moonbeams kiss the sea

Ever since I was little I’ve believed in fairy tales and romance and magic. I’ve disappeared into worlds of glass slippers, horse drawn carriages, and poetic declarations of affection delivered by men who were once too proud to speak. These fictional places have brought me comfort, given me hope, and taught me to believe in the impossible. And the impractical. And the unbelievable. They’ve made me an eternal optimist, one who perpetually wears rose colored glasses, and the kind of woman who, most days, still feels like that little girl.

I’d come to believe that I’d been ruined by the likes of Jane Austen, Hemingway, and E.E. Cummings. I’d come to believe that I’d created an unattainable ideal for love- that no man would ever have a chance of being the prince, the white knight, the Mr. Darcy-like dream I thought I needed to be happy.

And then you showed up.

You came into my life like a whirlwind, like a living, breathing, Shakespearean sonnet. I remember quoting Love’s Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley in my mind on one of our first dates. That night we went bowling; do you remember? And in a moment, riding in your car, listening to Harry Potter, Shelley’s words hit me like flash:

And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;--
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?

And I just knew that there was no one else I wanted to be kissing, let alone falling in love with.

Taking back Sunday.

I struggle to remember a time when Sundays weren't occupied by homework or studying, being holed up on the 6th floor of McKeldin Library reviewing anatomical structures or attempts at deciphering what Shakespeare and Bronte were trying to get across. When mornings and early afternoons weren't defined by rehearsals and matinee performances and the carpeted corners of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. When days weren't consumed by working full 8 hour days and missing out on much needed additional sleep. When spare moments weren't spent buying groceries, filling the gas tank, cleaning out dresser drawers, and catching up on phone calls and e-mails. Okay, well, maybe the latter still occurs, but these days, on any given Sunday, I have the pleasure of waking up (without alarm) and tackling the delicious task of choosing how I'd like to spend the day. I am officially taking back Sundays.

For the religious, Sunday is the Sabbath, a day of rest, of worship, a day 'without acts,' or work. For the sports fanatics, Sunday is more so about football, couches, and bowls of chips. For students, it's a day for homework, projects, studying and libraries. And I suppose for the grand masses, Sundays are defined by the necessary acts we neglect throughout the week: yard work, laundry, dishes, cleaning, errands, and catching up with those we miss. In my attempt to take back Sundays, I've aimed to eliminate anything that is not relaxing, pleasurable, or fun from the agenda.

Some favorite things I've been doing these Sundays?

Brunch. One of the greatest creations of life. I'll eat banana pancakes with cinnamon butter any Sunday, thank you. And if you're looking for a lovely breakfast spot, try Grump's Cafe. You won't be disappointed.

Walks. I love to walk. Especially this time of year. In Autumn, as colors change and temperatures drop, there's nothing more enjoyable than a leisurely bimble around town. I recommend strolling hand in hand with someone you love, having a 'walk and talk' with your best girlfriend, or even getting out with a sweet dog at the end of your leash. And I have to say, downtown Annapolis offers the perfect collection of sidewalks, allowing one to pop in and out of pubs, shops, and of course, local bookstores.

Sleep. I said it before and I'll say it again. Sleep has become a novelty as my work weeks stretch from 40 to 60 hours. Sunday rolls around and I let myself stay between the sheets for as long as my little heart desires. I wear cozy pajamas, fuzzy socks, and snuggle up. Let us never underestimate the power of sleep to rejuvenate, empower, and satisfy.

Vegging out. So, I'm a little out of practice here, but I'm getting better. Let's just say, some times, there's nothing nicer than curling up on the couch, perhaps with a cup of tea, a friend to cuddle with, and some Modern Family or a classic movie marathon on TV. When our minds are running a mile a minute throughout the week, sometimes it's all you can do to just engage in something mindless.

Reading. I can never get enough of devouring paperbacks, but lately I find my eyelids win the battle when I try to escape at the end of a weeknight. So I welcome Sunday with its swinging benches and backyards and lovely boyfriends who let me sit and read for as long as I like. I'm currently working on The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Check it out!

Enjoying a home cooked meal. I used to love Sunday night dinners with my family- my mother's expert cooking, spending quality time with loved ones, and the ritual of it all. Scott is a great cook and I have to say I've been quite lucky to enjoy some delicious dinners prepared with love. There's nothing nicer on a Sunday evening. Oh, and don't forget the wine!

So, here's to Sundays. And taking them back. Here's to giving ourselves permission to slow down, recharge, and relish in the simple things that make us oh so happy.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Til next time,

L.

the light.

It's one of those cold, rainy, early Fall evenings...ideal for updating a blog that's been far too long neglected. And yet I'm lying in bed, towel on head, procrastinating drying my hair because really, as it gets longer, so does the drying process. And in this moment, I simply can't be bothered. Although, I really should be getting ready and heading over to Scott's as he's so kindly offered (once again!) to make us dinner and will undoubtedly make some comment about the growing predictability of my tardiness. I of course got sucked into the magical land of I-Tunes and You Tube, scoping out some new tunes and relishing in old favorites. Tonight I come to you with this:



And as always, the promise of more lengthy, wordy, and legitimate posts to come. Soon.

Happy October!

my thoughts go out to you

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us ...

Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits ...

No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves ... Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men ...

My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once ...

Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

Ever thine,

Ever mine,

Ever ours.

... The Immortal Beloved Letters, Ludwig van Beethoven

I would drink an ocean for you.

My lovely friend Katie shared this with me today. I love everything about it.

Listen and enjoy!

And thanks, KT!

this love will change you.

In just one short week my sweetheart returns from England and I could not be happier. Suffice it to say, being apart for a mere two and a half weeks has been far more difficult than I even imagined. Truly, I don't know how people in long distance relationships or military families do it. You are amazingly strong, but I can safely say that I could never be in those kinds of relationships. That aching feeling would just be too much. Not to mention, despite my best efforts, I seriously pine. I am a terrible piner (not really a word, I know). So. I've officially started the countdown. One week from today I'll get to pull into the Arrivals at BWI and wrap these arms around my favorite person. That will be a lovely feeling. So for tonight, at less than 7 days to go (wow am I pathetic!), I'm listening to this one on repeat:

The Weepies, "Same Changes"

Gone In The Morning

So I just discovered this guy. Newton Faulkner. And there's something about his music that just makes me smile. It feels effortless and light. His melodies and lyrics are poppy and catchy, yet there's this whole acoustic/folk/blues/slap bass thing happening that I completely dig. Anyway, my students will probably have to watch out for a piece undoubtedly choreographed to his quirky tunes. Perhaps this one.

Take a listen and enjoy!