Summer went away...

We’ve turned the calendar pages from September to October. 

Before we get much further into the fall season, I find myself holding onto summer moments. Probably because it still feels like July or August weather. 

Summer, this year, wasn’t exactly hanging out by the pool or BBQ parties with friends and family. I did make the most of three-day weekends and found space to travel and spend time with my friends and family while work slowed down for a moment or two. 

I guess I miss the typical summers as a kid, where there were set plans to make and the opportunities were wide open. Now, all of your friends are working and busy with responsibilities of their own, you’re busy with your own life, trying to stay afloat. Fun can feel like a chore at times. That’s no way to live, though, is it?

Day trips to Porterville and LA. Sunset drives. Friend’s wedding - a solo trip for me with all the music. Coffee dates. Father’s Day. Celebrating my mom’s birthday. Road trip with one of my best friends and her daughters to visit our friends and former pastors. Brunch dates. Fireworks. Celebrating the re-release of Speak Now with music videos, Starbucks, tears and laughter with one of my good friends. Sonic runs for summer-flavored drinks. A stroll through the Farmer’s Market. Visiting with friends who moved away. All things Barbie. Birthdays for friends. Drive to the canyon, country music on the radio, antiques and people watching at the Kern River. Faith and Family Day at Dodger’s Stadium with my dad - Meeting Jeremy Camp, Chris Pratt walked by us, Dad shook Kershaw's hand and we worshiped in the middle of Dodger Stadium...INCREDIBLE. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (I’m still amazed that I was there and witnessed it in person), which also included all of the playlists, group chats, planning, crafting and bracelet-making. Beach getaway with my former work mom. Baby showers for good friends. Professional development, projects and planning for the upcoming academic year. More coffee dates with friends I haven’t seen in awhile to catch up. Killing crickets that invaded my apartment from the vents. Move-in weekend at work; all the social media coverage and capturing. Dodger game with the parents on Labor Day weekend. Back to work with all the events, scheduling, planning and social media 24/7. Started a Bookstagram account for my love and obsession of books; reviewing and sharing more of my love for the written word. Taylor Swift showing up at the Chiefs game (No, I wasn’t there. But it was a cultural shift for all of us). Meeting Matthew McConaughey at a book signing in LA and a day spent with my aunt at The Grove and time in Santa Monica.

*sigh* 

Okay, it was a pretty great summer. I'm sad to see the memories fade, but I'm so ready for fall weather and all the fun that season brings. 

Hopefully within the next couple weeks we can actually wear sweaters and drink pumpkin things without sweating profusely. 

Yours 'til the leaves fall, 

Shelby