Week 9 Storytelling: The Ghost Dog

Grayson Jones couldn't sleep.

His feet were cold. 

Normally, it didn't bother the second grader to have chilly toes—he frequently splashed barefoot in the pond behind his house late into autumn—but that night, his un-warmed feet reminded him of what—or rather, who—wasn't there. 

Grayson's beagle, Bilbo, had slept at the foot of the little boy’s bed as far back as he could remember. In fact, Bilbo had slept beside Grayson's cradle even before that, although Grayson couldn't remember that far. 

Bilbo was an old dog, and in the past few years, he had started to move a little slower. His back left paw dragged the floor a bit when he walked, and it seemed a great difficulty for him to lift his body from his dog bed in the afternoons.

Bilbo’s family knew his time was coming to an end, but Grayson didn’t understand why the dog he’d known his entire life could be falling apart so soon—for it was just the beginning of Grayson’s life, after all.

And so, when Bilbo didn’t wake to lick Grayson’s face that fateful morning, the little boy wasn’t prepared for the loneliness that followed.

His family held a respectful funeral for old Bilbo in their backyard, and Grayson’s mother and father shed earnest tears as they planted a flower over the dirt. But when Grayson came home from school, there was no one to wag his tail and lick his shins. There was no one to hunt frogs with in the backyard. And there was no one to warm his feet at night.

After what felt like hours of searching for sleep, Grayson climbed out of bed. He went to the backyard, through the gate, and into the lily field. He thought about the times he and Bilbo had wandered through the weeds, hunting down robbers and buried treasure. He thought about the time he’d fallen and scraped his knee, and Bilbo had licked his wounds before running off to fetch his mother.

He just wanted to see his friend again.

Finally, Grayson reached the pond. He’d played on the red-dirt shore near his house numerous times—Bilbo sometimes swam there, too.

But Grayson had never ventured to the tree line that began near the middle of the pond. The water curved around a hill and was shaded by dense willow trees, making the opposite shore seem dark and mysterious, even in the summer.

Grayson reached the first tree and kept walking. He climbed the hill a little farther, passing two more trees. Finally, the shade of the leaves blocked the bright moonbeams, and Grayson stood in near darkness, looking down on the enigmatic glimmer of water that had before been out of sight.

There, on the far shore, darting between the trees and occasionally into the murky water, was a pack of dogs. A large greyhound sniffed diligently at an oak; a tiny dachshund dug at a rotten stump; and at the waters’ edge, illuminated by a milky beam of light, Bilbo sat howling whole-heartedly at the moon.

Grayson smiled. “Bilbo!”

At the boy’s voice, the dog ran toward him. The beagle dashed through the slippery mud and darted up the pebbly hill, and Grayson realized that this was not the dog he knew. It was Bilbo, yes, but he moved with an ease Grayson had never seen, or couldn’t remember.

Bilbo yelped cheerfully and jumped at Grayson’s feet. The boy knelt down, and his friend licked his face excitedly, wriggling from wet nose to pointy tail. His eyes were clear and bright, no longer foggy and tired.

“I miss you, Bilbo.”

The dog whined and licked the little boy’s face. Then he scampered off to a nearby bush. He picked up a stick, the perfect size for throwing, and brought it to Grayson.

The two played for hours, fetching and chasing fireflies and digging in the mud. After a long while that felt entirely too short, Bilbo ran to the edge of the forest and sat down, looking back at his old house.

It was time for Grayson to go home.

“I wanted you to come home, Bilbo,” Grayson said, petting the dog’s slick head.

But he knew he couldn’t now. Bilbo was livelier than Grayson had ever seen him, and the little boy suddenly realized he didn’t want to see his friend limping or wheezing again, even if that meant his own feet weren't warm at night and no one licked his fingers after dinner.

Grayson knelt beside his friend and rubbed his ears. Bilbo licked his face until there wasn’t a dry spot on the boy’s skin, though that was partly from the tears that dribbled down his cheeks.

“Goodbye, Bilbo.”

Grayson stood and walked down the hill to the familiar shore of the pond and stopped. Turning, he waved one last time at his faithful friend, who barked from his spot at the edge of the trees. 

Then Bilbo ran back through the woods to the other side of the pond, where he never limped, the grass was soft, and the air was always warm.

(Happy Bilbo)

Bibliography: Alaskan Legends; The Ghost Land, from an Anthology by Katharine Judson

Author's Note: I based my story on an Alaskan legend called The Ghost Land. In this story, the chief's son's wife dies, and the man is terribly sad. One night he can't sleep, so he gets up early and walks all day along the "Death Trail" until he reaches a lake. On the other side of the lake, he sees people wandering about, including his wife. He yells at them several times, but they don't hear him. Then he whispers, and someone from the other side notices him. He crosses on a little boat and finds his wife, who tells him he shouldn't stay long. He brings her back with him to his home, but no one can see her. They lay a blanket over her, but it hangs in the air like she's a ghost, which she is. Then the man dies and they both go back to ghost land as ghosts.

