Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Lots of laughter. Lots of sunshine. Lots of happiness.

I'm back in the office today, but only for TWO DAYS.  Then, I'm off on another adventure.  I adore summertime :)

I miss the beach already.  For some reason, I am always able to think more clearly at the beach.  Sitting in my chair, feet in the water, waves crashing against the shore...things just seems to come together in my mind.  I feel free.  I feel empowered.  I feel calm.  This trip really gave me a chance to think a lot about what I want in my life.  What I will accept, and what I will not.  What I still want to do, and what I don't care to waste my time on.  While sitting quietly thinking to myself, Daisy remarked "oh my!  look how huge that ship is!"  And so I looked.  And although I don't believe in "signs" anymore, please do notice what it said:


I came back from Italy knowing that I wanted to conquer the world.  I felt alive for the first time in a long time.  I think I need some of that energy and passion back in my life.  Perhaps another trip to Italy is in order?  Hmmm....

There was a huge cookout with friends at the home where Daisy and I stay when we go to the beach.  We each decided to make something for the cookout.  Daisy immediately decided that she was gong to make "Not Yo' Mamma's Banana Pudding".  The recipe is Paula Deen's, so you can imagine how tasty it was!!


I decided that I wanted to make red/white/blue cupcakes.  Daisy squinted her eyes at me and said "umm..really?".  And I couldn't help it.  I wanted cupcakes.  Because they have now become a part of my Fourth of July tradition.  And they mean something to me.  And so, I made them:

(Phoenix's mom and I making cupcakes)

(the finished product..i know...not very pretty...)

With all of the treats made we headed off to the beach!!

The weekend kindove ended up running together.  Lots of laughter.  Lots of sunshine.  Lots of happiness.  Here is what I captured of it on film:

(jackson...who does have all 4 legs, even though it doesn't look like it!)

(can you spot the crab???)

(now you can :)

(phoenix and i.  chicken fight!)

(the waves were awesome this weekend!)





(Daisy & I with some historic figure of sorts..)

We waited until the last possible minute to leave the beach yesterday.  Neither of us wanted to go :(  Daisy's new camera has this really neat feature where you can take many pictures in a row right after each other.  We agreed that we needed pictures of our feet in the ocean to remind us of how lovely the whole weekend at the beach was.  And so...




Goodbye beach.  I'm not sure I'll be back any time soon, and I will miss you....

T

8 comments:

VA Gal said...

Those cupcakes look yummy! Hope you enjoy your next trip.

Sunshine and Summertime said...

Oh how I miss the beach! It's been two entire years since I have been -- and my mom is there now without me! I'm so glad you had a nice, refreshing break from life... I think everyone needed one! And also, I think your Italia ship may be a sign! Have you read "eat, pray, love"? If not, you must!!

Tiffany and the Munchkins said...

It sounds like you had a nice holiday weekend. I am so jealous that you only have to work for two days and then you are off again. I would love to only work two days this week, but my week-long vacation in a couple of weeks is what is keeping me going.

I think you did a fab job on the cupcakes. They look very yummy and so does the banana pudding! :)

Kim Reese said...

Go where your heart leads you! XOXO

Jenny DB said...

looks like so much fun! how did you get those pcis of the fireworks to turn out on your camera? I could NOT figure it out and totally didn't do them any justice at all. boo :( cute suit by the way!

Randi said...

Just say the word sister and a trip back to Italia will be planned!!! I had the ol' Rick Steves book out yesterday as a matter of fact!

Ann said...

Sounds like a wonderful time. The pudding and the cupcakes look really good. Great fireworks pictures.

we hate you. love, us said...

After reading this, all I can think about is going to the beach. Sounds like you had a fabulous time!