summer rambliness + picture things

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

This summer, thus far, has been spectacular. 

I actually managed to secure a job, and test into a college level math class.  It's weird, getting up and working eight hours a day/attending night classes twice a week has been exhausting, but it's taught me to value free time.  Also, coupons for free gas/food.  Also, anything free in general.

But in between all of that has been great.  Vacation happened, as well as my studio's summer showcase.  Movie premieres, coffee dates, and sleepovers have occurred.  And I've basically lived in cutoffs/sundresses when I'm not working. 

And on a side note, my family managed to order almost $40 worth of food at Taco Bell last Sunday.  I didn't even know that was humanly possible.  #ipromisewerenotobese #bigfamilyprobs #WHATDIDWEORDER

photographic proof. it really happened people. srsly. 

On a completely unrelated note, I finally edited all of the pictures I took during vacation.  It took me about three weeks, but hey; it's the journey, not the destination.  {Or something philosophical like that.} 

Note: I am not a photographer, nor do I think I am. I just like shooting things with my cannon. *ba dum tshh*

Anywho, if things get quiet around here this summer, it's because I'm out doing things. Like reading. And sleeping. And hopefully getting a tan. {Hey, a girl can always dream.} 

~ Abby

    

spring mill

On Sunday, my family went on a short road trip. Our first stop: Spring Mill State Park. It was gorgeous. The lighting, the old buildings... Everything. It also helped that there were butterflies everywhere; something that was unexpected, but definitely not unwelcome.

And is it weird that I fell in love with the windows there? Yes, the windows. They were so old and beautiful; they softened the bright sunlight perfectly, making it ideal for taking pictures.

After visiting the park, we stopped at a very high end historical hotel. It was huge, and gorgeous, and spectacular. The first words out of my mouth when we walked in were "Wow! So much fancy!" Needless to say, the hotel staff were not particularly appreciative of my eloquent comments, nor my clicking SLR, or scuffed up chucks for that matter. 

The day ended on a sweet note, with shrimp and awkward, young waiters.

Sometimes it's good to get away. :)

~ Abby



where did summer go?

Warning: This post contains grainy pictures, and incomplete thoughts. Reader discretion is advised.

:hanging out with dear, dear friends::state fair and all of it's craziness (second in the state baby!)::frappe break during photography judging with some amazing girls::Kevin the Lemon, the employee of the month at the junior leader's stand, and consequently, the real star of the 4-H fair::sno cone runs with friends::new hair, because sometimes you just need a change::shopping with little sisters::new soccer cleats::

Where has this summer gone? Seriously. I start school in nine days, and it's almost surreal. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely looking forward to the new school year, but I'm not quite ready to let go of this summer.

But on the other hand, I am SO excited for fall. For one thing, dance starts back up again. Oh my goodness, I have missed it so incredibly much. In fact, I'm so excited that I may spontaneously combust the moment I walk through the studio doors. But I digress.

And I guess summer isn't completely over yet; there are still sleepovers to be had, and King's Island passes to be used. Still, August is passing quickly, and it's taking the last few freedom - filled days with it.

How's your summer been?

~ Abby



of writing and obnoxiously colored pants {aka my summer so far}

This summer has been great this far. Earlier this week I went on a small shopping trip, and actually bought a bright red pair of pants. And a pair of cobalt blue ones. Yes, I have worn them out in public, but only to Walmart so far. {And let's face it, the people at Walmart aren't particularly known for their amazing fashion choices either, so I suppose I blended in.}But rest assured, the pants shall be worn proudly throughout this summer -- any weird looks I get will simply be a bonus. :P





One of my best friends got her license recently. So naturally I wrote her a cheesy congratulations-you-got-your-license-celebratory-poem, because that's what best friends do, right? Of course it is. The poem was about roses, ghosts, bacon, and a lot of other poetic stuff. It was a work of literary genius, if I do say so myself.

And speaking of writing, I actually finished my first short story this week. This past school year gave me a lot of opportunities to develop my writing style, and I've decided to continue writing creatively throughout this summer. I also have an ideas for a few other stories, one of which I may or may not attempt to turn into a novel. I suppose that remains to be seen.

I'm really enjoying this "beginning" of the summer. Being able to stay up until three or four in the morning,  {without having to worry about school the next day,} has been amazing. Spontaneous plans with friends are suddenly possible, instead of everyone having to pass because of homework. It's been quite lovely.

How's your beginning of summer going so far?

~ Abby



of summer

image courtesy of weheart it

I cannot wait for this summer.

I'm ready to exchange my well-worn jeans and chucks for shorts and flip flops. I long to be able to drive down the road with the windows rolled down and my sunglasses on, all the while singing along to my favorite songs. I'm duly prepared to spend my days reading, sipping lemonade, and soaking up the sunshine. {It will be such a difficult existence. ;)} 

And now, the end is in sight. I take my last two finals this week, {history and chemistry,} and then I shall be free. *Cue the hallelujah chorus*  :D

I have decided that this summer, I will enjoy every single moment; everything from those silly yet perfect moments with friends, to The-Week-of-No-Sleep. {a.k.a 4-H judging week.} At the beginning of this upcoming school year, I want to look back on this summer and be able to say that I made every moment count. I want to be able to say that I didn't let new experiences and opportunities pass me by, that I took a few chances and cherished every single God-given moment -- even the ones that might not exactly have been pleasant. I want to live life passionately.

So if things get a bit quiet around here at times, please understand it's because I am out enjoying this wonderful, beautiful life.

~ Abby