The haunting element of the story intrigued me, but I also thought the story needed a little better ending besides, "We can't see her. You die. The end." I thought of people who've lost love ones and how hard it is to let them go, even when we know they're in a better place. I wanted to incorporate that "lesson" into my story, so I used a dog who was in pain because of his old age. I wanted Grayson to realize and be a little more at peace with how happy Bilbo was in the afterlife, even if they both missed each other.

Week 9 Reading Diary Part II: Alaskan Legends

Alaskan Legends, an anthology by Karharine Judson

Origin of the Chilkat Blanket: My favorite part of this story was at the end, when the Raven goes into the sea and discovers Gonaqadet in an underwater cave, wearing the chilkat blanket. I think I might want to recreate a scene like this for my storybook to explain the lost city if Kitezh...maybe Reepicheep travels underwater and discovers something in a cave, or is with the people when their village is attacked, and so he sends an artifact with someone to be stored away in a cave, which then sinks underwater.

Origin of the Winds: Reading these Alaskan myths, I've noticed many of the stories in involve reindeer. At first, I thought this was kind of odd, since there are a lot more animals in the world than just reindeer, and I'm used to hearing stories of wolves and lions...then I remembered that in Alaska, reindeer are a lot more prevalent, and that the people who wrote these stories may have never seen a lion before in their lives. And so, they told their stories of the origins of nature from their own perspective. In the creation of wind story, a doll cuts holes in the east, west, north, and south skies, and out of the holes come reindeer, or different kinds of weather. I just think it's interesting that most of these people probably thought the world resembled Alaska, or whatever area they traveled from. But in reality, if anything like this story had actually happened, an elephant might come out of one hole, a penguin from another, and a cheetah from one. The world is so much more diverse than they might have ever imagined, but they explained things from what information they had.

The Land of the Dead: This story was kind of creepy...about a girl who's dead and whose grandfather comes to show her the land of the dead. The dead are referred to as "shades," and one man (or a dead cow?) lives his afterlife lying down in the grass, unable to free himself from the weeds because he pulled up grass while he was alive. I wish there was a little more detail or explanation in these myths to explain what exactly was happening, or describe more of the meaning behind the tales.

(Land of the Dead, illustration from Judson's book)

The Ghost Land: I really liked this story about a man whose wife is dead, and so he walks all day along the trail of the dead, ending at a lake where she and other dead people live. This part reminded me of the inferi from Harry Potter, and the whole story had a creepy, mysterious vibe. I like the idea of retelling the story and elaborating on some of the details and the ending.

Week 9 Reading Diary Part I: Alaskan Legends

Alaskan Legends, an anthology by Katharine Judson

Raven's Creation: I think it's interesting the way the storyteller describes the raven lifting his beak as though he's taking off a mask, and then he is suddenly a man. There was also an interesting idea that the ground the raven made earlier was thick and solid, whereas the ground he created later was still squishy and thin. I also found it interesting that the raven shaped several animals out of clay, and the storyteller seemed to explain different colored animals by the way the "clay" dried. for instance, only the white belly of the wild deer was completely dry when Raven made it come to life.

Raven Creates People: I like that the Raven supposedly created the shrewmouse simply so that the earth would not look "bare and cheerless." How simple a reason to create a mouse. ...But then he also makes mosquitoes and insects so that the earth is less cheerless, and that just seems wrong.

I'm curious now whether people believed the myths of The Raven and creation (like a religion almost), or if they just viewed them as stories...either way, it all seems kind of odd to me, and random. Why a raven? When do the men come from pea pods?

It might be fun to do a retelling of one of these stories as a little child listening to the story and asking questions about where things came from.

Skyland and Sea: I thought it sort of came out of nowhere when the raven decided to turn the man into a polar bear while they were hanging out at the bottom of the ocean...It might be fun to develop this small part of the story to give an explanation for why the raven did this. Maybe something happens while the man is asleep and the raven really needs a white bear... or has to protect man from being seen.

I think I'd like to write a story about the terrible a-mi-kuk animal that sounds like a seal, but wraps its four long arms around kayaks and tries to kill men if they attempt to escape. The story tells of the creature burrowing through the earth to chase men, so it would be a formidable villian/fear for any story.

I do think it's almost...whimsical or twisted, the way all the animals and characters in the Raven Myths are sort of not-as-they-should-be. Deer start out with teeth like wolves, and they can attack people...The raven is some sort of god and can become a man, and there's a whole world of sky-people who are like dwarves and wear fancy clothes. In essence, it almost reminds me of a Tim Burton movie, where everything is just a little bit backwards. I think I might like to write a story like this, maybe borrowing one of these basic plots (or probably one from one of the later stories), and then setting it in a very backwards world.

(A place where the Sky People would live? Or maybe the evil sky people...)

Learning Challenge: Happiness/Grateful Blog

Today, I decided to blog about something that made me happy each day, and something I am grateful for.

