baby, i have good intentions

Summer really is the sweetest. Even though I work full time during the summer months I try to make everyday feel not like a workday but a vacation day where I do something sort of special for myself. Sometimes that means just relaxing and doodling while other days it means I get to have a mini adventure.

I decided since I got my work tips this afternoon I would treat myself to the alone time I've been craving. I had a lovely post work snack at a tea room/consignment shop in my town. The ladies are so sweet and I had a ginger peach iced tea while I waited for my southwestern quiche to come out.

The sun was a classic "July in New England" bright today and the view from the window where I sat depicted this perfectly. I love to see wildflowers and tall grass in the hot afternoon sun--something about the sight is just so romantic. Daisies, in particular, are soft and lovely and whenever I see them I want to grab a handful so I can just play with the petals.

After ordering my iced tea I chatted with the owner for a bit while she made her grocery list. It's a great feeling to know a place like this exists in my town. I suppose it's one of those cute but secret spots that are just divine and popular in their own right but sort of exist off the mainstream grid.

Because it's a tea room AND a consignment shop (how great, right?) everything in the building is for sale, including the porcelain you drink out of and the velvet chairs you rest in. I love that! The place settings and decor and are delightfully mismatched--it's kind of like being in my own kitchen which is a collection of what remains of glassware and ceramic-ware of my past. The ladies create their own menu using their own, unique, original recipes and the food is fantastic.

My quiche was so cute! She even put watermelon and honeydew slices with it (adorable garnishes are things I'm totally loving these days). I sound as if I'm writing a review for the tea room but I just ate there for the first time a few days ago and the experience is fresh. I'd shopped there quite a bit but never actually ate there. I don't believe I've ever had such a charming experience in my own town.

Of course I ate the last bite. Who wouldn't eat the last bite of the most perfect Southwestern

Rancheros Quiche?

When I came home my roommate, Star, and some friends were having a crochet party

of sorts. He was teaching someone how to crochet (he recently taught himself and is incredibly skilled!)

It was nice to chat for a bit but I was grateful to relax in the afternoon sunlight that truly

bathes my entire bedroom. I feel lucky, living where I do, and for the first time since I've been

old enough to "really" appreciate it.

I'm currently sitting at my great-grandmother's vanity (which I converted into a desk, sort of)

in my leggings and a scarf because really I just needed that physical comfort certain items from

my closet can give me. You probably know what I mean-- I think we've all got that sweatshirt or tee

from years past that just makes the grand scheme of the universe seem totally okay as soon as

the fabric touches our skin.

It's fairly quiet for this time of day in this part of the city and even Baggins, Star's dog, is

resting on my bed and being pretty quiet. A rare, totally peaceful moment as the afternoon slides

into dusk.