it never took much convincing for me to believe in you.....

Today was less than stellar, although having an adventure with Shellie and laughing in the office helped quite a bit.

Nothing, literally nothing makes me fall in love with the world again the way the city of St. Paul does. Whatever the season, it's lovely and constant and is home to some of the fondest memories and deepest heart break. It's a tapestry of streets and parks and food and walks and talks woven together by my experience and love and complete naivete that everything will work out the way its supposed to.

In the story of my life, St. Paul would be it's own character. She has shown me more about the world and what i love and who i am than any single person i know. She is full of leaps of faith and hard falls, big dreams and plans to change the world.

She is history and she is the future rolled into one sprawling cityscape.

St. Paul some how reminds me about what matters, for it is in her care where i truly learned about community, and sacrifice and commitment. She is the knower of the all things and loves me because of it.

Standing by the river with the people who have loved me sacrificially, and unconditionally, looking for the right, perfect words havin no idea that i'm watching them exist. Feeling both grateful and guiltily that they've rearranged so much of their lives for me.

Watching them and watching the river the is overflowing, the smell of summer, the humidity in the air, just hanging there like words unspoken, the feel of summer on my skin was overwhelming to the point where i literally had no words.

they completely failed me. I don't know how to say i love and i'm sorry in the same breath with thank you and you'll never understand how important you are.

So, St. Paul, i tip my little summer hat to you, and your beautiful city,  I am so grateful for the role you play in my story.

this photo was from my first big girl apartment. The is the view out of the living room window. This is where the city stole my heart. It's where i fell in love with life and people and Jesus. It's the only other place i've ever felt "home" like i belong there besides Geebs and now the grove. There are pieces of me all over that city and i couldn't be happier about it.