So this is Day One:

Happy: Today, my dad got a call from Amy Cakes saying that she's willing to trade floor cleaning/sealing (my dad's business) in exchange for our wedding cake and groom's cake! So of course, I'm really excited about this. Her cakes are awesome, and I'm extremely grateful for this!

(One of Amy's cakes)

Grateful: This morning, my step mom brought me some leftover chili, so I didn't have to make or buy my lunch, which is always great.


Day 2: Jan. 20, 2016

Happy: I'm happy I get to see all (well, most) of my PW friends in capstone today! My major classes have consisted of the same group of people since Intro, and we've grown pretty close.

(my Professional Writing class at our end-of-semester pizza party) 

Grateful: I'm grateful my roommate (and best friend since kindergarten) Kessa sleeps like a rock. I get up at 5:00am, and I have to walk through her room to get just about anywhere in the house (kitchen, bathroom). If she wasn't such a sound sleeper, I'd feel even more guilty every morning for all of my walk-throughs.

Day 3:

Grateful: I'm so grateful I was able to find my history book online, so now I don't have to pay $60+ for it! Otherwise, I probably wasn't going to buy the book, and just... do a little worse.

Happy: I get to graduate in December! I'll have to motor through the next year and not let myself fall behind or get discouraged from completing three summer classes... but come January, I'll be free of school stress. Hoorah.

(This will be me again. In a little less than a year.)

Day 4: January 22, 2016

Grateful: As believed, God has given me another story idea (for capstone)! Novel and novellas are a little tougher to outline, but I've learned to trust that God will help my creativity right when I need it and just when I've forgotten about it (usually). 

Happy: As I was sitting in bed on Friday night (I won't share how early it was, but let's just say parties everywhere weren't even getting started), about to read, Josh called me and asked me to be spontaneous and drive up to Edmond to see him. And so I did! And I'm horrible about spontanaety. I have to have my routine, and I like a plan. So I'm proud of this small step.

Day 5: January 23, 2016

Grateful: The reason I hadn't already planned to visit Josh over the weekend was that I was low on gas, and didn't really have it in my budget to get more, unless I wanted to dip into my school money, which I did not. But, Josh offered to fill my tank, which was very sweet and generous of him! (Especially considering neither of us are exactly rollin' in dough at the moment. haha) So, I'm very thankful for that, and for him.

Happy: We toured Noah's Event Center in OKC, and I loved it! I got excited just walking through the place. It may not be our final decision, but it was nice to see a place that I liked, where I could see myself getting married.

Day 6: January 24, 2016

Grateful: The girl who lived in this house before me (one of my friends) left all her towels, so I don't have to get any yet!

Happy: My pastor (who doesn't do many weddings) agreed to do our wedding! I was so excited, I gave him a hug on the spot. I couldn't imagine anyone else marrying me and Josh; this is the church we've both attended and grown in the past three years. AND my little sister got baptized!

(Ella's baptism. She swam to Coby.)

Day 7: Jan. 25, 2016

Happy: My little sister got a safety watch she can make phone calls on today. She's seven, and she's called me three times this evening, asking what times she could call me in the evenings, and then later to read me a book my dad bought her yesterday because she thought I would like it. I most definitely did. It's the cutest thing.

Grateful: I'm grateful for my writing professor, Mel, who continues to make class enjoyable. He opens up to us, and lets us open up to him, and going to class is always fun.

Day 8: Jan. 26, 2016

Grateful: For having my bike to ride to class. It's so much faster!

Happy: Ella left me a voicemail with the story There's a Wocket in my Pocket. She said, "It's a rhyming book, so I think you'll like it." And then read me the whole book over the phone.

 

(The book) 

Day 9: Jan. 27, 2016

G: Josh is so patient...in lots of ways with me, but today, he stood there in the grocery store for a good ten minutes while I picked out a facewash. 

H: I finished my history work tonight! and did not wait until tomorrroooow.

Day 10: Jan. 28, 2016

G: That none of my carelessly-left items were stolen! I left my keys in my front door, left my phone on the water fountain in the library, then left my keys again in my bike! I've lost my mind. 

H: I get to see Josh tomorrow!!!

Day 11: Jan. 29, 2016

H: I got to spend the afternoon with my man, even if we are on our way to Lawton...

G: His mom took us out to eat, so we didn't have to figure out what to have for dinner (since we were staying at my mom's house, who is always out of town and therefore has no groceries.)

Day 12: Jan. 30, 2016

G: I got to work at LuLu's and make some grocery money! It doesn't sound fun, but I love working at the coffee shop where I met my man. It was my first job, and it's always interesting, if not fun.

H: Ella has a stomach virus and won't eat anything but popsicles, but I offered to bring her her favorite, a blueberry LuLu's bagel with strawberry cream cheese (but jelly since the doctor said dairy would make her sick), she actually got excited! And then she actually ate it!

Day 13: Jan. 31, 2016

H: Our church has a horse-lovers small group! Uhm, yeah, must join!

