Country Air

I am definitely a girly-girl. I’m sure that no one who knows me would disagree!  I love lavender, lace, and dresses.  Yet, growing up surrounded by boys allowed me to develop a rougher, adventurous side.  As a result, as I child, I collected the exoskeletons of the cicada bugs that shed them in my backyard.  Some of my fondest memories involve climbing to the tip-top of trees and digging in mud.  Of course, I did all these things in pink, lacy skirts.  Even when I was young, I loved that about myself – that I loved camping and tea parties, baseball and ballet, cowboys and princesses.  I felt a free to explore be myself, whether that be running through the muddy irrigation or learning to embroider cushions.  Any girl who has great brothers knows what I’m talking about. 

To help you imagine (or reminisce), here's some photos from way back when.

From Left to Right: my brother Rob, Me, my brother Ryan, and my mom. (And yes, I am rocking those glasses!)

Me, my cousin Esther, and my brother Ryan

Family Reunion!  I'm in the red skirt in front.

Knowing this little bit about me, you’ll understand how much I love the outdoors! Though I also love the hustle and bustle of city life, I need a little green and escape every now and then.  Fortunately, I have a good friend here who agrees!  Just a few weeks ago my friend, Ali, and I hopped on a train and headed down to Hastings on the southern coast of England.  Though the sky was grey, it wasn’t raining or bitterly cold, so we were thrilled!  We followed a 6 mile hike along the cliff tops, but because we got lost a few times, I think it may have ended up being more like 7-8 miles.  The air was fresh and our spirits were renewed! 

Getting out of our usual routines really puts some perspective in our lives.  With only three and a half months left in England, I intend to both work hard but live hard too!  This adventure loving, girly-girl is certainly enjoying the journey.