The Fourth

Happy 4th, everyone!

I am back in the good ole US of A after a perfect week in Central America. Any guesses as to where I might have been? If you follow my Instagram, you probably already know. More on that very soon.

Today is a day for rest {because it's a well-known fact that you need a vacation to recover from vacation}, reading, writing, and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. It also includes packing for my move {!!!} in two weeks. I'm excited to share my new town with you next week, and also the most perfect little apartment that ever did exist. 

So for today, enjoy all the barbecues, beaches and cool beverages until your heart and tummy are full. Remember to give a moment or two of thanks for the wonderful country that we can call our own. We might not always agree with the laws, politics and decisions of our leaders. However, the fact that we can initiate change, share our opinions freely, and fight for our beliefs is, unfortunately, still a rare thing in our world today.  So many are silenced and oppressed because their color, creed, race, sex and religion. We should not take our freedom lightly, and today of all days is a time to be thankful that we have the liberties that so many have fought to give our nation.  

Blooming

I've spent the last few weeks soaking up life, time with my family and friends, and enjoying life in the New England. It's amazing to think that I only have six more weeks left of living here for the next few years. Very bittersweet. I can't wait to being my new adventure {though where I will be living is still up in the air}, but I will dearly miss my life here. 

I spent a few afternoons over the last few weekends enjoying the blooms around my parents' yard. They have the most beautiful flowers. Lilacs and rhododendrons have been in full bloom, so I picked a few to bring inside. Lilacs are so fragrant and make the entire house smell like a garden. What is it about fresh cut flowers that makes you feel like you live in a fairytale?

Last Scenes of Summer

{Last hydrangea of the year from our garden on Cape Cod}

It might come as a shock to you after my professions of love for all things autumn, that I'm sad to see the summer go each year. I spent part of all day yesterday packing away my white pants, summer dresses and sandals that are too summery to make the transition to fall. It feels like just yesterday I was putting away my chunky sweaters and faux fur. Now they are back in my closet, waiting for the lingering warmth of summer to fade away.

It's hard to believe there are only three short months left in this year. For me, the past nine months have been marked with remarkable change. Positive change (with a few bumps along the road) that has made me happier and more fulfilled than I've been in a long time. For that, I'm forever grateful.

I know that my life is on the right path, and I thank God for that each day.

As we enter into the final months of the year, I could not be more excited to see what's in store. The prospect of even more exciting adventures to be had, new friends to make, and venturing into the unknown is truly wonderful.

Cheers to you, summer. You treated me well.

{Sesuit Harbor at sunset}