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I am getting to that point during the winter that I’m tired of wearing layer upon layer of sweaters. I think perhaps a walk in the sun in the south of France, with no coat of course, and a lavender cocktail at an outdoor cafe would do me quite well. Ok, spring, I’m ready for you!     
I don’t know what it is about this time of year – the days are slowly but surely getting longer, I’ve worn every sweater in my closet about 700 times since September, and you think it’s sure to be spring soon but it just. keeps. snowing. This is the time of year that gets me in trouble, because I can’t help dreaming of warmer climates and beach days.
Of course, in typical why-do-I-torture-myself fashion, I was looking through photos from our trip to Hawaii (almost two years ago – HOW?!). I remember how Cory read our guidebook literally cover to cover so we were sure not to miss anything awesome. And I remember how I hoped we’d see at least one sea turtle while we were there.
Well, we saw one here in Kiholo Bay, on our second day of the trip, and then quickly the count rose to 17. SEVENTEEN, people. If you want to see a sea turtle, might I suggest that this is the place. Not to mention how incredible the blue water looks against the black lava shores, and how a cold water spring meets the ocean and you can see layers of fresh and salt water (cold & fresh on top, warm & salty underneath) – that was super amazing. I also made myself look quite ridiculous climbing over those lava rocks in my flippers, trying to get into the water. In fact, I think had a whole group of locals in hysterics over the whole ordeal.
On our hike into the bay from our cars, there was also this awesome collapsed lava tube turned swimming hole that was a big hit. Watch the slippery steps up the mossy ladder! Some of my absolute favorite travel memories are on that trip. Alright, now I’m ready to go back and sit in the sun for a while. Although I think I’ll have to settle for a few days in Texas at the end of the month – no beach but plenty of sun, I’m sure! What are some of your favorite travel memories? I’d love to hear about the places you go back to in your head when it’s cold and grey outside.
Things I’m thankful for this week are pretty simple – a day of driving through the perfect snowfall with good company and good conversation, and a favorite family tradition of weekend pancake breakfasts and Top Gear marathons. These were the prettiest moments of my week – plain, but lovely none the less. In this winter season, the time of year where my wanderlust hits with a vengeance, it’s taken a bit of effort to refocus – but when I do, I remember that there are a lot of beautiful things about simply being at home with the ones you love. Here’s wishing you some simplicity this week!
This week, as you know, I participated with Kate on her creative cleanse and it was just what I needed. I had such a good time getting away from my usual routine and just making pretty things. 1. A friend and I saw the opera Romeo & Juliet in French at the Denver Performing Arts Center. Hooray for high heels and wine. 2. One of the more colorful parts of winter – fresh tasty grapefruit. 3. I finished a project that I have been putting off since Thanksgiving, phew! 4. Another creative endeavor this week, some sketching that turned into a digital illustration. 5 & 6. My new camera arrived and I got to test it out at Pulse ladies’ night – isn’t it beautiful? Things should be back to normal this week around here, except I’m going to be taking what I’ve learned this past week and build more creative time into my schedule. I’ve definitely learned that my calendar needs to reflect my priorities and that creative time, no matter how trivial it may seem, is quite important for my well-being! Are there things that are important to you that don’t get much priority on your schedule? Here’s to challenging ourselves with a little change!
To be perfectly honest, today was the first day this week that I actually created anything. It’s funny how it can take a while to get back into your groove after you’ve gotten out of the habit. All those ideas you’ve had floating around in your head? Suddenly, gone. So today I sat down with my sketchbook and my tablet, and made this little illustration of Rocky Mountain National Park. It took a lot longer than it looks like, and it’s not entirely perfect, but I’m pretty happy with it because I sat down and made something. For today, that’s enough. |
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Annabelle,
Sometimes I just take my mind to sommers past. I love beaches and Hawaii had the most amazing ones I have seen but really I am happy with my summers on the Rhode Island shore. Being in the water is the best therapy for me, second to painting.
Definitely understand that, I grew up near Lake Michigan and some of my favorite memories are being on the water near my grandparents house. Would love to see a summer on the East Coast!
Ah, I love posts about Hawaii. I do the same thing in the winter to buoy my spirits…remember Kauai and the snorkeling in that crystal clear water that has hundreds of shades of blue…reading a book on the beach, hiking through humid jungles.
Yes to reading on the beach! One of my favorite things 🙂