I've Got A Shiny New Ring, and I Want to Tell You About It.

Ring Ceremony. The one and only. It has been the most exciting day at Duchesne thus far, and I know I'll never forget it.


The ring. It's perfect. It's everything I had dreamed it would be and more. This all sounds so strange the people to people outside of Duchesne, and maybe that's what makes it so special. It makes sense to us. For the rest of my life I will look down at my ring and remember whats important. It connects me to my sisters for the rest of my life, and it can bring me back home even when in hundreds of miles away. It fits like a glove and it will stay on my right hand forever.

Now for the fun part!

Standing in front of all of the seniors is scarier than I thought, especially when you have no idea who is ringing you. Those few moments when no one moved, left me hardcore guessing. When Michelle finally moved from her place in the front row, with the biggest "I gotcha" kind of smile of her face, I lost it. It was the weirdest feeling. The tears just came, and there was no stopping them. Aleyah came from the side, and I think I made some sort of blubbery gasp. I was shocked. SHOCKED. I really couldn't comprehend what had just happened to me. We exchanged the most meaningful hugs ever, then I made my way back to my seat where I continued to cry the rest of the ceremony. I was so happy.


Michelle, I've been thinking about how much we talk. It's at least 5 times a day, not including our various direct messages. That being said, you are one hell of a secret keeper. For the amount of times we've talked about Ring Ceremony, you never let it slip that you would be the one giving me my precious ring. You got me. Way to go! You are probably the coolest person I know, and you rock everything you do. You never fail to make me laugh, sometimes I laugh so hard I cry. Your just a bouncy bubble that everyone loves, and I had the privilege of being ringed by you. I really don't know what I'm going to so without next year (hopefully you won't go far.) As you said, we are family. We've got memories going back farther than we realize. I wish I could flash back to Krazy Kamp and tell 7th grade Abigail just how important you are to me, not just now, but always. As important as Ring Ceremony is, it's only a fraction of our amazing friendship. I've learned so much from you, and I will continue to learn forever. So, thank you. Thanks for all these years, and thanks for the ring. It means more coming from you than I think you understand. Here's to the ring, and what it means. Even when we're not right next to each other, we will always be together. I love you.

Leyah? You and I? We're the biggest, best, and baddest of the back row. We're tall and can't sing very high, so we are placed in the very back row where we rule like queens. It's funny, how in a few short months we developed this awesome friendship that has yet to develop boundaries. You never fail to make me laugh, because everything you say is beyond hysterical. Seeing you come at me with that flower yesterday was one of the coolest moments of my life if you couldn't tell from my endless tears. Duchesne isn't going to be nearly as entertaining as it is now, with you being gone. So you should just stay. I really hope you know how much I love you, and that having you in my life just makes it so much better. So basically being tall and having a man voice brought us together. Is that as funny as I think it is? Thank you. Thank you so much. You're in my ring and in my heart forever. Shine on. I love you.

Life is great.

Ok, so throw back to yesterday when I said my friends couldn't get any better. I lied.


A week or so ago, Jack's lovely mother asked if I wanted to come over for dinner. Of course I did. So, I told her I'd bring a pie. I don't know why, but I did. I spent the past week hardcore stressing out over this pie. It kept me up at night. I asked people for advice, and constantly changed my mind. I had to avoid all chocolate pie, because Jack can't stomach chocolate. Finally, I decided on Key Lime, but then realized I didn't have time to make a key lime pie. So, I would make chocolate chip cookies instead, completely forgetting they had chocolate them. Jack pointed that out, and I felt so bad, I could have cried. I had to let it go, otherwise I'd get hives, so I suppressed my guilt.

Mama Polerecky picked Owen and I up at 7 o'clock on the dot, extremely enthusiastic about my cookies, which made me feel better. We had a nice talk, as we always do. We pulled into the driveway and she honked the horn. I thought that was strange, but I didn't really read into it. I casually walked in the back door, and BAM!

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros song Home is blasting, and my closest friends all simultaneously scream, "SURPRISE!!!!!" I became numb. I didn't know how to behave. Balloons fell from the ceiling. They were my favorite colors, lilac, emerald, and cobalt. I was so happy, I felt dead. There they stood. Courtney, Elizabeth, Noah, Jack, Walker, Maggie, Mary Beth, Michelle, Connor, and Kaylee. Smiling at me. I've never wanted to cry so much in my entire life, but I just couldn't do it. I just gave out hugs. I didn't want to let go of anyone of them. I was shaking, and unable to form the right words. Then Kendall walked in. Yup, that's right. Kendall. I was sure I was dreaming, but Jack's red pants brought me back to reality.

Elizabeth prepared multicolored cupcakes and tasty frosting. Their was chicken enchiladas, which was awesome because I had been looking forward to those. We ate and chatted and I was happy. Then twister came into the mix. Noah and Mary Beth became the ultimate twister masters, and I watched my friends intertwine themselves. Let me tell you, it's far more fun to watch a game of twister than it is to play. I really hope someone got pictures. It was priceless.

