I lived some hopes this year, hopes I wrote down because I was determined to look forward to them rather than fear their likelihood of happening. Here’s the second part of all 77 of them.
Watching sunrises and sunsets.
I saw many sunsets, but I’ll tell one story: on the way home from a barbecue this summer, the sunset I saw in my rearview mirror was just too much. I pulled over and watched it from the covered bridge, accompanied by a dozen strangers who’d had the same impulse. There’s still something in us that wants to stop and sit in wonder at sunsets. I love that about humanity.
I also got up early to hike with friends one day and caught the sunrise; I attempted to paint it later that night.
Having more music talks with my dad.
He’s often called me in to listen to music he grew up with or a random guitar riff. But we had a different kind of music talk last month, one about my place in music. He’s doesn’t fully understand what it’s like for me, but he’s trusting and excited about what I tell him I feel. And that’s one of the best things he’s ever done for me.
Attending the weddings of dear friends.
Heather and Josh’s wedding had such a contagious sweetness in it, because they have it in them. So happy for my childhood friend.
Randomly running into my professors.
I’m counting this story, even though it wasn’t random. I wrote to my public speaking professor, and we ended up spending a lovely autumn afternoon together a few weeks later, taking drives and having lunch and catching up. She is such an encouraging and adventurous woman, and I love that I’ve been able to keep her in my life.
Catching up with my old art teacher. | Seeing how people decorate their houses to suit their personalities.
I visited her this summer; she showed me her current projects and her art journal, we had tea in her garden, I pet her new cat, and she let me play her harp. The stuff of dreams. Her house is a haven of colors, memorabilia, projects both completed and in-progress, and life. There is a lot about her and her lifestyle that I hope to emulate.
Owning wind chimes and hearing them fill the air.
My mom got a set of wind chimes and hung them on the porch, right next to the sliding door. They’re an even greater source of joy than I expected.
Having another birthday.
Birthdays are weird for me. I have this on my lists because I know every birthday has a chance to be a redeemed one; that’s what I truly look forward to. Meeting my hamster on my birthday this year was a nice start.
Filling more journals.
I filled a total of 8 journals this year, with prayers, poetry, gratitude lists, scripture study, and records of my thoughts.
Seeing animals outside and having small moments of quiet eye contact and connection with them. | Seeing bluebirds.
This does not get old for me. Something I’m wildly excited about is our ability to have friendships with animals when the fullness of the kingdom comes (and if you don’t believe in that, totally fine!), so when I get to have a moment with a wild animal now, I get a bit giddy. Bluebirds have a lot of personal meaning for me, so seeing so many of them this year has been a gift.
Drinking hot cocoa.
My brother and I spend a lot of time at home together; tea, coffee, and hot cocoa are being made constantly in our little Oregonian house.
Praying with people.
Sometimes it’s over the phone, sometimes it’s in person, sometimes they don’t even know I’m doing it. But it’s always powerful, and I believe that. I was part of a small church group this year, and we’ve had one or two non-planned prophetic times of prayer. I’m not going to forget those.
Owning a Coldplay album.
Recently got Viva La Vida. A masterpiece, in my opinion.
Having solid interactions with kind strangers.
One of my favorites things about life– getting to know the rest of my family.
Having mango flavored things.
Dutch Bros has the best mango smoothies. I rarely go, but when I do I always get that glorious smoothie. [P.S., the photo is from when I went on a coffee run for some volunteers, I didn’t drink all of those!]
Dressing as Mabel from “Gravity Falls” for Halloween.
I painted the sweatshirt myself (which I now wear way too often) and was so happy to emulate one of my favorite cartoon characters! We’re basically the same person anyway.
Being able to teach people about MBTI.
I wrote a little series about introductory MBTI here on the blog! I also got to chat with a church group about MBTI and our different types; I guessed a few of them and was surprised by others (but I’m secretly pretty sure I’m still right about one of them).
Having confidence in going places on my own.
I’m still growing in this, but I’ve definitely become better at it. I kicked anxiety’s butt in so many ways this year.
Observing the quirks of others.
I hope this doesn’t sound too creepy because it’s honestly one of my favorite things. People are so diverse and wonderful. However, I’ve learned this year that no matter how many things I notice about someone, there is still more; I will never be able to sum anyone up. I’ve also learned I really love that.
Meeting public figures I admire.
I saw Fleurie in September, and she was so beautiful and kind. She’s doing what I want to be doing– killing it as a female singer-songwriter– so it was exciting for me to get to chat with her, someone I already glean from often.
Having a cat that likes being a sweet companion.
My cat is about twelve years old and has always been pretty skittish, not wanting to interact with anybody. But the past few years, she’s been mellowing and becoming a bit more affectionate. I’ve had some sweet cuddle time with her.
Sharing pizza with someone I love at a picnic.
I had pizza at a park with my mom and brother over the summer one day; we played basketball afterwards.
Tie-dying a shirt.
My grandparents gave me some tie-dye for my birthday and I tried it out on an old shirt from my camp counselor days– I love it. My mom also let me dye some of her socks. In case you were wondering if she’s a cool mom or not, I think you just got your answer.
Owning Dinotopia books.
I got The World Beneath, my favorite one, for Christmas!
Having flowers in the house.
My mom gave me flowers on a bad day; they were by far the loveliest part of it, and brought me happiness for days afterward.
Find part one of the hopes I lived this year here.
Find the lists these hopes are from here, here, and here.
Thank for you listening to my stories. I hope you’re beginning to remember some of your own. Here’s to the new ones we’ll live this next year!
Tessa Maye 