Today is a special day on the blog. I have the honor of interviewing one of my best friends whom I love dearly and sharing her with you. We’ve gotten so close that we just think of each other as sisters. That fact in and of itself is amazing since I’ve only known Rachel since January. Of course she’s made it onto the blog many times, (here, here, here…) but this is a unique and fun look into her life. Rachel is an amazing woman with a whole stack of accomplishments under her (vintage) belt. She’s a published author (2 books!), piano teacher, photographer, blogger, and writing mentor. Her genuine heart and care for God and others though are one of my favorite things about her. I hope you’re as inspired by her as I am!
Where are you from, and what is your favorite thing about your hometown or city? I’m from just outside of Williamsburg, Virginia. It’s an area brimming with history and beautiful old homes and farms. In just a thirty minute drive you can pass through quaint little towns, old plantation homes, and crumbling brick buildings. You definitely get that “everybody knows everybody” vibe and always feel at home.
What’s the best piece of practical advice you’ve ever been given? “If you can’t sing good, sing loud.”
What is the hardest thing about being a published author? The hardest thing about being a published author is probably feeling like I have to match up with people’s expectations of me. Usually, when I meet new people, they’ve already heard about me through someone else and already have an opinion of me in my head. It’s difficult to know that people are expecting me to look and act a certain way, when I just want to be myself!
What makes you laugh? My sisters, Bill Cosby’s funny little dance moves, inside jokes between me and my friends, videos of wet sloths emerging from the water…
If you could teleport anywhere right now where would you go? I’d probably like to be in Portland with Elaini. 😉 Or England would be nice. I don’t mind the rain.
How do you get inspired to write when you don’t want to but need to? This is tricky because I am not a very self-motivated person at all. When I don’t feel like writing, I really don’t write. But I guess trying to keep up a routine is important. Making myself write because I always work on writing in the evening. Reminding myself why I enjoy writing. Listening to some of my favorite music. Usually these things help when I need to get something done.
Gold or silver? Gold. Always gold.
What’s the best thing about being 18? Knowing that I have the rest of my life ahead of me to make mistakes, learn lessons, and figure things out.
Are there any new things you’ve been wanting to try lately that you used to be too scared or too busy to attempt? I want to start riding roller coasters. I really want to be a “roller coaster kind of person” because I feel so lame chickening out every time because of my fear of heights. I rode a roller coaster the other day and it was the most terrifying and exhilarating thing ever. I’d like to try some more next summer.
What key Scriptures has the Lord been encouraging you with recently? Lately I’ve been reading the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 over and over again. And each time I’ve felt Christ lay on my heart that the most important thing I can be doing in life right now is to just sit at His feet. It’s such an encouraging promise to know that if I just do that, I will be choosing the “good thing” in life.
What do you look for in a friend? Someone responsive and loyal. Someone who will laugh with me. Someone who I can text or call at random times throughout the day to encourage with Scriptures or to tell funny stories or ask stupid questions to, and who will do the same for me. Someone who makes my heart feel glad to be around, and who I can tell is being used by the Lord to be an encouragement in my life. Also, if that person happens to like books, old movies, and dresses as much as I do—that’s a definite plus!
What are some areas of weakness in your life that make you depend more on God? My life is definitely crazy—maybe more so than most eighteen year olds. Some days I want to break down and buckle under all the pressure and stress, but then I see God’s hand working in even the smallest, most minute details of my life and I can’t help but be comforted by his grace and love for me.
What physical features do you love to play up? Go on, name something! I love my curly hair. After years of fighting it, I just want to keep it curly all the time now.
Coolest God-story to come out of your blog? Meeting Elaini is one of them! Also, I have received so many emails and letters through my blog about how God is using my story to change the lives of others and it has made me cry every time. To think that God would use my little life to have an impact on someone else is mind-blowing!
Rachel, thank you so much for sharing with us and giving us a peek into your life. I’m so blessed to know you and I love you very much.
If you care to see my answers to some of these questions (that Rachel kindly let me steal) you can check out the interview that I did with her tomorrow on her fabulous blog here. Also check her out on Facebook and Twitter and give her some love folks!
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