oh hey, July

It's July 2nd, and I'm convinced that this summer is flying by, more so than any other year. Anyone else feel this way?

Home again, home again. I think the worst part about coming home from a vacation is the whole unpacking part. No, I don't want to wash out the salty smell of my beach cover-ups nor do I want to shake the sand out of my shoes. My duffel bag might just sit on my floor for a couple days before I see it fitting to pull all my stuff out.

So as I reminisce, here's my list of the wonderful things I'll miss about my past week in the Outer Banks...

The fresh seafood. The miles and miles of docks around our condo. Feeding the ducks. The smell of coconut tanning oil. The long walks on the beach. The boat rides. The feeling of sunshine on my skin. Reading novels in a day. Climbing Jockey's Ridge. Fishing with my family. Singing knee deep in the water somewhere when I'm actually knee deep in the water somewhere. Wine on the deck. Reading the sixth edition of matchbook on that cozy light blue couch, coffee in hand. Getting out of the shower feeling rejuvinated after hours on the beach. Watching dolphins swim by the shore. Drooling over the yachts in our backyard.

Oh, to be back on vacation. It was sad leaving, especially on this holiday weekend when everyone is packing up and going to the coast for time in the sand and sun, and to watch the fireworks over the ocean. For me, it's going to be a week of road tripping to Charlotte to see my Carolina girls, essay writing, working closing shifts at Loft, and planning another fun-filled weekend. I'm crossing my fingers that this week doesn't pass by as fast as the last.

My favorite photo during our stay is this one of my Dad and I relaxing at the marina's precious little tiki hut. I'm already missing that place...

"I still find each day to short

for all the thoughts I want to think,

all the walks I want to take,

all the books I want to read,

and all the friends I want to see."

John Burroughs.

Fitzgerald

"And so with the sunshine and the great burst of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow fast in movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

Oh, Gatsby.

Pinterest

This website is amazing. I probably spent 3 hours last night (in my own cozy bed at home I might add) looking through all of the photos. Thank you RLT.

It's still in the works, but here's the link to my page. http://pinterest.com/julieemayo/

Anddd I found this quote after many hours of blog browsing that I would like to share with you: "The world's favorite season is in the spring. Everything seems possible in May." Edwin Way Teale.

your weekend

"Patient waiting is an important discipline for anyone who wants to learn to trust...waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts. Waiting silently is the hardest thing of all."

Beautiful words of Elisabeth Elliot's Passion & Purity.

to my sweet ladies

Can't believe this is my last full week of being a college freshman. Where has the time gone? I have a feeling this week's going to be an emotional one. Not only will I be preparing for finals, I'll be thinking of leaving my dear friends for an entire summer. These girls have made my year, and I can't thank them enough. They have made that awkward transitory stage into college so much better than I could have imagined. They have inspired me to walk with the Lord, and they have brightened so many of my days. They have known the exact right words to say when I had the case of the Mondays or when I was just plain my stressed-out self. It's not going to be easy leaving them for three months, they mean so much to me.

But I just want to say how thankful I am for the time I've had to develop new friendships this year, as well as strengthen old ones. Being apart from good friends can often hurt those relationships, but I don't think that's been the case. It's made me appreciate those girls who take the time to write or just leave a voicemail on my phone to ask me how I've been. I'm looking forward to the summer, to catching up with them and hearing about their year. We've gone our separate ways, yes, but that hasn't affected what we have in the slightest.

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person."Audrey.

your weekend

But hold on to what you believe, in the light, when the darkness has robbed you of all your sight.

-Mumford and Sons

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest up to God.

A fitting thought for Valentines Day.

Happy Monday

Laughter

"Laughter which cannot be suppressed is catching. Sooner or later it washes away our defences, and undermines our dignity, and we join in it -- ashamed of our weakness, and embittered against the cause of its exposure, but no matter, we have to join in, there is no help for it." Mark Twain.

All Dave All Day,

or at least for the afternoon.

"Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters." Dave Matthews.

You know that feeling when you're completely drained? Mentally, physically, emotionally? That's been my week. Or really the past month for that matter. It's hardly been two full weeks of classes and I already feel this way, already looking forward to next year. I'm ready to move north campus, ready to be closer to ADPi, ready to meet a whole new group of people. But this glut I've been seeming to be in for this past month or so hasn't been all negative. I'm so thankful for the people that have helped lift my spirits, specifically two girls that I can spill my heart to, no judgment included. I'm thankful for the afternoons we spend listening to music, unwinding from a long day of classes. I'm thankful for God's unending love in times of stress, I'm thankful for His presence and the Holy Spirit's still small voice.

"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."

How wonderful it feels to be both back home again and on the brink of a new year.

