'Twas The Night Before Christmas, When All Through The Barracks...

Here is my 2015 take on the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore... 

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the Barracks, 

Not a creature was stirring, not even large ticks.

The Stockings were hung in each corner with Glee...

In Hopes that St. Nicholas would find their small Trees.

The Soliders were attempting to keep warm in their bed, 

While visions of Heavy Equipment danced 'round in their head. 

With Sir in his Uniform, and I in my ARMY Tee, 

We took to each's Quarter for a long winters Sleep.

When out on the Sand there arose such a Clatter, 

I sprang from my Cot to see what was the Matter. 

Away to the window, ready for Damage Control, 

I threw open the shade, hoping to see the North Pole.

The Moon on the flats of that dusty ol' Sand, 

Gave light to the objects of a Middle Eastern Land. 

When what to my dry, dusty eyes should appear,

But an Artillery Type Sleigh, And 8 bomb-sniffing Reindeer!

With a strong combat driver, who gave no such pause, 

I knew, in a moment, it was Captain Santa Clause!

Tough as Special Forces, 'round about they all came, 

and He shouted "HOOAH" and called them by name. 

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the Mess Hall, and all through the Base, 

Dash on through the dust, to finish this race!"

....

He said not a word, and went straight to his Post, 

Filling each Soldier's Stocking, and preparing Pot Roast.

Then he sprang to his Sleigh, and his team took Formation, 

And away they all flew, full of Christmas Elation!

As he Drove out of sight, I heard him shout something loud, 

"Merry Christmas to the Soldiers, who make us all Proud!"

My Heart Is currently over seas. Thinking of all the Men and Women serving our Country... especially during this Holiday Season. You're all in my prayers. 

Sincerely, 

Lauren Jayne 

#LaurenTakesOnTheWorld

Let me paint you a picture: 

I was at the grocery store last night, and a young boy was ringing up my gallon of milk and frosted flakes. Behind me, in line, came this burly, older man with a cart full of groceries. He said something to this extent,

"Oh, She's paying for mine, too." 

And without skipping a beat, I pointed a finger at the check out boy and said, with plenty of gusto,

"Don't you believe a word he says! He owes me so much money, it's not even funny." 

The look on the kid's face was priceless, because he totally believed this guy and myself were in some sort of money battle. 

Lucky for me, this gentleman behind me was the older, heavier, man-version of me and was just as quick to respond, 

"Listen, I thought I saw you wink at me. I thought that whole thing was behind us." 

To that, I threw both hands in the air, and exclaimed, 

"Perfect! What a time to make fun of my lazy eye!"

To which I pulled the microphone out of my back pocket, dropped it, and strut myself out of the grocery store. 

Just another Saturday Night in the Big City Life!

#LaurenTakesOnTheWorld

The Bells

Two posts in one day usually isn't my cup of tea, however, the other one was a lot of steam being released. This one is a lot less... angry.

I have to say that moving out was a blessing for me. I mean, I kind of always knew it would be, but now having done it, I can see the changes. I've adulted like crazy! I've worked harder than I ever have, I've paid bills, I've (a tiny bit) cooked, I've gained responsibilities, I've had to put myself out there, I've had to hold my own... Things have been good. Hard, sure. Trying, sometimes. But ultimately, I wouldn't have changed the past several months for anything. 

I had this beautiful little moment today. Being Thanksgiving weekend, add some icy roads, today left me with lots of "me" time. I attempted driving, turned around, and fish-tailed my way right back home. I cleaned my house, took a bath, set up some Christmas decorations(who knew), and decided to go grab a pedicure. As I walked out front, a light, fluffy snow began to fall. You know, the kind that falls onto your nose and just stays there for a bit? I stopped and caught a couple flakes on my tongue, like the child I am. Then! In the distance, the beautiful bells from the Cathedral of the Madeline started playing!! I haven't been able to pin point at what times they play in a day, all I know is that they play every day. I looked down the road, and there was steam rolling into the street, you know, like you see in downtown New York? It was a magical moment that took my breath away. 

Naturally, my first thought was to pull out my phone and snapchat the crap out of that moment! But before I could get my phone out, I got to thinking that the camera probably wouldn't capture the softness of the snowflakes... and the steam was not dense enough to be accurately portrayed. And those bells? They were so faintly placed in the distance, that the sound wouldn't pick up even close to the way that I was hearing them. So I did this new thing... I left my phone OUT of the moment. I just enjoyed it for myself. And doing so allowed me to look deep into myself. What did I see? A girl grown up. A daughter having a beautiful relationship with her parents; her siblings. A supporter of a soldier. A daughter of God. A human being who gets up each and every day and just tries her darnedest!! Some days, that includes a warm bath, some netflix, and a pork chop on a plate... at the end of the day, I just gotta do me! I just. Gotta. Do. Me. 

