renewal

its weekends like this past weekend that truly renew the soul. my family is very blessed to have a mountain house up near Jefferson and Boone, NC right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. we don't get up there nearly as often as we would like but when we do...it is simply refreshing. the actual house is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, which is the real beauty of it.  my sweet grandfather originally built the house as a gift to all of his children and grandchildren. I think his intention for the house has been greatly exceeded. all of its visitors not only enjoy their time there but also return relaxed and renewed. the nature and breathtaking mountains surrounding the house serve as a reminder of the importance to slow down, unplug, and be quiet. being the wise, wise man my grandfather was, I think he knew we would need a place to get away from it all.

hoping each of you also have a "renewal spot" in which you are able to escape from our crazy world, and take a deep breath. a place in which "quiet time" is actually quiet time, a place where the pace is a little slower...and a place where you are constantly reminded of God's creation and beauty. here are some pics from our weekend...

'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' Psalm 51:10

have a happy week, friends!!

blast from the past

apparently, I've always been somewhat of a "blogger."... while cleaning out my closet back home in Columbia, I came across one (of several) old journals.

I literally had the BEST time flipping through it reading about my little life. oh, how life seemed so simple. my biggest problem was having a little too much homework that day.

I just had to share these 2 particular entries....

when reading the first entry I made a re-connection with my younger self. I was reminded of innocence and what a lovely thing it is. to be a young child, and not knowing as much about the Lord as I probably do today but knowing enough to know that "I felt safe" and close to God. what a beautiful thing.

children in general are such a wonderful reminder of simpleness/ innocence and part of the reason I love being around them so much.

I know my family and friends frequently make fun of me and call me a "pack-rat" for keeping all these things but it is just too much fun when looking back! I got so tickled reading the part in the second entry about "how rude of me! I forgot to introduce myself!" haha. funny how my little mind worked.

...and yes, I may have been a little dorky in my journal entries back in the day but it brought so many smiles and laughs while re-reading :)

hope y'all enjoyed my little flashback!

have a great weekend!

sweet summertime

happy, happy summer!! sharing some photos that capture one of my favorite seasons.








hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend and welcomed in summer in style!

things are really happening down here in Chucktown. I mean, it is the place to be. the fabulous Spoleto Festival began last week and has this city swarming with the most lovely Italian flair...from music to food to arts of all kinds. it is just the best. we are so blessed to be able to experience it and all the other wonderful activities here in the lowcountry.

part of the beauty of living right downtown is walking out your door and having so many fun things right at your fingertips! it makes ever going to work really tough. haha. we have loved walking to the saturday farmer's market in Marion Square, perusing through the fresh grown veggies, herbs, and flowers. or just strolling through the streets of beautiful old homes. everything is blooming and green and ever so beautiful. :)

AND if we ever get tired of the downtown life (doubt it) the beach is just a couple minutes away!


so stay cool, lounge by the pool :) .... and have a great week!!!

**all images either original or via Pintrest**