happy monday// country thoughts

This past month I've had the delightful, wonderful privilege of spending time with friends in the country.

Country as in: wide spaces, uninterrupted skyline, yummy food cooked on an open flame, cows and longhorns, shooting at tree stumps, "sunburns" that turn into tans, and horseback riding. 

(did I mention I totally love this aspect? Well, it's a true story.)

I have so appreciated it all and have carefully tucked the memories away, 

thinking about them as I'm navigating the crazy traffic. :) 

So, when I came across this pin on pinterest, I thought it timely to post and share with you.

For those of us who live in suburbia, with our close quarters and domesticated animals, we can easily forget about the beauty of nature untouched, sans sidewalks and paved trails. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the hustle, bustle of people and making my way around a crowded place (this takes skills, acquired by time and experience), I also love the break that a long day in the country brings. In my experience, it has truly been a reminder of the natural beauty in God's creation, very inspiring.

So, should you ever get a chance to spend the day in pastures and work boots, take it; 

you probably will not regret it. :)

In other news, I've just come across this song recently and find it quite nice. Besides have an awesome title, it has an easy and relaxed sound, perfect for the daily background.

{via}

hello september// grateful

Isn't it grand to be getting into the Fall months? As a knitter and cold weather lover, this is my favorite time my year (if only it would get chilly enough to break out the cardigans and cowls!!).
You already know this, but my wedding planning schedule has filled nicely! This month marks the beginning of my wedding related activities and travels, and I am so excited about what they all will bring. I'm so grateful to be looking at a month filled with wedding details, good conversations that go late into the night, boating in the sound, swimming and walks on the beach, waking to the sound of the water, breathing in the salty air---okay, I'll stop with the ocean themed sentence now, but you get the idea. :)

What does September bring for you?

As I think through August and all that has happened since last months post, I'm so grateful for

..... sweet times of fellowship
..... the unknowns and questions in life that keep me on my knees in prayer
..... sisters, who are also my very best friends
..... horseback riding! It has officially been added to my list of relaxing things to do (along with vacuuming,                rearranging furniture, putting fresh sheets on a bed, and going for long walks, just saying)
..... gaining a new friend
..... sweet friends who get engaged and ask me to help with their weddings
..... my girlfriend, who is almost like a sister, and the friendship we share
..... tall friend who lovingly places me into her heart and pocket, taking me to visit exciting, new places
..... new babies
..... wise counsel from dear friends who are practically family
..... the Neal's (totally miss them!)

life// update and weddings

Aren't weddings beautiful? I just love every aspect about them, at least the aspects I've experienced so far!
As I've mentioned before, there are a few weddings I'm working on this Fall, allow me to use them as the reason for my blogging absence. Truly, they and just life in general has kept me quite busy lately.
In just a few short weeks, I'll be flying off to a beautiful home, right on the Bogue Sound for the wedding of my very much in love friends, Bruce and Maria. There are so many things I'm looking forward to, not the least of which waking up to the sound of the water every morning (I'm smiling and relaxed just thinking about it!). BUT before I go, there are the delightful details that need to be decided for the October wedding my dear friends (who are also very much in love), Nathan and Emily. Their wedding is a little more than a week after I get back from North Carolina, then there's a November wedding but that's not for a while yet. ; ) Funny enough, I love life being full like this and am very blessed.
Just today I realized (with the help of a friend) that I'm a project driven person, go figure! Things like time management come very easily when I have a timeline/deadline; plans suddenly become organized and lists practically make themselves! Not to say that I shouldn't work on managing my time when I don't have a deadline, rather that it was enlightening for me to recognize this trait. I really do work well when under a time pressure! Any tips from my fellow Project Driven readers? I'd love to know your thoughts. : )

So, I know what you're wondering, just where did I get that quietly beautiful photo of a newly married couple? It's from this Kenny & Ervina// Vintage Backyard Wedding, photographed by the talented Tori Watson! Because of my high interest in weddings and planning them, I've made a habit of looking through different wedding photographers blogs and the weddings they photograph, pinterest is handy too. It's a great way for me to see a wide variety of weddings (everything from high and classy to diy vintage!) and gather ideas, all without leaving my cozy nook at home! Needless to say, I've seen quite a lot of weddings, but have only come across a few that capture my personal taste when it comes to my own someday, Lord willing wedding. {Now} I feel a need to interject here that I honestly don't have anything set in stone for my future, someday wedding; there really are no definite plans in place or things I *have* to have. However, I still have a personal taste when it comes to being wed. : ) This wedding is one of those that I really love. For so many different reasons, I can just see myself and Mr. Someday, Lord willing doing; the vintage and handmade touches as well as the light, clean feel, all the while staying personal and cheerful. I could go on but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.