A person can learn a lot in a moment of bliss like that. You should try it! 

As always, 

Lar

Plagiarism

Imagine my surprise when I was laying in bed one November evening, in sunny El Paso, Texas, when  I stumbled upon a post from a local celebrity. Yes, it's true, a dancer for the Utah Jazz had posted my EXACT words onto her own page. She took my story about meeting my birth mother, and turned it into HER story about meeting her Biological Father. Pa HA! Caught ya! See below:

Her Post

My Post (2 Months Prior)

As you can see... almost word for word. I went from fuming, to trying to talk myself down "it's just Facebook.. just a post... at least she is happy! I'm glad it worked out for her.." and then right back to mad! I consulted my family, friends, old English teachers, most of whom told me to call her out! Set her straight! Tell her what's what!

Well I considered it. But I decided to talk to her privately first, you know, give her the benefit of the doubt. I asked her to simply cite me! You know, maybe put at the bottom, "excerpts by Lauren Loock." She was grateful I didn't call her out, or "publicly shame" her, if you will. She assured me it was already an emotional experience and that adding any amount of public shame would just be too much emotion for her and her thousands of FB friends to handle. She also assured me she didn't know it was mine... (? ok..) and that she found it on pinterest of sorts. Either way.

So yes, I am glad I didn't go straight for the "fighting dirty" tactic. I mean, I get it, we are all human. Maybe she really didn't know it was mine and was from a book, like she told me. Maybe she full on copied me and wouldn't admit it. However it went down, she has since changed the post to her own words (though it's already been seen by everyone as my words,) and we left it at that. Except, there was still that one part of me that needed...closure. 

Hence this blog post. Someone told me plagiarism is a form of flattery. So THANK YOU! Thanks for using my words as your own, because I truly did work hard to write them based on actual events, ha! Maaayyyybbeee just sign my name at the end next time. :)

Man. I gotta get some copyrights going, I suppose. I see now why citing was always so important going through school. All my teachers made such a big deal to give credit where credit was due. I get it! I really get it! Intellectual property is valuable -- It is my craft. Lesson. Learned.

PHEW! Glad to get that off my chest. Thanks, team! Carry on with your day! 

Lauren Loock COPYRIGHT!

24 Hours

ONE DAY

I just said goodbye to the boy as he boarded a plane. I cried. You said you loved me, and you told me you'd talk to me again in... about One Day...

What is One Day?

A sunrise. A Sunset.

Maybe Snow.

Maybe Rain. 

Maybe Blue Skies.

One Day of a Breakfast. A Lunch. A Dinner...

Maybe, today, an ice cream.

This One Day will have trips in the car, 

Singing to the radio, 

Blasting the heat. 

It will have me clocking into work, 

I wonder how many emails I'll read...

In this One Day?

In this One Day-- Will the Utes Win?

With the Dog Listen?

Will I get my Chores done?

This One Day will be like most every other...

...and like Every Day to come.

But, lately, my Days don't go without...

The very thought of YOU.

In One Day, how many breaths will I take?

How many tears will fall?

How many thoughts of you will enter my mind?

How many day dreams of our future?

How many prayers will I get on my knees to say?

All in just this One Day.

ONE DAY...

Is not very much. 

They Come. 

They Go. 

Just. Like. Clockwork.

But this One Day-

This One Right Now-

....Is different.

For in this One Day, 

This 3 Meals, 

This 24 Hours, 

This 10,000 Tears, 

This 30,000 Breaths...

My Soldier is traveling--A Lifetime Away.

In One Day, my focus becomes HIM.

My support of him reaches 100%, 

As his "One Days" now become 100% focus..
To Fight, 

   To Protect,

To Serve, 

 To Honor, 

And to show Love for Our Country. 

While this Very Day may make my heart ache,

not too many more after, 

And then again...

In Just One Day....

My Life Will Be Whole Once More. 

Here's to Just One More Day---at a time. 

