“That is what is wrong with cold people. Not that they have ice in their souls - we all have a bit of that - but that they insist every word and deed mirror that ice. They never learn the beauty or value of gesture. The emotional necessity. For them, it is all honesty before kindness, truth before art. Love is art, not truth. It’s like painting scenery.”

“Stay close to anything that makes you glad you are alive.”

Damn. Nothing like brats and a fire pit at the end of May. 

Firepit, Carolina punch, and sweets under the stars. 

“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.”

“You’re kind, caring and I try to take style cues from you. Best of all, you are you and you shine.”

“Easily the most adorable person on this team. Keep on smiling. :)”

“So sweet, kind, and creative. It’s been amazing working wit you this year.”

“You are so sweet, soft spoken and genuine. I’m glad to have spent the year with you!”

—Quotes from my AmeriCorps team mates.