Hello, I'm Julie! I've made my way from Maine to Boston to Pittsburgh to Philly... and back again, and blogged about it along the way. Currently: Portland, ME. Check out my About page or F.A.Q. below to learn more about me. Thanks for reading!
Whoo. Hi. Happy December. How is it December? And how is it December 8th? Are you ready for the holidays? I am most certainly not. Chris and I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Oregon to visit my brother and before that, I was in LA for a team offsite for work. Traveling between Thanksgiving and Christmas always makes this time go by so much faster, don't you think? Add to that apartment hunting, more work, and the general business of everyday lives... and yeah... so not ready for this holiday stuff. But this weekend we're cat sitting for our friends in Portland (Maine... the original!) so I'm hoping to find some cute holiday cards to send out (definitely did no get our shit together to order photo cards this year) and maybe even a gift or two if I'm lucky. I hear there's a pretty rad craft fair happening at Thompson's Point (Picnic... anyone been?) and I'm planning on a trip to Becky's, too.
Truth be told, I've been feeling a bit off kilter the past month or so and last week's trip to LA and Oregon felt like the reset I needed. As much as I love it here, I'm also a creature of habit and the sudden shakeup of my routine affected me more than I would have expected. no longer being down the street from my gym... no longer living down the street from one of my best friends... and the realities of living back home again, however temporary... and living in the WOODS... it's been tough on body and mind. I miss having my own space and I miss having radical and inspiring friends around me. I always feel as though I need to follow these missives up with "But we love it! And we knew what we were getting into!" – the fact of the matter is, every decision is multi-sided. I know we made the right decision in coming back to Maine because I no longer wake with with crushing longing to be in a beautiful place – I now fall asleep with the moon and stars in full view, and walk Buster the golden retriever in the woods in the morning – but there were sacrifices made as well. Anyway... that's what things have looked like lately. In other news, we're expecting our first semi-serious snowfall tomorrow and I can't wait. Here's a few things that caught my eye this week:
I saw this cardigan on Mara and fell deeply in love (with the cardigan... Mara's cool too). Those sleeves! Too good.
In balancing work, freelance and other projects (along with being fairly high strung), I take stress management very, very seriously. I found this article to be a unique perspective on making stress work for you.
Hello! What a week! To say I'm thankful it's Friday night would be understatement of the decade. This week, man. Our car is in the shop (both cars actually, as we also own an incredibly sketchy truck now), meaning that even our back-up car is unavailable. I'll let you guess how convenient it is to live 30 minutes from civilization with no car *_* On the incredibly bright side, it's going to cost less than expected and we're headed to Portland tomorrow to spend the day together before joining up with friends for a much needed friendsgiving. I might sound like I'm griping, but life in Maine has been pretty lovely these past few weeks. We got our first snow and the scenery makes up for any complaints I might have (it beats looking at city litter 10000%), although I am looking forward to a trip to LA and Oregon at the end of this month, I'll never turn down the opportunity to get the hell outta dodge.
A Facebook friend gave this book a rave review - actually she specifically said it was "haunting" - therefore I'm interested in reading it. I haven't been reading as much lately... I blame work (pro tip: blame everything on work).
I just got this fragrance and this bra from Moorea Seal and 10/10 recommend both. The perfume, Maine from MCMC, smells a bit rosy with a woodsy note, and the bra is just super, super comfy.
Related to working too much: the desire to stuff my face with sweets. I've successfully avoided doing this (well, except for this afternoon's giant cookie), but don't these homemade caramels look absolutely incredible?
Buying a pair of Dr. Martins before we moved was 100% a great decision. I have my eye on this platform pair next.
