods* I think it’s what I do best. 😉

I want to write on being open to beauty.

Today I worked on putting together a video montage of basically my whole 2021 in review. I managed to find so many photos and video clips put together that still just barely seem to scratch the surface of what this year was for me. I looked back on all those, and actually forgot about the many blessings and memories I had. I was on the brink of tears as all these moments came back to me; it was all beautiful. It can be so easy to complain about all the disappointments and chaos this year brought, that we miss each of the good moments. Now looking back on all the good and all the blessings God gave me this year, it completely outweighs that.

Really, this year has been beautiful in every way, and so much more after learning how to be open to all the ways that this life can be beautiful. What I mean is we often put a limit on our own lives, on our own success, on our own happiness. We often put God in a box, also putting a limit on His works. We do this when we begin to compare our lives to the lives and happiness of others. We see what they have and the happiness they contain and suddenly, we begin to think the only way to be happy is to have the exact same kind of beauty their lives hold. All of this stems from comparison. Oh, what a misconception this is.

You see, God works in more than one way. God makes things beautiful in more than just one way. Oh how long it has taken me to really see that. But when we begin to put a limit in place, we close off our minds completely so that we are blind to all the ways that God has already made our life beautiful. We are too busy searching for the kind of happiness someone else has, that we miss the happiness that God has already placed in front of us. Our own selfish desires tend to get in the way of that. We are so set on what we think will truly fulfill our happiness, that we refuse to accept anything else.

Do not put a limit on God! Our God is limitless and works in wondrous ways. He makes nothing but beauty, so why would you think He would make your life anything less? He has given you everything you need to thrive right now. He has given you everything you need to find the happiness you seek. If you create limits and close yourself off to the many ways this life can be beautiful, you’ll miss it all. Do not put a limit on your happiness based on someone else’s idea of what that should look like.

God is a perfect provider. He knows exactly what you need to be able to grow in each season. He knows what to give you, and He knows when He must take things. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. But it was never meant to. We will never completely understand everything; we are not God.

But He knows. He sees. He understands. There is no one kind of beauty. Beauty is in the little things, and now I can see so much of that. God can bring you such wonderful things, if you would just be open enough for Him to work in ways that you cannot imagine. Yes, the unknown is scary. Handing it over to Him and trusting Him with the outcome is a frightening thing sometimes. But there is no better person to trust than Him. The creator of all beautiful things. He is far more trustworthy than yourself. Yes we can create such big plans and in our minds they work out perfectly, but really that’s never how it plays out. Because God can give us so much more than our own imaginations. Be open, and you will see all the ways He is working even now. Be open to the beauty of the immeasurable amount of ways He works.

Collecting wildflower bouquets, watching a butterfly float past, dancing with friends to a blasting stereo, a beautiful summertime cloud with sunlight shining bright behind it, late night calls, golden sun on my bedroom wall giving its morning greetings, fireworks in a dark sky, watching lightning out on the back deck, listening to the music of a thunderstorm, being goof balls late at night, laughing to a funny podcast, hugs captured and to be kept, a family hay ride, and millions and millions of other moments that hold a kind of beauty that I cannot describe. This is where I am planted. This is my happiness.

This is beautiful.

gift basket inspo: blogmas day #3

Hailey Madison4 Comments

(9 days until Christmas!!)

Hey y’all! And welcome to the third day of blogmas here on Sunshine & Rain! Ahh, where are all of my last minute gift shoppers at? I know there’s more than just me haha! With little over a week until Christmas day, I know there’s still some of us struggling to check off the last bit of our shopping list. Whether it be for a Secret Santa gift exchange, or maybe it’s someone you just have no clue really what to get for. I hope that I may be able to help with that! Today I have put together a simple list of gift basket inspiration! Gift baskets are perfect for last minute shopping; all you really need is a cute box, some confetti, and a bunch of small things to fill it with! There are so many cool ideas out there, and I thought i’d share them with you! Alot of these items are small and simple, and also work great as stocking stuffers.

Gift baskets can be made as big or small as you want them to, and fillers are super affordable and easy to gather. Anyone is sure to love a cute little package put together specially for them! 😉 I hope that I can help you out with finding inspiration for a simply wonderful gift!

