Please Read.

I am currently sitting outside of the Starbucks a few miles from my house. I came here to write. For the past week, writing  has been a priority. As many of you know, I launched this blog pretty spontaneously. Before I continue, I want to a take a minute to back up and share a few thoughts with you. I would love to write constantly. The thing is, this can't be all I do. I love the idea of waking up every morning, taking my laptop down to the kitchen table, making a cup of tea, and writing away. But being in high school does not permit that. Being in high school requires- well you know- constant energy and attention. If you take a bunch of AP courses, your social life is already out the window. Time for writing? Haha, right. But I have refused for that to be the case for me. I've always had a passion for expressing myself (as you may have seen through my photography on Flickr) perhaps because I know that to some degree the people around me can identify in some way or another with what I have to say. As a few of my friends can tell you, numerous times I have attempted to start a novel and given up by the second chapter or so because I either a. lose inspiration b. not have clear a direction to go in or c. am halted by a demanding course load. 

However, at the start of this blog all three things have been abandoned. Sitting in the E.R. as a result of a panic attack two weeks ago entirely changed my perspective. It led to a series of dramatic- to say the least- events, ranging from praying in an empty sanctuary on a Monday night to pacing alone in the photography darkroom at 7:36 at my high school. (both being events that I wrote about) Those are only two examples of the highly personal, yet extremely passionate and exceptional, occurrences that I experience on a daily basis. They are also occurrences that will not cease, as I am always seeking new places to explore and new discoveries to make- for the majority of the time, in solitude. Anyone that knows me would say that I am extremely independent, deep, intellectual, and passionate. I also love intensity. I tend to throw my entire heart and soul into everything I do and believe in. This, as someone once told me, can lead you to being "spread too thin." I realize that this has been a constant struggle for me, as I have many creative interests. However, I have decided, for the time being, that writing is what I will pursue. As I aspire to improve, and eventually get published, know this. I need your feedback and encouragement as I continue to write. I will be exposing a lot of myself in the process, and need to know that it is worth pursuing. This writing is for you, I need to know that you want it. Also, know that everything that I write comes from real experiences. Each blog entry happened- that is where the magic lies. This is not fiction. I am bringing a real location, my raw thoughts, and the word of God, in combination to make a story. A story that will not only allow you see my life in an honest, unique light but hopefully change the way you view your life. Lastly, know that I do this for God. My desire is that you may watch me grow in my faith and come to question it yourselves. I by no means have all the answers or am saying that my life is the way you should live. However, I do know that my joy comes from Christ, and I want that joy for you. I hope that you will enjoy my future blog entries, and encourage others to read them as well. I am stepping out on a limb for you, because you are worth it.

ps. If you have any questions/comments, about my writing (or photography), or would just like to talk, feel free to email me at kellyhavens@aol.com