Introduction: Ashley Wells

all the things I meant to say 

Dedicated to the girl who deserves the world and more. 


She is one of those people. 


Yes, those people. Life changing people that leave marks wherever they go. Great and small. With her great smile and always giggling personality. This is someone you feel privileged to have in your life, feeling so blessed every time she makes an appearance.  


Who is She you may ask? Her name is Ashley Wells. 


I have been able to call this girl friend since I was 18 years old. It's been over 6 years. Crazy. 


I have learned so much from her and her servant heart. She gives herself away at the drop at the hat. She is an old soul, lover of art and the written word. Tea obsessed, the English way. She dares to try new thing and everything seems natural to her but I know she works hard. 


This is the kind of girl who makes a pot of coffee and brings you a lovely cup the minute you wake up without even second guessing. 


Ashley inspires. Encourages. Believes in people and their capacity to be great. She is a God-loving woman who has had her world rocked a time or two embracing it every time. 


She has adventure. 


I recently heard people call her brave. As I was contemplating this, I realized it is true. It seems as if she has no fear. She takes things as they come and continues to live. Relocating for passion. Always moving to bigger and better things. 


This next stage of her life. Marriage.  April 14, 2012. 


Her and James Pierce, a man who I am pretty sure she has loved since the first time she spent time with him. A man who couldn't be more perfect for her. Their long  distance relationship was spent writing letters back and forth and exchanging poetry. She made the big leap when she decided to move to Texas to be near him. Then some time later she said "Yes."


Here we are now, December 2011. Friday her darling sister through her shower and the first thing Ashley Wells was introduce all the girls attending and explaining how she knew everyone. All of us from different times of life, highschool, Vanguard, El Salvador, Oxford, family and future family. To her, all stories are important and need to be told. 


Over the next few hours we spent hours talking about our favorite times and best time and how excited we were. 


This is where I spoke for a while saying absolutely nothing of importance. 


After a couple of hours, we spent some time praying over this lovely lady and her new adventure of life. 


 My dearest Ashley Wells, soon-to-be Ashley Pierce, I couldn't be more excited for you. 


Even though we live so far apart and only get to spend a couple of hours here and there, thank you so much for sharing life with me. 


I feel so blessed. 

Introductions Part two: inside my pocket

I shall keep you safe.

I've met some beautiful people along my journey in life. I cannot even describe. I look at photographs, I look at random bits and pieces that I've obtained over the years. Memories, there are so many of them. I sometimes forget how to connect the dots.

This is an old one.
Meet Ben. note: not to be confused with the Big Ben from last introduction series.
Benjamin Patrick Woolslayer, 6'5", was my third boyfriend and high school best friend. He tried to date me for a year. One time we were at a dance and he was asked me why I wouldn't date him. My 5'6 self replied, "I don't date down." Three months later we started dating. Benny lived in hollywood and went to Musicians institute. One of the best guitar players I have met.

Meet Mackerpie, also known as Max Anderson. Welcome to the world of genius. Max loves China. He is the best listener. And could run the world if he wanted to. Scary huh?

Meet Westley Youngren. Always changing but always dependable except for when he joins the Marines without telling anyone and I receive phone calls for weeks from people wondering where he went. Other than that, he is a future CIA agent. Dream is to marry Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, become Jewish, and live a life of adventure. Secret: He once got a tattoo of the star of David on his chest because he was bored.

Meet James. My love. He likes spiderman and walks to the park. He also has an orange belt in karate. Maybe tae kwon do. Spore is his video game of choice. He just turned 5. He was one when I first laid eyes on him.

Meet the Marks. I've officially adopted their family. I adore them and they are so genuine and fun. I truly feel like a part of their family. Miss you guys this thanksgiving. Love you guys.



Meet the last four years. Jessi Duke, Samantha May, Bethany Lomas.
Without knowing these girls I moved into the smallest room imaginable and fours years later here we are in a house (we keep multiplying out things). We've shared so much and so many laughs. I'm blessed to have them in my life. They are the reason I stayed in California. They make life enjoyable and fun. Jessi and Beth are talented and creative beings who will change your life. No joke. Look how we've grown.


There are far more to come, don't worry. I just get overwhelmed by thinking about it.
The past must meet the present at some point in time. Even if a persons presence is not there, there is still impact.

With that, my heart is full and thankful.

I'm a stranger in my own house

Introductions series: Part One

I officially know where nothing is in my house. this is strange.

This morning, I am drinking a glass of my Rooibos tea and realizing I feel strange. I don't feel like I should be here but at the same time I do.

Maybe once I finish unpacking and making things my own. Maybe then it'll all kick back to normal. I haven't had the time to even sit for long lengths of time. Went to ashley's wedding. Crazy. I had the best date though, another wedding tonight, my wedding is also pretty sweet. Meet Jessi Duke: Best date, Best friend, Best roommate. She's pretty great. Our toes look cute and smudged. Dang.

I am in the mood for introductions and not goodbyes.
Meet Lucia, Kayla, and Edgar: beautiful family, beautiful hearts, beautiful souls.


Meet Ben: I'm a fan

Meet my best friends: Lor and Erica. We go on adventures and cause trouble. So you go hide and I'll come seek and maybe someday in the middle we just might meet. Words by matt wertz, listen up girls. :)

More introductions to come soon.

As our hearts cry out, we wait and listen for the Maker to create a kingdom that we will never deserve. His grace is sufficient and full.