A weird side-effect of living with my mother? My consumption of true crime everything has gone up tenfold. Officially addicted to My Favorite Murder and old reruns of Unsolved Mysteries. Judge me how you wish. (related, I love this shirt)
Maybe you're wondering (probably not wondering at all) what it is I do when I'm not writing incoherent sentences on this blog? Writing actual sentences for other people. Check out my latest pieces for Free People, The Style Line, and Green Dream. I also work here now :)
How do you feel about the white boot trend? I'm in love with this pair (here's a lower-priced option), but I worry that they might not be well-suited for Maine (scratch that, I know they're not well-suited for Maine)
And lastly, a valid question: Does America know what sex is? Guys... I don't think America knows... (but seriously, in light of all the gross dudes being outed as sexual predators, this is worth reading)
Monday was one hell of a day. In fact, the whole beginning of August has been one hell of a... fortnight? Beyond the depressing political landscape and horrifying events in Charlottesville - which I know we're all feeling a lot of feelings about - I'm in the midst of a job search/attempting to figure out what it is I want to do with my life, it's a process that I didn't expect to be so emotional. But it is. While I've had arguably the best summer I've had in a few years, this time has also made it abundantly clear that I often put others above myself and allow outside factors to push me in directions I maybe don't want to go. Tuesday morning I awoke in my own bed after spending the weekend in Maine and New Hampshire, it was a tough weekend for a lot of reasons (among others: we were there to lay to rest Chris's 90-year-old grandfather), and with the weekend behind me it felt like a new start. Besides having to finish up a piece for Free People, I made the decision to spend the majority of the day mindfully focusing on what I needed right then and there. I rescheduled a meeting (not an interview, mind you, I wouldn't recommend rescheduling an interview), walked to the grocery store and restocked my smoothie ingredients, went to the gym mid-day, and did a little writing. It felt good to be on my own and getting back to the habits that make me feel my best, and in doing so, I felt ready to jump back into it on Wednesday. I've been trying to keep these points in mind as I approach my days, and not just jump right onto the computer as soon as I wake up:
Write it down
Shortly after my team and I were laid off, I had a conversation with my aunt where she recommended making a list of what would comprise my ideal job. Along with reading my mind - I'm really trying to view this time as an opportunity to be thoughtful about where I want to go - she also opened the door to a daily writing practice that I've been able to keep off and on over the past month and a half. I've mostly been bullet journaling and making lists, but even something as simple as list making helps to get the thoughts out of my head so I can stop obsessing (and maybe get some sleep). I try to take at least a few minutes each morning to write down a few thoughts and tend to keep my notebook on me throughout the day, especially if I'm out and about (and honestly, sometimes it's just two or three lines). Along with getting the thoughts from my head to the paper, writing has helped me stay present and identify my true feelings about where I want to go.
Do what makes you feel good*
Seriously. What do you love to do? Now do that. For me, this means getting back to a regular hiking practice and yoga classes. I'm not sure about you, but as soon as I get stressed out, the first thing to go is exercise, which, if you ask me, is also the worst thing to let go. If you enjoy exercise, make time for it and if you have to, force yourself to go (I never regret it, but sometimes I have to practically throw myself out of the house). If it's something else, do that. Two weekends ago Chris and I went up to the Poconos to hike Glen Okono Falls and it was a solid reminder to the two of us of what makes us both happy and, especially for me as I've been wrapped up obsessing over applications and fretting over cover letters, what I'm most passionate about. Yoga has been especially valuable these past few weeks, too. Rarely do I feel 100% present in my body than when I'm on the mat. Even if it's just once a week at the donation class I attend, or a few minutes in the morning, the simple act of breathing and moving thoughtfully gets me to focus on my body and out of the crazy storm happening in my head. Job searches can often make you feel as though money is the primary focus, and while yes, your salary is perhaps an important factor, ideally I think we'd all like to end up doing something we love, yes?
*Ideally these things take place away from technology
Invest in yourself - even if it's free
It can be easy to focus too much on money during this time, especially if you're the primary breadwinner, and in doing so, your self-care can quietly slip out the door because of presumed cost (getting your hair done, getting a pedicure, etc.). Don't do this! Even if it's just giving yourself an at-home pedicure, taking a few minutes or a few hours to focus entirely on yourself can make you feel so much better. On Tuesday, I made a simple body scrub out of some unappealing olive oil we bought recently and white sugar I don't use. Before heading to the gym, I combed coconut oil through the ends of my hair and wrapped it into a high bun to moisturize while I worked out. Later, after showering off and shampooing my now super soft hair, I used a self-tanner I already had in the cupboard, and later that night gave myself a pedicure using a polish I already owned. I spent no money, but I ended the day feeling 100% better than where I started. Your job search can feel isolating when you spend most of your day looking for jobs, networking, writing endless cover letters, and scrolling through LinkedIn, and it can be easy to get into your own head. A small investment in yourself, even if it's just washing your hair or painting your nails, can be the boost of self-esteem you need to power through your next round of cover letters.