G: I was able to pay for all my groceries (almost right on the dot) with my LuLu's earnings, and I got to go for a beautiful, hour-long walk around campus! I love walks and sunshine.

Day 14: 2-1-16

G: Dad and Dana brought me a quiche, so I didn't have to rush to make lunch before dance! (I'm noticing a pattern with food in the grateful category... and money...)

H: Hugging my dad when he brought me the quiche. 

Day 15: 2-2-16

G: I finished my outline for capstone! This is almost more relief than gratitude... but right in time for class! (Just before I had to leave for class; I finished the assignment early.) Yes. 

H: I asked Josh what I should do for a workout, and he said, "Do jumping jacks. With a little booty shakes." It made me laugh. He's such a goob.

Day 16: 2-3-16

G: God reminded me in my writing class today to speak only words that build others up. This is something I've been praying about; to remember to shut my mouth when it's unnecessary to speak. I don't have to say something smart-allecy every chance I get.  :p 

H: People in dance talked to me today! Usually, I stand there awkwardly while other people who know each other chat before class, but I chit-chatted today, too. 

Day 17: 2-4-16

G: Dana brought more food and some rent money for me at work!

H: Talking about my Valentine's plans with Josh. I don't care what we do, but I want to make it special for him this year. He's always doing something for me. I'm excited to turn it around!

Day 18: 2-5-16

G: Dana brought me more food and stuff to return at target for the money... parents... they're really sweet. Can't keep them from helping, and I really am grateful for that.

H: Josh found a pair of shoes that I've been searching for for months, and on sale! He got them for me because I couldn't when he found them. I looooove them!

Day 19: 2-6-16

H: I tried on wedding dresses today! This was the first time... and it felt weird, at first! I told Kessa, "I don't feel old enough to be trying on wedding dresses..." but it was fun! 

G: Kessa got to come with me! I thought she'd have to go to dance, but she had time, and then Dana came, too. I didn't get to try on the dress I thought the shop would have, but they said they could order a sample one for me to try on soon! 

Day 20: 2-7-16 Super Bowl Sunday!

H: My parents love Josh so much. Dad actually said the other day, "Man, I miss having Josh around..." Right now, Josh is at my parents' house helping my dad organize the garage and hang a chandelier while I'm at my house doing homework... sounds odd, maybe, but he's part of the family, and has been for a while now. I wouldn't have it any other way.

G: For the constant support of my family and friends. I know through this wedding process, they'll be by my side, and do their best not to stress me out or push their opinions on me. I have the best family, and the best friends. 

Day 21: 2-8-16

Grateful that the wind wasn't as bad as I expected it to be on my bike. It was pretty brutal, though! I just seemed to be heading the right direction at the right time for most of the day.

Happy that I worked up the gumption to work out when I was tired. I was pretty swamped after the Super Bowl (even though I only went to bed like... an hour or so later than usual?). I talked myself out of my usual 9:30 workout class, then by the time it started, I had talked myself back into it! If I just walk out on the floor, I can do it. And it made the rest of my day feel a little more productive, since I just wanted to lay around anyway. 

Day 22: 2-9-16

G: I had a good text conversation with my mom! I hate phone calls, and hers are usually long, so I'm not a huge fan, and then I don't usually give the conversation the attention it deserves because I just want to GET. OFF.the.PHONE., but we had a pretty substantial conversation over text, and, well, I thought it was pretty fun.

H: My workout! I got the "rush" I used to get after a long run... I was pretty drained afterward, but in a good way. I felt high and a little lightheaded at the same time. That sounds bad, but it was like a workout high mixed with the fact that I needed to eat something. Anyway, my body felt like it had done a good job, and I "enjoyed" it. Haha

Day 23: 2-10-16

G: I'm so grateful my parents taught me the value of money when I was young! I started a Financial Peace class tonight in preparation for our upcoming marriage, and a lot of the stuff in the first lesson were elements I've had engraved in my brain since I was six or seven. I'm a saver by nature, but I know a lot of it comes from good guidance.

H: I heard there's going to be a new Harry Potter book?!?!?! Whaaaaat?! I'm pretty sure I'll be in the middle of three summer courses and wedding planning when it comes out, but will that stop me from buying it at midnight and reading until I fall asleep? I think not. And I just realized that's the first and only time I'll be able to do that! I read the rest of them when I was in 8th grade, after my brother had been the one to attend the midnight releases. He even won a costume contest (earning him the book for free) at one of the releases. 

(My brother Grayson as Harry. And... yes. That's me lurking behind him. This was before any of the movies came out, so he and my mom devised this costume solely from descriptions in the book.) 

Day 24: 2-11-16

G: I got 2,000+ words written for my capstone! My goal is to have 3,000 done before Monday (preferably Sunday so I can celebrate V-day stress-free) and then have 2,000 left to write before Wednesday. It's going pretty well, so I can probably knock out another 1,000 tomorrow, and if not then, I'll probably have time Saturday. Yay! 

