a milestone, thanks to you.

When I started this blog, back in February, I had absolutely no hidden agenda. Blogging was something I stumbled upon one day on the Internet. I saw a photography blog, and was instantly hooked to Blogger. At first, I saw Blogger as a way for me to get out anything and everything that was on my mind. If something was bothering me, excited me, or made me happy to be who I am, I wrote about it. And through all of that, I found out that people actually read my blog! Never in a million years did I expect to have a single follower to my blog, and now, almost five months later, I have 10!! That's fantastic, and I'm so grateful for all of your sweet words of encouragement, feedback, and advice. They have all impacted me. I especially love hearing what you guys think about my photography. I love knowing that you guys are actually interested in what I have to share and say. That is a really cool feeling :)



So, thank YOU. For never failing to encourage me and brighten my day.



I've "met" so many awesome people through blogger... The teenagers, wise beyond their years who always know how to make me smile, the wise photographers who never fail to encourage me, and two of my best friends, Ellie and Olivia. Thank you all so much for being followers!

funny the way it is, if you think about it.

A girl will never forget her first official date.

How perfect it was.
How amazing he looked.
How he made me feel like the only girl in the world.

Ahh, summer romance. It's a whirlwind, definitely. But one no one should ever have to go through life without experiencing.

Today, I'm getting my nails done with my mom. Bright yellow? I think so. Mmm.

Then, one of my best friends Olivia (aka Olema, Olive, O... you get the picture) is coming over and we have all these crazy plans. The Proposal (good movie?), The Bucket List, Sake (good restaurant!), Six Flags, Ice Cream at 2 the II (yes, we have done that before). With Olivia, you never know what's gonna happen (:

My art teacher (and Yearbook Advisor) called me the other day! We were discussing plans for the first semester's staff. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity.

Life has been... blissful lately. I'm excited about my future, and I'm constantly wondering what's going to happen next. I'm content with who I am. And, I wish summer would never end.

Editing (:

Oh gosh. Editing. I had my first experience with it the other day, and I'm HOOKED.

cause i see sparks fly whenever you smile.

Simple as that.

One more week until school is out! Sometimes I have those moments when I'm like... "Gee, I'm done with this! I just want to go to college and get on with my life. Who needs middle school, anyway?!" But on other days, (my better days) I just keep singing Vienna to myself... "Slow down, you crazy child. You're so ambitious for a juvenile. Well then if you're so smart, tell me why are you still so afraid? Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? You better cool it off before you burn it out. You got so much to do and only so many hours in a day." And that just lets me know I really am doing okay. I'm right where I should be.

One more week until I'm an eighth grader. One week until I find out if I made YEARBOOK EDITOR!!! One week until I finally become my true self. One week until the best part of life starts :) And I can't wait.

Anyways, I have some songs I found recently that I loooove! I like all types of music, so they might be a little random :)
They are:

Freeze (feat. Chris Brown) - T Pain
The Show - Lenka
Sparks Fly - Taylor Swift (this song is leaked and you can only find it on Youtube. It's rumored to be on her third album, though! Yessss.)
Sugar (feat. Wynter) - Flo Rida
I Do Not Hook Up - Kelly Clarkson (LOVE THIS SONG!)
Not Meant to Be - Theory of a Deadman
Beautiful Disaster - Kelly Clarkson
Crazier - Taylor Swift
Show Me the Money - Petey Pablo

... So yeah! Check them out if you have time :)

Oh and to all of my fellow photographer bloggers... I'm looking into Photoshop and Lightroom. Would you recommend them? And also, how much do they cost? Thanks everyone!

