When Things Fall Apart

Pretty please with a cherry on top excuse my lack of posting this past month... life has been getting in the way of things a little more than I would like recently. As some of you who follow me on social media may know, my horse Cruiser has been having some serious stomach issues that might be linked to an intestinal cancer. This news hit me right in the middle of my sorority's recruitment week, which is obviously stressful enough as it is. During this time, everything went out the door for me. My hope and faith basically went out the door. We went to visit Cruiser he has lost a lot of weight, but seemed to be happy that we came to visit him. Bringing an apple for him seemed to help- he brightened up immediately after we gave it to him. I was glad that he seemed to be feeling better when we left, but it was very tough because I am treating each time I see him as if it is my last. I have big dreams for my equestrian life- and even though I have outgrown Cruiser and was riding other horses at the barn, the comfort and stability of having my own horse would be gone.

When it comes to things like this, a lot of people don't really understand. Unless they have had a special animal in their lives that they have lost, it is usually pretty hard to. People may question why someone is so sad because of "just an animal" but they are wrong to think this. Animals are such special creatures in our lives and have little personalities just like we do, loving us unconditionally and always being there for us. 

The past few weeks have definitely been rough. However, I don't want to make this post all sad. When things fall apart, new things come together, sometimes exactly when you least expect it. On Labor Day, I came back to school from visiting home to participate in preference round for my sorority. Out of all the things I probably wanted to, giving a speech and then talking to girls who I didn't even know was at the bottom of my list. I felt emotionally and physically drained, and I had no idea if the second I would open my mouth, I would burst into tears. I shouldn't have thought that the worst would happen though, because the day ended up going great. I felt confident reading my speech (twice!) and met two amazing girls, Taylor and Jodie (hi) who ended up going Phi Sigma Sigma. Talking to Taylor made me feel a lot better, she had just lost a family member as well and we were both talking about our trials throughout life. Even though Cruiser isn't gone, it was still nice to have someone to relate to. I am so happy that they joined this chapter and if I had let my sadness get to me and ended up staying home, who knows what would have happened. 

Taylor and I 

I had such strong support from my sisters, family, and boyfriend. When the barn came down to Peoria last weekend for a horse show, he tagged along with me and we had a great time. I was still sad, but I am so lucky to have someone who will always be there for me by my side no matter how I am feeling. 

Fashion has been a lifesaver for me these past few weeks. Taking the time to make up a creative outfit and wear it to class distracts my mind and makes me feel confident. Plus, it's that wonderfully awkward time between summer and fall, when the leaves are starting to change and pumpkin spice everything is running rampant, but it is still hot out and summer clothes need to be worn before it gets too cold. I recently downloaded the WhatRUWearing app, which is an interactive fashion app for your phone that lets you upload photos of your clothes, OOTDs, and selfies. You can share these photos on the app and showcase them to other users. It is ADDICTING! If any of you have an account on WRUW, you can follow me and see my outfits @xograceelle with my pictures being uploaded in the Illinois location. I will definitely be using this app more to keep track of my daily outfits!

I am also currently obsessed with with We Heart It, a website and app that is similar to Pinterest. I think We Heart It is a little more cutesy, and I love all of the colorful, inspirational photos that there are and putting them into little collection albums. Check it out and let me know what you think! You can find my profile at http://weheartit.com/xxgracieoh :) 

I should be doing homework...

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me the past few weeks, it means so much to me and I am very grateful :)

                                                                     XO, 

                                                        

                                                                  Grace Elle