Ode to Summer Recap

“Good-byes are hard, but life is about changes.” ~ Patty Loveless

Unofficial End of Summer

It is hard to believe that here in the US the official unofficial end to Summer has arrived: Labor Day.

For me it ended a few days early, when I headed back to New York on Wednesday, bidding adieu to the White Mountains where I had spent most of August in.

Where did it go? 

Is it just me or did Summer seriously fly by? While Fall is on par with Summer as my two favorite seasons (and do NOT make this Gemini choose!) I wish it had lasted longer. Not just because the temps were crazily uneven and I pretty much drank hot maple lattes all Summer long (WTF mother nature?) which is just unconscionable! But this was truly a kick-ass summer. One for the record books to be sure.

August in the Mountains

Every year, I go home to New Hampshire for a month, usually planning it around when my sister comes with her family for a visit.

In a blink of an eye I flew home, she drove up, we had fun, were merry, she left on Sunday, and I left on Wednesday (I am NOT going to cry!)

Obviously it was a bit more complex then that as my lack of blogging updates showed. Despite the jam-packed days of family QT, it rivaled the flash in speed.

From braving the screaming kid hell that can be Storyland, (more then once I might add)

Riding the merry go round

Going on Splash battle and pretty much just accumulating brownie points as best auntie with the kiddos.

 

To recruiting them young as future caffeine addicts with Starbuck’s dates

Which really was just a chocolatey chocolate frappuccino.

To finding out my four year old nephew actually takes really good pictures when we are on our Starbucks date.

To light saber wars because I am a mature twenty-seven year old adult…

Okay who the heck am I kidding?

To sharing my love of the Maine Coast with them all…

From jumping waves…

To QT with my Mom….

To setting an amazing example as an aunt, helping my nephew and niece bury their mom, my sister, in the sand.

But most of all it was the bonding I got to do with them. I have six nuggets who continuously steal my heart and make it grow bigger and bigger with love. If I could put them in a box to make them stop growing I would.

At the same time I wouldn’t want too, because they re growing into amazing little people who will soon be big people taking on this world and doing amazing things. Each time I see them I am in awe of all they learn and all they do.

Despite that it is still tough to leave. The night before I left, my brother’s oldest told me he didn’t want me to leave. (cue the waterworks)

And was it hard leaving this handsome face!

Friendships

It was also the summer of counting my friendship blessings. While it always seems to evolve, I got to spend quality time with my mer-twin, fellow jet-setting blonde and other sweet souls. Friendships that make me blessed to have such amazing people in my life and appreciate the effort of those who actually want to BE in my life.

I am always touched by those who reach out to me when I am home and make that effort to spend time when they could be doing a thousand other things. This Summer seemed especially bittersweet, as some friendships petered out as they tend to do, but others stepped up to tell me that I actually matter and count in their life.

And really as humans that is one of the most important aspects about living. To make connections that count, knowing that we are giving AND receiving love.

Au Revoir

As sad as I am to see the all to quick summer end I can not deny my excitement at heading back to the city. Going back to amazing friends, an incredible man, AND an exciting new job and career. In the few months that I have been twenty-seven it seems like so much has taken shape and I am so excited to watch it grow this Fall.

I am also going back with some exciting new changes perfect as the weather and leaves turn! As I wrote last week I have new glasses. But that isn’t all, after a year of no bangs (decided just after I renewed my license) I decided that fringe needed to be back in place for the cooler days.

I also got a new ear piercing, (Sorry Mom)

As bittersweet as it is, I could not have asked for a better Summer, and all those memories warm my heart as I take that leap into Fall. The next few weeks will be insane as I get back into the swing of things, start classes, AND cover fashion week.

Have I mentioned I am going to Fashion Week?

Cue the epic crazy fan-girling. I could not be more ecstatic.

I guess fall isn’t to bad….

How was your Summer? Are you excited for Fall? Any changes on the horizon? As Always I love hearing from you guys and I hope you all have an amazing weekend! <3