So close

Summer is just about here, yay! I have two more workdays left before I am a free little bird to enjoy some much needed time off. I've had "summeritis" for a few weeks now, so I'm well prepared. My plan is to enjoy some time for me, the pool, and a free schedule before preparing for my transition to CSD in August. Here's some snapshots of my summer so far. 

Multi-tasking by the pool; getting ahead with reading while soaking up the rays! I'll take this any day. (Companions wanted for company and to remind me to flip. :) )

I love a fresh salad and warm bread and olive oil. These tomatoes were from the store, but I'm looking forward to just grabbing one off the vine in our backyard. Soon!

This summer is bittersweet. It's hard to leave the students I've grown to love. One of my former students made this sign for me. She came in and spent a whole day with me as I packed up and prepared for the big move. I just love that little blessing, and will miss some remarkable young people at Hopewell. 

warmed hearts

My heart was warmed this weekend with a visit from a faraway friend. My sweet friend Gini came into Charlotte for the weekend and we were able to reunite with other mutual friends over Sunday's lunch.

I first met Gini at a church small group event about four years ago. At the time Gini had just moved to Charlotte from Virginia (where she currently resides, again). Initially quiet, when we got her out of her shell I couldn't get over how refreshingly genuine and down to earth she is. This girl and I have shared many uniquely unforgettable moments. One in particular involves dirt roads and a certain one-car ferry across a "river" in the backcountry of North Carolina. We were in search of a beach wedding and somehow got...lost? It was like a strange, southern version of forging the river from one of the original video games, Oregon Trail. Perhaps the most special memory was having the opportunity to spend time with Gini in Los Angeles (she moves a lot) while on a cross-country trip with Chad and two dear friends.

I love Gini and am happy to have spent time in her presence Sunday. Here are some photos from our lunch together with friends.

Bethany (a cross-country companion) and Gini 

Chad and Jacob (another cross-country companion)

Gini and me!

Chad and Bethany

We found ourselves amused by their incredibly well (unplanned) matching ensembles.

a few of my favorite things

I love stumbling upon great people, places, and things; who doesn't? Well, I thought I'd share one such place. 

Dilworth Coffee. It's a local coffee shop not far from my house. The shop is quaint with an aura of warm welcome. The work of local artists dot the walls, rotating seasonally. There was one beautiful painting of two French ladies, dolled up in fur and hats, enjoying coffee outside of a Parisian cafe that held my attention for much of the winter. It reminded me of afternoons spent with my aunt outside of local cafes in Europe. 

It's no secret that I love coffee and tea. My recent favorite: spiced chai latte. I've gone to many local coffee shops to try spiced chai lattes and none can compare to the one I find just down my street. The best part is sweet Kayleigh always remembers my order (with a side of banana walnut bread on Sunday mornings). She even agreed to pose for me.

So, if you find yourself in the Highland Creek area and need a caffeine refueling, stop on by.