Right Here, Right Now

via here

Taking a moment to enjoy . . . this moment. Currently listening to some Nils Frahm while watching the last August thunderstorm roll in. Brett's working on some dinner, the house is clean, crap stuff has been put away.

We're on the cusp of a new month! A new season! 

Feeling especially grateful right here, right now. 

Happy Birthday to the National Park System!

Especially to my beloved Great Teton National Park.

Google created this incredible, interactive site that allows you to virtually walk through all the parks. Get ready to waste spend some time falling down this rabbit hole. You won't be disappointed!

What's Comin'

And I couldn't be more excited!

New Music Fridays

Bon Iver returns! His sound can be very polarizing, but I'm enjoying these two tracks he released earlier last week.

Wellness @ Waverly

I've been meaning to write a recap of last weekend's wellness retreat. Indeed, I was left feeling refreshed, hopeful, and inspired. The schedule included a tour of the land, mindfulness lessons, farm to table meals, and yoga. We had a wonderful crew of like minded women who were kind and actually interested in learning about one another.

My friend and her cousin (who ran the show) could not have been better hosts. In fact, it all went so well that they've already lined up the next retreat weekend which will be on October 15th-16th. Feel free to leave a message here or contact Lucie directly - luciehouse(at)gmail(dot)com - to sign up. You will be glad you did!

I'll leave you with this Rumi quote that we read. I have it up on my fridge as a reminder to let go and soften.

Very little grows on jagged rock.
Be ground. Be crumbled,
so wildflowers will come up
where you are.

You have been stony for too many years.
Try something different. Surrender.

New Music Fridays

It's been 5 long years since we've heard from this sweet Irish lass. We saw Lisa Hannigan years ago in Portland and it remains to be one of our favorite shows. Glad she's back with this moody, quiet album.

Wellness Retreat PSA

Exciting weekend ahead! I'm teaching the yoga portion of this retreat. There are a few spots open for anyone interested.

Testimonial

A must see in Charlottesville! 

Back when the earth was new
and heaven just a whisper,
back when the names of things
hadn't had time to stick;

back when the smallest breezes
melted summer into autumn,
when all the poplars quivered
sweetly in rank and file . . .

the world called, and I answered.
Each glance ignited to a gaze.
I caught my breath and called that life,
swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet.

I was pirouette and flourish,
I was filigree and flame.
How could I count my blessings
when I didn't know their names?

Back when everything was still to come,
luck leaked out everywhere.
I gave my promise to the world,
and the world followed me here.

-Rita Dove 

Bookmarked

Blue Ridge Swim Club (finally got to check it out!)

+ I have the fondest of memories devouring his books as a child

+ A checklist for everyday

+ Full on obsessed with this new tune

+ Need to give these a try - nom!

+ Olympics and cupping

+ Another Amanda Brooks home tour (they never get old)

+ Can't wait to watch this documentary as soon as I finish the book!

Enchanted Forests, Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean

We're back from a great trip out west and have the pictures to prove it! While Portland is an amazing city, we always preferred exploring the mountains, the forests, and the ocean.

Our vacation was filled with early morning pour overs, outdoor adventures, and visiting with the greatest of friends (and their kiddos and pets). We ended the week with a family wedding which was located at a beautiful venue tucked away in the woods of Washington. Congratulations Alicia and Andy! 

I came home both exhausted and refreshed. 

Happy August! Cue the nesting.