Oh, also grateful that I bought potatoes over the weekend... because I had a major potato craving today and you can bet I ate one of those suckers for lunch (with chicken and kale). Well, I ate half, and then an hour later decided I needed the other half. And then for dinner made bean dip and ate that. ALL THE CARBS. Yum. Grateful I had the carbs I was craving!

(Yes. I am one of those people who takes pictures of her food. This is my potatoes and kale.)

H: Just thinking about seeing Josh this weekend and spending time together, cooking for each other... it sounds cheesy, but it does make me happy! And so did my walk/talk in the sunshine today...and the guy at the HUFF who thought I "stole" a smoothie sample!

Day 25: 2-12-16 

H: We watched ourselves dance on video today...and it was kind of hilarious. It was fun to laugh at ourselves.

G: That I didn't have to dance in class Friday. It was video day, so we just watched ourselves dance. I could use the physical break; I usually go from CrossFit, to rushing home to eat, to biking to class, to dancing... and it's tiring.

Day 26: 2-13-16:

G: I'm grateful for the "discipline" I'm living in now that is preparing me for the future (Hebrews 12). Sometimes I'm dissatisfied with living like a college student--counting the price of groceries, determining if I want to go somewhere bad enough to spend the gas, putting school above fun. But I'm grateful my parents let me work for so much of what I have on my own, because I know it's preparing me for a day when I won't always have my parents to lean on! 

H: That I was able to make Josh smile when I said, "Bummer... you won't be home in time to watch the Kentucky game." He knows I don't like sports, but I specifically looked up game times this weekend (he likes Kentucky) so that I could watch one with him. Turns out, he hasn't been watching the Kentucky games lately because they aren't doing well, but he was really happy just knowing I cared enough to look it up. And that made me happy. 

Day 27: 2-14-16:

G: Josh knows me and agrees to my weird date request like exploring the fancy grocery store next to his house. (It's like a Whole Foods, but it's not.) I just wanted to wander around and oogle at all the different health foods, and he tagged along patiently. And he found the perfect color paint swatches as examples for our wedding colors! 

(Our wedding colors)

(Don't see this at a normal grocery store. We've tried Walden Farms calorie-free ranch dressing before... I'm not sure why... but this is coffee creamer. Not going there.)

(My dad used to buy this cereal all the time! It's healthier, and we would eat it with low-sugar chocolate milk... actually really good. Josh bought some and we chowed on it that afternoon.)

H: I decided to spend an extra night in Edmond so I didn't have to leave my fiance that night. He would have been home alone anyway, and getting up early for a Monday morning is nothing if you get to spend more time with the one you love!

Day 28: 2-15-16:

H: My grade for my first milestone in Capstone! 99, with positive comments! And my professor asked if I wanted to read my first few chapters in his novel class today. Big honor, in my book.

G: That I didn't have to read the whole thing out loud! We did popcorn reading, so I didn't have to read solo. I get nervous reading out loud, so that was helpful. And he was very complimentary, so that was a nice ego boost for the day!

Day 29: 2-16-16

G: I'm ahead on my work for capstone! That alone makes me...not stressed.

H: The sunshine! I'm so happy the weather isn't frigid anymore.

Day 30: 2-17-16

G: I didn't get hit by the train...after I was stupid enough to ride my bike across the tracks as the bars were lowering. I mean, it was pretty far away, but still...

Oh, and Josh gets to go to Key Men! The cost ended up being a lot less than he thought, and I know he really wanted to go. It's a great opportunity for him to connect with other guys in the area. 

H: Getting to hug my little sister, even if it was through a car window.  :) 

Day 31: 2-18-16

G: I have a Target gift card (from Christmas?) from my aunt, so I bought PEANUT BUTTER today!! (And some other groceries). I've been eating Peter Pan that someone left at our house, and I'm just not a fan of the not-natural peanut butter... it's too sugary, and I can taste it. Which, although I'm kind of icked-out by it, still sometimes makes me eat more. And then I feel sick. So, anyway...free groceries- and natural peanut butter!

 

(That sucker is in the trash! Because, no, I cannot just throw away peanut butter, even if it's not the kind I like. Not at the rate I eat it.)

H: I can't think of something that specifically made me happy today... but I am happy. My life is good. I've got a volunteer banquet at church tomorrow I'm excited about, and my writing is fun. I'm just happy.   :)

Day 32: 2-19-16

G: For our amazing volunteer banquet and awesome church! The barbeque was delicious, and even when the power went out, we all had a great time! I know they really appreciate the volunteers, and I'm so glad our church is so close even though it's getting so big! I pray that never changes!

(Pastor Adam speaking/praying before we break ground)

H: That they did the Lip Sync battle! Watching it made me laugh more than I have in a while... it was definitely hilarious. 

Day 33: 2-20-16

G: My parents helped me do my taxes (grrrr, rip brains out) and game me the space/materials to wash my car! Boy, did it need it.