Quick weekend recap: Traveled to Maryland early this week and spent two much-needed nights with my grandfather; I would drive up there again myself if I could just to relive the joy on his face when we were there. After Maryland, we headed down the coast to our nation's capital to watch the Military Bowl, but unfortunately, the Pirates faced a devastating defeat. But it was still a lot of fun, especially at the tailgating party beforehand! We decided to spend the night in the city and ended upstrolling around DC afterwards, looking at all the city lights and buildings thatremained decorated for Christmas. (Gosh, I just love the buzz and the people and the window displays in cities like Washington. I am such a city girl!) We woke up this morning for a brisk walk and grabbed breakfast before heading back to North Carolina. And let me just say, the day ended perfectly (that is besides the bumper-to-bumper traffic for three hours). A double-overtime bowl game with an insane finish, and my Heels pulled out a 30-27 win! Born a Pirate, bred a Tar Heel.

Anywho, I already posted about some of my memories from this year. I'm so ready for a fresh start, for the new year feels like it turns over a new leaf for me. I know it's just the next day on the calendar, but there's something enlivening and unexpected about what's to come when the ball drops. First night here I come!

Note To Self

"The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter."

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

Words of Wisdom

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

-Dr. Seuss

Days Go By

I have three days left of work. I should be jumping for joy, correct? But I honestly can't believe it! It feels like just yesterday I was heading out to the waterfront for my first day, wondering how the summer was going to go. And poof! The summer's pretty much over. These next couple weeks, I know, are going to FLY by. I have so much left to do, especially packing-wise, and I still have some last minute schedule adjustments. My family and I are heading to the beach sometime next week for a last "hoo-rah" before I leave. But I feel like it's going to be a little more sad than celebratory. For starters, I am such a Momma's girl. This weekend we're planning to hit all our favorite spots, have a "girls weekend" so-to-speak (since last weekend was father/daughter weekend). For us, this means going to our favorite restaurants (Wildflower and Zest), perhaps a movie night, some shopping, and our new obsession, yoga. I don't think I can express how much I'm going to miss her once I leave.

Alright I admit I've been a little bit of a Debbie Downer lately. But as you know, I love lists. Here's one I found in an old quote book of mine that cheered me up this morning.

Natural highs.

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Vanilla milkshake (chocolate or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with friends.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy or kitten.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies. (And eating the chocolate chips while doing it.)
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Timeless Beauty

Confession: I am captivated by old Hollywood glamour. There's something unique and iconic about their sense of fashion and altogether perfection.

A collection of Hollywood starlets.

Natalie Wood. Some people say I look like her? Perhaps.

The Kennedys.

Jackie O.

Audrey Hepburn.

Quote of the day:

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds. You mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat, and maybe it's been raining too long. You're just sad, that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid, and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Thursday side notes:

I'm searching for a large Longchamp Le Pliage bag to take to college with me. Any ideas on where I can find one for cheap?

I just found out Pinkberry is opening in Charlotte! Hooray!

And two more lovely giveaways! I desperately want (need) this tray.

College Prep is hosting this Nico and Lala giveaway.

Living in Lilly is hosting this Lilly necklace giveaway.

"Namaste"

First of all, that tripod/headstand thing in yoga absolutely kicked my you know what tonight. Sure, put me up against a mirror and I can do a back bend fine. Ask me to stand on my head, now that's a different story for a girl with hardly any upper body strength. BUT, I stuck to my intention of trying out this new activity, telling myself to Keep Calm And Carry On (i.e. those cute motivational posters) as I gritted my teeth, squeezed every single muscle in my body, and tried to refrain from screaming out curses. And you know what? I'm starting to get the hang of this thing. I plan on going to a hot yoga class sometime soon with my brother, which I'm partly excited about, partly nervous about. But I'm determined to keep this up through college and hopefully my adult life, especially with my posture issue; however I just don't enjoy failing at anything. I admit, I get a little upset when I struggle and squirm in a pose and everyone else performs it with ease. Gosh I know what you're thinking, what a stuck-up little perfectionist! (Which I'll be the first to admit, I am). Anyway, as a result, I have a new goal. A goal to Keep Calm And Carry On. I'm sure I'll let you know how it goes :)

Alright, and now to the second part of my post. My yoga instructor tonight told us about a recent New York Times article, titled The Yoga Mogul, about her instructor, John Friend.

"His classes are less about toned abs than about self-expression and enjoyment. ('Adjustments don’t make the poses “right,” for instance, they make them “more beautiful.')"

So here's a link to the full article. Personally, I enjoyed reading it and thought it was pretty insightful, especially since I'm a yoga newbie and all.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25Yoga-t.html

Enjoy and namaste.

Wrap-up of the Thirty Day Challenge

Keepin' it short and sweet.

Day Twenty Six: A childhood memory

Random I know, but in the two main physical activities I did as a child, ballet and swimming, I somehow found a way to despise the attire. I HATED tights. I vividly remember myself wearing little ruffled socks, being the only girl in the studio with bare, unnormally tan legs as I pli-ed and tendu-ed. (Forgive me, I never took French.) Furthermore, swimming brought a whole nother ball game. Those super tight Speedos that cut into my shoulders and made it almost impossible to pee made me hate the sport. So there. The crazy thing is though, I spent my teenage years glued to ballet tights and now I'm a lifeguard. Funny the way it is.

