bring on the snow.

Today is a cold sort of day.  My toes are curled underneath the frayed fabric of my once-pink, now-gray socks, desperately hunting for some imaginary source of heat on which to cling.  My fingers trace the skyline of Boston, delicately printed on the ceramic of my now lukewarm mug of coffee, the frosty air having defeated it within minutes of brewing.  It is snowing outside, the first of the year, reminding me how quickly October has danced by.  Winter is approaching, along with its shorter days, blustery winds, and bitter chills.  I listen as friends curse the early arrival of this wintry weather, who groan at the impending snow-shoveling and extra minutes of car-defrosting.  Even as my cheeks and the tip of my nose start to take on a rosy hue, even as my teeth begin to chatter and my breath starts to show itself in front of my face, I cannot help but laugh a little to myself... for this winter is met with a new source of warmth, a warmth that cannot be stolen by polar temperatures, that cannot escape through worn boots or drafty windows.  This warmth comes from within, it fuels my heart and soul with an energy, a fire, that no rainy day can extinguish.  Ladies and gentlemen, I am in love.  I am so happy... just thought you should know.  So, take your best shot, Jack Frost, I am ready for you.

glimpses.

happy birthday to me.

So, once again the earth makes its way round the sun and we end up at the 8th of July, quite possibly the most important day of the year: my birthday!  Yes, loyal readers, today I am twenty-six years old.  I have to say that I am not quite sure how I feel about being twenty-six... it does not have the same pleasant ring as twenty-five and might just be a bit too close for comfort to twenty-seven, which marks (gasp!) official entrance into my "late twenties."  Whatever the reason, it hasn't quite sunk in yet.  We shall see how it goes.

This year, I was lucky enough to have my lovely friend Carolina share the special occasion with me.  We had a nice day walking around Hoboken and I cooked up a scrumptious dinner for my family, finished with strawberry shortcakes.  Yum!!  It was a very nice day, ending with a few drinks and a few new friends.  Maybe twenty-six won't be so bad :)

windy city

Phew!  I recently had the unique opportunity to spend a week in Chicago (with the help of my gracious friend, Chris) to experience the annual representative assembly of the National Education Association - and boy was it an experience: grueling days of conferences, voting, guest speakers (we were surprised with a visit from the Vice President!) and lots of sitting and waiting.  I have never witnessed anything like it: thousands of people gathered to voice their concerns on the state of public education in the United States... truly an inspiration for anyone who is really interested in democracy.
      
This was my second trip Chicago, a beautiful city replete with awe-inspiring architecture (this trip we checked out the gorgeous ceilings of the Chicago Cultural Center), culinary gems (I tried bone marrow!) and a booming music scene (I had the privilege to experience the EE Marching Band as part of the Summer Lunchbreak Concert Series).  It was a rewarding albeit exhausting visit. 

Just a few shots from a trip very sparing of free time...

can you guess part two?

So, yes, maybe you guessed it... I officially have my own place!  Well, technically not my own - I do have a roommate - but I am no longer living at my dad's house.  I moved to Hoboken last weekend and I could not be happier.  I am surrounded by quaint little restaurants and boutiques, have only a fifteen minute walk to the Path into the city and am lucky enough to be getting a ride to work every day, so no long commute!  The end of this school year is working out quite nicely for this little lady.  Now, if only you'd come visit!

key west

So, I know you (all ten or so of you) have been wondering where I've been hiding. Really, my excuse is twofold, a combination of two exciting mini-adventures that have kept me on my toes with lots of planning and preparations over the past few months.

Here is Part One:

This past weekend I had the amazing privilege of participating in the wedding of one of my very best friends, Kimberley. Thursday afternoon I hopped a plane to the Florida Keys for a few days of tropical fun, food and friends. I could not have enjoyed myself more: the eating was good, the drinking was plenty, the sunshine was nourishing and the smiles unending. The hot Floridian sun was a nice treat after several weeks of rain here in New York; Key West was gorgeous. I am itching to get back after only twenty-four hours in the cold and damp. Friday and Saturday were spent making new friends, celebrating love, and dancing the night away. What a beautiful time with beautiful souls. I couldn't be happier for Kim and her wonderful husband, Aaron.

I left Key West with a happy heart, a full belly and a very, very tired body. This is one sleepy bridesmaid. Now, back to reality.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

red lips and saturday nights.

tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound a fury,

Signifying nothing.

- Macbeth

longing.

I miss the summer. I miss lazy mornings and carefree afternoons. I miss weekends at the lake and impromptu photo shoots. I miss trips to Paris and wild laughter. I miss sun-kissed skin and waves crashing on the beach. Oh, sunshine, won't you come back?

sometimes...

Sometimes, I forget how to be happy... I don't know what has gotten into me lately, but I feel like a pathetic lump. I've been avoiding this blog, avoiding my Nikon, avoiding my friends, because I feel as if am turning into a choleric, petulant old toad lady. I have so much to be thankful for, so many happy little things all around... and yet I feel bitter, resigned, dejected... what the heck?! A few short weeks ago I was so full of hope and excitement but lately that has all given way to fatigue and despair, contempt even! If you're there: could you send a morsel of inspiration my way? I am starving for it. Please and thank you.

you're disloyal.