The options for gift basket fillers are basically endless. And i’ve compiled a list of some great ideas for just that 🙂 It can filled with yummy treats, self care items, stationary or craft supplies, etc. Like I said, many, many options out there. It is really SO much fun getting to make an adorable package for somone, and it pays off seeing their joy when they receive a basket filled with all sorts of little surprises!

self care/girly package filler ideas:

  • bath bombs
  • scented soaps
  • scented candles
  • skin care items
  • nail polish
  • fuzzy slippers
  • hair ties
  • makeup brushes
  • face mask
  • ulta gift card
  • nail spa gift card
  • pretty jewelry
  • chocolates & small candies
  • perfume
  • lip balms & glosses
  • coffee & tea bags

for the writer/artsy person

  • note book or journal
  • erasable pens
  • washi tape
  • paint brushes
  • bluetooth speaker
  • colored pencils & coloring book
  • stickers
  • art supplies pouch
  • craft/stationary store gift card
  • watercolor paints
  • scrapbook kit
  • calligraphy makers

for the cozy kit:

  • fuzzy socks
  • a movie or movie tickets
  • fuzzy blanket
  • beanie hat
  • popcorn package
  • candies
  • cute mug
  • devotional or book
  • scented candle
  • insulated coffee tumbler
  • cute planters/pots
  • printed photos
  • collectible stickers
  • fairy lights

Of course there are sooo many more options to mix and match! Just find a nice box or basket at a near craft store, fill it with confetti, and tuck all your little surprises inside. I have so much fun each year putting together a package for each of my friends, and they always seem to love it!

Thank you very much for checking out today’s post! I appreciate you so much, and I hope you have been enjoying blogmas so far 😉 Today was a fairly small post, but I loved making it all the same! I’m sending much love to you all, please have a wonderful rest of your day! See you tomorrow lovely people! 😊

my winter mornings: blogmas day #2

Hailey Madison4 Comments

(10 days until Christmas!!)

Hello and good evening my friends! I am very happy to welcome you to the second day of blogmas 😉 Ah, as I sit here at this table by the big window, I see the sun going slowly down to rest, leaving streaks of pink in the grey sky. I sit in the dim light of the Christmas tree, listening to the quiet bustle of the house, and I just think of oh what a wonderful day this has been. And oh how a beautiful evening this is.

It feels so nostalgic sitting here in the comfort of my home, as another Christmas season comes to visit us. The ever growing joy around us is able to be seen in the lights and decorations, heard in the cold winds and in the songs constantly being sung, and felt in each hug. What a wonderful Christmas season this is.

I want to share with you a bit of what my mornings look like in the winter time. Recently my usual habits have changed, and I’ve found much more peace in being able to manage my time better. When my morning starts on track, my day will continue to go well. 🙂 Each time I wake I feel I have so much more motivation, because I know what I need to get done and when I will have time to rest and sit down for enjoyment. I used to actually stress over my routines because I could never keep it straight. I was so focused on keeping it in the exact same order every morning, and it took me awhile to realize I didn’t need to. So my mornings never really work out in the exact same way, my routine never really happens directly in order, but that is okay. As long as I put my priorities in front and do what I need to feel both motivated and at peace, it works out fine. Here is a glimpse of what my average December morning looks like 😉

7:30 – 8 am

I wake up in between those times, I don’t have an alarm set on week days. If I don’t head off to sleep to late the night before, then I tend to wake naturally at a fitting time. Before I take a step out of my bed, I like to take prayer time. Talking with my Jesus starts off the morning in the best way, and gives me a sense of peace throughout the whole day. I sit in the still dim light of my room, and thank Him for waking me up once more, putting breath in my lungs ans giving me another chance with a new day. I ask Him for His guidance throughout my day, that He would guide me in each of my decisions and that He would give me wisdom to always do what is right. I wont go through the whole list of prayers for y’all, but just talking to Jesus in the morning makes an incredible difference.

I then get up and open my blinds to let in the golden sunlight of the morning. I then feed Mr. Harry (he’s my ferret, if you didn’t already know 😉 ) and clean out his cage. It gives me the productive start I need to keep feeling productive through the morning. Once my little teddy bear is taken care of, I grab a cup of fresh water, turn on my fairy lights, and sit down with a fuzzy blankie to study scripture. This month I have been reading the book of Luke each day counting down the days for advent 🙂 I like to do some Bible journaling as well if I find something that really stands out to me, and I highlight all favorite verses along the way. It has been great even just reading one chapter a day. Again, starting each morning with the Creator will have a huge impact on the rest of your day. While I am reading, I will also usually go ahead and have my breakfast. Often it’s something simple and filling like a bowl of fruit, or yogurt and granola. Along with that I will take 2 strangely delicious gummy vitamins *nods* (i can’t be the only one that actually loves those things… i’m pretty sure they’re magical. They EMPOWER me to get through the day! 😂 Take your vitamins y’all.)

