I went to my friend's cottage during the holidays and it felt really great. I was able to get the adult and child experience all at the same time. We went skating and played outside, but we also relaxed and partied. It felt refreshing to be with 12 other awesome people!
Not only did we goof off like children, but we were also pretty independent and efficient like "real adults". We did the dishes and made delicious food. I even took part in solving plumbing problems (sharing toilets with so many teenagers can be quite a mess). Anyways, it was nice to feel like I can look after myself and others, and still enjoy myself to the maximum. That week came to show me that entering adulthood and womanhood isn't synonym of boring and serious. It shouldn't be scary at all!
It was my birthday a little over a week ago and I made a video. If you know me already, you are probably aware that I am a nostalgic person that loves to collect an infinity of things (objects, memories, anything really). That is why I have been keeping track of my everyday memories through videos for the last two years. I made a first "short film" for my 17th birthday, and now that I'm 18, I thought I'd share the one I did to document the last year.
Honestly, I found it hard to edit this time. The year before I turned 17, I spent a lot of time alone. I filmed myself through all my everyday routines and, my ups and downs. It was easy, because there wasn't any distraction from what was around me. On the other hand, I wasn't feeling well either which helped me isolate myself from others. These past twelve months though were totally different; I had a flourishing social life and a thriving self-confidence. Because of all the stimulation, it was harder to focus on this personal project.
When I started editing, it felt as if everything was all over the place. I was so unsatisfied with the final result of the video that I almost decided to abandon. But soon after, I realized my life has been going all over the place, so it's perfectly normal for the project to seem the same way. I altered a few things to make it better and this is what I ended up with. I hope you enjoy it.
Fall often means the end of summer to a lot of people, but to me it means that the trees are going to do their dance of colors and apples will grow. In kindergarden, they would bring me apple picking. It was so much fun it made me want to do it every year. It's just so nice to go out for a day with your family or friends and pick these beautiful fruit. You get to eat them as you go or you can decide you want to fill your bag up as much as possible.
This year, I didn't have anyone to go with, so I posted a status on Facebook asking who would have the kindness of driving me to an orchard and letting me run around. I was so happy to see I wasn't the only one that wanted to. I organized the ride with one of my friends and we went with his family and our friends. I'm sure glad I went! I'm not a traditional girl but I like my traditions!
It's good to absorb as much sunshine as possible before the long nights come. By the end of November, I'm already feeling heavy-hearted, so this last glimpse of sunshine is what I need to push me to be cheerful. Dance has also helped me a lot with that. I might start a class feeling unhappy, but by the end of it, I will be full of joy. It's like a dose of happiness medicine. Same with the apples! I mean there must be a reason why the saying says: "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."
