just a few of my favorite things: summertime edition

To me, summertime is just wonderful. The long days are filled with sunshine and the cooler nights are perfect for star gazing. Here are just a few of my summertime favorites.

What's not to love about relaxing
in a hammock?

homemade lemonade:
the perfect summer drink

sorbet - probably my favorite dessert

the weightlessness of water

What's more quintessentially
summer than watermelon?

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le tour de france - 100 years!

The Tour de France is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and this year's 21 day cycling event is unlikely to disappoint! It kicked off today in Corsica and will wrap up in Paris on July 21st. One of my favorite travel memories was watching and cheering the cyclists in the final stage of the 2001 Tour. 

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an outdoor space to enjoy

Whether it's a small dining area or a grander space with a pool there's nothing quite like a spot to enjoy the warmer months outdoors. Here are a few photos I came across that I think look so inviting. Wouldn't these be nice? 

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just a few of my favorite things

Aren't there just certain things that always bring a smile to your face? Here are a few of my favorite things...

scarfs, even in warmer weather

sparklers!

a comfy and cute sundress -
my summertime go-to

pretty pretty papers

just a few of my favorite things

Basking in the sun with a good book, adorable little chamomile flowers, and the food of Italy - these are just a few of my favorite things. What are some of your favorites?

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just a few of my favorite things...

Fragrant spices, soft and lofty yarn, flavorful heirloom tomatoes, and cool fresh mint are just a few of my favorite things. What are a few of your favorite things, things that always bring a smile to your face?

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just a few of my favorite things

An armful of flowers, freshly picked items from the garden, and heavily fragrant whole cinnamon sticks are just a few of my favorite things - they're always guaranteed to lighten my mood. What are a few of your favorite things?

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the conch by e.b. white

A childhood favorite, author E. B. White, penned classics like "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little". While reading recently, I stumbled across an E. B. White poem, The Conch, that is stunningly beautiful.

The Conch

Hold a baby to your ear

As you would a shell:

Sounds of centuries you hear

New centuries foretell.

Who can break a baby's code?

And which is the older --

The listener or his small load?

The held or the holder?

music for a monday morning: orpheo looks back by andrew bird

Here's Andrew Bird's "Orpheo Looks Back". I hope you enjoy this performance as much as I do.

just a few of my favorite things

what is it that you love?

From a great cup of tea, to the scent of lavender, to travel, to enjoying a great piece of art in person. These are the things I can count on to make me feel quite happy. How about you? What's on your list of favorite things?

golden hues:
sparkly light, dried lavender, a palm tree, tea

art!
here's an extreme close-up of one of Monet's
massive waterlily paintings -
the color combination is sublime

photography: butterflies,
setting my camera up for a shot sans tripod,
flowers, and Nino

travel and getting great candid shots of locals

What are the things that makes you feel perfectly happy?