Volunteer
Want to feel great for a good cause? Go volunteer. I began working with PAWS and United by Blue in Philly when I started working at Etsy because the company had a generous volunteer time initiative, and since leaving, I've continued the practice. Not only will this give you a reason to get out of the house for something other than networking, but you'll be doing good in your community (and maybe even secretly networking in the process - who knows who you'll meet!). Find a cause you want to support, then look for opportunities in your area. Want to get outside more? Do trail work for your local state park. Love animals? Walk dogs or do cat care at your local shelter. You've got the time, why not donate some of it?
Make plans - then stick to them
Seriously, get yourself out of the house. I tend to go to the gym in the evenings as a way to put a pin in the day, but a couple times a week (not counting the weekends) I try to meet up with a friend, take myself out for coffee (I'm currently doing a 'tour du Philly' of local cafes - so many cute spots!), or just do something different. it's easy to get wrapped up in the rabbit hole of jobs leads and networking, sometimes even just talking to someone you're close with (who is not your spouse, significant other, or parents) can give you the space and perspective you need and bring you back down to earth.
While it can be incredibly frustrating to suddenly be without a job - especially if you're a bit of a workaholic like me - this time you have is special, make the most of it when you're not hard at work applying to all the exciting opportunities out there. This is the lens I'm trying to view my own experience through, and believe the tips above are relevant not only to job seekers, but to all of us. It's easy to get wrapped up in the everyday, sometimes we need a reminder to take a step back and give a little of our focus to ourselves.
Last week I took myself on a little vacation of sorts. I had planned this week away a couple months ago, before life took some unexpected and admittedly really stressful twists and turns, and when the time came to catch my train north it couldn't have been a better time to escape. I've recently found myself in dire need of a change of perspective. Why is it such a shock when smooth and easy sailing transitions to rough seas? I'm talking about life of course, not actual sailing (though the same applies). I'm 33, I should be used to the ebb and flow of life by now. So this confluence of events was the perfect time to get some fresh air and quality time with family, friends, and the ocean. It was just me this time, as Chris had to work, so I caught a train and met up with my mom in New Hampshire. It felt so good to be back home again. I needed fresh air more than I realized, and to have an entire week to mostly leisurely visit with family and basically bum around as if I still lived there provided the perspective I was hoping to find, albeit with some confusion. We've been thinking a lot lately about where we'd like to end up, the kind of place we'd ideally like to live. Philly has served us so well these past few years - we certainly handled the move with considerably more grace than we did poor Pittsburgh - but in the end we know this isn't where we want to settle down. We miss fresh air, and easy hiking, and kayaking, and salt marshes, and everything else you can do and explore when clean water and beautiful geography are right outside your door. Essentially this means the Pacific Northwest or Northern New England for us sometime in the near future. Mountains on one side and ocean on the other.
If you ever want to be seduced into throwing it all out and moving to New England, visit in the summer. Five years - six years?! - away has only made my heart grow fonder, especially when summer in Philly can feel like hot garbage (not poetic or kind to the city I live in, BUT THE DAMN TRUTH, it's hitting triple digits today). I missed a pretty nasty storm by a couple of days, and we had one drizzly cold day on the coast, but otherwise it was damn near perfect. Even with the mosquitos and threat of ticks. I spent most of the week visiting with family - several members were in from out of town - and working on some personal projects, then on Saturday I headed to the North Shore to see some friends before heading back to Philly. It's incredible to see how revitalized everything has become in the past few years. Our old town was never in dire shape exactly, but there were a few years when empty storefronts were becoming increasingly common. It's so wonderful to see new shops, cafe, and restaurants popping up (too bad about the rent though).
So that's where I'm at. That's where we're at. Having lots of conversations about where, when, how, and if. After jobs determining where we live over the past few years, Chris and I have both fallen in love with the idea of being masters of our own destinies (I mean, we've always been in love with autonomy, but as we get older it feels more urgent) - life is too short.
