Life's A' Comin' - Let's go!

Recently I've been finding myself thinking about a lot of things I'd like to do as these next few years come my way.  Things I'd like to do, places I'd like to go, sights I'd like to see...I've never really liked thinking about making a "bucket list," per se, as I feel like that term has a way of putting a sense of urgency into thoughts and dreams that really aren't intended to have stress attached to them, but I guess it's what you could call my growing to-do list.  I find myself mostly wanting to go places and be in environments and settings that I don't normally find myself in on a daily basis, but a range of ambitions have been passing through my thoughts more and more these days.  I'm not sure what has caused these sudden desires so abruptly, but I think I can attribute it at least in part to the fact that with senior year of college beginning in a week and a half, life beyond school walls is coming on quick.  And as nerve-wracking as it is, I couldn't be more excited to step into the big panorama of life!  I'm seeing that there's so much to do and so much to see, and there's really absolutely no reason to limit my experiences!  Being so young, there's still so much opportunity to soak everything in, and that's just not going to happen by sitting in my room and thinking about it all happening!  Life is about getting out there and doing, and I fully intend to do and see as much of everything as I can, while I can!

In no particular order, here are some of the things that have been on my mind:

1. Take a road trip along the coast of California.  I want to drive along the ocean, watch the sun set over the Pacific, and walk barefoot in the sand in the evening breeze in rolled up capri jeans and hoodies.

2. I want to go on a boat ride.  I haven't been on one in so long and so miss being out on the water.

3.  I want to go to New England.  I love everything about the Northeast.  Small harbor towns are some of my favorite places to go.  I love the sense of community, I love, again, being right on the water, I love the salty smell of fish that always lingers in the air, I love the family-owned businesses, the piers, the boats, the history...I just love it :)

4.  I want to dance in a touring company or show for awhile to be able to travel around the country, or even the world, and see things.

5.  I want to write a book.  I have no idea what to write or how to go about it yet, but I've had it on my heart to write for awhile, so I'll just roll with it and see what happens!

6.  One day I'd love to go to the Mediterranean and eat real Mediterranean food!  It's one of my all-time favorite cuisines, so being able to experience it authentically would make me-and my taste buds!-happy, happy, happy :)

7.  I want to touch the lives of children somewhere.  Again, don't know where or how, but I just pray that something I'm able to do along the way does something for the upcoming generation(s) for the better :)

8.  I want to go apple picking.  This has been something I've wanted to do for the last few years now but haven't been able to make it happen!  Really hoping that this is the year :)

9.  Also, this fall, I want to walk through a place like this:

10.  I'd really love to try my hand behind a camera and get into photography, even if it's just to a small degree.  I love the idea of seeing seemingly everyday things or sights through an artistic eye and capturing that moment on film.

11.  Keep letter-writing a practiced art :)

So here's just the beginning.  These days are about to bring incredible blessings, testing trials, and gifts more amazing than my words could ever do justice.  I pray, friends, that we go together on these journeys of ours.  We're given the gifts friendships and relationships so that we may build each other up in love as we go through these days and times.  Let's go see what we can discover.