I see sky.

There are few things that I love to obsess over more than the sky. Sunsets, in particular - but who doesn't love a beautiful sunset? I would be happy doing nothing for the rest of my life except kicking back in the passenger seat of a car, driving around, and watching the sun go down. God paints beautiful pictures.

In other news, I'm about to go give a huge presentation. I've got mutant dragonflys in my stomach. Wish me luck!

There's pie on the mountain.

Bud and I are constantly in search of a good pizza joint. Were not talking about your typical pizza chain (I'm pointing at you, Pizza Hut). Instead, were talking about the kind of place where you can taste the fresh ingredients and feel right at home because of the inviting atmosphere. This is why we made the 45 minute drive to Lansing, home of Pie on the Mountain. You'll note that I didn't order a pizza (I'm still kicking myself). I think that my body was subconsciously telling me that it needed something healthy. This only means that we'll have to come back.

The town seemed deserted. Once again, we could walk down the middle of the road without worrying about getting hit by a car. The restaurant, on the other hand, was filled with customers. I noted that every single family that walked through the door immediately said hello to another family sitting down. The whole time, I was thinking "I could raise a family in a town like this". A town with a main street. One where everybody knows everybody. Okay, I might have to find one a little closer to civilization, but I sure do love little mountain towns!

Highlights from the High Country.

1. Remember my previous post about sporadic thunderstorms? Make that sporadic snowstorms. Actually, they can hardly be classified as snowstorms (considering it is April), but we did get three days of flurries this week.
2. A bright salmon building, to offset gloomy grey skies.
3. Recently catching my eye everywhere I go - antique plates and teacups.
4. Mountain cottages in Lansing.
5. Dried Lavender at a quaint little boutique.
6. Doughnuts (with nonpareil sprinkles!) - Don't worry mom, I didn't consume all three.

Yellow.

I really don't get it - the days seem never ending, yet the weeks end up going by fast.

I am perfectly fine with long lasting days this week. I love being well rested and stress free - i.e. enjoying my walks to campus, taking notes/doodling, multiple naps during the day, baking mixed berry scones (x2), intense spring cleaning, and more antique store thrifting. I don't even mind the sporadic thunder storms we've been having.

At the same time, I am equally as fine with the week passing by. There are officially three and a half weeks left in my last semester of college!!...but who is counting? (me.)

It's definitely bittersweet, and honesly it hasn't hit me yet. Really, there is no need to rush. I'm sure that I'll be longing for the days when I could take a cat nap in between doing work, eat out for nearly every meal, and live with my best friends.

Ps, Forsythia is one of the best things about this time of year. You can't turn the corner without spotting atleast one of these bright yellow bushes - and then you can't help but smile.

Blowing Rock.

Driving into Blowing Rock makes for a perfect change of scenery. A town even smaller than Boone, with equally as much eclectic charm (if not more). A nice little get away from the typical hustle and bustle of the mid-week. Sometimes it's nice to be surrounded by people other than college students. Bud and I ate dinner at The Shroom, of course. I had a portobello mushroom hoagie, with artichoke hearts, spinach, sun dried tomatos, and feta.

To our surprise, the entire town was deserted by 7pm. No people, no cars, no anything. We walked down the middle of the main street through town. Not on the sidewalk, but in the middle of the road. Rebellious? Totally. Afterwards, we strolled along the lake as the sun went down. It was peaceful, serene, and quiet (aside from me talking way too much about living in a cute little mountain cottage one day).

Friends, food, fun (and rain).

The rainy, gloomy weekend weather that we had would typically be accompanied by a lazy, gloomy mood (even the cute pup was sleepy). Funny how rain can do that to you. Still, something about it was inviting and comfortable.

This is more than likely due to wonderful friends, craft nights, antique shopping, and red velvet cupcakes (along with a Pancake Dinner to support Prevent Child Abuse America). I'm officially jealous of Kristin's distressed blue nightstand that she scored for only $22! Lucky duck. I didn't walk away empty handed though - my vintage enamel baking tin is anxiously awaiting me to whip up something fudgey. I believe that my boyfriend is anxiously awaiting it as well.

Also, I finally watched Never Let Me Go. It was a dark and heartbreaking, yet compelling and beautiful story - the exact kind of movie that you should watch on a rainy weekend. I'm still thinking about it, instead of thinking about school work.

Blueberry Mint Lemonade.

Thanks to Ray's Weather Station, we judge our weather based on golf balls.  Everybody knows what you're talking about if you say "it's a one golf ball kind of day", meaning "only for ducks and polar bears".

Well, today was supposed to be a THREE golf ball kind of day, meaning "worth taking a chance" and let's be serious - we take full advantage of three golf balls, because it's not an everyday occurance here in Boone The North Pole. Well, Ray was right (until around 2pm).

You're probably thinking, umm.. "worth taking a chance" sounds like it's cloudy and dark outside. It was  actually quite lovely out this morning, and I wanted to take a walk. Unfortunately, the skies took a turn for the worse and I got caught in a freezing cold, torential downpour. We are now under a tornado watch. Our weather is bi-polar.

Doesn't matter. I bought myself fresh daisies and the ingredients to make Blueberry Mint Lemonade. Why? Because I am making Spring happen, regardless of whether or not it wants to.

Blueberry Mint Lemonade is possibly the most refreshing (and most beautiful) drink that I have ever tasted.

Weekend highlights.

Last semester, I was spoiled with an amazing schedule. I had it flip flopped - 2 days of class, and 5 days off from school. It was difficult to differentiate between the weekend, and a weekday (not complaining). This semester, with an overload of class time and school work - I'm lucky when the real thing rolls around. 

My wanderlust heart is yearning for another adventure, but a tight budget kept us close to Boone. Luckily, every mountain town has character. We escaped to West Jefferson on Saturday and spent the day exploring. We stumbled upon an art exhibit, and met the talented Lenore DePree - the artist behind these unique paintings, portraying the Blue Ridge Mountains. [She is from Saudi Arabia. And The Netherlands. And Hong Kong, I believe? She is now living in her 10th log cabin in Ashe County. I was fascinated by her stories, and quite envious of her travels. Apparently she has a wanderlust heart as well...]

The main street of W. Jefferson was lined with more antique malls than any other kind of store. We bought homemade chocolate covered marshmallows and walked around until our feet hurt, thankful for the sunny weather during the day, and a beautiful sunset that evening.