MIA

Usually when someone does not blog for weeks it either means that life is better or worse than normal..... Nothing too specific has happened with me, but I've been having a few rough weeks and needed some space on my own to sort through some things.

So an update on what else I've been up to:

Reading: Norweigan Wood by Haruki Murakami. Can't seem to put it down! The characters have such an emotional depth and have drawn me into their lives by inciting sympathy, anger, lust, confusion, nostalgia, and longing. A must read.

Listening to: J'adore Carla Bruni and I've recently discovered the Talking Timbuktu album by Ry Cooder and Ali Farka Toure and can't get enough

Wishing for: a plane ticket to appear on my doorstep. Running away for a few weeks, basking in the sun, picking wildflowers, breathing fresh air, sleeping on a cloud, taking long walks.

Daydreaming about: a trip to France next year with a college roommate.

Packing for: a weekend away in Vermont, camping with 10 of my closest friends. My best friend is flying back for a few days and that makes it even better! Going to walk in the woods, eat s'mores, go on an alpine slide, buy and subsequently eat lots of cheese, laugh, talk, sing, drink. This is exactly what I need.

Life isn't so bad after all....sometimes I just need to take a step back and look at the little things.

Today I'm grateful for: 2 bunnies with the softest fur, raspberries, baking, air conditioning, packages from lovelies in Holland!

Reflection for a Monday

If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down.
- Mary Pickford

Christmas ain't got nothing on summer!

The most wonderful time of the year? SUMMER!

Having the best time already and it's technically still only spring.

• Swimming in a friend's pool
• Grilling in my newly discovered backyard
• Barefoot dance parties in the dirt with my roommate
• Camping in Vermont
• Long walks in the flower-tinged evening air
• Afternoons reading on the beach
• Grilling in general - I'm like the newly reformed vegetarian who can't get enough steak and hamburgers - what's happening to me!?
  

My whole outlook is more open, my mood is lifted, my skin is golden. It's going to be a great summer - I know it! And if any summer should be good, it's this one. I am turning 30 soon, after all (and I'm admitting it!).

Warm June nights

I can't believe it's already June! Love sleeping with the windows open, the breeze softly blowing in while I snuggle under a light blanket.

Eating: chicken stewed with tomatoes, corn, black beans, cayenne, chili powder, oregano, chipotle and a dash of cinnamon. I love how the sweetness of the cinnamon contrasts with the fire and smokiness of the dish. Great quick dinner served up on a tortilla with some shredded cheese or sour cream.

Watching: The Diving Bell & the Butterfly

Reading: Chick Lit

Daydreaming About: owning my own farm. Walked around Wagon Hill Farm on Great Baytoday and the millions of shades of green through the meadows had me yearning for a place I would love to settle some day.

Adoring: The new Sex & the City movie