Spring Break O9 :)

Just like last year over Spring Break, I have some things to figure out. But, I'm relying on the beach to help me. There's nothing like the feeling of walking on the beach by yourself as the sun is setting. There aren't words... It's so calming and peaceful. It's the one time each year where I get definite answers out of my brain. Plus, it's fun to be crazy and scream at the top of your lungs when no one is around and draw your crush's name in the sand only to have it be washed away by the tide seconds later. :) This year, I'm going back to the same place I've been to for the past two years, Destin, Florida. Hahahaha :) SO many good memories there. Those are times I won't ever forget. I've written some of my best stories there and gotten some of the best tans too ;) Anyways, I really hope I can clear my head while I'm there. That would be helpful. Ekko, I'll miss you! Oh, and Olema, I have the rock to bring you :) DON'T LET ME FORGET :) Love you guys :)

Love Love Love x1000000000000000000000000000,

Kat <3

This One's For The Girls

This year has been one of new things... As each new year should be. Some have been bad, painful things, and others... Have made my life so much sweeter. Like Ekko. I've mentioned them before in my other blog posts, but here is where I'll tell you OUR story. Ekko stands for the names of four amazing girls, Ellie, Katie, Kelly, and Olivia. We are best friends. How we came together is somewhat of an odd story, but all that matters is that we are where we are now. We were all dumped. Horribly, despicably, dumped. Ugh. Anyways, that was our common ground. It was so reassuring to know that I wasn't going through this alone. And while we dished about our ex's, we became thisclose. Life would be so incredibly boring without those girls to share its precious moments with. I love them like sisters, and our friendship means the absolute world to me.

The four of us are soo different, and yet, when we come together, it's like we make a Super Person...

Girlies, if you're out there, just know this... THIS SUMMER IS GOING TO BE THE BEST OF OUR LIVES! We're going to have so much fun with our rock :) I made it even more sparkly lol :) Someday, we're going to see the world together. We're going to meet amazing guys who are the best in the world and that love us for who we are. Our futures are so bright. And I know that we will stay friends forever.

My Saturday

Yesterday was absolutely amazing! I got up at eight, which is pretty rare for me on a SATURDAY! That's when I get up for school and my bus comes at 8:10. Well, I somehow managed to throw myself out of bed and get a shower. My hair is so complicated (I have lots of crazy layers) that my mom usually helps me out by blow drying my hair. So, once I was done with my shower, my mom helped me with my hair. My bangs usually give her trouble because we can never get them to swoop the right way. However yesterday, they swooped perfectly and I felt pretty :) (Which is always a good thing for us girls!)

Then, I went to my lacrosse game because I was in charge of bringing the oranges for half-time. I didn't play because of my knee. **UPDATE** The ridiculously slow Orthopedic Office FINALLY called my mom back about getting me into Physical Therapy (AFTER THREE WEEKS OF WAITING!) and so I'm going next week. Wish me luck :) So, I didn't play in my game, but my girlies ROCKED IT out there. I was so proud of them!! They made me so happy!!

I went home, and my friend *Kevan came over. Kevan is such a cool person. He's a guy I can talk to about anything! Literally. We biked down to a creek in my neighborhood and talked while we walked through it. Then we came back to my house and I beat his butt in football :) We had so much fun! I always have fun being with him though. We can always find things to talk about which is really cool.

So then I went to a party :) Ahh that was fun!! There were about 40 people there, guys and girls. We watched Disturbia on an outdoor TV and just hung out. It was a lot of fun :)

So yeah, my Saturday was perfect, man. I wish every Saturday was that chill.

Now my homework is calling.

Why Now??

????????????????I have an undying urge to tell you something... But I forgot what that something was. Drat! Soooo... While I'm sitting here trying to be interesting, I'll just tell you why I feel like writing right now. Like my picture?? :) Miss you Mist! SO SO SO much!

• I had a good day today... The guy I like has absolutely no clue I like him. What to do... I think I'll stay single. It's less complicated that way.


• Ben Lee is my prince. Ben, Catch My Disease!


• I like red Starbursts.


• Apparently, I'm the "mother figure" to my entire grade! I was told that today. Is that good??


• I might be Yearbook Editor next year!!! YAY!


• I am put through the agony and torture of Patella Femoral Syndrome everyday. Ugh. AND Osgood. My poor knee. Thankfully, I'm starting Physical Therapy soon.


• I think my PE teacher hates me.


• 8th grade has proven to me that girls mature soooo much faster than boys it's insane.


• My grade average is a 97!! Yesss.


• This One's For The Girls! :) haha goood song.