H: I did the partner WOD with Kristyna (and I almost never make it to Saturday workouts), and it was fun! The camaraderie and competition was even more intense since she was counting on me and I was counting on her! And afterwords, we got to talk about how we both love editing. I workout with her almost every day and I had no idea! 

Day 34: 2-21-16

G: For my church family. I attended by myself today, but I never felt alone once. I even hung around the lobby to work on my milestone (which I completed even more of later!). And for a random babysitting job! It's always nice to earn some extra cash. 

H: Josh bought me Girl Scout cookies! :) Samoas and Tagalongs!

Day 35: 2-22-16

G: That I enjoyed my workout yesterday. My motivation has bee lacking, and I needed a good sweat session. And that we have a God who speaks to us, up close and personal, who gives so much grace!

H: To see Anansi and Brer Rabbit as story options this week!

Day 36: 2-23-16 

H: My one-to-one with Wes was really fun! ...and now I want to be a professional tree climber! We talked about CrossFit, how he's building what's basically an adult playground in his backyard, and how a palm tree is actually not a tree, it's a grass.

 G: For my healthy body, and that I've had the privilege to grow up eating well and exercising. I was educated more than most kids in that realm. 

Day 37: 2-24-16

G: For my time with my horse small group! I'm so glad I took the time to meet with them, because it was such a joy! Just to talk with other horse-lovers about God, our men, jobs, school, life... it was great. 

H: Hugging Ella through the car window  :) 

Day 38: 2-25-16

H: Talking to Josh at the end of my day about libraries, and how wonderfully overwhelming they are, and books, and my new tree-climbing obsession, and just laughing with him.

G: For Grandma's, Mom's, and Dana's help with the wedding garage sale! And for my best friend who apologizes (unnecessarily) just for not washing her dishes before she left for class--and who tells me to eat cookies.

Day 39: 2-26-16

G: That Grandma paid for Josh and I to go eat somewhere when we got to Lawton. It was late, we were tired, and I don't know what we would have done for dinner otherwise.

H: Having an "easy" day in dance! It was a small class, and we just did abs, ran through the basics really quickly, and stretched. 

Day 40: 2-27-16

G: For working at LuLu's, and all the generously-tipping customers! It's such a fun shop to work at, and I just love the place. 

(Lu Lu's Coffee & Bagel--if you're ever in Lawton, stop by!)

H: That my mom and I finally got to go on a walk together, and the weather was beautiful!

Day 41: 2-28-16

G: That this felt like a long weekend. At least, it didn't feel as unfulfillingly short as some weekends do. And I needed that. (Doesn't everybody, always?) And for all of the support surrounding The Open at our gym. Our members are awesome, and so are our coaches.

H: That I got my first chest-to-bar today!! And successfully completed 32 of them during my first Open workout ever!

Day 41 Feb. 29: 

G: I'm grateful I have spring break to finish my novella, and I don't have to validate all the open scores for our gym! It takes forever.

H: Running during the WOD today was actually fun! I wanted to just keep running for the whole workout. For the first time in a while, it felt fast and enjoyable!

Day 42 March 1: 

G: For the beautiful weather and that I finished my milestone...and that I'm enjoying writing this part of my book! And that my grandmother gave me a whole roast to take home!

 

(My grandma cooked the meat; I did the rest!) 

H: Ella gave me her storybook to read, and it was so cute! I loved the story she wrote, and it made me happy to know she wrote it for fun, not for school!

Day 44 March 2: 

Grateful that Kessa found my ring that I left on a shelf in our bathroom! She actually ran into my room, knelt next to my bed and held it out like she was proposing. If one of us had knocked it off or I'd woken up and realized it wasn't on my ring holder where I usually put it, I would have freaked!

I was happy that my PW class seemed to enjoy when I read Ella's story for them. I know it'll make Ella feel special when I tell her my friends loved her story, too. 

Day 45 March 3: 

I'm grateful for Mel. And that Eli was home so he could send me a picture of my shopping list that I forgot. And for Josh wanting to be there for me during my mini mental breakdowns. 

(Thanks, Eli!)

Happy: I got to eat lunch with Ella today at her school! She loved the "special room" we ate it. It's the cafeteria for the older kids, and the walls are painted like an ocean landscape. I still think it's kind of weird that you eat alone when you visit someone at her school, but I'm glad she enjoyed it. I also made my own peanut butter today, which was a ton of fun!

 (My homemade peanut butter)

Day 46 March 4:

I'm grateful that I have food, that I finished my myth story, that I went to Milik's recital (because it was really fun to see him play!) and that the weather was beautiful!

I'm happy to have my best friend to chit-chat with. And again, seeing Milik perform made me happy, reminded me of our high school friendship.  

Day 47 March 5: 

Happy: I found my wedding dress!!! (At least, I'm 99% sure I did.) and overall, had a great day with my mom! We got Cool Beans coffee, found my dress, ran some errands at Aldi, Big Lots, and Hobby Lobby, had Thai Delight for lunch, checked out Stash, browsed Natural Grocer... I'm thanking God it was just a fun day, because my mom and I don't see each other very often, and we have a tendency to argue.