**Lauren Jayne Loock**

The Moment I Met My Mother

Her flight was scheduled late in the afternoon, which allowed plenty of anxiety ridden hours for me to try to handle. I spent the day looking for the perfect thing to wear, making certain my hair was just right, and taking all the deep breaths I possibly could. I remember the drive to the airport. I remember pacing up and down by the baggage claim, continuously checking on the arrival of her flight. I remember sitting between my mom and my aunt, staring at the hallway she would walk down, studying the face of each person and looking for the familiar features that mirrored my own. 

Then, I saw her. 

Tears streamed down her face as her eyes locked with mine, and the corners of my mouth turned into a smile as I recognized the stranger with the familiar face. Next thing I knew, her arms were wrapped around me.

For the second time in my life, I was being held tight by a woman who had held me only once before... And that was on the day I was born. 

On this October day, 3 years ago, I met my Mother. Reunited exactly 19 years and 6 months later.  ‪#‎shoutyouradoption‬

Here I Lie Awake

Here I lie awake, 

Sleep is far away it would seem, 

But I hope and pray and close my eyes, 

and wait for my favorite dream. 

You see, my dream is quite special

And really it's nothing new...

Because this dream I get to live, 

And that's each day with you. 

Not long before we met, 

and you swept me off my feet...

I'd wonder about "The One"

And how, if, and when we would meet.

Would he be tall, would he be smart, 

Would he make me call him "Sir"?

And now, here, my heart beats

for my very own soldier. 

You rode up on your white horse, 

which is really a wrangler jeep, 

and kissed me on the first date!

Yeah! You I'll definitely keep!

I looked into your eyes

and promised not to fall. 

And you looked right back at me, 

And tore down my big brick wall. 

Now I lie awake, 

Thanking the stars you exist. 

Touching my lips softly...

Remember each and every kiss. 

Our life is a story, 

our very own chapter book..

And here's to chapter Number 1, 

"Love at first.... Look"

If I had it my way, 

I'd follow you over seas, 

Instead i'll grab my city sheep dog, 

And will wait as long as you please

I'm sure our great grandchildren 

Will get quite the kick, 

as they hear a special love story, 

One that is EPIC!

So, Sergeant, Be Brave, 

And go and lead your team, 

But don't you forget about your girl...

Just waiting for her dream. 

Days go by... I can feel them flying...

Just another day of:


Not buying those 4 inch heels from the rack.

3 square meals of cereal.

Waking up early, only to be late to work.

Going back to see if the heels are possibly still there.

Watching another series on the 'flix.

Pretending I play the Guitar...

....playing the same 3 songs over again.

Not cleaning out my car.

Not cleaning my bathroom.

Not going grocery shopping....

...Unless I run out of cereal.

Remembering those heels are SO on sale.

Training the mutt to walk off leash.

Not writing in my blog...

....except for right now.

Not drinking mochas.

Not knowing how to do my job.

Not running....

....but briskly walking.

Finding EVERYTHING that would be adorable with the heels.

Joining a gym.

Eating empanadas.

BUYING the stupid heels!

Mostly my days are pretty simple, pretty usual, and pretty typical white girl. Mostly my days are just me being me... Lauren being Lauren. Mostly my days are pretty similar to what they've always been.

But, now, mostly my days consist of missing you.

I haven't really blogged in a bit, and I haven't really told the story at hand; trust me when I say it's a story worth telling! But there was a reason I was not blogging the story--I was living it!! The stories will come in their time. For now, I will just live another day being IN my story :)


**But seriously. With the boy gone, I have plenty of time to write at nights. Let the fun begin. Again.

Thoughts on 9/11/2015

"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?" 

I was in 3rd Grade. I didn't know what the twin towers were, I'd never been to New York, and to my memory I had no problem with getting in an airplane. The last 14 years have changed me a lot, especially as I've researched this day in great detail. New York stole my heart, as did the people who reside there. Fears began to hinder my air travel. I've gained a deep respect and love for those who serve our country. But most importantly, I've realized the great honour it is to live where I do, and to call myself an American. Freedom isn't free, and the world seems to get scarier each day, however, there's a phenomenon that happens when tragedy strikes, and that's the ability we have to come together. No one messes with the ol' U.S. Of A!!  


 I was blessed to experience the reverence and peace of the 9/11 memorial this last Spring. I'd waited many years to be on that hallowed ground, and it was just as beautiful as I'd always imagined.

City Lights

Living so close to downtown has many benefits. I could list them, but i had to be to physical therapy at 6 this morning, 3 hours of mortgage class, 11 hour work day... blah blah blah. 

