unplanned hiatus, over.

after an absolutely insanely busy and exhausting, yet wonderful summer, i'm back in business. my hiatus from the blogging wasn't really planned, but i definitely was a slacker the past few months. and you know what? i missed it. i really did. i missed sharing with you and i missed you sharing with me. we've got some catching up to do.

there is so much to say and so much to tell. here's a little preview via instagram.

details to come.

1. a summer filled with lots of beautiful beach days.

2. a crazy dog that dominated much of our time (and love, of course.)

3. a spur of the moment mini trip to portland.

4. lots of travel time.

5. hours and hours and hours on this airplane.

6. all to see the cutest children in the world.

7. hello kitty came to yogurtland this summer, making my happy place even happier.

8. welcoming in my 25th year with...

9. VEGAS! and the beautiful bellagio ceiling.

summer busy summer.

right now i'm savoring sitting on my couch and sipping on coffee in the still, quiet, june-gloomy morning. life is about to get real crazy, summer is my busy time, and i just want to hold on to this moment of serenity. starting next week it's back to back graduations to attend, women's retreat, houseboats, weddings, bbqs and beach days and other various events with my students, camping, AFRICA, south carolina, and about a million things in between. my iCal is starting to look like a box of crayons (one of those big boxes with the obscure colors.)

but in the midst of it all i want to remember to enjoy my life, so i'm starting a list:

• finally get patio furniture and turn our backyard space into something magical.
• detox and keep my fridge stocked with fresh fruit.
• master making the perfect sangria.
• write letters and send packages to far away friends.
• take puppy to the beach often.
• try new recipes and get better at this cooking thing.
• finally visit this little lady and see her new place.
• read east of eden for the third time (as well as the 200 other books on my list.)
• save my monies and finally get that bike.
• make time to do nothing.

and it goes on and on and on.

a picture of magical patios past.

i want the desert, a tan, and some bikes.

today i'm running around like a crazy woman trying to get things done, but my head is in the clouds. and by "the clouds" i mean my head is in palm springs, wishing i could go back and recreate this day at my pretty friend marina's bachelorette party.

dear summer, be here now, and please bring some bikes along with you.

these photos were taken by the ever gorgeous promise tangeman, and you can see the rest of the bunch here.