where the coyotes howl

 
 
It was morning when we packed our winter clothes and headed for the woods. A friend held the keys to a cabin outside of the city and invitations were sent our way to join him. I've always known that forest light and conversations beside a bonfire were an integral part of living happily. There is something to be said about the way goosebumps live on your skin and boredom departs when it's just you and the woods. I always return home to a newly foraged life, I make my bed less hurriedly and eat my apples without wishing they were pomegranates.

In the forest, poems come easier, stars are closer to the iris, clocks are forgotten and the smell of pine is strong enough to make an adult feel like she is only a child. The forest humbles and hugs its inhabitants, as well as frightens them. After all, it is here where the coyotes howl.
We stared at the roaring fire, huddled between wool and wood, until the stars came out to enchant and dance upon the brows of those who were watching. I always make sure to look up into the night sky because it makes me feel small, and in doing so, not only do I shrink, but my worries and hunger shrink too. As I craned my neck to see if any of the stars were dancing across the darkened sky, Carter turned to me and said "The stars have always scared me. All of these years, I've been too afraid to look up."

At first, I was concerned and replied "How could the night sky scare you?" It was in this moment of asking that I realized how the stars have always scared me too. These bright faraway specks of silvery glow splattered across the black sky, a bold and beautiful sight as if giants took to painting after growing bored of daylight. It is here, underneath these stars, where my worries go to bed and I am reminded of every breath beneath my ribcage. I am suddenly a baby staring into the eyes of a starry sky, constellations as my lullabies and darkness as my light. I know I shouldn't be afraid, as I cling to the pockets of my wool coat, but it is through the fear of dying that I have learned to truly live. 

I looked at the sky and in a moment, I was lowly and small like an ant outside of the ant farm. I was no longer a twenty two year old girl who wanted blooming peonies and friends to love me, I was a tiny ball of dust and I was happier for it. The stars are shotguns to your ego, don't be afraid to look up. -

“When you consider things like the stars, our affairs don't seem to matter very much, do they?”
― Virginia Woolf 


The Outfit
Skirt Chicwish
  Hat Scala Hats from Winners
Boots & Sweater Thrifted from Value Village

12 comments:

  1. You picked a great location for this shoot. You look great!
    http://v-is-for-violet.blogspot.com/

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  2. Beautiful photos! I love the Virginia Woolf quote too, read three of her books last summer.

    Alcina | Lizard Queen Bee

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  3. What gorgeous photos! Your skirt is so pretty ♥
    Amy xx

    Perfect Imperfections

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  4. I love the skirt! <3

    http://beatbrakerblog.blogspot.com/

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  5. Stunning skirt! You look amazing! Love the boho chic vibe!
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  6. you look so pretty, I love your skirt
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  7. That skirt is absolutely stunning. And that Virginia Woolf quote = genius.

    xo,
    ♥ Em
    www.emmadeer.com

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  8. Love you skirt! So bright!

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  9. oh my goodness! I'm so fascinated by space and the night's sky and find images are beautiful pieces of art but when I look up with my own eyes I do get really freaked out. I thought I was the only one but glad I'm not. I think it's just the idea that it's so big and goes on forever and, you're right, you do feel tiny stood underneath.

    xo
    www.thisisfrancescarose.com

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  10. I like this fashion blog

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