I think, however, one of my favorite benefits of living close to the city is the glow of the city lights. Whenever the nights start to feel long, or the sounds sound just a LITTLE too close... I can look to the west and see the glow of my city. They say that the New York City has "the lights that inspire." True, but Salt Lake City has the lights that comfort. It's like I have an ever constant night light... :)

Just a thought. Goodnight, SLC. 

13.1

3:00 AM. The bitter sting of the alarm jolts me awake, and I blink my eyes open. Today is the day that i've been working for; today is the day of the Deseret News Classic half marathon that I had physically signed up for several months prior. Emotionally, I had signed up years ago.

July 4th, 2009, I "ran" my first 5k with my dear friend, Caitlin, who more or less drug me across the finish line. And you just know that 14 year old Lauren is rolling over in her gym shorts, as she was notorious running the ever so daunting mile in a trusty 30 minutes flat. Never, in a million years, did I imagine myself crossing the finish line of a 13 mile race. Well, SUCK it young Lauren, because old Lauren just KICKED your butt.

As the 24th of July tradition continued on for our family, we would sit and watch the runners fly by early in the morning while we saved our spot. Every once in a while, one of us would mutter the words, "someday we will run that run." Well, someday I did. In 2013, I ran the 5k, and felt accomplished. In 2014 I ran the 10k, and felt even MORE accomplished. And in 2015, I ran the half marathon and felt as if I were on cloud 9!!!

An early, and cold, shuttle ride up the canyon soon revealed itself to a beautiful sunrise amidst the fading stars was breathtaking. The exhilaration of the race had me running my fastest mile to date, and also, my fastest 5k. The people around me were inspiring, and the scenery entertained me. Mile 3, mile 4, and even mile 5 seemed to just fly by. By around mile 6, my legs had become practically non existent, and my mind was becoming a blur. I knew I was still running, because I was moving, but I couldn't be sure my legs were actually still there. It's a funny feeling. THEN the dreaded mile 8 hit, and the leg cramps set in. I quickly popped a potassium pill the size of a brick, and realized it wasn't the cramps that were killing me at all, rather, it was my left knee that was absolutely on FIRE. I believe the pounding of the downward slope of the canyon just did it in, and I was resigned to walk more than I would have liked.

With a self motivational speech, and a prayer, I was able to slowly jog again. Around mile 10, the runners have the privilege of running along the parade route, and the support of the people of Salt Lake City is such a pick me up! I got more hi fives, applauses, motivational signs, and heck, a nice young man even gave me a cold water bottle as I ran by. Before I knew it, I was running by my own family, fulfilling my goal of running the race we watched each, and every year.

By the end of it I felt great. I mean, I felt like hell. But it was the greatest hell i'd ever felt!

Guys! We can do hard things! If this self proclaimed worst runner in the history of the world could run, finish, and not even do half bad in a half marathon... we can do anything. Humans are amazing, and humans all over inspire me each day. It's one thing to look to others as examples, but it takes something wonderful to be able to look to yourself as an example. What will be next in the list of Lauren's random goals and adventures?!

Thanks to all my family, friends, and random stranger neighbors for your love and support.

I'm A VERY Scary Person

When you move into the city, you should have a pretty good idea that you'll be seeing all sorts of peculiar people around every corner. And, I'll be the first to assure each of you that this is a true fact. There's the lady with bright blue hair over yonder, just yesterday I saw a man with every face piercing imaginable, and tomorrow, I fully expect to run into the oddly shaped lady who is just SURE she has conversations with my dog. 

Why, just the other day, I pulled up to my home after work and saw a middle aged man sitting against the tree along the street writing in what appeared to be his journal. He seemed like a wonderer with his Bermuda shorts, flip flops, shaggy hair, and his bicycle propped next to him. I gave him a friendly nod, and continued into my home. THEN my mind turned to a very dark place, full of danger. "What if this man was a murderer? Why did he choose THAT tree to lean against? GASP! Now he knows where I live! I hope I didn't seem too innocent. I should have seemed tougher. I should've seemed gross and mean! Oh, man, oh man... This is it. He's going to kill me for sure." 

These thoughts were creating an unnecessary anxiety in me. My crazy imagination may as well have been real life, as that's how I was feeling. Scared out of my mind!

Then it hit me. Who was I to judge another? For all I know this man was now thinking, "Oh crap! That girl knows what my bike looks like. Did you see how she looked at me?! She's for sure going to follow me home and kill me. What a crazy look about her!" 