Well... it's officially my Friday and the holidays are nearly here. How do they sneak up so quickly every damn year? I went home to Maine this past weekend, completely miscalculating how much time I'd have left to prep when I arrived back in Philly... regardless, it was a much needed break from city life to rest and recharge and spend time with my parents. With the pressure of Christmas off, it turned out to be a great trip. When I returned on Monday, Chris and I went to see 'A Drag Queen Christmas', which was the perfect way to kick off a week filled with final preparations, movie watching, and a considerable amount of work. Now I have a long weekend stretched ahead of me, and I'm looking forward to our low-key Christmas. We accomplished the impossible yesterday and actually sent out (most of) our cards and gifts on time (I love how our postcards from Minted turned out - don't underestimate the power of a decent Instagram pic!). And I only have a few more things to pick up for Chris - along with this being our first Christmas spent with just one another, it's also the first Christmas that we've really given each other gifts. So as much as I get stressed out -- every year -- I'm really excited for the weekend. I'm sharing my links a little early this week, along with some great last minute gift ideas. Read on.... and Happy holidays!
This vintage poncho would be so cozy for a winter night out
Life has been one big bowl of cherries lately, only the real life kind of cherries where about 70% of them are ripe and juicy and divine, and the other 30% are a little bit of everything. Some are bitter(sweet), some a little rotten, some just downright shrivvly and gross. And they all have pits! And that's OK. If there's anything I've come to learn since stepping out into the big world of being a (semi) responsible adult, it's that life is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's great! Sometimes you get mugged four times in one year (thanks, 2014). In the end you have to roll with it and hope you make the right decisions along the way.
There's been a lot of decision making in our house over the past couple of months. Opportunities have come up that are somewhat terrifying while being so incredibly exciting at the same time. Lots of soul-searching between bouts of watching too much Drag Race, attempting to keep cool in front of our AC, and lots of salads for dinner (it's hot here). Sometimes I think I crave and welcome change because I know I'm innately averse to it. I get comfy. When plans change at the last minute I get sweaty and panicked. I'm obsessed with schedules, mostly my own, mostly obsessed with controlling it. So when the opportunity for big, drastic change comes about, I'm like why the hell not? Let's get uncomfortable! In the end, I think I just want to be able to look back and know that I took risks, that I didn't shrink in the face of something different and new. If there's anything I've learned over the past several years, it's that life is wild. It will take you in so many unexpected directions if you let it, but it's also important to be there at the helm, steering the way. Chris and I celebrated our 13th year of togetherness this past April -- our relationship is officially a feisty teenager! -- and it blows my mind to think back on those early years. We had small ideas of where we'd be, certainly zero expectations of where we'd eventually end up. (Frankly, we fought so much in our first couple of years that I think both of us were like, "you're cool for now, but ultimately you're insane." -- we've obviously chilled out a lot) And now, looking back and looking forward, who knows where we'll end up in 13 more years. Like I said, life is a wild, wild thing.
Anyway, all these changes taking place, they've really forced me to question what I want out of life, versus what others perceive I want out of life, if that makes sense. Do I stand still, staying put out of some notion that others think I'm where I'm meant to be? Or do I dare to move and try something new (and maybe perceived as out of left field) and surprise myself and those around me? In the end, I think I've decided that I want the adventure and surprise.
I like creating rituals for myself. As someone who frequently does too much, takes on too many projects, it's a way for me to feel grounded when my world so often feels up in the air. For the past several years, really since leaving Massachusetts, life has felt as though it's running-running-running and not slowing down, always on to the next thing, rarely allowing myself time to breathe. It makes sense, for both Chris and I our professional careers have expanded in the past few years, and with that comes more responsibility, more time given. For that reason, and for countless others, it's become imperative that I carve out time for myself. Time to feel connected, not to my job or my commute or the million-and-one tasks that require my attention on a daily basis -- but to myself and my surroundings. My latest ritual has involved a Sunday afternoon run along the banks of the Schuylkill river. With so much of my life taking place between the small stretch of 1-95 that connects home with work, these runs have become my away game, a chance to leave my neighborhood behind and see Philly from a different perspective. Living where we do, in a place that we might not have chosen to live if it weren't for a job that brought us here, it's too easy to feel disconnected from it all. To allow life to take place within the confines of our neighborhood. We don't spend a lot of money on entertainment and prefer to cook our meals at home, which are habits, I've learned, that aren't exactly conductive to feeling "at one" with city life! So now that the weather is (sorta, kinda, not really) warming up, I've been making more of an effort to get back to exploring. As I was finishing Sunday's run -- which was miserable and cold and windy -- I experienced a brief moment of clarity as I saw the Philly skyline peeking from beyond the Art Museum, the whole scene framed by magnolia flowers. It was beautiful, really. And it made me think back to when we lived outside of Boston and I'd see runners along the Charles or along the streets of Cambridge and imagine what their city-bound lives were like. How nice it must be to run in the city! Well, now I know. Living in South Philly, the runs aren't always the most picturesque, but I've learned to seek it out where I can.
