Happy Friday

Hi, Everyone!

I presented at a conference in Myrtle Beach yesterday and am working here for the rest of the week. It makes me so happy to see the sun on the water and smell the salty air.

I'm so pleased that the Governor's School 2012 Share the Music Tour this week was such a huge success! I've been working on it for a while and was excited for the chance to reach so many people. The Wind Ensemble, Concertato, and vocalists divided up to do 12 outreach concerts in 9 schools - and one public concert for a total of 13 concerts. In two days! These students (and faculty) are wonderful, and they worked hard to share what they do at SCGSAH. Here is a little interview I did about it last week, if you didn't see the Facebook post.

Other posts you may have missed:

Little Projects to Make You Feel Good
What is Marriage?
Curtain Making!
A Dog in a Hoodie

Have a wonderful weekend! xo. 

Bits of Summer

John and I have been spending lots of time relaxing and daydreaming and planning our future. I suppose that's what all newlyweds do? You can usually find us behind our house with a little Whiskey or Zinfandel in hand, figuring out the next best step.

Other bits of summer:

1. Mac & Cheese

2. Long Evening Walks

3. Letting Herbie run himself silly in empty baseball fields

4. Furniture Hunting

5. Blueberry Cake

6. Thinking about painting (but not actually doing it)

We are really looking forward to spending this weekend in the sand and the sun with my family in North Myrtle Beach. Happy Thursday, everyone!

Seagulls

John's mom Carolyn was so very gracious to take us to Myrtle Beach this weekend. We had an amazing time with John's family, stocked up on Vitamin D, took a much-needed break, and hung out with some Seagulls! Thank you, Carolyn, for a wonderful, wonderful time.

maggie and milly and molly and may 

went down to the beach (to play one day)

and maggie discovered a shell that sang 

so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and

milly befriended a stranded star

whose rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing 

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and

may came home with a smooth round stone 

as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) 

it's always ourselves we find in the sea

                            - e.e. cummings

Beach Love

Beach Joy

Being on a beach makes me happier than I can explain. There's something about the combination of sun-induced endorphins and nature's majesty that is beyond words - inspiring, peaceful, breathtaking. Visiting one of the SC beaches where I grew up made me wonder why I ever thought I could move so far away from the ocean, something I'll be sure to keep in mind. It rejuvenated me, and despite Cleveland's best attempt at crushing my spirits with a welcome-home layer of ice and snow, I just can't wait for more. Bring on the Summer!

5 p.m. Friday

7 a.m. Saturday

7 a.m. Saturday

Sun and Sand!!!!

First of all, it was 50 degrees today. Fifty! My mood was automatically improved by 200%. 

And now I'm gearing up for a big weekend - a day with Ellen and then a weekend in Myrtle Beach with John's family! Somehow I've been at work for ten days straight, and eleven before that? -notthatI'mcounting -so I'm pumped at the thought of leaving town. 

via Fun Beaches

I grew up going to Myrtle Beach regularly, and going back is always an exercise in fun and nostalgia. John's mom is one of the sweetest people I know. Plus, he promised that there will be lots of fresh seafood...and taffy.

Cheers! Have a lovely weekend, everyone.

                                                    xoxo - Lauren