I'm feeling rough, feeling raw, in the time of my life...

We talked about change. He said he felt like he was watching me grow up, and I laughed. But we're all growing up so fast. These are the times of our lives--college, first real jobs, education, life outside your home. I said I was almost afraid to make decisions because I knew... one month, two months later... I'd feel differently. But that doesn't make me cautious. And it doesn't make me remorseful. Because I know that I am me, and it's okay that I change my mind, my style, my self. Because in all that changing I never become something other than Katie. And that brings me comfort and peace. And I've got the feeling that I'm becoming a little more myself every day.

Where the heart is...

I'm absolutely overflowing with emotions right now. This has been an insane couple days. Less than two days ago I was in Jerusalem, walking the city walls, slipping on the limestone, eating falafel, chilling out on the roof with good friends and a bag of sunflower seeds. It was the most glorious time. That city is incredible, and I didn't realize just how much I'd miss it. Getting to wake up every day and see the white limestone skyline of the old city... I was so privileged.

Now I expect to hear Hebrew, to see dark skin and hair, to feel humbled by my alien-ness. Driving back into Lakeland and having lunch at Moe's–which had always felt like home–was strange today. I was almost uncomfortable, in a way. But coming home. That's another story. Being greeted by the happy yips of my dog, smelling my house's smell, the openness and brightness of our Florida home, setting foot in my room again–that was fantastic. I'm so glad I have a home to come to–and I can't imagine anyone loving home more than I do.

Always take the opportunity to travel–getting away from routine changes you. I received more than a tan in Jerusalem. But I hope that you all always have a home to go to, whether it's a house or a person, everyone needs a harbour to come back to.

Live.

Chris just showed me a fantastic Bon Iver video. I love live performances... I get so excited, there's really nothing like a good live show.

So here's a few videos. It's not the same as being there, but these are performances that you really shouldn't miss seeing, even in youtube. The last one I recorded when I saw Manchester Orchestra, who put on a great show.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love


Arcade Fire - Neon Bible and Wake Up


Sufjan Stevens - For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti


Manchester Orchestra - just a random hymn

Hello folks.

I miss you, and I miss home. I mean, I'll be sad when we leave, and I'll definitely miss this city, but there's just too much about home that I miss. The people, my lifestyle, my bed, brownies–so much.

Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago was voted best album of the year by a lot of sources I trust. And acclaimed by friends. But I never really got into it, though I tried. I put it in my playlists, listened to it on shuffle, but I never loved it.

But at some point in time, Skinny Love grabbed me and said, "Hey, I'm AWESOME." I'm quite the fan now. I'm slowly creeping through the whole album, finding myself falling in love with all of it. Here's another good track. I have a special kind of appreciation for an album that grows on me.