And They Lived Happily Ever After. The End

Julia Evertson
Jul 31, 2019
3 min read

Here we are, the final day of July. Goodness what a ride this challenge has been. Literally the second day I thought to myself "What did I get myself into." There were days that I knew exactly what I wanted to say. There were days that I wanted to skip because I had nothing to say. There were days that I sat down with nothing particular on my mind, but it turned out to be the perfect therapy session. Many times I questioned whether my words meant anything, questioned who even cares what I have to say. But, many times I had people reach out and talk to me about what I had written. That is all I have ever hoped for with my writing. I just want to write and feel connected to people. I want people to not feel alone when they read my words. I want people to feel like they have a friend in me. Yes, please continue singing "You've Got a Friend In Me" silently in your head.

I just have to hype myself up real quick, though...Y'all, I actually blogged all 31 DAYS! I said I was going to do something, and I actually did it. Earlier this summer, I signed up for a Spartan race (an 8 mile long obstacle course aka torture) and I dropped out after a month of training. I quit track my junior year of high school because I hate running so much, so why in the world did I think I wanted to run a Spartan race?!? For a second there I felt like a failure, but I've proved to myself with this blog that I can do whatever it is that I set my mind to. I did not set my mind to that Spartan race (sorry Alex!!) but now we know typing on a keyboard is my favorite form of exercise, not running :)

I have loved writing from a young age (I accredit this to my english professor father who would correct my grammar at the dinner table - it was annoying then, but forever grateful for it now). I actually wrote two different book series. *patting myself on my back* One was called Bernie and Bert and they were two bunnies that got into mischief - very Alvin and the Chipmunks vibe. The other was based around this girl named Katie, and let me tell, you it was riveting. Not only did I write them, I illustrated them too!!! I'll include pictures if I can find them because I'm honestly still really proud of my imagination as a seven year old.

Within this last week, my words have gone deeper than talking about candles and bedside tables. They were used to celebrate a life. They have helped me heal, and more importantly, they are helping my family heal. On the video that I made for Grampie, my cousin Jessie commented, "Thank you for making this Julia. I wish more than anything I could have been there today. This made me feel like I was with them." And I cannot even begin to tell you how much that makes my heart swell. I've gone back and reread that comment dozens of times. Hearing that I allowed someone to feel better, comforted, present, seriously just feel anything. That's all I could ever hope and dream for my words.

This month long challenge has come to an end, but I promise you these blogs won't stop. I have such a passion for words and connecting with people, and this platform has allowed me to explore both of those. Thank you for reading along this past month. It truly means the world to me.

Until next time,

Just Julia

Here are the Katie Book Series!

I found book #2, book #5 (even though they're written as 2# and 5# lol), and a random, additional book, so please enjoy 😂 Also realizing I spelled it as "Kaite" in the first two so that's even better.