A few days ago, we sought out another corner of Philadelphia in Fairmount Park. Admittedly a place I haven't explored nearly enough, but one I hope to spend much more time in. Chris was helping me shoot these photos for work on the most freezing cold spring day, by the end my hands were frozen. But in doing so we stumbled upon the Japanese garden, and the most gorgeous flowering cherry trees. It was a complete surprise, but a welcome one on an otherwise wintery day.
Whew! What a week. It flew right by with absolutely no time for blogging or anything else for that matter... here's what I've been up to:
Reading... Right now I'm switching between The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and 10% Happier by Dan Harris. The Harris book I'm reading for work, and I was honestly really hesitant to pick up another book focused on meditation and 'living your best life'... but it's proving to be a surprise. I tend to be a skeptic, especially when it comes to self-help books. In my mind, it's very, very easy to give advice on how one should live their life, but far more difficult to heed it, even when it's your own. I figure, I know what's best for me, and don't need a 'guru' to tell me otherwise. BUT... I like this one, maybe because it's written by a fellow skeptic, Harris is honest and questioning, while maintaining a mostly open mind and searching for his own answers.
Celebrating... The sudden onset of shockingly incredible weather. Spring crashed down on us on Tuesday and temps rose to 80 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday this week, just in time to celebrate Chris's birthday. We went out to New Hope for the day on Wednesday and had lunch and walked around a bit before taking a drive through unexplored territory (i.e. New Jersey). The weather is a bit back to normal today, which I have to say, I'm thankful for. As much as 80 degrees feels great, it was a little sudden, you know? But the flowers are blooming and Philly is starting to look a little prettier, and most importantly my windows are open (which means Zephyr is celebrating, too).
Working on... My fitness? Ha. Er... sorry. All this nice weather has been great motivation for taking my workouts back outside. I've started running again after spending the winter focused mostly on HIIT, and while my knees are groaning, it feels so good to get outdoors. I'm in desperate need of new running shoes though, but have been dragging on actually going to get fitted for them. Practical purchases just aren't as fun as the impractical ones...
Excited for... Sunday! Apart from this past Wednesday, Chris and I haven't had a day off together since my birthday back in January. We're hoping to escape the city for the day and maybe take a hike or at least see something new. I think we're both suffering from a bout of cabin fever/spring fever and it's time to get outside city limits and outside our regular routine of work, gym, home, eat, sleep. Our friends are also coming to visit next weekend, and I can't wait to see some familiar faces. I'm not totally sure what our plans are going to be, but it's always nice showing people around the city, and a good chance to see where we live with fresh eyes.
Craving... Some spring cleaning. Our house is... extremely messy. We've both been working a ton lately but with warm weather pretty much here, it's time to clear out. We're planning to spend Saturday morning overhauling our place and I'm weirdly excited? I've felt so claustrophobic lately, I can't wait to let some air in and start fresh. I've also been thinking a lot about planning a trip home soon, but I'll be honest, this time of year it's difficult to imagine trading in Philadelphia's spring weather for Maine's late winter. iI't s warm here, it's not as warm there, but I miss my family and would like to see some friends, too.
Shopping for... Dresses. All I want are dresses. After not spending for most of January and February, I'm finding the incredible dress offerings from Free People to be... difficult to resist. I mean, I spend at least 50-60 hours a week surrounded by beautiful things and sometimes resistance is futile, guys. My virtual shopping cart is overflowing... but again... I should probably get some running shoes... Thinking about... Summer, and how, now matter where I live, it seems to take me two full years to get comfortable. Which isn't a convenient timetable. Two years is a long time to spend getting acquainted and comfortable and open to putting myself out there. So clearly, I have work to do. BUT, I am so excited for this summer and I'm determined to take better advantage of where we're living. I'm looking forward to more day trips to NYC and DC, lots of beach time in NJ, and hopefully getting out and going hiking more.
Listening to... Right now, this very minute: 'Zombie' by The Cranberries
Apparently, no one told Philly that springtime is supposed to last more than a week or two. June may just be arriving, but we've been deep into summer for at least a month, with temperatures and humidity climbing. I'm not complaining, and honestly, I feel like every singe year no matter what, people are always going to be like, "but we didn't even get a spring - just jumped right into summer!"
