I would be flat out lying if I said this year was not hard, or horrible, or very stressful.
I have noticed though, now that I am almost a month out, that that all sort of fades away. You know, how they say, you'll remember the good and forget the bad? (They do say that, right? That's a thing? It sounds like a thing, so let's go with it.) That is exactly what has happened.
Of all the...of all the bullhockey that was flying around this year, personally, academically, world-ly (again, we're going with it) it was hard to look past that at times, and just see the awesome. But here I am, looking at it, right now.
Talk about bringing about that positive outlook on the fall. Guys, this is killer.
I just have this reel of good memories, and moments, and times with friends, and music, and being outside, and loudly screaming the national anthem, and brunch, and lots, and lots, of sitting in the sun with nothing to do, playing over and over in my mind. And yes, that is almost entirely (though, not completely, I swear, I am not a hermit) the last three weeks of school this year.
That's okay though. It is. Because it was good. Not wholly, of course not. But it was good enough on its own. It was happy enough to be the biggest bright spot of my year.
It was so good to end so happy.
And really, when I think about this last semester, or, wait for it, missing school, I think about those last three amazing weeks.
You know what I think about that? I think that is great. Because I know, there is going to come a time in the next three months that thinking about going back to school is going to be painful. It is going to become very clear that so many of those amazing people will not be going back with me. Those memories will be memories only, not moments to relive throughout the year (except Alumni Weekend, as I am totally convinced that absolutely no one does Alumni Weekend like Colby-Sawyer.) And that, will suck.
I also know though that memories are great things, and being able to sit here now and look back so fondly on this year will, by all hopes, help me come the end of summer, when I will be doing my best to remember that the bad stuff fades away, and in the end, it really always has been so good.
Let's Talk About Books, Baby
Thursday, May 23, 2013
I do a lot of reading, on a very regular basis.
It is pretty hard not to while studying creative writing. It is also pretty hard not to when you just love to read.
Admittedly, I bring a book with me just about everywhere that I go. I tuck one into my bag, or let it have the passenger seat in my car. Just in case. Just in case I have a few moments.
Because, well, I read, a lot. More than that, I read a lot at one time.
I'm currently reading five books. Not all at one time, of course. But yes, five books.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Because, who isn't? But also because it is an amazing story, and because my brother is a good, good, brother, and procured me a copy from 1995 that I have been searching for for ages.
The Awakening, by Kate Chopin: Also, a reread, and also a treasured copy. This one though is from my favorite used book store, and it's the 1985 edition. Swooon!
Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, by Chris Matthews: I have read a lot of Kennedy lit, as most everyone knows. This book though, I cannot say enough good things about it. Matthews clearly did his work for this, and he really does (or his ghostwriter, either) paint a phenomenal picture of Jack.
Brothers, by David Talbot: A RFK/JFK non-fiction piece, the first that I have read. This book, while very interesting, and incredibly informative, is a hard read, and in part, this is why I've got more than one book going at once.
Mrs. Kennedy and Me, by Clint Hill: Openly written inconjunction with a ghost writer, this story, told by Mrs. Kennedy's head of Secret Service detail is rather different from all the other portrayals of her I've read. However, because it is told from his perspective, and a good deal is in his words, it is incredibly... basic, and one more reason while it is something I am reading in passing.
While I could say my to-read list is endless (as it is.) To be a bit more specific, I have seven books that I would like to finish before the summer's out. Now, that's only 13 books (yay, math!) but in fairness, I could list another thirty that I would read/get if I had the time/money.
And on the off chance you may want to know what's up next on my docket?
Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace
Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg
Between the Lines, by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
The Storyteller, by Jodi Picoult
Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen
A First-Rate Madness, by Nassir Ghaemi
...finally, and to be honest, I read the first chapter of this while in Costco...
Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, by Therese Anne Fowler
It is pretty hard not to while studying creative writing. It is also pretty hard not to when you just love to read.
