Antiques

I love love love antique stores.

Walking into the antique emporium downtown is like walking into a different world. I love walking through all of the different sections, looking at all of the different vendors treasures. I got the pleasure of going to the emporium this morning after breakfast with a friend that loves antiques just as much as I do, Andrea. We have our favorite vendors that we spend time at but we never skip any section, giving each item a glance, as if paying tribute to their previous owners.

I went in search of a kitchen table and chairs with matching hutch. I first saw them months ago and did not expect them to still be there, but much to my surprise there they sat, begging to come home with me. I have yet to make the investment, since I'm hoping that it may be a christmas present from my parents.

One thing I cannot handle at stores of this sort are dolls. Some vendors have dolls EVERYWHERE! They are naked, and old, some cupie, some not, and they freak me out. There was a doll head just sitting there staring at me, and I had to leave the area.

But I did find a gem from a favorite vendor of mine; Laura Bells. That lady has TALENT at antiquing. I would love to meet her, see her "craft area" where she creates all of her pieces. She is an artist in her own right! Trying to describe what I bought will be interesting, but lets see if I can. It is a mini chest of drawers. When I say mini, i mean mini, because it is on top of my dresser, and Im using it to put jewelry in. There are 10 drawers. 9 of the same size and one long one on the bottom. It is cream-ish or a light brown with little black knobs. I saw it right when I walked in and fell in love.

Cant wait for my next adventure!

Half Dome - All in a hard days work.

All summer I had been begging B to take me to Yosemite to hike half dome. Around 8 pm one evening when Sarah came for a surprise visit, we decided it would be a really great idea to wake up at 3 the next morning to be on the road by 4 to make it to Yosemite to hike 1/2 dome in a day. Note to self: next time, driving up and back after hiking for 12 hours is not a good idea. I believe it was the most exhausting experience I have ever had in my life to this point! None the less, we did it. I have wanted to cross this off of my list for years now, and it is complete! All so I can say, "If I can hike half dome, I can do anything!" Though I was so very miserable at the end of the day, I am so glad we did it. B was the BEST boyfriend and as I dragged along, he stayed with me to make sure my legs were still moving (though it was at a turtles pace). Here are some picture highlights from the day. They uploaded in the reverse order so please...start from the bottom.

I made it to the top!

Getting ready to go up the cables!

Me and my love.

All smiles at the beginning...

Let's do this!!

I recommend that everyone do this once in their life. The views along the way are so amazing. XOXO. Love

Blessings

I am so blessed.

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would be as happy as I am today, but I am so very thankful for some changes in the past few months that have gotten me to this place.

I am particularly happy at the moment because my best friend is home for a visit. Things are just better when she is around. Though I know she is right where she needs to be, I miss her all the time when she is gone. Maybe someday we wont live on opposite sides of the states anymore. Fingers Crossed.

Starting a blog. To ramble. To vent. To brag. To share. To thank. To encourage. To express. To explain. But most importantly, to remember how blessed my life is. I hate to forget; this will help me remember.

XOXO. LOVE.