Hello and welcome.

After many trials of creating and deleting (or ignoring) previous blogs, the time has arrived to start one and stick with it. I've become inspired to connect with others and to satisfy my inner passion and desire to write meaningful words. 

For as long as I can remember, I've surrounded myself with stories. As a school-age kid, the best part of every summer Monday was not only Mac & Cheese day, but library day. My grandma initially limited the number of books I could check out, but soon realized that either she let me choose as many books as I wanted, or she'd have to drive me back to the library for more. I was a fast and voracious reader. Looking back on those days, I'm not sure how I multi-tasked my interests. I was part tomboy, sports enthusiast, and lover of everything outdoors. Then there was my bookworm identity. If I spent the majority of a day outside with my brother and sister, I'd end up in bed that night with a flashlight under my covers reading a book from start to finish. Stories were that satisfying to me. The other thing I did was journal. I have literally dozens of old childhood journals stacked in my closet. There are not many items I've saved from my younger years, but my journals, photographs (thousands), and a few awards will hopefully be with me in my home until I am old and gray. My kids and grandkids will one day read them and think, "Man, grandma sure had a lot of boyfriends." Doesn't every teenage girl believe in prince charming? 

At 28 years old, I've decided I still have a lot of thoughts in my head that need sharing. Since 14, my number of interests has only increased. I've traveled to 12 different countries, and have many on my list yet to conquer. I have a passion for words, stories, and history. I am addicted to photography. I've recently learned to cook, and try to be as healthy as possible (chocolate and ice cream sometimes oftentimes ruin this attempt). Most of the dishes in our home are paleo-inspired, mainly because my body feels better after eating these foods versus sugar-laden or processed ones. My husband is a fitness guy, and primarily eats to support his strength training and health. His meals generally consist of chicken, turkey, and lots of veggies (usually broccoli). I love adventure and am unafraid to try most things. I've run completed a marathon because it was on my bucket list. I've skydived--twice--because, why not? I enjoy music, but have no musical talents. I appreciate all arts, but leave the designing for my younger sister. I envy my grandmother's crafting skills, as I have none of those myself--yet. 

So why a blog now? Projects such as "A Cup of Jo" blogger JoAnna Goddard's "motherhood around the world series", and various photography blogs and Web sites have me itching to create my own. Did I mention I am obsessed with photography, reading and writing, other peoples' lives (aka stories), and am not so private that I don't mind sharing my own.

I also currently have the spare time. My "real" job is that of a registered nurse on a local hospital's medical/surgical unit. Not only am I able to care for others (something I LOVE to do), but my position allows me the opportunity to provide hope and compassion through words, laughter, and listening. I work "full-time" or 32 hours per pay period. My husband works full-time and takes classes for engineering part-time, so I'm often home alone dreaming of my (our) future goals which include more traveling, having ten four babies and attempting to raise them, building a rustic home in the mountains, living abroad, starting a photography business, and publishing a book. 

Lastly, why now? I find the written word inspiring. I always have (see childhood book obsession above). It's why my first degrees in college were journalism and history. At the time I made a career change, writing was no longer fulfilling to me. It had become either static or stressful. Now that I don't have to do it, I am enjoying it again. I believe I was meant to blog meaningful words with purpose. I've spent years attempting to document my life and my family and friends' lives through photographs and journals. Blogging is an extension of that. I will be able to do both. In the process, I hope to impact the life of someone out there who may need a little daily boost of randomness or ridiculousness. Or, love, beauty, and hope. 

I'd love it if you choose to follow my blogging adventures, and simultaneously, my life adventures. I hope to share insights, provide laughter, inspire, promote peace and love, and show you that my simple, crazy life isn't any better or worse than yours, but it's real, and I love it so much. 

With love and blue mountains,
Erin