Admittedly, I bring a book with me just about everywhere that I go. I tuck one into my bag, or let it have the passenger seat in my car. Just in case. Just in case I have a few moments.
Because, well, I read, a lot. More than that, I read a lot at one time.
I'm currently reading five books. Not all at one time, of course. But yes, five books.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Because, who isn't? But also because it is an amazing story, and because my brother is a good, good, brother, and procured me a copy from 1995 that I have been searching for for ages.
The Awakening, by Kate Chopin: Also, a reread, and also a treasured copy. This one though is from my favorite used book store, and it's the 1985 edition. Swooon!
Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, by Chris Matthews: I have read a lot of Kennedy lit, as most everyone knows. This book though, I cannot say enough good things about it. Matthews clearly did his work for this, and he really does (or his ghostwriter, either) paint a phenomenal picture of Jack.
Brothers, by David Talbot: A RFK/JFK non-fiction piece, the first that I have read. This book, while very interesting, and incredibly informative, is a hard read, and in part, this is why I've got more than one book going at once.
Mrs. Kennedy and Me, by Clint Hill: Openly written inconjunction with a ghost writer, this story, told by Mrs. Kennedy's head of Secret Service detail is rather different from all the other portrayals of her I've read. However, because it is told from his perspective, and a good deal is in his words, it is incredibly... basic, and one more reason while it is something I am reading in passing.
While I could say my to-read list is endless (as it is.) To be a bit more specific, I have seven books that I would like to finish before the summer's out. Now, that's only 13 books (yay, math!) but in fairness, I could list another thirty that I would read/get if I had the time/money.
And on the off chance you may want to know what's up next on my docket?
Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace
Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg
Between the Lines, by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
The Storyteller, by Jodi Picoult
Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen
A First-Rate Madness, by Nassir Ghaemi
...finally, and to be honest, I read the first chapter of this while in Costco...
Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, by Therese Anne Fowler
Go Gold Crazy
Monday, May 20, 2013
I have loved shiny things, for as long as I can remember.
No one? Good.
Shiny, sparkly, glittery - all of it, I love.
However, I have been a little gun shy when it comes to spray paint. So all those spectacular projects we've all been seeing on Pinterest? Yeah, I was thinking they were a no-go, because of the spray paint.
Today though, I bit the bullet. I wanted gold cake stands, vases, and do-dads at my party, and dammit, I was going to make them!
So I did. And it was awesome.
You guys, spray paint is awesome.
Oh yeah, and totally smitten with these party pieces.
So, I'm pretty confident in saying, I'll be going gold this summer, in a big spray-painty way.
Soiree Season
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
It is officially the month of party planning, as it is also birthday month!
My goodness, I don't think I'll ever get sick of writing out invitations, planning menus, picking the perfect decorations, and just gathering every every little detail for the perfect party.
Speaking of invitations, this year, I'm using Lilly Pulitzer 5x5s, and yes, they are as adorable as you would think.
As to be expected, I have planned much of this party with the help of the internet. Particularly, Pinterest. Which, admittedly, is a huge time-suck. However, if you are willing to do a little hunting, make sure you get some valid links, and really read a tutorial or two, I have found, there really are some great party-planning gems out there.
So, if you need me, I'll just be combing Pinterest, thrift shopping hopping for fun finds, finalizing my menu, and waiting on those RSVPs.
My goodness, I don't think I'll ever get sick of writing out invitations, planning menus, picking the perfect decorations, and just gathering every every little detail for the perfect party.
Speaking of invitations, this year, I'm using Lilly Pulitzer 5x5s, and yes, they are as adorable as you would think.
So, if you need me, I'll just be combing Pinterest, thrift shopping hopping for fun finds, finalizing my menu, and waiting on those RSVPs.
Friday Favorites
Friday, May 10, 2013
This week has been, without a doubt, the best week of my three years at Colby-Sawyer. I cannot say enough good things about the people and the experiences that I've have so loved this week.