Now, this is the part of the night where I die. I was sitting down in the living room, and I turned around. I turned around, and turned back around and hid my face. It felt like a dream, but I was pretty sure I saw Noah standing in the doorway with a case that resembled the shape of a banjo. The only word I could find was "No." Then he handed me the real deal. A beautiful banjo. I didn't know what to do again. I still don't know what to do. I have separation anxiety, and had to take it to word today. I named him Patrick. He's great. Life is great. Not to mention Courtney, who made me two CDs complete with every Ed Sheeran song. SAY WHAT?

We danced the rest of the night away. There was a strobe light and everything. There is nothing cooler than dancing with a strobe light. Talk about disorientation. I was so happy. I didn't know what to do, so I punch an owl piñata, whose name was Fernando, until candy spilled out of his gut. I just kept hugging everyone. Feeling loved is great. The whole night was perfect.

I got home and just cried for two hours. I love my friends. That was the absolute nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I hope they all know, especially the ones who planned it, realize how much I love them. You are all such a large part of my life, and I don't know what I'd without you. I hope I can be half as good of a person as you all are. I love you.

Lauren, you are included all this. We missed you last night!

I'm truly convinced that I have the greatest friends ever. They don't get better than what I've got.

I'm going to go play my banjo now.

Feeling loved,

Nowhere Girl

No Title is Good Enough for this Blog Post.

You know that feeling of being absolutely blown away? The feeling you just witnessed something beautiful and perfect? The feeling where you can't find words? I've had that feeling twice this week.

So, it's pretty much a known fact I've got the absolute best friends in the entire world, but they've all far surpassed that. Noah and Maggie, being the saints they are, got me tickets to see Taylor Swift for my birthday, which was March 9th. As far as concerts go, this was extraordinary.

Ed Sheeran was the opening act, and I've never been so impressed by a performer. He was so good. SO GOOD! He played it solo up on stage, with a fancy machine that looped what he play. He took a tumble while on stage, and it actually mad men love him more. He was perfect.

Then Taylor. Boy, oh boy. Can she put on a show. She is one of those performers that steps onto the stage, dramatically stares at her audience, and everyone falls to her feet and worships the ground she walks on. It was such a visual show. She had fabulous dancers, costumes, lights, and even the stage. It was top notch, 10 out of 10 for sure.

As we sat in section 222, listening to Taylor sing about her feelings, the four of us (Noah, Maggie, Connor, and myself) had our arms wrapped around each other, singing our little hearts out. I realized l could be anywhere with them, and I'd be perfectly happy. That was a nice feeling.

Then there was Jack. For Christmas I receive a crumbled up ball of wrapping paper, but when I pulled in apart, I found a ticket to The Lion King. I cried on the spot. We went to see it last night, finally. It was beyond my wildest dreams. Being the theatre geek I am, I was so appreciative of all the little details that went into that show. Seeing it with Jack was even better, because he appreciated it too. The colors, and sounds, and sets were remarkable. It was perfect. On top of all that, we had a wonderful dinner and a great cup of coffee after. Truly memorable night.

I'm so grateful for my friends. They really couldn't get any better.

Until next time,

Nowhere Girl

My Dearest City Brew

In the past six years, you have played a very large role in my life. You became less of a building and more of a member of the family. As you slowly developed into a person, you became the neediest person alive. You were in constant need of ice, or more cups, or employment. You tended to abolish our plans to take spontaneous trips on weekends. You constantly had weeds growing around you that needed to be picked on the hottest days of the year. Not to mention the fact you have woken me up at 5 AM everyday for the past two years. I'd be lying if I said I never hoped an asteroid would fall and destroy you in the middle of the night.

Although you have had plenty of bad days, there had been some fabulous days in between.

For one, you set me apart from everyone else. Not very many kids can say their parents own the coffee shop at the bottom of the hill. As a grew up, I learned to make the various drinks that went out of your windows. I could aid my friends in finding their ideal drink, and I met hundreds of wonderful people because of you.

During this past summer you provided a constant cash flow into my wallet, and that was really nice. You helped me not waste my summer sleeping, by waking me up and letting me enjoy a peaceful walk to your door. You've provided me with endless stories that I will be telling until the day I die. Most importantly, you brought me and one of the most important people in my life together. I could never thank you enough for that.

Our time together has been cut short, and as we prepare to bid you farewell, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the experience. <3

I will never forget you,
Nowhere Girl

I Am Still Here

Time Flies...

I guess you can say I have been busy. I think its safe to say my life has changed completely over the past few months...Although, I still can't drive.

