We Will Need Them All

"Don't wish me happiness. I don't expect to be happy all the time...It's gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor. I will need them all." --Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Changes are upon us, but not much feels different. Independence for some, new companionship for others, and there's a feeling that it's all going to change in a year. And it's definitely going to, but we also need to pause and let it just happen. Or maybe that's just me. 
There are the dates that we're waiting to arrive, like September 23: the day Meghan starts her new job. Let's pause, breathe and celebrate that. We're proud of you, but, more importantly, you're proud of you. I think you've got most of the changes already behind you, or just waiting for you on the threshold, and that's exciting and exhausting at the same time.
How about September 26: the day I start my third Senior year of college, and the final one at that. Patting myself on the back, wiping the sweat from my upper lip, and picturing Barrett standing next to me in my cap and gown. Along with my three best ladies, of course. If that doesn't get me through these next nine months, at least pictures of Norway and the Italian coast will. I'm hopeful of that. 
Or how about October 23: the day Brit flies 3,000 miles to face her beloved New York, New York, reunite with those of past shenanigans, and meet The Case. We're proud of you, and I think when you step off the plane, it'll almost feel like nothing's changed. But, you'll see. We'll see. Obviously everything has tilted on its own axis, reversed, turned the other way, and pushed you forward into a completely different world, but that city's still home in some aspects. 
Or, finally, how about Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the day Barrett says "I love You", a new year, Alex's store's opening (it's gonna happen, lady!), or the moment the Magnolia tree in our front yard finally decides to give our house a huge, wall-breaking hug? Or maybe, just maybe, the day we realize that we're in "it" and that there's nothing better than what we're doing, simply because we're just doing it? Maybe we'll never get there, or maybe we're in it right now and we're just too focused on getting out of right now to see it. Either way, we're in it together, guys, gals, shit-heads, cats, and the homeless, so let's keep doing what we're doing. 

Life Moments | September 7- September 13

Barrett played model.

Except nothing is as beautiful as a naked window greeting at the peak of the afternoon. 

Or these other moments we've been livin' lately.

 

Meghan and I went swimming in new bathing suits and went to a wedding in a church--all in one week. We're growing up, folks! But we'll never be too old for a match of mancala outside of Twiggs. And yes, Molly is married. Guess we're not the only ones growing up. 

September, keep doin' your thing. We'll be here doing ours. 

P.S. Thanks for the 70 degrees today. Keep it up. 

More Relevant Than Ever

“Fall will come in San Diego. Eventually. It will fake us out for a while. And it may feel inconvenient when it does make an appearance because we’ll be wearing shorts and sandals. But heck. Let it come when it does. The sketchbook will be there, and if it doesn’t get love every day, there will be times later when I’ll be glad I have all the extra pages. I think. I hope.” -Kelsey Brown 

Life on a Sunday | Life Lately | One Year Anniversary

 It's officially September, and it's officially Summer. The humidity and high temperatures have left us with perma boob sweat and Barrett in nothing but a diaper for the last four days. At least the sunsets and orange evenings have kind of made up for the fact that there is no point in showering. Kind of. We've been stalking Alex's head for lice and the cats are out calling their frenimies to come play. Well, Bowie is. Let September 1st mark his second great escape into the backyard to find Mr. Black cat. This time, through the laundry room. Sneaky, sneaky fella. 
Let September 1st also mark our one year anniversary at Pennsylvania Ave! Cheers to us, ladies and gentleman. And here's to another year of modern family-ing. Let us pretend we are celebrating at the North Park Theater and enjoying the raspy voice of our dearest Tallest Man and wine in plastic togo cups like we were doing this time last year. 

Alex, Barrett, and I fought the heat and helped our city out by venturing to the farmer's market just before closing. Flowers, veggies, croutons, and lots and lots of nectarine samples. And a couple, "Oh my god, his eyes!" moments with local Grandmas. Tonight we're in for a home-cooked meal by madam Alex and some crazy smiles from Mr. Bear. He's been extra cheery today. Always the happiest when playing chase and pretending to get hurt. It's been "ow, ow, ow" until we kiss his fake boo boos. Little drama king. Pretend tickling has taken the place of hits to the face, so thank you to Auntie Brit for finding a way to save our noses. 

Megh was a little dead these past few days, so it's been nice to have her around today. Even got a brunch in the sun at Empire House. Tots are the cure for all things bad. And lucky for her, no work tomorrow! Brit'll be stylin' and I'll be babysittin'. That's okay, though, because we're all together tonight for a Sunday dinner. 

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And now for a few Barrett moments we shouldn't forget:
[8/26-8/31]

Go us...finally using the fire pit!