Kimberly Valzania

May 23, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kimberly Valzania

Stuff doesn’t make us happy. Moments do. Dieting, self-improvement, enlightenment…the search continues for a better version of ourselves. The constant battle to get to that special “place” where we feel the most happy is our lot in life, it seems. We read books about growth and spirituality. We purchase healing oils. We buy the stuff. For some reason, we’re convinced and conditioned to think the path to happiness requires improvement or “more” of some kind.

May 15, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kimberly Valzania

And she is 15, almost 16. And she is falling in love for the first time, with a boy she knows she has no business being with. But, he is wild, and funny, and bad, and cool. And sister, that’s all she wrote. He had her at his casual hello. He had her at his too long hair, his prominent nose, his weird grin. And it is Candlewood Lake in July. Lazy summer days, uncounted.