8:30 am

Sometimes I will stay in bed and do some extra reading with something picked from my bookshelf while playing one of my record vinyls; I just finished reading The Selection series the second time through and I fell in love all over again haha. ❤ If I don’t do that, then i’ll get up again and continue with more productive activities. I will let Harry out to run around and play in my room while I sit in do my schoolwork. Around this time of year, our schoolwork is cut down quite a bit more, so it only takes about an hour to finish. I’ll sometimes sip on some hot tea I made beforehand while I work through my school.

9:30 am

After finishing my schoolwork, I will pull my hair up and begin to clean up my bedroom. It really does bring me motivation preparing a clean and neat workspace. I am quite an artsy person.. so i’ll usually have some markers and paint brushes and crumpled up papers laying here and there. Maybe a pair of jeans I didn’t put away yet, or a decently neat pile of craft stuff I was finished with but didn’t clean up. Hehe, yeah i’m serious. I will also make my bed; straightening up my blankets and throw pillows and making it look nice and pretty. I’ve found that whenever the bed looks tidy, the rest of the room looks tidy too. 🙂

Once I am content with the state of my bedroom, i’ll hop into a warm shower and get cleaned up. I’ll wash my face (i loooove it when my face feels clean and soft) and use some moisturizer because my poor skin gets so dry in the winter time. I’ll brush my teeth, (goodbye stanky breath) and put on a cute outfit that I will admit usually takes me like 20 minutes alone to pick out hehe… what?? I’m serious about my fashion game *nods*

10 am

By this time I am usually all cleaned up, prepped, and ready to take on the rest of my day! I would now start doing my chores and play one of my favorite podcasts through my headphones to keep me motivated while i’m doing a rather dull job such as laundry or cleaning toilets. (haha.. not fun) If I already completed some of my chores, then I will have some free time in between to sit and do whatever artsy or musical thing I feel like doing. Play some music, do some painting, call a friend, whatever my heart desires in that moment. 🙂 And that would conclude most of my morning routine! Until lunch time it’s usually more chores and free time mixed in, but you guys have got to see into the more interesting parts.

Well hey there haha, you made it to the end!! Thank you and congratulations!! You won a cookie 🍪:D

But seriously, THANK YOU!! ;D I appreciate you all more than you know, and I hope that you enjoyed reading my bigger-than-originally-intended-rant about how my mornings go. (was this boring😂?? I thought it might be cool to read) I really enjoy seeing into other’s routines, so I thought I might do my own! Did you like this one? Would you like to see a winter evening routine?

I very much enjoyed putting this together, and I hope that it may have given you some inspiration for keeping on track with your own self care filled and productive mornings. 🙂 It is so very important to have a good routine that feeds into your faith, mentality, and overall health.

Have a goodnight lovely people, I shall return tomorrow 😉

walls of our minds (this open room) ~ hma

Hailey Madison6 Comments

I decided to visit this room again

for what must be the thousandth time.

Gave me a sense of comfort

like you were still here.

My heart won’t accept that you’re gone.

~

It felt like everything was the way it used to be

left the way it was meant to play out

but it lead us through a different story,

now the silence has never been so loud.

~

In this room, dust is left upon each thing

each memory I dared not touch

for I was afraid to mess more up.

I wanted to keep as much as I could

the way it once was.

~

Thorns and thistles have taken over

the flowers that once bloomed here.

This room is plain and small,

but it was everything to me.

It once had color, when you were here.

~

Before you decided to leave,

to leave it all and walk out,

there was safety in the air.

Now it’s all empty

and I’m not sure if I want to be here.

~

I walked in that room

and felt along the wall for the switch.

Ah, there it is.

Lights strung across the ceiling flicker on,

and everything comes back.

~

It’s colder here now

but I guess we haven’t come here in awhile.

cold weather,

a gentle and sweet

autumn breeze

always makes me think of you.

~

The hum of our music still fills the room

your footprints still there in the dust

from where we danced.

~

Your footprints are left across the floor

and fingerprints across my heart,

and now they’ve turned to scars.

The lights here in this room are on,

but with you it was never this dark.

~

Your laugh still fills the empty space

the most lovely sound in existence.

I’d give anything to hear it once more.

~

I’ve closed up this room

so nobody may come inside

and touch what belongs to me,

but was never rightfully mine.

My mind has always known

I couldn’t keep it forever,

but to the things this room holds,

my soul is tethered.

~

I know I shouldn’t still be here

wallowing in the longing

for what I cannot have.

It’s unhealthy and suffocating,

but oh, how I want it back.

~

I stand in this very room

where we used to dance

and sway to our own melody

that only we could hear.

But all of it feels so far away,

just a distant memory.

