It was just what I needed.
A weekend away.
Filled with good conversation and good wine.
Love to you always, friend! XO.
things i saw, things i love
January 20, 2012
FRIDAAAAAAY.
{Drumroll please…}
Presenting…
The latest and greatest pretty things gracing the internets…
(in my humble opinion)…
First up this week, is my best friend Maureen’s appearance on Style Me Pretty! I was so excited for her when she tweeted the link! All photography was done by the terrific Alice G. Patterson. You can check out her post about their wedding here. Yay, Mosie!
I kind of love these dresses from two. I saw these on Eat, Drink, Chic and couldn’t help but think how lovely these would be to wear in the heat of the summer. Sigh.
Speaking of summer (can you tell I’m yearning for it?), it’s just not complete without a few dives into the waters of a clear, clean lake. I loved this post by Butter and Brass. It just made me want summer just that much more. Did you know Minnesota has 10,000+ lakes? I didn’t! Lake prints by Nicole Meyer. Read about her project here.
Do you love this purse as much as I do? DREAM! Anyone know where I can get it?? Seen via One of a Kind.
Um, hello. This is the cutest idea EVER! I originally saw this on Making it Lovely, and was then led to Minifanfan. I want.
Do you think it comes in chevron/ikat?
A Cup of Jo’s Bedroom makeover? Did you see it? I was basically drooling all over my keyboard as I scrolled through the pictures.
LOVE the colors and all the tasteful patterns. Love the headboard, love the Dwell Studio Sheets, love the wall of frames, LOVE IT ALL.
This bedroom is absolutely incredible.
Earlier this week both Molly and Elizabeth posted about their lovely friend Lady Lee’s new etsy shop. I am just smitten with all the prints she’s selling (words straight from the minds and hearts (and blogs) of these fantastic ladies). I love how she did that. Just love.
Plus, I am eyeing that cream necklace.
So pretty!
I think I might be addicted to patterns? Just a thought. At any rate, I LOVE this DIY from A Beautiful Mess.
Now all I need is one of these cameras.
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Aaaaand I just realized I said “love” about 500 times in this post. But whatever, it’s the gosh honest truth.
And IT’S THE WEEKEND!
I’m heading to Maine tomorrow to spend time with Hannah and enjoy some of the snow they’ve gotten. I’m hoping for a beach walk (if possible) and a chance to take some more winter pics with my camera. I haven’t visited since summer, so I’m really looking forward to it… snow and all. Maine is one of my favorite places on earth.
Hannah + Maine = Happiness
What are you up to this weekend??
thursday thoughts.
January 19, 2012
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Thursday is the best, isn’t it? Ohhh, I love.
I just made up the line “Thursday Thoughts.” (At least I think I made it up.) And I thought I was so clever I gave myself a pat on the back. The creativity is just running wild over here.
So this post is a bit of a random mish-mash of things.
Just some recent thoughts of mine for you to mingle over as you ease into Friday (let’s throw our hands up in the hair and praise the LORD!).
Here we go…
1. This is my new jam.
It makes for such good driving music. And blogging music. And keep-me-feeling-happy music.
The whole album is currently on repeat in my car.
It’s good, guys. Real good.
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2. Did I tell you my parents came to Boston last weekend? Our time was swell.
We did some eating, some book shopping, and mostly a lot of just being together. Which is the best kind of visit.
My dad is watching the Syracuse game in that last picture. In the restaurant. On an iPhone.
What can I say? The guy’s addicted. Can’t help but love him.
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3. This week was a 3-day week at school for the kids. Why do those weeks always seem to drag on the longest? Right? I can see you shaking your head yes. What is it about them?
Tuesday we had a professional development day at school. We had a keynote speaker in the morning that was absolutely fantastic. He talked all about how we as teachers can help set the tone for our classroom in terms of motivation and resilience.
It’s about creating a positive classroom environment.