Day Twenty Seven: A physical feature you love

My big smile. I'm known for it. Although I have large teeth and I can't grin with my mouth close, I love it.

Day Twenty Eight: A scar you have, and its story

Uh. Guessing this means physical scar. (I won't get into the emotional scars of stupid, arrogant ex-boyfriends who have nothing better to do than to terrorize my final two years of high school. Sorry. Just had to say it.) So...okay. I jumped off the side of the pool when I was four and had to get stiches under my chin. Great story, I know.

Day Twenty Nine: Hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days.

Live a life of worth, and of legacy. Grow as an individual. Find ways to better others, as well as myself. Step up to challenge. Stay positive. Remain close to those I care about. Meet new people. Experience life.

Day Thirty: A motto or philosophy

Oh gosh. I'm not this deep philosophical person, so I'll leave you with my favorite Dave lyrics and some wonderful images, copyright the notebook doodles.

"To change the world, start with one step. However small, the first step is hardest of all."

-DMB

Red, White, & Blue Confessions

Confession #1: I have the absolute worst sweet tooth. These look so yummy!

Confession #2: I wish I had a special someone to watch the fireworks with...they're so romantic!

Confession #3: Too bad I didn't pack my red D&B rope purse. I NEVER wear the color red, but I might have made an exception to be patriotic today!

I'm going to reblog Summer Wind's quote for the day...

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." -Erma Bombeck

On My Second Cup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zikgyJ8U3HM

It's Thursday already?

Is it just me or is this summer flying by? I thought the days were supposed to feel longer. Nope, not really. Anywho, here's a video to a piece that took my breath away last night on SYTYCD. Absolutely stunning. I have to say, ballet dancers bring something to the stage that others cannot. Marvelous. (I might be a bit biased, but I promise it's true.)

My update of the Thirty Day Challenge: Days Six-Seven

Day Six: A moment you wish you could relive

There's no doubt in my mind that I would pick the closing night of Beauty & the Beast. An enormous amount of emotions were wrapped up in that show, it was unlike any experience I've ever had onstage. I was a dancing napkin, enchantress, townsperson, hah and hag. Sounds magical, right? But honestly, it truly was. The seniors in that show inspired me not only to perform and develop as a character, but they also were incredible role models. I will never forget the chills and memories of that night.

[Mid-morning break of gym, laundry, and smoothie making. Mmm half a banana, strawberries, orange juice, raspberry sherbert, and crushed ice. Bon appetit!]

Day Seven: Five things you could not possibly live without

1. Laughter. (not necessarily a thing, but totally necessary for my sanity.)
2. My calendar/planner. I write everything down, from to-do lists to appointments, so it literally becomes a life-saver. Ask anyone.
3. Caffeine. Bad habit to be attached to, I know, but it's a no-brainer that I need my coffee in the morning to survive (see title).
4. The people I love. And photographs of them.
5. Scripture. Life is meaningless without it.

:)

"GROWING UP SOUTHERN IS A PRIVILEGE, REALLY. IT'S MORE THAN WHERE YOU WERE BORN-IT'S AN IDEA, A STATE OF MIND THAT SEEMS IMPARTED AT BIRTH. IT'S MORE THAN LOVING FRIED CHICKEN, HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, AND COUNTRY MUSIC. IT'S BEING HOSPITABLE, BEING DEVOTED TO PORCHES AND SWEET TEA, AND EACH OTHER. WE DON'T BECOME SOUTHERN-WE'RE BORN THAT WAY."

Thirty Day Challenge: Days One-Five

Day One: A favorite song

This is difficult. My music taste is all over the place, and there have been so many songs I've come to cherish over the years. But if I had to choose just one it would probably be Let It Be by the Beatles. A classic, yes, but I think the meaning is profound. The lyrics move me every time I listen to it. I can remember that Beatles 1 cd we used to play on long car trips, and I just fell in love with this particular song. Only over the past couple years or so have I listened through the rest of their music, but this song remains the closest to my heart.

listen

Day Two: A favorite movie

Hmmm...too many to choose from once again. So I'll give you a few (wait, maybe more than a few) that I can think of off the top of my head.

Childhood: The Little Mermaid and The Parent Trap.

Romance: Sleepless in Seattle--thank you Mom! And The Notebook. And The Holiday.

Drama: Forrest Gump.

Action: Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy) and The Patriot. Yep, thats's right.

Day Three: A favorite book

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. A powerful story of heartache, forgiveness, love, and God's grace. It's incredible. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is another favorite, the underlying symbols and themes are to die for.

Day Four: A favorite television program

Gossip Girl. As of now. Don't watch much TV, but I can't get enough of the style on that show.

Day Five: A favorite quote

"Keep your face toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."

-Walt Whitman

My senior yearbook quote. A sweet reminder for me to keep pressing forward, staying positive, allowing my past to, well stay, the past.