This is usually is the point in a typical blog post where I would apologize for not posting something in ages, but I honestly feel I have nothing to be sorry for. I for sure missed writing, but things have been so crazy, I haven't been able to really collect all of my thoughts. 

Where to start? Well, I worked all summer making strangers some coffee. By the end of the summer, not everybody was a stranger, and that felt good. I had two of the greatest people to ever grace the face of this planet come help me everyday. We all got to know each other on levels I didn't even know were reachable. The summer was full of good times, funny times, confusing times, and a few pretty awful days sprinkled in between all the positivity. I made some pretty great friends. Actually, that is a massive understatement. There is no way to express the pure awesomeness of these people I am lucky enough to have hang around me for no good reason. Shout out to you...you know who you are. (....#Mary) 

I think this is the first time I actually notice a difference in myself. This summer was such a whirlwind, I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened.

 

I have seen people I love get hurt.

 I've seen them cry.

 I've been hurt.

 I've cried.

 I guess I really started to grow up...maybe.  I've encountered situations I couldn't have imagined if I tried. I just had to work through them. I came to the realization that everyone is really messed up. Like, really. Especially the people I prefer to associate myself with, but I am probably the most messed up out of all of us, and that is fine by me.

I've always been that person that loves pretty much everyone. My father likes to make fun of me for it on a daily basis. I want to help everyone. I want to protect everyone. It's really an awful trait to have, because it is literally impossible to do it. My eyes were opened to that. So, I had to let go. I didn't have a choice. I still love everyone, and I am more than willing to help everyone, but I let go. I found those people, ya know? The ones that love me too. My people. I owe them everything. I thank them for putting up with me. Thank you. 

Now, I just continue to put the puzzle together. Piece by piece, with room for error. It's all just so beautiful.

Do me a favor? Smile for me. Close your eyes and take a moment to notice every detail of being alive. The good, the bad, and the bittersweet. 

I am still here, 

Nowhere Girl

Why I Wear My Glasses

If you know me, you know that I wear giant Ray Ban glasses on my face everyday. I'm sure you look at me sometimes and think to yourself "Why does she wear those? She looks silly!" or perhaps "Those sure are quite the fashion statement!" I know I do. Sometimes I look in the mirror, especially when I know I am about to see a cute boy, and wonder why in the world I would wear these, and my mother reminds me on a daily basis how much she hates them. Believe it or not, there is an actual reason I wear my 1950's honker pair of glasses. I wear them to honor one of the most important men in music history.

Buddy Holly died on February 3rd 1959 in a plane crash. He was only 22 years old, but in his short time is a rock n' roller, he changed the course of music. He influenced many artists, including The Beatle's who named the band after Holly's band, The Crickets. He is the reason John Lennon wanted to be a musician. He wrote many classic rock songs, such as Peggy Sue. Unlike today, in the 1950's being able to sing was a very big deal, and making it in the music industry was an even bigger deal.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Buddy Holly at the ripe age of 5. I attended Billy McGuigan's RAVE ON!  many times growing up, and it influenced my taste in music completely. That music is reason I love The Beatle's. It makes me who I am.

....and that is why I wear my glasses. So I can honor not only Buddy Holly, but a part of who I am as well.

Do you still believe in Rock n' Roll?

I do.

Nowhere Girl

The Glitter-John Lennon Loving-Ice Princess from the Baltic Sea (AKA: G-Money)

Greta. Today she asked me why that man shot Jesus' sister, because her teacher wouldn't tell her. Where on earth she got this idea, I really couldn't tell you. She lives in a fairy tale all the time. She even talks like she is from a fairy tale. A week ago, she told me I was banished from her room. For those of you who don't know Greta, I am sorry, because she is magnificent. She wears whatever she pleases,whenever she pleases. She says the funniest things, and when you meet her she'll be sure to invite you to her wedding where she is either marrying JJ or Ian. She is my youngest sister, with 11 years in between us. She talks non stop, including while she is sleeping. She will write you a song and then sing it to you within a matter if seconds. She can tell you everything there is to know about John Lennon, and throw in a few extra details. She cuts her own hair on a regular basis (bangs and all) and it is so cute. She has two twin baby dolls named Ball and Flower that she absolutely adores. She watches Harry Potter in her free time, and she is always smiling. I love her. The other day she came into the parlor and said "Grandpa, I know you're an old man, but I need your help!" and as he was helping her she yelled "You go, girl!" in the sassiest way possible. She is my best friend, and I can't believe I am going to have to leave 7 year-old Greta and go to college. It breaks my heart. I want her to stay that little, artsy, vintage, imaginary friend having, freckle face little girl forever. Sadly it won't be long before she is that hormonal teenage girl, sneaking out of the house at every chance she gets. (She already does that now at age 5.) Every so often G-Money will climb into bed with me and make me tell her all about Disneyland. I made her a promise, that before she grows up I'll take her there. I mean it with my whole heart. Better start saving, Nowhere Girl