today i just wanted to sing.

This makes me happy, you know? This weather is insanely awesome. I want to bake something fall-ish. I want to sing everything I say (kind of like a musical, but cooler). It is my birthday on Friday, and I can't wait to see my parents.

I hope you're having a beautiful week, friends! XO.

(Also, I have no idea where this photo came from. Sorry for that. And, aren't her shoes awesome? They are.)

home.

{Leaving this little man is going to be tough. Often called: Little Boat, Little Bones, Joe-jie, Lovebug, Anders, Anderson, Andrew, and, of course, Andy.}

Leaving home never gets easier for me. I love being here with my family and my dogs more than anything. Coziness oozes from the walls, and I could hang out with my parents for the rest of my life and be really happy about it. I love college — don't get me wrong — and I can't wait to go back up there, decorate my apartment with my roommates, go to all my new classes, and eat outdoor lunches with Jeffrey. When I leave here, though, I always have an empty feeling . Sure, it dulls as time goes on, and I get used to being at school once again, but it's always there.

Honestly, it makes me feel sad, but at the same time, it brings me a sense of peace. I mean, I'm really, really blessed to have the family that I have, and I know some people aren't so fortunate as I am. So, sometimes the empty feeling hurts, but I count it as a blessing more than anything — a reminder that I have something great anchoring my soul and supporting my dreams. And after that, the hole doesn't feel quite so hole-ish anymore. Plus, I'll be back here before I know it, and that makes me really happy.

summer lovin'.

Summer is almost over, and I've had a really good one. Vacation always goes much faster than you think it will. And I have yet to complete even half of my 'to-do' list. I'm mostly at peace with it, though. Summer created its own 'to-do' list, and it included making several batches of granola, watching Northern Exposure, skipping one stone successfully (my first ever, I might add), spending way too much time in Gap with my mom, eating dessert every night in Wisconsin, lazy days with my dogs, eating ice cream with my best friends, going antiquing with Jeffrey, and so much more goodness that I've forgotten. I love summers. They just make me feel so happy and relaxed. They remind me of honey — sweet, slow, and delicious.

I love all seasons, but there's just something about you, Summer. You really have my heart. It will be sad to see you go, but I'll tuck you away in my memory, and think of you fondly, always.

What little things ended up on your summer 'to-do' list?

xo, R.

spending the weekend with this little guy.

photograph(s) i like.

My favorite picture from our senior prom (2008) and maybe even my favorite picture of us, ever. That's Jeffrey's red '66 bus behind us and he got those shoes specifically for prom. They matched the orange flecks in the tie I found for him at Salvation Army. It's still his favorite tie. I found that dress at Nordstrom and it was a perfect fit, which never happens. I remember getting those shoes with my mom. We couldn't believe how perfect they were. I did my own hair and couldn't have been happier with it. Jeffrey and I didn't exchange corsages, but instead boxes of candy. And he had a vase of daisies waiting for me in the bus, along with a display of twinkle lights lining the ceiling. We met our friends at a little pizza place that isn't particularly fancy, but it was our place. We sat on the back patio and had the most wonderful time. I have really fond memories of that night — the moments that led up to it, the moments during it, and now, 2 years later, the moments I can still feel when I look at this picture. I think that's really what pictures are for — little catalysts that bring you back to a very specific moment in time. Photography is such a beautiful thing.