We all write stories in our mind about the people we associate with on a daily basis, and especially strangers. The kicker is that we get to decide if we write scary stories, or not. I'd say that 90% of the time we write just that, when in reality, we are just a bunch of misfit kids trying to fit in. 

I could spend my days worrying about every single person I run into on the streets, and every single scenario that i've seen in the movies, OR, I could just remember that I'm JUST as scary as everyone I see... and, hey, we all know I wouldn't hurt a fly. 

The Tanner Blessing; Thicker Than Blood

My family, extended and otherwise, gathered in our basement for our own personal premier of Treasure In Heaven; The John Tanner story that had just come out on DVD. We all watched intently, and at the end of the film, my Dad got up to explain that we were direct descendants of John Tanner. What did that mean for us? Well, as we all know, John Tanner helped the growth of the church with enormous financial contributions, and in return, Joseph Smith wrote him a note of debt for the money. In a later exchange between Joseph Smith and John Tanner, regarding the note, John ripped it up, expressing that his gratitude for the Gospel was settlement enough. With tears in his eyes, Joseph placed his hand on John’s shoulder, and blessed him that his “children shall never beg bread.” 

Dad then looked at each of us, and expressed how, because we are children of John Tanner, that if we live worthy, we, too, will never beg bread. We would never go hungry. 

The timing of this experience came at a time of personal strife in my 18 year old mind, for I had just had the once in a life time opportunity of finding my birth parents. I’d always known I was adopted, and always knew that when I was old enough I would want to find them. Finding them came easy. Dealing with the emotions that followed became an internal investigation.

The questions that came with this new found reality seemed to take over my every thought. Why was I put up for adoption? Why didn’t my Mother want to keep me? Why was I placed with the family I was? Who was I truly part of.. those that shared my blood, or those who spent the last 18 years raising and outwardly loving me? I had so many questions, so many emotions, and so much weight on my heart. 

For whatever reason, I had waited to get my Patriarchal Blessing until I was a little older than most of my peers. However, I decided it was time, as I felt ready for guidance. It was a beautiful Spring, Sunday morning when my parents and myself made our way to the home of the Patriarch. The four of us spoke briefly before he placed his hands on my head and began to give me my blessing. 

Much like other Patriarchal Blessings, I was told of my heritage, and promised blessings I would enjoy if I were to remain faithful and worthy. It would seem the blessing was coming to an end, but then the Patriarch paused for several moments. He then said these exact words; 

“Lauren, you will never beg for bread. You and your family will never go hungry.” 

My eyes filled with tears as all the weight was lifted from my heart, and a deep peace settled within me. While the blood I shared with my biological parents was important, the sealing to my adoptive parents was absolutely concrete, and the fact that our Patriarch, who had just met me, was inspired to pronounce the exact same words of the Tanner blessing onto my head, solidifed that even more.

I am where i’m supposed to be. My family’s history is MY history, for a sealing in the Temple of the Lord is as thick as, if not thicker, than blood. 

Sincerely, 

Lauren Jayne Loock

#SpiritualSunday 

The Bigger the Hat, The Better!

Me: "I LOVE your hat!"

Her: "Well, honey, it could be yours for just 30 dollars on Amazon. Don't you know these hats are in season? The bigger the hat, the better."

Me: "Haha, I will definitely look into that."

Him: "Aw shucks, I thought you were going to say you liked my hat."

Me: "Both your hats are wonderful, and you two have made my whole day."

Her: "Well, aren't you a lovely girl. Enjoy the beauty today has to offer."

I hope someday, when i've lived most of my life, that I can spend my days hand in hand with my sweetheart as we slowly walk down the street.... wearing the very large white hat I found on Amazon. 

People of Salt Lake City. I wonder who I'll see tomorrow. 

Trucks.

Experiencing a storm was inevitable whilst living in the big city. I just wasn't prepared for the caliber of storm to come our way! Boom, flash, the lightning crashed.. It was literally surrounding the house. However, with a prayer in my heart and buddy to snuggle, I made it through, house-shaking wind and all. I also stepped on more than my fair share of snails this morning... man, they make an awful crunch. Poor guys.