Concerts and Good Memories

August was a good month for me. I was in love, and I'll admit that! ...Even if it is to the world... Anyways, I went to my first concert in August. With my boyfriend. That's an ouch. Yes. A definite ouch. We saw John Mayer and OneRepublic... 5th row! It really was amazing, even though I went out of there that day thoroughly believing I was deaf. Goodness, those speakers were out to kill me! We had so much fun. Best date ever, hands down!

Until December, that is. My town hosted Jingle Jam with Colbie Calliat, David Archuletta, GAVIN DEGRAW, We The Kings, and Rehab. GOODNESS! That was the BEST night of my life. Concerts were things my boyfriend and I shared. When he broke up with me, I didn't think I could ever handle going to a concert again. (A bit dramatic, but hey, he had just broken up with me for goodness sake.) And, guess what?! I'm going to another concert. Taylor Swift, actually. It's in October. I can handle it. I'll have the support of my two best friends in the entire world! My mom and my best friend, Mist.

So, the point please, Katie. Oh yes. :) The point of this is to let all of my readers out there who have ever had their heart broken to know that they aren't alone by any means. We who have been victims of heartbreak need to ban together. That's how I met three of my best friends. We now have a group called Ekko, standing for the first letter in each of our names. We are super tight. Guys, There's a reason for everything. And though that reason may be unclear at first, someday we'll wake up. Someday, whenever that may be, we'll realize the lesson behind our agony. Someday... Things will be clear. The Lord is good to us. This is why I believe this to be true. And for all we know, something may happen to us for the sake of it happening. God may just want us to be able to say, "Oh yes, that happened to me." Or maybe there is another reason. What's the reason of my breakup and utter heartbreak? I think I know. It lead me to Ekko. I wouldn't trade those girlies for the world. Well, I hope that helps out the brokenhearted out there. You're not alone. Keep your heads held high and stay in good spirits, and know that those who truly love you will help you through your heartbreak. That's the key. Never let it go.

I wish you nothing but the best.

Kat <3

49 Things About Me!

Hi. :)

I am a vivacious teenager... I absolutely love being a teenager.

I’m your average girl from a small suburb. And yet, I am so far from average.

I overanalyze almost every situation in my life and I’m proud to say that that’s just the way I am.

I have the soul of a sixty year old man – wise and prepared, but silently yearning for something bigger than myself and yet... never letting anyone know.

I generally end up falling in love with the guys I’m closest to… I usually secretly have a crush on my best guy friend or my best friend’s brother.

I’m the girl who doesn’t care what the world thinks about her, and this year, I'm learning giving my best is all that counts, even if I get a bad grade. Me and my 110% giving, overachieving self.

I strive for perfection yet little things please me the most. – A smile, a kiss on the cheek, a bright blue sky, clean crisp air, a beautiful sunset… It makes me happier than someone giving me a million dollars ever could.

My favorite season is autumn with spring not far behind. The colors sooth my restless soul. It’s calming and relaxes me.

My mom and dad are my best friends in this world!!

I'm the girl who won’t stop writing or running around the neighborhood and eating apples while babbling about how amazing her boyfriend is. Yes, I love apples… and my boyfriend.

I have a good head on my shoulders and pick my friends wisely.

What most people think is boring I will probably thoroughly enjoy and want to see/do again… Like, movie previews… I could watch them all day! I love seeing the clips of the movies and figuring out when they’ll come out so I can see them.

I love bright green grass, windy days, and a lonely walk on the beach after dark when nothing is visible, and the only sign of life within miles of my tiny body is the pounding waves crashing on the shore. That’s the coolest feeling in the entire world. Without a doubt.

I love to be organized yet you cannot see the floor of my room.

I remember dates very well. I make a habit out of it. I remember the day I started going out with my first boyfriend. I remember the day I put my cat to sleep and the day I got my first (and only) failing grade on a test. I remember the day I first thought I was in love and the night I had the best dream of my life. If I know you, I also know your birthday.

I believe it’s possible to be in love for years and years. That might be impossible for some, but my goal is to make it happen. If it doesn’t, then things just weren’t meant to be.

I honestly can’t get enough of love stories – The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Titanic… I can find ways to relate them to my life. I love love. Whether it’s mine or someone else’s, it makes me happy.

