Minty fresh

My friend's wedding is just around the corner and I will be playing a small part in the festivities. Another friend and I will be doing a reading together during the ceremony.  I gathered the remaining details of my outfit today and am excited about getting dressed up for the evening.

There's nothing like a summer wedding and hopefully my minty shoes will keep me cool!

Summer Twilight

Twilight.

One of my most favorite words, long before it was synonymous with love struck vampires.

There is nothing quite like seeing a room begin to glow early in Twilight.  Tonight, as I mindlessly checked my nightly ritual websites, I saw the curtains take on a peach colored hue.  

I hurried outside, eager to take in the last bits of light that splattered across the sky.  What is it about this time of day that give me such tranquility?  I found myself all alone outside with just me and a fading light.  The damp grass tickled my bare feet and my toes squished into the soft earth.

I took a deep breathe and within a blink of an eye the sun had gone to sleep.

I came back inside and immediately realized the all too familiar itch beginning on my feet, caused by hungry mosquitoes.  But for once I didn't care because for a brief moment I was a summer goddess, blessed with warmth and contentment from the blushing light.

Baby doll

Our sweet Aurelia snuggled with her baby doll aka mouse.

Everyone needs a little friend to hug while taking an evening nap.

Follow the sun

Xavier Rudd - Follow the Sun

—

Follow, follow the sun
and which way the wind blows
when this day is done.

Breathe, breathe in the air.
Set your intentions.
Dream with care.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,
Brand new moon, brand new sun.

So follow, follow the sun,
the direction of the birds,
the direction of love.

Breathe, breathe in the air,
cherish this moment,
cherish this breath.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,
brand new moon, brand new sun.

When you feel life coming down on you,
like a heavy weight.
When you feel this crazy society,
adding to the strain.
Take a stroll to the nearest waters edge
remember your place.

Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before you came.
So which way is the wind blowing,
and what does your heart say?

So follow, follow the sun,
and which way the wind blows
when this day is done…

Remnants

A few weeks ago, my twin sister and niece came for a visit.  

It was wonderful.

Our tiny home was filled with so much activity and laughter.  Tiny toddler hands explored the new surroundings.  We visited the beach and saw alligators.  We loved on each other, explored new places and were exhausted at the end of each day.  These are memories I'll treasure always.

Today I found a small reminder of their visit and smiled-- one stray sticker.

:)

why you shouldn't wear spanx in the summer.

Today I spent most of the work day in Miami.  It was lovely. We had a site visit to an incredible archaeological site right smack dab in the heart of downtown Miami. 

My future apartment building which overlooks the Bay...I wish.

My co-workers chatting about the site

Usually during consultations or meetings we are strongly encouraged to wear our awesome work shirts with our office logo displayed gigantically over my left boob.  While many of my work shirts are polos (and I do love myself a polo), they are not that flattering. I'm still not at my ideal weight and tend to have some confidence issues with my stomach area so I decided that I would pull out my trusty spanx to help me feel better about having to wear my work shirt today.

Note to All:

If you live in an area that gets above 95 degrees and 100% humidity and have to stand outside at an archaeological site for 3 hours don't wear spanx. 

Just don't do it.

While your silhouette may be seamless, you will be miserable and it will take every ounce of you to not peel them off in the on-site bathroom  porta-potty and stuff them into your purse.


Lesson learned.

Rainy Saturday

Oh Florida summers!

I woke up this morning to a crack of booming thunder and its been raining ever since. 

4th of July!

Happy Independence Day to all!

Bobby and I are spending a quiet day at home and will most likely venture out later to see some music and fireworks!

But before I head off to soak up some summery sunshine, I though I'd leave you with two of my favorite July 4th memories.

1.

I was in second grade and one of my best friend's family had just gotten a cat.  My friend had told me at school that day that they named her July because her birthday was on July 8th.  As my family sat around the dinner table that night, I brought up the exciting news my friend had shared with me earlier that day.  I remember sitting there thinking how great it was that they named her July and how cool it would be if her birthday was on the 4th of July!

Without thinking, I excitedly asked my family, "Is the 4th of July ever on the 8th?"

Oh how badly I wanted my friend's cat's 8th of July birthday to be our nation's birthday too, but alas it wasn't meant to be.  My family has never let me forget this.

:)

2.

A few years ago I surprised my family on the 4th of July!  I sneakily flew across the country and with the help of my trusted older sister made my way to my parent's house where the rest of the family was gathered.  She snuck me into the backyard and out I popped behind the house to everyone's surprise.  It was seriously one of the best moments ever, especially when I saw the look of utter disbelief turn into tears and laughter!

Not to mention we also found out on this day that my older sister was having a little boy (Sanford!)

Arthur

Tropical Storm Arthur sat off the coast yesterday and today, creating bands of continuous thunderstorms.  Last night as I got into bed, I watched the room light up every 30 seconds with lightning and low rumbling thunder drifted through the sporadic darkness.  I imagined the storm sitting over the dark sea, causing crashing waves and salty spray flying wildly into the sky.  Did the fish dive deeper into the choppy water to hide from the storm?

Here's hoping to a quiet hurricane season.

.

Today I walked around the office with a Post-It stuck to my arm for hours.

Anyways.  Hi blog, I'm back.