Tag Archives: Nature

Nourishment Lately – Sedona

Sedona was beyond nourishing. I have never visited a place that had quite the effect on my being, and a week after returning, I’m still reflecting on what that effect was/is. One thing I’ve mustered: I need to work on recreating the feeling that I had there, here. The calmness, the energy, the centeredness.

I know that it’s easy to feel calmer and happier on vacation, away from any stressors at home, but this was different. I knew that I’d love being somewhere new, I knew I’d love the hiking and biking and sunshine and exploration. But I didn’t know I’d leave Sedona and come home feeling the way that I do about it. I didn’t know that I’d feel such a draw to go back, as soon as possible. I didn’t know that the very night I got back from the trip, I’d be sitting on my couch searching Airbnb for Sedona rentals. I didn’t know that I’d refer to Sedona as my favorite place.

I think it was the air, the sunshine, the lifestyle, the energy. Sedona is my soul-place.

Although Greg and I hiked (and biked) every day while there, I only took my camera out one time. Here is what we saw:

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Lexington

Just a little
light,
that’s all I need,
just
a little sunlight
from you
and I promise
I
will grow.

-Tyler Knott Gregson, via Pinterest

2015. Two posts in two months. And neither a food post. I have four drafts just sitting, waiting for attention, but they just aren’t right. They are not what I want say or show or put out into the world. I keep reminding myself that 2014 was a slow start, too. The inspiration will flow. The sun will shine. Just wait for it.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you a few photos from our recent trip to Kentucky to visit great friends, Amanda and Abe. I’ve been wanting to do this trip for a long time, and the stars finally aligned for Greg and I to make the drive down, for what was my inaugural trip to the Bluegrass state.

We did many amazing things – toured an impressive distillery, stopped by a notable horse racing track, visited a special winery (the very winery where Amanda and Abe got engaged over two years ago!), had many scrumptious eats and drinks, relaxed, talked, and generally just enjoyed spending time with friends. I don’t have much to share visually and I am kind of regretful of that. I have only a few photos from the hike we took + a couple from the winery. {Note to self – when debating whether or not to take your camera, take it}. Winter in the woods of Kentucky doesn’t look much different from winter in the woods of Pennsylvania – gray, brown and truthfully, aesthetically dull + flat. You must hunt for the color, for the beauty. It’s there though, and I did try to capture it on our hike. Also, thank you to Amanda + Abe for being such wonderful hosts – we can’t wait to visit again!

Here’s to inspiration + sunlight. In real life and in blog life. Not rushing, but hoping that they’re just around the bend.

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Early Spring Hike

Two Saturdays ago, it was sixty degrees out. I had to work into the afternoon, but when I was done, Greg and I had plans to hike. We planned to be in the woods exploring until the sun went down. And we did. It was just what the two of us needed. After a long and cold winter, being cooped up for too long, fresh and warm air is just what we needed. We enjoyed every second of that hike, and I know we’re both looking forward to when we can do it again. I took photos that day, of trees and water, of Greg and my shoes, of waterfalls, reflections and a meadow of fresh blooms. Here are some of my favorites from the day, in no particular order.

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Calm Life

“It’s okay to be happy with a calm life.”
{source}

I’ve been seeing this quote float around on Pinterest and I’m in love with it. It fits me right now, it resonates with me now. More and more I’m feeling that for me, the calmer, the quieter, the more low-key, the better. I’m choosing staying in over going out every time. And I’m happy with it.

Yesterday, Greg and I took a hike in the Wissahickon after I worked. He met me at the café, and we hiked for about an hour. I took my camera along, hoping to find some things to capture along the way. I fell in love with this tree. A beautiful tree in the middle of the woods that so many people decided to leave a mark on.

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And the sun. The sun couldn’t have been more stunning.

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 We went home from the hike, made dinner together and enjoyed a quiet evening in our quiet apartment. The perfect calm night. 

Happy Sunday!

Wintertime Birthday

If there is anyone I know who will love these photos, it is my dad. 

The two of us have many things in common. We enjoy many of the same foods, both enjoy a good beer or glass of wine, we both love warmer weather + sunshine. (the list could go on + on). Neither of us are in love with winter. We both enjoy spring, summer and fall, when going outside and enjoying the day is the best thing to do. But when it comes to winter, and one has to bundle up layer upon layer to make it even tolerable to be outside, it’s just not our jam. 

My dad’s birthday is just before the official start of winter. I’ve always wondered about the irony in this. I think the universe did this to give us something to celebrate, because surely we aren’t celebrating the weather outside. 

But the cool thing is, when it comes to anything with the outdoors, I know my dad appreciates the beauty, no matter what the season. I know that he loves the scenes of winter, even if he doesn’t love the cold. 

So, these photos are just for you, Daddy. I love you very, very much!

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See you soon!