in which I meet an author and become a superhero

That's right, guys. I'm a superhero. Sort of.

Awesome-Author-Rachel and Me

My aunt Liane's sister, Rachel McClellan, author of an awesome book called Fractured Light came to stay next door to us. As a mutual activity, she came to speak to our Young Women's group about becoming our own superheroes. (Double awesome. Meeting author. Who is also a superhero.)

She started out with this awesome quote by Marianne Williamson:

"We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"

She told us that we have this light inside of us that we need to use to help, uplift, and serve others. Our SUPERPOWER. (I know, right?!) In order to use our power for good, we have to be unselfish, not judging, have a desire to serve, and be courageous.

Imagine Superman, she told us, sitting in a diner, eating his enchilada soup. What if he was selfish? What if he judged others? What if he didn't want to help the people outside who were being chased by that giant robot? What if he was too afraid to save them? Would he be a superhero? "Of course not," Rachel said, "He wouldn't be a superhero. He's just a really good looking guy in a cape and tights."

Even Superman, with all of his strength, talents, and abilities, wouldn't be anything if he was selfish, judging, and afraid.

But he is a superhero. And those good qualities, being selfless, courageous, brave, kind...we need to be all those things if we want to become our own superheroes.

Rachel's an author. She knows that people, like characters, have flaws. Nobody's perfect. But we need to be the best that we can be so that we can be the heroes of our own stories.

So guess what, guys? I'm not the only hero around here.

You're a superhero too.

two cuties

Sister Lauren and her favorite cousin Jessie.

 

 

Easter and other things

Hello, all. Happy Easter.

*Contented sigh* Wow, I don't know if it's just because these are the first two consecutive days of sun we've had in 5 months, or because it's Easter Sunday, but I feel really good right now. I just feel....refreshed, and happy. It's hard to explain. Everything around me is just reminding me of good things.

Maybe it's the birds singing outside, or the sound of airplanes and people mowing their lawns. Maybe it's because school's almost out. Perhaps because flowers are finally starting to bloom all over. Or maybe it's because I'm wearing high-heel sandals with capris. (I don't know why that makes me happy, it just reminds me of summertime!)

Whatever it is, I'm so grateful today on Easter for it all. I'm thankful for my family and my friends, and for spring and all the wonderful stuff that comes with it. Most of all, I'm grateful for my Savior and all that he's done for me. So, I hope you are all having as beautiful a day as I am, whether or not you have sun or birds or flowers or family and friends to spend it with. May we all find things to be grateful for, and in doing so, creating our own happiness.

:)

latest winter captures

When I think of a "beautiful" season I don't usually think of winter first. But wintertime is truly gorgeous.

These are some pictures I took in the morning the other day when my friend Linden and I went walking around the yard where everything was covered in frozen fog (including our fingers). I love the little frost crystals on the trees and leaves and flowers. It looks like they're all covered in icy fur. :)

You know what would make this winter even more awesome? Snow.