Sunsets and Saltwater

 

Isn't it magical how golden hour can make you feel so alive and full of life?

Add in a hazy evening that makes everything look a little dreamier and some choppy water that catches the light just so, and one can easily forget the rest of the world and all their worries. Everything close by looks bright and alive, and everything in the distance is so soft. The ambiance is something hard to match. It can make you feel like you're in a world of your own, far away from any worries, anxiety or sadness. How could you be anything but blissful when you are in the middle of a golden world?

This little dock just before sunset is one of the places I feel like I could live my entire life without ever growing tired of it.

Newport, I love you. So dearly.

Have a beautiful weekend. I'll be chasing more sunsets.

A Winter Stroll

Well that was a very unintended little hiatus from my little space. Sometimes I get too busy living life, but that's a good problem to have. The last month has had precious few slow moments, but it has also been filled with so much happiness and fun. I guess that's really just the pace of my life, not just the last month, if I'm being honest. Sometimes it exhausts me, but I wouldn't change a thing. To have so many loved ones to visit, afternoons filled with laughing and fun, and late nights catching up with friends is a beautiful thing.

The few quiet days I've had lately have been just as wonderful. Catching up on sleep and taking long walks have been my favorite way to pass time this winter. Even with the frigid cold and high winds, fresh air can really renew the spirit and reenergize you. 

These pictures were taken at the end of February when temperatures hit a high of 40{!} here on the Rhode Island coast. Although signs of spring have been more and more present since last week {we were in the 50s this past weekend!}, it seemed as though the subfreezing temperatures would never end. I don't think I've ever been more ready for spring and sunshine! But beautiful February days like these would refresh me and ease my impatience for warmer days!

Looking forward to catching up with everyone over the next week. It's hard to believe it's already April - as always, time is flying by me! 

Autumn Sendoff

Another handful of pictures with foliage and vines. 

Shocking, I know. 

I couldn't resist. Vineyards absolutely capture me. I think I was meant to live among the vines. Not in a Tarzan way.

Thanks for laughing at my little joke.

These are the last pictures {I think} of the beautiful autumn we had in Rhode Island. In true Michaela fashion, the last few weekends I've been at home in Newport have been spent with friends and family, enjoying some of my favorite spots along the Coastal Wine Trail. I've already written about my love for  Sakonnet Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards in the past, but I thought the two deserved another shout out. Because they are two of my favorite places to bring out of town visitors when they venture down to my little corner of the state.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards was purchased last year by Carolyn Rafaelian owner of Alex and Ani. The vineyard has changed a little since my last visit, but not in a bad way. There is a delicious-looking restaurant on weekends {that I will have to try one of these days}, and the same staff is as friendly as ever. This is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours catching up with friends over a bottle of Rhode Island Red {highly recommended}. 

Greenvale Vineyards might be my favorite of all the Rhode Island vineyards. There is something so cozy and personal about the experience there. The farm owners are often the ones pouring your glass during the tastings and telling you about how their family has owned the farm for over a hundred years. One of my favorite things about Greenvale is the fact that they keep the vineyard going only to maintain and preserve the land rather than sell to developers, which I think is brilliant. I've been known to spend hours here with a picnic basket and friends on a Saturday during the warmer months. 

A Neighborhood Stroll

We have been blessed with absolutely gorgeous fall weather in Newport. 

Absolute perfection. 

After nearly two solid months of only being in Rhode Island during part of the work week and a few hours here and there on weekend, I was so thankful to spend last weekend at my home here. Newport is full of so much beauty, and I'm lucky enough to live in the middle of it all. 

Last Sunday turned into a stunning autumn afternoon - so full of color and sunlight. I spent a few hours wandering around my neighborhood and exploring little side streets that oftentimes led me in circles or nowhere at all. It was one of those days where the only thought that occupies your mind is how blessed you are to be alive and enjoying such dreamy day. 

If only I could freeze time and live most of my life in sunny, autumn days.

Here's to hoping this weekend will allow for some more adventuring and sunshine. Happy Friday!