(my Cool Beans coffee)

 (My mom's sashimi and my curry)

(The back of my dress!)

I'm so grateful for all my mom did for me this Saturday! Helping me pick out a dress, paying for the dress, running my errands with me, buying me lunch...

Day 48 March 6:

I'm grateful for the help of my fellow volunteers in The Kitchen at church! The frapps got way too crazy today, and Ali and her dad Ryan jumped in no problem!

Happy: Again, writing my book! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having!

Day 49 March 7:

Grateful and Happy that I get to work from home today! Which means sleeping in (a little)!

Day 50 March 8:

It was so much fun decorating the house for Kessa's 21st birthday! 

I'm grateful I got to work from home again today, and that it rained so that I was in the mood to write (and got a lot done) and did lots of other homework. 

(I love the moody weather!)

Day 51 March 9: 

I talked to Josh for about an hour on the phone...about nothing. And it was fun! You're probably thinking, "duh, he's your fiance," but I really hate talking on the phone, and since we've been dating for so long, our phone calls are mostly just kind of the same-old same-old now. 

I'm grateful I had an extra hour to do my homework because my dance teacher couldn't make it to class! 

Day 52 March 10:

Grateful my health test was easy (100%!) and it didn't rain when I walked to or from class!

I was happy to hear that Josh is excited to tour venues this weekend! I'm having trouble enjoying the venue-search myself.

Day 53 March 11:

Grateful for another fun day with my mom- venue shopping, and she took us out to dinner (and dessert I didn't need at The Cheesecake Factory), and that she stopped to talk (calmly) to me when I got upset. 

Happy: The waitress told me, "I like you! You eat everything!" I thought it was pretty funny. And true. 

Day 54 March 12:

Josh and I played "football" in his backyard, and I cracked up! We always do when I play a sport. I'm ridiculous. But it was a lot of fun, and the weather was nice! 

I'm also really grateful for his hospitality (he's always ready and willing to jump up and buy groceries as long as I'm cooking! And I like cooking for him.) and I got to sleep in, and the turkey/sweet potato recipe I made was delicious!

(Quinoa stirfry and sweet potato turkey deliciousness!)

Day 55 March 13:

Grateful: Josh's mentor Jon and his wife Lonnie invited us to their church and then took us out for lunch afterwards. They're really sweet, and Lonnie was so fun. I'd never been to Red Rock Grill, and it was delicious. We got "something chocolate" for dessert!

(Something Chocolate at Red Rock Grill) 

I'm so happy I met a man who doesn't judge me for eating half of this. (Or at least if he does, he does it in good humor.) And then later, when I say, "cheesecake sounds good..." who immediately says, "Let's get cheesecake!" and then further tolerates me eating two and a half (small) pieces, plus a few Girl Scout cookies! Not to mention, he watched a really lame romcom with me, too. Josh rocks.

Day 56 March 14: 

I'm grateful for gorgeous weather, finishing my 2,000 words I aimed for, Kessa letting me use her Amazon account to order a new computer charger, having the house to myself, Aaron posting the WOD when my computer died, Chelsey judging my 16.3 score, all the box's spirit and camaraderie, and the escape I find in my writing and reading. 

I'm happy Kessa and I got the TV to work so I could watch movies while my laptop is dead! It helps to plug the yellow cord into the yellow outlet instead of the orange one...

Day 57 March 15:

Sigh. So happy to hear that Josh decided to study for the DAT again. I don't know where it'll lead, but lately I've been a little worried about our future, and concerned that we didn't have enough direction. So I'm happy he's decided to take this step. It's hush-hush, though; he's only telling me and his sister!

I'm so grateful the Lord keeps his promises--that He has a plan for us, that He will provide, and that He KNOWS what he's doing!

Day 58 March 16:

I really am grateful Josh is helping so much with the venue search. It's exhausting; I couldn't do it alone!

I loved getting a little sun on my shoulders and the idea of Spring Break next year with Kessa...we're hoping to take a beach trip together!

Day 59 March 17: 

I'm grateful my old boss's phone call (that I was dreading returning) was short, and that my new box is understanding about my mistakes at the job!

I loved laying out today, definitely made me happy. And I started thinking about a job as a dog trainer... exciting! 

Day 60 March 18:

Grateful my mom shared her dinner with Josh and me.

Happy: Baking apples with her! 

Day 61 March 19: 

Always grateful for LuLu's, and this time for Laura mopping the floors and closing the register! Also grateful for a great dinner at Dad's (brisket!) 

Happy: I loved spending the evening with my dad and Dana, and Ella gifted me a horse as an early birthday present (the horse used to be mine). We also played board games!

Day 62 March 20: 

Happy being at Victory Family Church with my man and getting to spend the day with him hanging out, running errands.

I'm grateful that he goes grocery shopping with me and that I had a free Chipotle burrito! 

