Summer Escape from the City

Who's ready for weekend time?

I love summer weekends more than most. Have you ever heard that old song "Summertime Blues?" When I was younger, I never could understand it. How could anyone not like summertime?All of my summers were spent outdoors at the pool. All day every day. How could anyone ever be sad in the summer?

And then real life started. And I moved to a city. And every summer day wasn't spent at the Landing...

So now, whenever I can, I spend my weekends like this:

What are your weekend plans?

Cucumber Coolers

Inspired by pinterest, I set out to try a new drink. There are a few minor modifications here, but they turned out delicious. I had never tried St. Germain. It's an elderflower liquer and compliments the drink perfectly. This definitely is going to be my go-to drink this summer. It's light, crisp and flavorful. Not too sweet and very refreshing. 

If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Happier

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Last night I took stock of my life. I looked at the things that were upsetting me and the things that were making me happy. Then, I took some steps to make some changes. Now, although nothing has dramatically changed, I feel significantly better about the small progress I made. Then again, I might just be happier because the sun is shining and I'm headed to Miami tomorrow :)

Source: absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

What are you doing this weekend? I'm dreaming of sunshine, sand, water, sundresses, bikinis, flops and sunnies... 

Also, a friend sent me a link to this promotion to create and send a free card! I just created mine and it was so easy and turned out really well if I do say so myself. Valentine's Day is coming up and even if you don't have a special someone, it's always fun to brighten someone's day with a random card! 

Breezy in Baltimore

 This evening, while Melissa and I were walking Remi, I noticed the neighbor's hibiscus. It was too perfect not to share. 

Things have cooled off significantly here. As nice as it is, I can't help thinking that summer is quickly coming to an end. The change of seasons is always fun for the first little bit. It makes me want to rush to my closet for my autumn clothes. All too soon, school will start, the county fair will be here, and I'll be crossing my fingers that we get an Indian Summer. Autumn brings great things like hurricanes. I know they cause a lot of destruction, but I can't help but be in total awe when they sweep through. There is nothing better than standing outdoors in the dead calm before a storm. Waiting and feeling the breeze pick up and then watching the clouds roll in and the rain come at you with total fury. I'll think of things like this to push back winter. 

Winter acts like it might be nice, teasing you with fun things like holidays and sledding, but really, it's all in an attempt to make you forget about February. The cruelest, grayest, most terrible of all months. The only thing that brightens February are the three birthday celebrations it brings to my family. 

Maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. It is only the end of August. I should put off thoughts of winter while I can and just enjoy the clear and pretty weather September will bring. It is almost the time of year where bundling up and building a bonfire is the best way to occupy an evening. 

For now, I'll grasp every last bit of summer. Escape town for a couple more weekends. Enjoy the neighbor's flowers and evenings like tonight on the roof. Soak up every last drop of sunshine I can. Focus on the now instead of later. If you haven't been outside today, go take a walk. It's absolutely perfect. Oh! and keep an eye out for Irene over the next couple of days- apparently, she's headed our direction. 

Road Trip

I'm obsessed with this song right now! It makes me want to go on a drive somewhere. When I hear it, I feel as if I'm just staring out a window or a sunroof watching the world fly by me. If you could drive anywhere right this second, where would you go? I'd love to be on my way to sunshine and water somewhere. North Carolina perhaps? For now, I'll settle for an overnight sail. Governor's Cup regatta this weekend! Here are some pics from last year's sail.

I hope this year goes well and we have wind through the night. It tends to die in the wee morning hours, leaving us to drift aimlessly for what seems like eternity. We did encounter some dolphins swimming alongside our boat one morning around 5:30am. What a treat! It would make the whole trip for me if we found them again. Unfortunately, I think we're more likely to stumble upon some sharks...they've been making their way up into the bay and the potomac. I'm fine discovering them as long as I'm not swimming when they appear! 

Who Am I

Not to throw total clichés in your direction, but I'm learning more and more about who I am. My theory is - I'm still figuring it out because I keep changing things up. So rather than opining about who I am, I'll give you some fun facts about me and let you form your own opinions.

I LOVE summer. I have really, really great girlfriends...and Key West makes for a great vacation.

A lot of people love summer. I never claimed to be unique! 

Today, my best friend sent me a message that was really truly beautiful. She told me: 




"Believe in love. Believe in spontaneity. Trust yourself. And trust him. Don't think about the details. Enjoy every moment for what it is. Jobs, careers, locations, dreams - are all written in pencil. Be yourself on this one. from the first moment on. Be honest with yourself, and then be honest with him." 


 It is hard to do all of these things, but can you be truly happy if you don't?