It hasn't been all good all the time, but it has all been worth it, and the best part, it has all been so rewarding, and so promising.
So this week, my favorite is, well, this week.
The sun.
The people.
The good music.
The unforgettable memories.
All of it.
It hasn't been all good all the time, but it has all been worth it, and the best part, it has all been so rewarding, and so promising.
So this week, my favorite is, well, this week.
The sun.
The people.
The good music.
The unforgettable memories.
All of it.
Sunshine selfies, because I can.
The sun, the green, the warmth, three ingredients to a perfect day.
Standing My Ground
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A funny, sort of horrible, thing has happened to me in the last few weeks, and it does not really matter what it is, but more, what it has done for me.
I like to think, especially now, as I drive with full steam into adulthood, that I have a pretty good handle on who I am, and what I value. Occasionally of course, that comes into question. In these last two or so weeks, it has become very clear to me though, that while questions may arise, it only remains important that I stick to my guns.
After all, people can think whatever they want of me, and I haven't a single ounce of control over it. I am though, completely in control of what I think of me, and who and what I put value on in my own life.
And while this is all very metaphorical, philosophical, and borderline sappy-pappy, I truly believe that if you haven't a clue who you are, what you stand for, or equally importantly, what you won't stand for, you are going to get stomped on and dragged through every bit of mud.
It's not simple. Certainly not. But if nothing else, this...ordeal, so to speak, has taught me it is completely worth the struggle. It is completely worth those mental pulls and tugs, to get to a point where you are completely able to stand on your own two feet, and moreover, remain standing in a storm.
I like to think, especially now, as I drive with full steam into adulthood, that I have a pretty good handle on who I am, and what I value. Occasionally of course, that comes into question. In these last two or so weeks, it has become very clear to me though, that while questions may arise, it only remains important that I stick to my guns.
After all, people can think whatever they want of me, and I haven't a single ounce of control over it. I am though, completely in control of what I think of me, and who and what I put value on in my own life.
And while this is all very metaphorical, philosophical, and borderline sappy-pappy, I truly believe that if you haven't a clue who you are, what you stand for, or equally importantly, what you won't stand for, you are going to get stomped on and dragged through every bit of mud.
It's not simple. Certainly not. But if nothing else, this...ordeal, so to speak, has taught me it is completely worth the struggle. It is completely worth those mental pulls and tugs, to get to a point where you are completely able to stand on your own two feet, and moreover, remain standing in a storm.
May-Hem
Thursday, May 2, 2013
It is the month of May. So, it is the month of birthdays, graduations, new jobs, and summer.
I'm trying very hard to be wholly excited for all of those things.
Birthdays: that is easy. After all, I'll celebrate just about anything with a good party. Which is great, as I've got about a dozen birthdays to celebrate this month.
Graduation: well, of course I wish it was mine as well. But I could not possibly be more proud of my amazingly talented and capable friends that are graduating.
New jobs: I suppose I will not end up planning parties and events all summer, taking on the dream job a year or so early, but a girl can dream, can't she?
Summer: oh, summer. With sunshine, and tan-lines, good books, and great friends, I could not love a season more. Vermont is one of the most beautiful places in the summer, and whatever may come, or go, for that matter, I know summer in my home state is a summer worth being excited for.
I'm trying very hard to be wholly excited for all of those things.
Birthdays: that is easy. After all, I'll celebrate just about anything with a good party. Which is great, as I've got about a dozen birthdays to celebrate this month.
Graduation: well, of course I wish it was mine as well. But I could not possibly be more proud of my amazingly talented and capable friends that are graduating.
New jobs: I suppose I will not end up planning parties and events all summer, taking on the dream job a year or so early, but a girl can dream, can't she?
Summer: oh, summer. With sunshine, and tan-lines, good books, and great friends, I could not love a season more. Vermont is one of the most beautiful places in the summer, and whatever may come, or go, for that matter, I know summer in my home state is a summer worth being excited for.
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