A safe place where children can grow and learn and take risks and make mistakes.
All without ever having to worry that they won’t be accepted. Or told they’re wrong.
It was very powerful for me and helped me think about how I can make sure my classroom is a welcoming, nourishing, safe place. For all of my kids, but especially the ones that don’t have a lot. The ones that struggle at home or have a low self esteem. It’s these kids I need to reach the most.
Because it only takes one person to believe in a child to change their life. To give them strength. To give them courage. And if I can be that person, that teacher, that is when I will have done my job.
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4. I know I’m not alone out there with my love for Downton Abbey.
Really, how terrific is that show?
When I am watching this show I am reminded of my love for Titanic (oh, Leo), but I am also brought back to my childhood and Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea. Oh, how I wish I could be part of those times! Dresses and horses and petticoats and tea and biscuits.
The characters on Downton Abbey just came into my life by storm and now have a most special place in my heart.
Lady Mary!
BATES! ANNA!
My friend Clair had a fun post earlier this week all about Downton Abbey recipes. It made me smile and made me hungry too. I’ll take some of those crepes suzette, please. I was drooling in that episode.
Do you watch it too?
(Also, sidenote to my HWS friends: Who thinks Lady Mary is Marissa Greechan’s other twin (besides Dana)?????????? Can I get a heck YES. I can’t get over it. Every single episode I just can’t get over it.)
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5. Blog Friends DINNER!
We did it!
Clair and Mackenzie and I finally got together!
We stayed at Veggie Galaxy for 2 hours and talked all sorts of wonderful things. We talked blogs. And twitter. And blogging and more blogging. And stolen bikes and our love for long rides on the T. And children’s books. We all have a special place in our heart for children’s books. This is ultimately how we found each other’s blogs and how we can now call each other soul sisters.
This is my favorite part about blogging.
FAVORITE.
Making connections. Making friends.
It just makes me happy.
SO very happy.
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One thing that stuck with me from last night is how Mackenzie so perfectly described blogging as reading/writing a letter to a friend. It’s so true. And then this morning I was thinking, of course. That’s how my blog name came to be in the first place, after all. How could I forget?
And so, friend. I wish you a happy one. A very happy Thursday, indeed. ♥
isabel and alistair
January 17, 2012
When I first moved to Boston right after college, I was a nanny.
I found this amazing family in Charlestown and worked at their house for a year and a half. Isabel was 16 months when I first arrived, and there was a little sprout just cookin’ in the oven. Alistair was born just shy of 2 months after I began.
I fell in love with these kids, as nannies often do. If you’re lucky, you become a part of the family.
And I was lucky.
They were (and are) the two sweetest little kids.
I loved that job. And I loved that family.
I’ve kept in touch the best I can. Sometimes we see each other a lot, and other times months go by before we get together. It’s the way of life I guess, but more than anything, I miss them.
A few years ago, I was asked to be Alistair’s godmother. Of course, I accepted, and I have never felt so honored. We used to call him monkey. He was walking at 8 months and he never stopped jumping! At his baptism he was 3 years old, and he wouldn’t sit still the entire time.
He’s a pretty special kid:
“Anna, watch me wink!”
Mostly, I am just so thankful to still be a part of their lives. I love watching them grow, and they are growing so fast before my eyes.
The other day Meg and I went over to visit and have dinner.
We met their new dog Otis and watched them play together like best friends do.
I love how they are so close. Just like me and Meg.
And most of all, I love how evident it is that they still love me, how I’m still important to them even though I’m not around much.
That means the most to me.
Alistair had a surprise birthday last year and as soon as he walked in the room and everyone shouted HAPPY BIRTHDAY!, Isabel ran up to him and said in the cutest voice, “Alistair, Anna’s here!”
And that kid ran up to me so quick and jumped into my arms.
There is nothing more satisfying than that.
I love you, I-bell and Monkey. I love you to the moon. ♥