Today, I was driving home from work, ok well, I was sitting in traffic on South Temple, when I noticed a young family set up camp on the grass near the busy road; A Mom, Dad, and a little boy who was probably no more than 4 years old. At first, I thought, what a strange spot for a picnic, and then I put the pieces of the puzzle together. Directly across from this wide-eyed little boy was a very large, manly looking truck drilling into the asphalt as part of some sort of road work. This family wasn't some crazed, rush hour watching picnic dwellers... this family was doing what family's do best: support. The sparkle in the boy's eyes made it apparent that he was a boy who loved trucks. I imagine his home was wall to wall, floor to ceiling with toy trucks, and that he spent hours pushing them around while creating loud truck-like sounds behind them. This young chap was clearly thrilled to be seeing a giant, larger than life version of his favorite thing. Then, as traffic was still inching along, I looked at his parents. They were all smiles! Well, naturally, that made ME smile. 

How neat it was that they took time out of the busy adult life we all lead to allow the innocence of a child be free for even just a few minutes. This very young boy was clearly important them, as was his interest... his joy. The three of them were making a memory right in front of my eyes! 

This whole experience reminded me of my own when my Father took me to the pet store, one warm Summer day years ago, to let me hold the puppies. He had asked what I wanted to do for "Fun Day With Dad," and, of course, the dog lover took over in me. Now, if you know my Dad, you know that animals aren't his first choice in a household companion, and i'm sure he had a dozen other things he could've been doing that day, but that was not the case. He drove us to bird world, keeper of the puppies at the time, and allowed me to take as long as I want holding, petting, and playing with each individual pup. Even as a young child, my Dad was supporting my interests, and experiencing my joy right along side of me. 

It's cool when adults enjoy things with children. This is something I hope to remember as I work with, and even have children of my own someday. Taking the time to simply be with a child, and truly invest yourself in the task at hand, is one of the greatest acts of love we can show. One of the greatest acts of love we can FEEL. 

Just another day looking, seeing, and living the life with the new people around me.

Mornings

I did it. I moved out of my parent's home and into a lovely apartment in the Avenues of Salt Lake City. And. I. Love. It!

I am just recently experiencing the joys of internet (can't believe I made it as long as I did!) I've had much come to mind to blog, but now is the first time i'm able to actually POST my thoughts. Thanks centurylink.

Today's thoughts; Mornings! Back in the old life of Lauren, getting out of bed didn't come easy. It would take a hand from an ultimate power to get me out of bed, and even then, I seemed to excel in rolling out of bed not long before I had to be where I had to be.

This was concerning to me, as I consider myself a morning person. No, it's true! I love the mornings. I love the morning sun. I love the morning people. I love the peace that exists before the stress of the work day sets in. Mornings are happy! I think I had lost sight of that as I fell deep into my own personal darkness.

Moving out was to be the start of my epic 'coming of age' story! And, so far, I have seen a significant boost. Example #1: Mornings! I have discovered the beauty of the morning yet again.

Each morning, I have gotten up by 6, spent time to look nice, eaten a bite of breakfast on the roof to watch the sun rise, and taken the dog for a stroll around the neighborhood. Doing this has allowed me to ponder my thoughts on a deeper level and prepare me for the day... and I am not alone, as the avenues is FILLED with the people of the morning. We are all different, but we are all AWAKE!

Who knew such greatness could come in the twilight of the day. Here's to making this a habit.

Fading

Her eyes opened up and stared into the darkness around her. Knowing she must greet the day, but wondering how her aging body would adjust became a heated discussion in her mind. The ticking of the clock had already gone one tick too far, and the impending work of the day was beckoning. How was it that, at this age, she was still required to slave away with the rules of society? The ache in her right knee began, and the sharpness in her back returned as she slowly slid out from underneath the covers and placed her tender feet on the flood. With a careful hand, she outlined the wrinkles in her face; each line a memory, and each dark mark a lesson learned. A heavy sigh heaved from her frail chest, and she arose, carefully making her way to the vanity across the bedroom.

With all the aches and pains she endured, this next part remained the most painful of all, for looking into the mirror would make her realize the truth; her days were numbered. She raised he greying blue eyes and peered into the image peering back at her.

A gasp escaped her.

The elderly woman she felt she was... wasn't. Every line erased, and every pain gone. She was young. She was beautiful!

Time hadn't escaped her after all, for this elderly woman was not yet 23 years of age. Time had not escaped her body. But, sure as the years go by, time had escaped her very soul. This woman, although young in body, was old, sore, and dying in spirit. Time hadn't decided her seniority. Time was her for the taking, and yet... she was fading. Quickly.

Will you let time escape your soul before it escapes your body? She had.

Blogging McBloggerson

Here I sit. Staring at the white blank page on my screen. Wanting to blog, but not knowing what about.

2015... Time to get out of the routine.

Stay tuned for a super awesome post, but know you readers have not been forgotten.