No matter how badly you want them to, how much you believe they can, or how often they say they will, some people never change.

"But I was more at home in my father's world. People like Mr. Heck Tate did not trap you with innocent questions to make fun of you; even Jem was not highly critical unless you said something stupid. Ladies seemed to live in faint horror of men, seemed unwilling to approve wholeheartedly of them. But I liked them. There was something about them, no matter how much they cussed and drank and gambled and chewed; no matter how undelectable they were, there was something about them that I instinctively liked... they weren't -- hypocrites."

Scout Finch

Nobody knew what form of intimidation Mr. Radley employed to keep Boo out of sight, but Jem figured that Mr. Radley kept him chained to the bed most of the time. Atticus said no, it wasn't that sort of thing, that there were other ways of making people into ghosts.

let summer be summer.

i am blessed & thankful for

Some days the things that I take for granted in life become lost amid a sea of papers, errands, and frustrated thoughts. Often times, acknowledging the beautiful things in life can drastically change my blue mood.

An amazing family. The ability to overcome any situation. The most genuine, influential, and amazing friends around me. The ability to go to college and get an education. The ability to think for myself, define my own being, establish my own morals and beliefs without fear of society or my family stopping me. Books, stories, movies, quotes, art, photos, and the imagination. Being quite introverted, but having the ability to socialize and be outgoing with new friends and people I meet. Being in touch with my inner self; discovering my emotions, why I feel a certain way and putting such emotions into words. The opportunity to be creative in specific things that I do. Having freedom, responsibility, and the trust of my parents. The opportunity to be different in a world where many are the same. The ability to read, learn, see, and experience to refrain from an ignorant lifestyle. The ability to have my basic needs met at all times. The ability to listen and experience an array of beautiful music.  Nature, the Great Lakes, Pure Michigan, the seasons, and the opportunity to experience such gifts every single day.

"Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

Martin Luther King JR