Birthday Party.

Although my actual birthday was not the best since I was in class until 9:30 pm, the week ended with a GREAT party. My friend Elysia had a cookout for me and Carrie (her b-day was Thursday). It was a wonderful way to end the week. Here are a few pics.


The Birthday Girls!!!


Yea for birthday cake


A party isn't a party until you play BS


The food was GREAT!!!


Elysia with her family

One Book...

Lindsay tagged me for this, so here goes…

That changed your life: “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin

That you've read more than once: “Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis

That you'd want on a desert island: Any book by Helen Fielding.

That made you laugh: "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner

That made you cry: “Death Be Not Proud” by John J. Gunther

That you wish had been written: "My Life as I See It" by Amanda Bigbee

That you wish was never written: "Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

That you are currently reading: "Without a Name” by Yvonne Vera

That you want to read: "Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo

Mom

I notice the circle of life each year at this time. One day I am celebrating another year of life that I have been given and the next day is the anniversary of my mother’s death. It is so evident each year at this time of the joy and sorrow that surrounds each of us. Both of these days in their own way remind me of the precious gift that life is and how I am to cherish each moment. I am thankful for my life, but I grieve for my mother. Although it has been eight years, my heart still aches for the amazing woman I called mom. As my dear friend Becky stated regarding the death of one’s mother, “It seems that you never get over it, but you learn to make it part of your life.” I miss her dearly in a way that words will never be able to describe.

Lake Lure Vacation

I went to Lake Lure for a short vacation before school started. I went by myself and had a wonderful time. I took my time driving down there and stopped in Black Mountain for lunch and coffee. My time in Lake Lure was spent laying out, hiking at Chimney Rock (fyi: part of Last of the Mohicans was filmed there), reading, and hanging out with Donovan. I came back feeling like I had been gone a week when I was really only away for two nights. Here are a few pics from the trip.




Gastehaus Salzburg, the wonderful bed and breakfast where I stayed.


Start of the hike at Chimney Rock to go to Hickery Nut Falls.


Top of the waterfall


WOW, it was amazing


This was in the movie... Last of the Mohicans


There were a lot of stairs on the hike



The actual lake at Lake Lure


The drive home