Never jump first

Summer arrived in a ball of heat
and humidity.
People bask in the sun wishing for
a great tan, an icy drink, and a hot companion.
And it’s true, your summer wishes may come true,
But sometimes the sun shines too bright,
blinding us to things that aren’t gorgeous at all.
So, remember, stay on guard, and never jump first.

-Mandy Ricks

Winter

Winter always feels like nature’s way of pressing pause, giving us time to reflect and recharge. In these quieter moments, I’ve discovered that the warmth of past adventures, heartfelt connections, and cherished memories bring a little sunshine to my snowy days. So even when the world outside is a blanket of white, I remind myself there’s always a bit of summer within me, waiting to shine through.

Things do change

So, here we are, dare I say again, holding each other tight, perhaps in an effort to stop from falling apart.

But things do change, and maybe they will for us too. And then we can hold each other close, out of love instead of love instead of desperation. -Mandy Ricks

Wild

All of us have a piece of wild that lives in our soul.

Keep it.

Treasure it.

Love it.

Because it will protect you during war.

-Mandy Ricks

Hold on

So, here we are, dare I say again, holding each other tight, perhaps in an effort to stop from falling apart.

But things do change, and maybe they will for us too. And then we can hold each other close out of love instead of desperation. -Mandy Ricks

That missing thing

One day it hits you. Something is missing. Everything looks the same but as you lay in bed together you can feel the absence of the love that used to be tucked in around both of you. -Mandy Ricks