Hosting, Summer

Ode To Summer

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The older I get, the more I appreciate each season yet the more I long for summer. When I was a kid I thought I would never grow up, and now that I am 27, I wonder where all those years went! That has inspired me to soak up each day, each season, and each year. But there is something about summer – something about it that makes me sad to see it go every year.

It may have something to do with the fact that my summers will never be the same that they were the first 22 years of my life – filled with adventures, sleeping in, summer camp, family time, crafts, lazy wednesdays, summer jobs (that provided extra cash,) and general freedom. Now I work full time and I have the last four years. I work the same job during the school year and into the summer. The change in season is as dramatic as Fall – Spring was growing up. They all come and go before I know it.

I want summer to stay the same. To be filled with a giant 10 week break from work – to focus on other things, to soak up the sun, and to find new adventures. but that is not my life anymore.

I think every year that fact makes it harder for me to say goodbye to summer. I still find time for adventures and the longer days allow for dinner in the sunshine & help with my Chaco tan but I always want just a little more time.

This year to end the summer with a bang, we had a Garden Party. I have some of the best friends ever and I just love how intentional they are! The rule was you have to make something from your own garden or from someone else’s garden (aka the farmers market!) I was so proud of the harvests that these girls made in their backyards this summer and it made me excited for the day when I have a yard to grow things in too (Side Note: Next summer I am totally going to try to do a Townhome Garden. I’m inspired & excited.)

Because you have to find those little things of summer to cultivate – like tending the garden when you come home from a long day at work, or  backyard dinners with friends, or Saturday hike trips, or mini-vacations, or family pool parties, or ice cream making sprees.

So here is to a summer well lived and here is to an autumn yet to be experienced!

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  1. Brittany D

    October 1, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Backyard dinner parties always remind me of Parenthood! They always look so lovely and nice, I need to it sometime soon!

  2. Stacia

    October 1, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Garden parties are so, so fun! I love that you and your friends did something like this. 🙂

  3. Jenna Griffin

    October 1, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    Looks like so much fun! Backyard parties are my absolute favorite, and I’m planning a little one for this month! Time to dust off my strung lights. They are so festive!

  4. Catherine Short

    October 1, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    I LOVE this idea. I will have to steal it for next summer.

  5. Bethany Lotulelei

    October 1, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Oh, this looks like so much fun!! I love all the pictures. I am really looking forward to graduating from college this year, and having more time to socialize off campus. 🙂 As sad as I am to be turning this chapter of my life I am so excited to do things like host more company, have outdoor parties, read books other than textbooks, and maybe…sleep. 🙂

  6. Mademoiselle Coconath

    October 2, 2015 at 6:40 am

    Beautiful pictures!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

  7. Ashley

    October 2, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    What a beautiful farewell to summer! Love that you celebrated it with friends. (And that garden setup looks amazing!)

  8. Rachel

    October 2, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Girl you just explained what I couldn’t put into words why I hate to see summer go. I always feel like it passes me by before I even get a chance to enjoy it. Oh how I dislike some parts of growing up. I want a garden some day too! Fresh produce is my favorite!

  9. Hayley Larue

    October 2, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Love that idea of having a Garden Party! And I am also dying over your drink!! <3

    StyledbyBlondie.com

  10. Carly Conners Kenihan

    October 3, 2015 at 11:00 am

    Always sad to see Summer go, but gotta remember it comes back every year:) Great photos!
    xx
    Carly
    http://bunbunbook.com

  11. Rae

    October 3, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    What a beautiful post full of lovely photos and pasttimes. I also think a lot about time and my life now that I am 28 and have decided that I am going to live every day the fullest and only surround myself with positivity. Love the idea of a Garden party for the end of summer and it is such a lovely way to spread joy and love and build memories with friends and family.

    Rae | Love from Berlin

  12. Oak & Oats

    October 4, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    You are so right! I love that about seasons!

  13. Oak & Oats

    October 5, 2015 at 9:58 am

    I love that! and yes, it was such a fun time! You should do one next year!!!

  14. amy

    October 7, 2015 at 7:38 am

    these kinds of get-togethers are my favorite!
    also those lights = LOVEEE

  15. Ashley

    October 8, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Just wow. These photos are so dreamy and capture summer so well! I am not the biggest fan of summer, but those special summer nights with the right light and people are absolute perfection.

    <3 Have Ashley

  16. Oak & Oats

    October 8, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Thanks so much! I love each season with a new love these days! I think it is because I am getting older and I realize how fast life passes by!

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