I become an entirely different person when I’m stressed. You won’t want to know me if I have three projects due the same week. I just won’t be myself… But once I turn them in, I’ll be my normal-ish self again. Promise :-)

I am ashamed when I buy magazines. I have to hide them while I walk out of the store. They are my guilty pleasure and I could spend hours reading them over and over because each time I read one twice, I always find something I missed or skipped over the first time.

I’m easily excitable. My friends know that. They are also excitable people.

I cry when I listen to The Fray. It makes me think of home. But, it’s a good cry.

My favorite TV show is The Secret Life and I would be terribly annoyed with the writers of the show if Ben and Amy don’t get married. I’d have some stern words for them. I hope they keep the baby and raise it like Amy’s parents did for her.

I’m a Virgo. 100%. No question.

My theme song is Love Story by Taylor Swift.

I wish everyday was Spring Break. Spring Break revives me. Goodness, it is the best week of my entire year.

I play lacrosse though I’ve always wanted to play soccer or be a gymnast. Although, there’s nothing compared to the feeling when I score a goal or make an assist. That is my haven.

I find it hard to make choices, even if they are simple ones.

I miss my family. They are what keep me who I am.

I thoroughly believe Thailand is calling my name. I’ll answer it one day…
I want to see as much of the diverse world as humanly possible.

I have a sisterhood with three of my best friends. We even have pants.

I’m a health freak. My idea of ‘junk food’ is pretzels, let alone chips or soda.

I can be an emotional train wreck. My friends and family know those are the times I need them most. I love them for it.

Sometimes, four year olds make more sense to me than anyone else I know.

I’m a sentimental writer who writes about things that have happened to her or someone she knows.

I love bright, exotic flowers and cherry hardwood floors.

I love orange and lime green. They’re my favorite colors.

My best friends are the people I know will love me despite my many flaws, or how crazy I become. They are the ones I can stay up late talking with when we have sleepovers and not grow tired with.

I love medical/murder shows. They fascinate me and scare me at the same time. I still watch them.

I just spent the past three hours listening to the same song over and over again, and I didn't even realize it until right now.

I could take pictures all day.

Black and white pictures fascinate me. I have three hanging up in my room this very moment. I swear I could stare at them and find new things about them for months! They are my comfort.

I love big windows that can open easily. Closed windows are the most frustrating thing in the world.

My best friend lives 700 miles away from me and we are still best friends. I’ve known her since I was three and we haven’t been apart since. Up until I moved two years ago, that is. We see each other four or five times a year and talk almost every day. She’s going to be my maid of honor someday. Trust me. We’ve been planning that since we were seven years old.

I think little kids are awesome, and I never think of baby sitting as a job. I think of it as fun. I love it!

I’m not afraid of dirt. I’ve learned by now it washes off in the shower.

I’m a sensitive dreamer with opinions and hopes that one day, I can become the Genetic Counselor I've always dreamed of being.

I often find myself uncontrollably laughing or smiling with a complete stranger.

I cannot wait to grow up and fall in love but I love the time I’m spending being me.

Oh yeah, and my name is Katie.

Hello! And May I Say... Welcome :)

Hello :)

Welcome to Naturally Youthful! This is my first official blog post, and ohmigoodness, I am extremely excited to be beginning the blogging process. I've always wanted to become a blogger. I would like to thank you for embarking on this journey with me! Your support means wonders to me. More than you'll ever know. So, thank you.

Well, the purpose of my blog is to celebrate being young and full of life. No matter how old we are, we are ALWAYS full of life. In my opinion, however, sometimes as we get older, we forget we're so full of life. That truly is a shame. I recently saw a movie with three of my best friends called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, based on the best-selling book series by Ann Brashares. Goodness, that woman has some serious talent. Her books changed my life! They made me realize what is truly important in this world. While watching the movie with three of my best friends, Bailie, the character from the story who has leukemia said something that really had an impact on me... She says "I don't know, Tibby. Being happy doesn't mean having everything in your life be perfect. It's about stringing together all the little things. Making those count for more than the bad stuff." She hit the nail on the head! I couldn't have said it any better even if I tried. So, as I conclude my first official blog post, I'd like to leave you with this... Start stringing together all of your "little things". It just might change your life :)