[Image designed for Freckled Italian by signed, xoxohannah]

Hannah has begun posting really pretty and inspiring downloadable backgrounds on her blog each month, and at the beginning of January I asked her if she'd make one for me and my readers in February. She sent this to me a few days ago and I can't imagine it coming at a better time. Now with Rob physically further from me than ever, I can have a daily reminder that it's possible to put out as much love as possible, even when the future seems uncertain.

We will run and scream

You will dance with me

They'll fulfill our dreams 

And we'll be free

And we will be who we are

And they'll heal our scars

Sadness will be far away

Do not let my fickle flesh go to waste

As it keeps my heart and soul in its place

And I will love with urgency

But not with haste

--Mumford & Sons, Not With Haste

Visit Hannah's blog here to download the image for your own screen, phone, or iPad. (Or all three!)

Well, what do you think?

[BEFORE]

I actually really loved (and still love--looking at this photo is making me a little nostalgic!) the old design, but I've had it since April of 2011, and I felt like it was time for something new. But because I'm not so good at dealing with change, I stuck with the design genius of Kelly Ann and insisted that we at least keep the lace at the top and the general color scheme.

It's all about compromise, you know.

But in all seriousness, I'm in love with the new design and I am feeling a new wave of inspiration just from looking at it, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

(Now if you'll just bear with me while I figure out my new ad space sizes!)

Almost four years ago, I started a blog and had no idea what I was going to get out of it. I wrote, but no one really read. Then, later, people did read, and there were times when I would question myself. Do people care? Is it appropriate for one to put so much of their life on the internet? Is it worth reading? Is this a waste of time, a hobby, or something much more?

But then you meet three girls who also blog and take pictures of everything and want something much, much more out of life. You meet them and keep in touch for six months and then it's June and you're all sitting on your back porch together, laughing until you cry, and suddenly you realize that these are some of your very best friends.

It is definitely something much more.

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Here are fourteen.

Jenna, Whitney, me, and Melissa

I have to really thank my mom and dad from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to invite into their home three people who, six months ago, were strangers; for keeping us full of delicious food and margaritas and wine; for gassing up the boat and taking us for a spin; and for generally being the thoroughly generous people whom I love so much.

And then there's my brother, who made creme brulee from scratch and drove us around and catered to our every whim. You are a wonderful brother and I love you, Sean. 

My heart feels so full and I am now not just missing a tall man in China, but three girls miles north of me, as well.