If you are a regular follower of my blog (or if you happen to know me in real life) you may notice that I talk a lot about "busyness." It seems to be a recurring theme in my life, and one that deserves an entire post all to itself. 
But today, I am popping in between a crazy school schedule, music lessons, winter prep, and NaNoWriMo, to leave you with a few practical bites of encouragement that help keep me smiling even in the busyness. 

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. Scarlet sunsets, crisp breezes, sweet apples after a frost, and a sudden sweep of golden color through the trees as if God just went after the hills with a paintbrush - even just standing outside breathing in the cold Fall air gives me a thrill. 
Most North Dakotans I know see Autumn as the first foreboding step towards winter. To me, it looks a little different.

What happened to August?!
I don't know about you, but summer went by way too fast for my liking, but I filled it up with all sorts of fun and memories with all of my favorite people. 
I officially graduated homeschool, attended my very first writers conference, met new friends, took senior pictures for my sis, and just plain enjoyed life!

​I stared at an empty computer screen for a long time today, wracking my brain for something to write. Usually, a quote will inspire me or a verse will leap off the pages of my Bible and I'll know just what to write about. 
Not today. 

For the last two months, every word of my writing has gone towards one thing: preparing to attend the Northwestern Christian Writer's conference. 

It. Was. Amazing. 

​My parents decided to drive me halfway across the state to St. Paul MN for my "senior trip". Now that I am officially graduated from high school, I am diving headfirst into as much more learning as I can. ;)