My Memorial Day Weekend..

"In every walk with nature...one receives far more than he seeks"

-John Muir

This weekend was one of the most fulfilling times in my life.

Normally I don't do much over memorial day weekend because my family makes plans at last minute.

This memorial day, I had a lot going on..as amazing as the weekend was--it was extremely tiring.

I'm still trying to catch up on sleep.

With spontaneity in my blood, my friend and I decided to go hiking at the last minute.

We woke up bright and early to get busy bonding with nature.

We spent out whole day away from technology, away from stress, away from our jobs, and just spent our time enjoying life.

We went hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing.

Let me just say...even though we both are nature freaks to start with...for some reason, this time that we spent was just different.

It brought us so much joy just to be in the presence of God and see such pure beauty around us.

I love being outside in the sun and by the water.

It reminds me of what it truly means to be human and how lucky I am to be a part of such a beautiful place.

-My friend and I decided to head home, clean up, and head to our favorite place to dance :)

We go line dancing all of the time and we enjoy every minute of it.

 We both were raised on country music and that's what we live for; it's a part of our lives.

-The next day I had church and the memorial day festival in my home town.

My family and I got our favorite lemonade shake-ups and watched the town talent show.

We had a family cookout and played some very competitive games of volleyball.

We ended the night at the baseball park together to watch the town fireworks.

I must say...they were the best they have ever been.

-I spent my Monday relaxing with my family, doing laundry, and watching One Tree Hill.

I am still trying to regain my strength from all the activities we did this weekend..haha 

It was such an amazing time!

It has definitely reminded me of the love that I have for my family, friends, community, and the environment around me.

It's the simple things in life that mean the most to me..and that's what this weekend was; simple & perfect.

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees" 

<3 Shay

Friendship..

#Truth

Friendship can not be defined in one word

True friendship also doesn't exist in just a few moments or memories, it lasts forever. 

Through all the turmoil, all the tears, all the brokenness, and all the pain...true friends are always there.

Having an honest, true, and loyal best friend is extremely hard to come across, but when you do...don't let them go.

I have found out in more than one way what it means to be a good friend..

First and foremost, listen.

If it wasn't for the nights of me crying hysterically to my best friend without her having anything to say, driving for hours with just sappy love songs on, or even talking for an hour on the phone to my long distance friends...listening helps.

They are your FREE therapist.

Use them!! :)

Also, don't be the friend that only wants a friend when you are sad. 

If you want to be a good friend...you gotta be there for the good and the bad.

I have friends who don't want anything to do with me unless they want or need something, or my advice.

Where were you when I was sad? And why don't you ever give me advice?

Sometimes it's hard to still be friends with people like that..

Many things go along with being the best friend you can be, but some things are unspoken.
Just like being in love...it's different every time.
Not every friendship is the same, so don't expect it to be.
And...every person can have more than one best friend.
Each friendship means something great to them, but doesn't necessarily mean that one has to be more important than the other.
Jealously is not cool.
I have a couple people in my life who I call "Best friends"
Even though I love them all, each friendship means something different to me.
I have the friends who have been in my life since kindergarten, friends from high school, and friends from college.
Each one plays a special role in my life.
Friendship is not always the easiest thing, but it can definitely be fun.
I have done some of the dumbest things with my friends, but loved every second of it.
You realize how much you know about the law when you are with your best friends.
Having inside jokes and stories only you understand are the best.
Simplicity is key to my heart.
The more simple the friend is...the better.
I have had some of the best nights of my life not doing much of anything.
Being able to laugh with and at each other is one of the best parts of friendship.
Sometimes just being able to be silent together is one of the best feelings when it comes to having a best friend; when you don't need to talk about it because...they "already know".

Friendship comes and friendship goes, but hold on to the ones who mean the most..
They will keep you alive and show you love in so many great ways.

"God made us bestfriends, because no mother could handle us as sisters" <3

<3 Shay

10 Songs of my life..

Below are 10 songs (not in any special order) that I will listen to for the rest of my life

I love music with everything in me..it truly is one of the biggest parts of my life
These aren't exactly my only favorite songs, because trust me...there are plenty more than these :)
These songs have played a big role in my crazy, wonderful, life..

1. 3am- Matchbox Twenty

2. Could you be loved- Bob Marley

3. Black Balloon- Goo Goo Dolls

4. Summertime- Kenny Chesney

5. Your body is a wonderland- John Mayer

6. Won't Go Home Without You- Maroon 5

7. Back2Good- Matchbox Twenty

8. You and Me- Lifehouse

9. Cryin- Aerosmith

10. Blue Jeans and a Rosary- Kid Rock

<3 Shay

P.S.- What are the songs of your life?