Headed South Y'all

Tomorrow night I head to NC. I look forward to landing in the small town of Wilmington, NC and being greeted by my Great Aunt and Great Uncle. They are my Gran's brother and Sister-in-law and seriously some of the sweetest people you will meet. I have always been close to them as we grew up traveling to NC frequently...but about 3 years ago when my Grandfather was in the hospital we all really bonded and became a lot closer. They were amazing during that time and I just adore them. My Great Aunt came out here in October with my Gran to visit me. Amazing! I look forward to driving around with my Uncle, sitting on the back and front porches talking, eating his delicious dinners, and just taking in the simplicity that is Kure Beach, NC. Life slows down, I rarely put on make up, and well...it truly is all about family. The biggest thing to do is walk down to the pier at night for ice cream. There is a swing on their front porch that I have swung on since a kid...such wonderful memories. I am glad as an adult I have gone back to NC every Summer for the past 5 years or so. Even though I live in undoubtedly one of the prettiest cities in the U.S. NC still has my heart. I am also glad I have started a tradition with Tracy and her kids that I hope they look back on fondly in years to come. A little slice of my childhood passed on to some great kiddos whom I adore....

I have been going non stop this past week. A great night Thursday of sitting outside in our courtyard with my neighbors, my roommate and Alicia drinking bottle after bottle of vino. Perfection! Friday was filled with sunshine and amazing lunch and drinks with friends....capped off with a bayside bonfire with fireworks! Yup...month 11 in Cali is just as wonderful as all the others.

Time to take a pause on SoCal life and get back to the roots. Remember the friends and family I have back home who make me realize I have it oh so good...here and there...laughing, lounging, lake days, friends' kids, meeting babies for the first time, and just taking it all in. The more people you meet, you realize none of those things can be taken for granted...not everyone is so fortunate.

But before I board the plane....a 3rd of July cookout with some wonderful friends in Ocean Beach! Cheers!