Fall in Love.

*Photos from my past two years at Appalachian

I'm considerably jealous that Fall is much more "in season" two hours up the road in Boone, than it is in Charlotte.

I miss the way the sunlight bounces off the side of a mountain and lights up it's changing leaves to resemble a sea of fruity pebbles.

I miss apple season in the mountains - Pink Ladies, Jonagolds, and Cameos, oh my!

I miss my little college campus, nestled between rolling hills.

I miss the Tomato Shack down highway 105.

I miss the Linn Cove Viaduct.

I miss the fall inspired pastries at Stick Boy.

I miss the Boone Antique Mall.

I miss Woodlands bbq and corn nuggets.

I miss the distinct, smokey autumn air.

I miss baking parties with my roommates.

I miss the Happy Appys that sing on the street corner and walk around barefoot, no matter the weather.

And I will forever miss the blessing of being able to drive 15 minutes to the parkway, sit on top of the jeep, and witness the most breathtaking sunsets you'll ever see. Fall sunsets are my favorite.



I just might move back so I don't have to miss those things.
But then, I would just miss all of my blessings at home.
Having a home away from home is enough.

Amazing Maize Maze.

It's not fall unless you spend a Saturday afternoon lost inside a corn maze. I still remember the first time I experienced such a thing. I went to a birthday party and my team came in first place! I won a beanie baby.

Last year, Bud and I went to a fall festival on his side of town and attempted to brave their corn maze. Come to find, it was 3 feet tall and mostly dead. I.e. - easy to cheat because you could see (or jump?) right over the walls. Yesterday, we tried again at the Amazing Maize Maze. This time, it took us a full two hours to collect every puzzle piece and find our way out. After walking in circles for 100 miles, we were victorious! And proud.

Also, I broke out the boots and a scarf. Words cannot describe how excited I was.

Amelie's.

If I had to pick a favorite place in Charlotte, Dilworth would come in as a close second.

In first place, I would choose NoDa. If not for it's eclectic atmosphere and colorful outward appearance alone, then for the restaurant and store names. Most of them are a clever play on words (Salvador Deli, The Evening Muse, etc.) Oh, and did I mention that it is home to my happy place - Amelie's bakery. You walk through the door and are instantly transported to Paris. I really need a door like that in my house.

Caroline and I spent some time there yesterday. We decided that eating dessert first can always be deemed appropriate. It prevents over-eating at dinner! We ordered one pistachio macaron, one passion fruit torte, one caramel salted brownie (duh) and one cream puff - along with a hot vanilla nut tea (for myself) and a lavendar lemonade (for caroline). Yep, that would be a mouthful of deliciousness.

What was for dinner, you ask? Nutella and banana crepes. I was feeling particularly french last night (and gluttonous). BUT - I only ate half of my meal, so our plan worked.

A wedding on a boat.

 Weddings galore! This one included white zinfandel, twinkle lights, slow dancing, and sweet conversations on the boat deck between Bud and myself. Also, red velvet pecan cupcakes that tasted like Christmas at Mawmaw's.

I was referred to as "my favorite niece" on more than one occasion from more than one uncle, which of course made me smile. Caroline, I'm sure they love you too ;)

Love was in the air - lots of love for my entire family, boyfriend, and of course the happy newlyweds.

Elenowen.

Elenowen (from The Voice) - Honey Come Home

Some songs I have to warm up to before I fall in love. Not with this one. It was love at first listen.

Rain clouds and Carnies.

Saturday was spent at the Cabarrus County Fair. The 25 degree drop in temperature this weekend made funnel cakes and hot fudge all the more appealing. I saw hay bales and pumpkins around every corner. The food carts sold hot chocolate and apple cider, fried dough and snow cream. And let's be serious - you can't walk through (or walk by, if you're a fraidy cat like me) a haunted house when it feels like summer time. It's just not the same.

Some might say it was just a storm front coming through. I say it was Fall, nestling it's way into our hearts a little early. I sure can't complain. Although, ugg-clad fair goers were everywhere. It is not winter yet, folks. Uggs should be reserved for snowstorms, and trips to Walmart. (Okay, can't lie. I own more than one pair, and I'll inevitably wear them again but I think I've seen enough from living in Boone.)

Dearest Fall - when you finally arrive, please do stick around.  I will eagerly welcome you with open arms and a mug of hot tea. Your crunchy leaves and blissful breeze are my favorite. I love you.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Nothing too exciting going on in my little blogspot this morning, other than the fact that I don't go into work until 1pm! Except, that little breath of fresh air doesn't really count. I have to stay until 9pm tonight.

Anywho, here is a little list of my latest favorite things.

Naturally, "making lists" is numero uno. Making happy lists help me focus on the good things in life. Well, they help me focus in general.

1. Making lists.
2. Maple and brown sugar oatmeal.
3. The off chance that I get to sleep in late.
4. She & Him - New Girl premieres Sept. 20th! Basically anything with Zooey.
5. Doodling. Next purchase - moleskin notebooks for said doodling.
6. Iced Nutella Lattes.
7. Watching the Gamecocks beat GA.
8. Anticipating everything "Fall".
9. Mustard yellow.
10. Love Poems by Pablo Neruda (available at Anthro).
11. F.r.i.e.n.d.s. playing non-stop on my TV.
12. Poladroid. It's like an app for your computer!
13. Hammock lounging.
14. Being blessed enough to have obtained such an incredible internship. Hello networking opportunities!


*Sorry, no photos today - because I am a working woman and the only things within my focal point are massive piles of papers and a notebook of messy handwriting.

Lazy Five Ranch.

After my first week of grown up work, I was ready for some fun. Have you ever been to Lazy Five? Texas Longhorn cows stick their head through your car window and try to eat you (personal experience). Bud and I were rebels, as alwaysssss, and drove 3x the speed limit through the ranch. The speed limit was 5mph. I was too scared to let the animals eat from my hand. Okay, so maybe I'm not a rebel. I did love the giraffes though, of course. One of them was only 4 months old! And it was already two feet taller than me.

For your delightment - here is a picture of me at Lazy Five, circa 1994.

I'm a moose!             ...?