things i love, lately - april 2014.

I don't know if it's because of the 100 happy days challenge that I'm participating in or what, but this month I had a ton of pictures to narrow down for this thankfulness post.

It still may be longer than usual. It's been a good month and I have much to be grateful for.

 

For time spent with this playful pup.

 

And with this sweet man.

 For the opportunity to see one of my favey bands so up close.

And another great band, just not so up close.

 

For this sweet boy who is growing so fast and sitting up on his own!

For reminders of what an amazing Creator I belong to.

For chickens and goats and judgmental stares from children at a pop-up petting

zoo at the Dallas Arboretum. And for a boyf who gets a kick out of my enthusiasm.

 

-e.

things to do in dallas - arboretum.

A few weeks ago, I grabbed my friend Brittany and we headed to the Dallas Blooms exhibit at the Arboretum. It features all the best tulips, but we went during the first week, so most blooms were too shy to show their faces just yet.

We still got some great pictures, basked in the beautiful sun, enjoyed our Arnold Palmers, and held an impromptu photo shoot at the request (demand?) of a photographer who was nice enough to document our presence there.

During the off months (including the very hot summer months), the arboretum is only $5. You can bring food and wine for fun picnic or just lay in the grass on a nice day. It's a really great way to spend an afternoon. They also have a concert series every Thursday during the spring and summer months that features great cover bands and usually sells out pretty quickly. It's also an excellent way to enjoy a cool summer night.
Also, fun fact: parking is 50% off if you buy online. It's $10 if you pay when you get there.

Get out there, ya'll!
-e.

twenty-five.

25 is a strange age to turn.
I actually feel old which is silly, but true.
Like maybe now that I'm 25 I'm supposed to be doing something other than lying in bed for the first 2 hours of my morning. Or maybe I'm not supposed to get as excited about birthdays as I still do. Or maybe I was supposed to already have been something or someone.
Or maybe I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Happy. Sipping cold coffee, still in my bed even though I've been awake since 6:30. Content.

I had a fabby birthday and got to capture laughter on my new polaroid camera that my mom made fun of since trends always come back. Peter calls it the most hipster thing about me.

I've decided that this year will be the year of making a new name for my generation.
My generation is known for staring into iPhone screens, being narcissistic, and breaking commitments.
This will look like: talking to people while waiting in line; not being uncomfortable in public because no, no one is watching me because no, I'm not that impressive; holding true to my word because I've given it and, in turn, not over-committing myself.

I think by age 25 there should be something more important in your life than yourself.
Be it children, a calling, a spouse, a passion, a mission. I want to make sure that I do something. Whether that means becoming a fabulous home cook, getting great at photography, or finally starting up my vegetable garden (and eating from it!) -- I'll be doing. And that's what's important to me.

I am getting old, after all.
-e.