out east...

is my rural escape

just beyond acres of endless fields

and old abandoned homes

lies a river I've come to know well

with a dock I've come to call my own

and a patch of grass to hold my temporary shelter

where I can play my favorite card game for hours.

It seems like every year my trip to Maupin comes at the perfect time, as I desperately seek an escape from every day life.  In Maupin, routine is nonexistent as well as obligations and concerns.  It is here that I can lay on my dock and enjoy a good book until only the sun has worn me out, I can raft down the river and lose all track of time, and I can reminisce with good friends about all the good times.  For these reasons, Maupin has become my summer escape. Correction: my favorite escape.

new hobby

I found my future home, located out on an empty country road.

I also found my new hobby, if tasting wine can be considered one.  Stoller Vineyards is located in Dayton, Oregon and offers seven different varieties of  ripened grape juice.  It also offers you a day of relaxation as we sat for hours in the perfect setting consisting of four lawn chairs and a tire swing.  It was the best of both worlds as it allowed me to drink my wine and act like a child, while trying to remember how to maneuver  a tire swing. The assumption was that we would visit a handful of wineries, but after coming across this set up, it was clear we wouldn't move until we were forced to head back into the city.

2014

I realize my tassel says 2012, but that's just my cheap, student self reusing Megan's stuff.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?

After 25 years, I can finally say I have a degree.  It became a long standing joke that I would never accomplish this, as I often even made comments about being a student for life.  This could still be the case, as I plan on applying for more schooling.  I also want to do a lot more with this new free time I have been given:

- I want to learn to play the piano.  I've always been told I have the perfect hands for it, but I'm not sure I am right-brained enough for it.

-Travel. I am blessed to get to go to Europe this Fall, but I know the amount of time spent there will only make me yearn for more.

-Write a book.  Many have told me how I have some pretty hilarious stories and that I need to write a book about them.  I have already started doing this.  If anything, I hope to finish and allow my friends to read.

- Learn to sew.  This seems like a very important skill to acquire, and something that will definitely come in handy for when I actually become a grandma.  I realize I have grandma tendencies already, so I might as well take on the stereotypes of one. 

- Pick up my Nikon.  I used to use my SLR so much, but sadly I have abandoned it lately.  I love photography and taking pictures, but the iPhone has taken over as it is already always with me, and at its convenient size, wins over.  

It's honestly so hard to believe that I have a Bachelor's and I'm excited to have it over with.  I'm eager to see what's next for me, but so very nervous at the same time.  Congrats to all the 2014 grads out there! 

Goodbye, May.

I cannot believe it is already June. I'm not complaining because I love the summer time. However, thinking about how fast live moves is a little depressing.  That's why we have to make the best of our time; which is why I thank May for being such a nice month.

The grass is finally dry enough for us to lay on.

Longer days trick me into thinking I can make it out on a week night (joke's on me, I can't).

Outdoor sporting events can be enjoyable without the rain.

Baskets of chips can easily disappear, but just as easily reappear...endlessly.

Rompers, shorts, and dresses galore. 

Beer and outdoor patios.

Did I mention beer and the outdoors? I'm not sure what it is, but beer is never my go-to unless I'm out in the sun...then the only answer is beer.

From SW to NW to NE

With a busy school week, I knew I would be able to bask in the pleasures of a less stressful weekend.  It was kick started with a high school friend getting our group together for drinks on Friday. After hours of laughter and catching up, I came to the conclusion that I have some of the greatest friends ever.  

Saturday, Stephanie and I attended a matinee at The Living Room Theaters, and I wondered why we have never stepped foot in this place before.  This is the cutest use of space and the movies and food options are just as wonderful.  It was decided that we need to stroll in here more often.

I discovered that brick and string lighting make for the perfect combination.  I've always had an obsession for both, so setting them together is enough to make me want to be surrounded by them at every available opportunity. I also discovered that a Saturday afternoon spent at VoiceBox, paying $4 an hour to karaoke in your own designated room is the best use of your time. 

A new headband can brighten up any girl's day. I think I've found a new obsession.

Tasty and Sons, I adore you. 

A stormy Sunday afternoon can make one feel so good about the work put in at expanding a tiny book collection. Welcome, Tina Fey, Augusten Burroughs, and Fitzgerald.

Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!