It has been extremely warm though and lately I've found my mind wandering to my old life up North. Conjuring memories of sweltering days at the river in New Hampshire or a hasty hour or two at the beach down the street from our place in Mass. I think what it comes down to is missing the ease of living in a small town and/or suburb. Which, I know, sounds really silly, because aren't cities supposed to be the easier option? I miss having that large body of water readily available to leap into.
But summer is here regardless, and I intend to celebrate it. Chris and I enjoyed our first ice cream of the summer last Monday, after attempting a trip to Franklin Fountain (HA), we found a Mr. Softee instead, which I'd argue was a better choice in the first place. Today I'll find a patch of grass on which to read my book, and maybe I'll force myself to be responsible and clean or go running later, but who knows. Maybe I'll just embrace the ethos of this season and throw responsibility to the wind.
And on that note, a few things I'm loving this week, because in honor of summer, all I want to wear are maxi dresses, sandals, and big hats:
Speaking of summer style, this sheer 1940s dress would look amazing with black underthings layered beneath.
All-natural French deodorant that I really want to try. 9 Mary Ellen Mark photos that changed the way we see the world.
Pretty dresses for summer: Love this lemon-print maxi, this dress would be PERFECT for a summer bride, and this one would be perfect for the summer wedding guest
After spending last week away, I was in desperate need of some time off this week. Sure I was at work, in fact this past week and the next are sure to be two of the busiest weeks to date (I'm sure I'll end up eating my words six months from now), but after blogging all day at work, sometimes the last thing I want to do is come home and blog even more. In those moments I think the worst thing I could do is force myself to create content when it's just not there. So instead that time was taken to live life, connect with the world, relish Philly in spring, take a few long runs, and spend time with Chris. Since he started his new job a few months ago, our schedules have been a bit at odds. He often leaves for work at 4am or he'll work a late shift and get home at 11:30, so time together has been precious. Recently I've been relearning the value of making time and giving time, as opposed to just being in the presence of another person. When schedules get busy and life gets stressful (sometimes really stressful), it's so easy to just rocket ahead with your blinders on, mindlessly focusing on tomorrow and not on the years that lie ahead. It's important to lay the groundwork, to look farther ahead than tomorrow... I've needed to remind myself of that lately.
So, what else is going on? I picked up this book last weekend on my last day in Atlanta and so far am enjoying it. It felt appropriate to read having just attended Shaky Knees, and mostly I was desperate for something to occupy my mind with while I waited for my flight home. I'm planning on grabbing this one and this one next.
Zephyr acquired a Cat Tipi this week and it's pretty much the cutest thing ever. I didn't think he'd be as down with it as he is, but he loves it. Mostly, he runs and dives into it, knocking the whole thing over, but he's also been sleeping in it.
I've been cleaning out my closet a ton and am trying to decide whether to have an Instagram sale or just take everything to Buffalo Exchange. Thoughts?
Ok... a few more things I love...
How incredible is this necklace from My Vintage Spirit? I can't get enough turquoise lately.
This vintage crochet shawl is so pretty and would look amazing with a rust-colored cami and black jeans
A quiet week on the blog usually means I'm up to something... or that real life is anything but quiet. This week it's both. I landed in Atlanta on Wednesday and it's been non-stop ever since. A couple of first impressions? Atlanta is beautiful and people in the south are very, very polite, which throws me off. This was something I was already aware of, having traveled to Memphis, Nashville and all over Texas before, but it never ceases to amaze me how people will just talk to you. And it's genuine. I like it, but will admit all the opportunities for small talk take some getting used to.
Today, my co-worker Dawn and I are off to the first day of Shaky Knees. I'm so excited to see the Pixies this afternoon! And the Strokes, and the Mountain Goats, and Zella Day, and... Anyone else on the line-up you'd recommend? let me know! What about favorite Atlanta hangouts? I've already explored Little 5-Points, Decatur, Kirkwood, and Buckhead, and really loved each and every one of my experiences. Also, the food! Oh, the food...
Anyway, hello. How are you? How's your week? I hope it's been a good one :)
It feels as if it's been forever since I last recapped my weekend. Life is busy, the city is in full bloom.
When warm weather hits, there are few things greater than that first drink consumed
outdoors, on the first evening of the season warm enough to allow such things.