~

Pictures cover the walls,

glimpses into the best moments,

though they’ve begun to fade.

Crumbling to pieces

I cannot make them stay.

I cannot bring back the color

to what those moments were.

~

Too many times i’ve come back here

letting the longing take over my soul.

Too many times i’ve sat and cried

on this floor where we once stood together.

Too many times has my heart

broke for you all over again.

~

Too long have I held onto someone

that already let go.

~

This empty place

has been the home of both happiness,

and hurt too.

Here I now begin to pick up these pieces

and tuck them away another place.

Here in this room I begin to clean

and wash away the hurt

of what was once here,

but is no longer.

~

Here in this room,

I begin to make space

for something new.

~

Someday,

someone else may come

to heal the wounds left by you

and make this our room.

~

someone for my heart to hold to.

and so December arrives :)

Hailey Madison3 Comments

Why hello there beautiful people!! *waves and hops excitedly*

Ahh, it seems that I took another blogging break without notice just as I said I wouldn’t, atleast twice before. My apologies for another sudden disappearance; I have found that taking time in between to rest helps me to regain my inspiration. Rest has been something I have very much been needing in all different areas of my life. But I know that i’m not done here and will not be for a very long time, for I find myself still coming straight back here with great joy after each break 😉

This is a slightly delayed post, but it’s only 3 days into the month so I think you can forgive me. I wanted to pop in to cover a couple of things, but first let me wish you a very Happy December!! *aggressively tosses confetti* Ahhh can you believe that this year is almost over? And Christmas is so soon?! (22 days and counting! 😉 ) I am so happy with how this year has gone, and I have accomplished more than I can even recall. I very eagerly await what the last month of this year will hold! This year, I am doing Blogmas a bit differently. If you’ve been following since last year, you may remember I did 25 days of Blogmas. Though it was really SO much fun, it was also quite overwhelming. But I was actually very proud to see I made it all 25 days without missing a single one! Haha, I surprised myself with how far I could go! But this year, I have decided to only do 12 days of Blogmas. Between work, school, church, and family, 25 days of blogging would be too much. This will give me much more time in preparation, and just take off a load of unnecessary stress over lack of time 🙂

I have been writing down and preparing SO many ideas for Blogmas 2021, and I am thrilled to share them with you starting on Dec 14th! You might get a peek at my own wishlist, gift ideas, a day in my life during the holidays, a Christmas song cover, and much more… so keep an eye out!

I am not quite sure whether I will be posting anything between now and the 14th, (hehe, i can be a very spontaneous person and i love it) we’ll just figure it out as we go along! Thank you so much for the love and support you’ve all given me, I am very excited to start checking out y’alls Blogmas posts! (if you’re doing 25 days, stay strong! If i made it through, so can you!! ;D)

I sit here at the kitchen table, wrapped in my favorite light cardigan, as an orange December sunset shines through. So much has happened, and there is still more ahead. Oh, how I love the Holiday season.

The best it yet to come 😉

gardens

Hailey Madison5 Comments

I’m gonna build myself a garden

filled with marigolds and roses

oh, to run in green pastures

and hay meadows golden.

there may come fear and hurting

but let it be that it all flows freely

in the rivers that keep this garden growing.

tears that stain and sting but later on made

the flowers oh, so sweet

the brightest colors rise from the dirt.

I’ll lay in these grass fields

and gaze up in wonder at the stars

while I inhale the aroma of the earth

beneath my pounding heart.

tears are the rains that flood the grounds

and reap beautiful things.

sunshine on my skin that warms my soul

and reminds it there is still more coming

it gives peace and reassurance

through unknown and painful things.

gonna have trees to climb with branches up high

rooted safe and strong in the ground

if i should slip and fall

I pray you’d catch me, don’t let me stay down.

give me the strength to let go

to surrender and let it be

please show me this hope and this peace

cut these ropes that hold me captive, set my soul free.

you just watch

you’ll wait and see

one day these seeds will sprout

and flourish from the scars of the ground.

let go of this ego

and their standards of living

planting seeds every place that I go

shifting things in this big world.

watch this garden grow

reaping beautiful things that

were sown from sorrow.

uprooting trees that have fallen long ago

blocking paths into new things unknown.

slowly watering and reviving

the flowers of my past that have wilted

and ripping away the thorns that once overtook them.

I’ll live something different from

anything ever seen

sharing the pure joy and love

of the One who walks these paths with me.

I will flourish and thrive

blossom and grow in every aspect of this life

complete enjoyment with peaceful sighs.

hear the beautiful song this garden of mine sings

that has risen from the ashes

of love, and broken things.

my life is a garden.