Day 63 March 21: 

So grateful Krisyna did The Open workout with me, because I had no other chance to do it, and I needed a judge. Plus, that workout would suck to do solo!  (55 Deadlifts, 55 Wallballs, 55 Calorie Row, 55 Handstand Pushups!)

I'm just happy I got to the first handstand push-up in the workout! And being back with my PW friends after Spring Break. 

Day 64 March 22: 

Happy: I scrolled through my Facebook to check the date of our engagement, and it made me really happy seeing the photos and posts of congratulations, and just remembering how excited I was that first week. 

Grateful again that Josh is searching for venues while I try to get some school work done!

Day 65 March 23: 

I'm grateful I know a trustworthy computer guy and that I don't have much homework to stress over while my laptop is in the shop!

Happy: I loved sitting on the back porch tonight in the nice weather, reading my wedding book and talking to Josh. Also reading earlier in the day (The Name of the Wind) in the sunshine on a bench on campus!

Day 66 March 24: 

Happy: I loved watching Harry Potter with Ella tonight! I got to babysit her while my parents went out for their anniversary, and I knew I could get her hooked on my favorite series if I told her about Dobby! She spent the whole movie (Chamber of Secrets) trying to figure out who was petrifying everyone!

(Ella watching The Chamber of Secrets while we chow on Thai)

I'm grateful Ryan and Craig will be doing prequalification calls at my work and I'll just be the one organizing them! 

Day 67 March 25: 

I'm grateful my computer isn't busted up too bad. I'll use less than $200 from my emergency fund to fix it. 

Happy visiting with Josh and his family at BJ's!

Day 68 March 26: 

HAPPY: I loved The Open workout! I got to judge Ryan and cheer him on, and he did the same for me. I had to give him a death glare when he told me to do 9 reps in a row, though...but I did the reps! And I really enjoyed mine and Josh's walk to Firehouse, and our conversation.  :)

So grateful Josh helped me with my computer, and that he's patient, and for my awesome gym/job. 

Day 69 March 27 Easter:

So thankful Kessa let me borrow her dress, and that Dana made us all brunch!

(My roommate's dress)

Happy: Loved seeing everyone, seeing Ella, chilling on the couch, just relaxing and gaming with the family!

Day 69 March 28:

I'm happy thinking about everything Josh does for me. He's always eager to meet my needs, and it's so sweet. And I'm grateful I didn't have to make my lunch today...leftover Easter eggs! (deviled, yum)

Day 70 March 29: 

I'm grateful my Tuesday/Thursday class is one I can skip. Just wasn't worth it today. 

Happy: I went for a walk, and a cat just ran up to me from someone's porch! It was so sweet. 

(The friendly kitty)

Day 71 March 30:

So grateful I'll be taking Mass Comm Law in the summer and be done with it!

This stormy weather makes me pretty happy...and I'm glad I'll get to have Mel as a teacher again next semester! It'd be weird not to have a class with him, actually...

Day 72 March 31:

Grateful my haircut was in my price range, and that it turned out just how I wanted! And oh, for that head massage during the shampoo...I almost fell asleep. I'm so happy about my new hair, and the nice weather to sit outside and do homework in, and that I got to workout with Thurman this morning!

Day 73 April 1st:

I'm grateful I got to leave Chianti and finish homework before bed... Happy...I'm not sure. It was a weird day. I guess my workout made me happy that morning?

Day 74 April 2:

I'm happy being at Lu Lu's, and grateful for that mini job! Also grateful that I got a poem written for our Alice in Wonderland radio play!  

Day 75 April 3:

I'm grateful my dad changed my oil for me and that my grandma bought me groceries!

Happy: Going to the medieval fair (finally; I've never been) with my brother and seeing all the puppies everywhere! 

My brother (left) and two guys fencing at the fair (right)

Day 76 April 4:

I'm grateful I got most of my health project done—more weight off my shoulders! And that God has given me the time and resources I need to do it. I was really excited when I saw that Alice was part of the reading list for this week! Josh told me I should be a nutritionist today, too. That made me happy, to know he thinks it's something I'd be good at.  :)

Day 77 April 5: 

Happy: I got to lay out and do a lot of my homework in the sunshine! 

I really am grateful for all the wonderful people in my life—I'm surrounded by people who want to reach out and be my friend even when I'm...me...and distant. People at the box, in my PW class, my coworkers, my awesome horse small group, and the best roommate ever!

Day 78 April 6: 

I'm grateful I got to spend a whole day outside...with horses! And that Tammy made it possible for me to go. It made me happy when I got to lead one of the horses, no rope, no halter. It was just a great day overall.  :) 

(This was me after a day with horses—very happy, very sunned)

Day 79 April 7:

I'm grateful my dad came and looked at a rental house with me so I didn't have to go alone, and he brought me Disney movies to watch this weekend. :) I was happy when I found out my little sister wanted to watch the third Harry Potter when I babysit her tomorrow!