I let myself be coaxed out of my original plan to go running on Friday night in
favor of after work drinks at Johnny Brenda’s with a couple of friends. I
regret nothing.
On Saturday morning I finally took care of what we’ve come
to refer to as the “Murder Hallway” and/or “Secret Shame”… the hallway leading
from the front half of our shotgun-style apartment to the bedroom in the back.
We’re still dealing with downsizing and figuring out storage in our new
(smaller) living quarters, so over the past few months the hallway had become a
dumping ground for things that had no
home. It was bad. Really messy and hard to walk through while holding the
cat – a common occurrence. I cleaned the FK out of it on Saturday and while
there’s still stuff in there, it looks 150% better.
Saturday also happened to be the most gorgeous day of the
year so far here in Philly, and I instantly regretted falling down the rabbit
hole of cleaning. As soon as I finished I headed out with my camera into the
South Philly sunshine. The flowers and trees are in full bloom here and I
didn’t want to miss it. I wish Chris and I could have aligned our schedules so
we could have gone to see the cherry blossoms in DC or even just to the parks
here in town. But a solo venture is just as nice at times, plus it gave me a
chance to pop into a few vintage stores along the way.
I’m doing a gardening project for work, which required
plants and pots and soil. Rather than go to Home Depot, I made the trek up to
Greensgrow, in Kensington to pick up my supplies – and I’m so glad I did
because baby chicks. My brother just
got chickens at his place out in Oregon, and is planning for bees soon too, and
I’ve been feeling especially jealous of his situation. So gifs of baby chicks
is the next best thing, right?
I really need a vacation. This is related to nothing but the
fact that I think I really need a vacation.
The tacos and drinks at Loco Pez are my favorite. Also my
favorite is the fact that three people can have multiple drinks, chips,
guacamole, salsa, and three tacos eachfor under $50 total. Loco Pez is the best. Especially on a warm Saturday
night.
Sunday was far quieter – I’ve been spending most Sundays
shooting and getting caught up on projects. Grabbed some stuff at the office to
shoot at home, reluctant Home Depot run, planted my plants, spent 45 minutes
trying to figure out where to put the plants, spent too much time on the
internet. Drank too much coffee. Eggs again for dinner.
Well it feels like it's been about a decade since I wrote any sort of over the weekend/life recap. In reality, probably December. The start of this year has been a quiet one, spending most of January getting life in order, most of February seeking health. I ended 2014 feeling haggard. I wasn't getting enough sleep, I had all but abandoned the gym, and my eating habits were showing all over my face and felt in my joints. So I've been spending the past couple of months resetting myself, getting back to health... sleeping so much more... not drinking (it's kind of incredible how awful alcohol makes me feel), finding the foods that make me feel the best, and reacquainting myself with the gym. My schedule used to be more flexible, so I've had to learn all over again how to fit these things in my life, and yeah, finding balance again after losing it is proving to be a difficult journey.
So I am welcoming March with open arms. I'm ready for this new month and (hopefully) a gateway into spring, Chris and I have been doing a lot of exploring outside of the city over the past couple of months. Focusing on all things free as he looks for a job, which pretty much translates to all things outside. And I'm totally OK with that. Chris starts his new gig on Tuesday, which means these impromptu road trips and weekend journeys will be fewer, or at least far more precious. Last weekend we headed up to one of my favorite PA state parks, Hickory Run, to use the gorgeous snowshoes my mom gave us for Christmas. It was what we both needed. An escape from the city for the day. Every few weeks, there comes a time when the city streets begin to close in around me. Suddenly, the beautiful brick row homes that line the streets feel more like barriers than my neighbor's lovely houses, like walls closing in. The icy, un-shoveled sidewalks a hindrance; the defensive attitudes of city-dwellers (city drivers) a splash of ice water on even the most positive mood. I found myself slipping into this funk last weekend, the drive to the grocery store and then home to my apartment after work had been a battle, and even though it was Friday night, the thought of going back out again felt like more than I could handle. When this feeling arises in my soul, the kind of feeling that's tough to describe but when attempted falls somewhere between trapped and cabin-feverish, I know it's time to get out. Growing up in the woods was an experience that I never expected to affect me so strongly. But now, on days when city living just gets to be too much, I long for the hushed sway of pine trees and infinite silence that only comes with deep, dark woods.
To stand beneath the forest canopy, basking in the joy of pure stillness, of nature just doing its thing.
