Last Thursday, the long-awaited Seton Hill move-in day finally arrived. With the help of my mom, my gram, and our family friend Ashley, I moved into my dorm suite, DeChantal Hall, my new home for the school year, at least!

When I was a girl, our family, including my brothers, parents, and grandparents, would often take trips to Myrtle Beach, where we spent our vacations at Ocean Lakes. The experience was surreal. We were all so happy, and it always felt like one final bang before school began. It was a special feeling, a sense of togetherness and belonging.

While sitting in bed recovering from getting my wisdom teeth taken out, I finally have the time, and the patience, to sit and write while trying to get better. No one prepared me for the reality of not being able to consume anything besides literal mush. But I suppose it’s one of those things that’s better not to know until it happens.

My time working at Kohl’s has *almost* come to an end. Today is officially my last day. I put in my two weeks’ notice a week ago, but unfortunately, they stopped scheduling me just a few days in. It’s a little bittersweet, I’m sad to leave behind something that was such a big part of my junior and senior years. I spent so many hours in that store; it almost felt like a second home at times.

As many of you know, I’m a huge Alice in Wonderland lover. Over the weekend, at my graduation party, I opened a special gift that included Dinah, Alice’s beloved kitty,  which inspired me to create a Wonderland themed poetry thread. Inspired by that moment, I put together a collection of five free-verse poems that tell a story about Alice’s adventures, while incorporating elements of love and mystery.

After many difficult years, I finally got to walk the stage with so many of my friends to mark the end of an era-- graduation. This week, while making a memory board for my graduation party, I had the chance to reflect on it all.

After finishing the rest of my schoolwork for the year, I’ve finally had the chance to rest and reset. Senior year was the easiest academically, but personally, I felt like I was constantly underwater. Applying to colleges and actually choosing one was definitely a challenge, especially with everything that followed, like scholarships, applying (and being accepted!) to the honors college, and preparing for graduation. It’s all been a whirlwind.

Prom is basically an excuse to max out your dad’s credit cards on a $1,500 dress, new heels, and an updo that’s going to fall apart by 6 p.m. But what happens when you end up at prom surrounded by mostly strangers, and form a tiny friend group with the people sitting at your table? Prom was just a few weeks ago, and I still can't shake the feeling of how perfect it was. From dinner to dancing to making friends, the night was a total hit.

Today, I completed my final assignments for my Early Childhood Education and Psychology classes. To say I feel excited, nervous, and relieved all at once feels surreal. Reflecting on the past five years, starting with enrolling in PA Cyber and launching my own blog, it's clear I’ve been incredibly fortunate. What a whirlwind this journey has been!

This thread was inspired by the rainy day we had yesterday. As I sat inside finishing lesson planning for the week and finishing up some extra school work, I realized how much I cherish rainy, relaxing days. One of my poems is also inspired by one of my close friends that I have recently spent a bunch of time with. These last couple months have been a breeze which is why I am excited to release yet another poetry thread. 

A whisper of wind, a splash in the sea, or even a snow angel in the cold—Fahlo (Fall - Oh) is a new, trendy way to spread your love for animals through a simple bracelet, card, and phone! Whether you’re tracking an elephant or watching a video of a snow leopard, Fahlo does its part to protect animals in a fun, safe, and engaging way!

Stuck at home in the midst of the flu, I find myself in deep connection with myself. After a long month filled with friends, happiness, lots of Dunkin’ coffee, and music, I finally have the opportunity to take a sick day and catch up on all the fun things your favorite writer has endured! A Cozy Catch-Up is in order, so please grab your favorite coffee-inspired drink, sit back, and read.