love will always set you free.

This weekend was so. much. fun. I haven't felt so free and alive as I have over these past few days, and it's always a plus when you learn new things about yourself. I lived in my bathing suite. Made new friends. Spent time with old ones. Listened to some amazing and soul inspiring local music. And enjoyed the sunshine and simplicity that the James River is always sure to bring. We also grilled out every meal, and you must admit that all things taste better on the grill.

I haven't felt this way in a long, long time. I think the summer weather tends to bring out a side of me that is hidden in the winter. Do you ever feel that way? It made me think about summer vacation and high school and how I couldn't wait to grow up... yet I never wanted those days to end. Then I started looking through old pictures this morning, and how even though some things have changed so much - they also stay the same.

I love to be free. I am a free spirit floating around in corporate america. And I don't pretend that others always understand me. I don't always understand them. But I was inspired yesterday when my friend was talking about happiness and money and how he just wanted enough to get by and be happy. Finally. Some one who gets it. Some one who is totally free doesn't always think about putting money into the equation. Because money doesn't equal happiness and it certainly doesn't make you free. Freedom always tends to come when surrounded by those you love. Those you can be yourself around without apologizing. The people in your life who make you better. And simple things like losing yourself in nature and forgetting that each moment is passing and we are quickly growing up. Because I like to imagine that I will be young forever. And I think that maybe sometimes that's perfectly ok.

So today... I give you some of my very own oldies but goodies:

“Something about her eyes or voice has always suggested the hint of a free spirit, trapped in a Peck & Peck cage, dreaming of making rude noises at public gatherings of Republicans.”

Jeff Greenfield.

Summer Love.

Today I stepped outside and realized something: It's getting really hot outside! This time of year is so exciting to me. It brings back so many memories of summer vacation. Spending every day in my bathing suite. Eating sandwiches on the beach. Not brushing my hair {heh, some things never change!}. I love the water and I feel so drawn to it, especially when it's so bright and warm outside. It is so tempting to call in sick and spend the entire day at the river. Doing nothing, except daydreaming and sunbathing. Which is actually something. I love getting really, really hot and then jumping into the cold water. It's such an adrenaline rush! Smelling cookouts in the distance and sipping a cold beer... pretending there isn't anything else I should be doing. But once in a while, this is exactly what I should be doing.

Remember to always enjoy the sunshine. And to take a moment {or a day} to relax. really relax. Forget  about your job. Your reality. The "Real World". If you need to, take a personal day and spend it sleeping in or catching up on a great book. Spend time with nature. Spend it with family. Girlfriends. Boyfriends. Or ... spend the day with the most important person in the entire world: yourself. 

 xoxo

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Our Weekend.

Lots and lots of sleeping in and cookouts. I think my favorite day was Saturday - we slept in until 2 p.m. and then ate "breakfast" while watching Sex in the City {pete's favorite movie}. Then we had an UH-mazing sushi dinner. Oh, and pool parties!

I also did a lot of self reflection over the weekend. I realized that I have life pretty darn good, and that I am too impulsive at times. Meaning: I think I am going to stick with my current job. I am still going to turn in articles and hopefully write on the side, but life is good where I am at. I have a decent salary, a great boss, a schedule that I am free to arrange as needed and great co-workers. Plus, no extra weekend responsibilities and room to move up. I've put a lot of thought into this and come up with one conclusion. I get bored easily and like to play around with extreme changes.

Time to start repeating over and over and over enjoy the moment.

What about you -- anything extraordinary happen this weekend?

3 Day Weekend!

Lately I have been so inspired by anything vintage. I found this great pic here and I am totally obsessed. I think maybe I should buy a big hat.

This weekend my only hope is that I practically live in my bathing suit. Just like I did summer after summer when I was much younger. It will be filled with big, soft blankets stretched out against rocks overlooking the river. Ice cold drinks. Puppies. Sandwiches.

I also plan on attending a cook out every.single.night.

What will you do this weekend?

No Jackets!

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! {Mark Twain}

This weekend felt like a vacation. I had forgotten just how much I missed the spring, until I woke up Saturday morning and felt that feeling you get only once you realize that winter is over and the sunshine is finally here to stay. We walked to the river and I wore flip flops. The air smelled like cook outs. Birds were chirping. Ahhh... heavenly! It was so nice to leave my jacket at home this morning. Even with the light rain, everything looks magical in the spring.

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