Sitting in the Buckskill House waiting for Hurricane Irene to make its way up the East Coast I am plagued with similar feelings I experienced four months ago to date. A deadly tornado, a minor earthquake in the Hamptons, and now a massive hurricane heading straight towards me.

 Mother Nature holds her own agenda and this year she seems to be branching further and further from her syllabus than ever before. Live every day like you may not have another, because that might just be the case. Not to sound jaded, but life is unexpected and untimed. Whether it is the weather or the people that casually walk in and out of your life, make each moment count. If you want to say something, say it. If you want to make something of yourself, do it. You are the person you make yourself into be. Be someone that you would be proud and happy to know yourself. 

You may not get another chance to tell someone you care about them. You may not get another chance to play a simple game of cards with new friends. Live your life to the fullest. This summer has taught me all this. Its been tough, but not unbearable. More than ever before, I truly believe in the STARFISH values that Timber Lake teaches its campers. Sportsmanship, letting things roll off your back and having a smile on as the punches keep rolling. Tolerance for those around you despite what they believe or do. Appreciation for the little things in life that build you up to be a better person. Respect. Friendship. Integrity, doing what is right even when its hard; a lesson many people still need to learn. Sensitivity and being there for those around you no matter what. Helpfulness; everyone needs a helping hand at one time or another. 

Everything happens for a reason, but don't stop living because you are waiting for your reason. Life is hard, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. Enjoy those around you and be the person you want to be. Be a STARFISH. 

Live and Love, 
Reagan 

9:45 a.m. Sunday August 14th, 2011. The kids on the last buses have just pulled out from the camp driveway and an eerie silence blankets the hills of Timber Lake. 

It is amazing to me how quickly the kids leave and how quickly everything seems to fade to a distant memory. Even now, as I sit in the computer room of the Girls HC, I feel as though summer is about to begin, not that it just ended. 

This summer was a summer for me to figure out who I was and just how strong of a person I have become in my 22 years. Destruction, loss, loneliness, death, fear, pain, and tears made up the negative aspects of the summer, but all led me to the realization that there are bigger things and moments in life than those that many tend to focus on day in and day out. 

I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and I have never believed it more than after this summer. I have developed relationships and memories that will last me for a lifetime and my summer is still not complete. Tomorrow, I head into NYC with Kelley Candles for about five days and then driving down Long Island to work at Hampton Country Day Camp. 

It is a bittersweet feeling to watch campers and friends leave for their life back home while I am still so far from my family and those that I am closest to. But I know that this is all a test for my "real life" when I leave home for the first "real" time in January and start my life and career in Seattle. 

Remember to live everyday one day at a time and to always follow your heart. Treat everyone around you with the respect they deserve and never forget to love. 

Simply said...

Live and Love, 
Reagan

Color War is fast approaching here at Timber Lake which also means camp is quickly ending. We are down to the last 9 days of camp and I am going to be so upset to say goodbye to these kids and above all the counselors and my best friends. I am trying my hardest to make it workable that I can come back again next summer, but so much is unknown for next summer. I will be in a new place, starting my "new" life and trying to function as an adult. 

This past week has been trip week and camp has become quieter and quieter as the days pass and the other divisions leave for their big trips. The only kids in camp this week are the Cadets and Freshmen. They rule this camp this week. :) 

Tonight is my last night out of camp until Sing Night which is more than likely Wednesday or Thursday of next week, depending on when Breakout for Color War occurs. 

Since camp is ending so soon, my mail will have to end soon, so if you were planning on sending me any mail, please send it in the next couple of days so it can make it to me before I leave on the 15th. After the 15th I will be in NYC until the morning of the 20th and then I will be working at Hampton Country Day Camp until September 3rd. Sweet Home Alabama after September 3rd. 

Live and Love, 
Reagan