summary of the week's end [19]: LIFE IS FULL

[artwork & photos for by way of ney]

Hello lovelies! What a full weekend it was. Not full just in that there was much to do, but also full in emotions and full in learning.

Friday, after coming off a week of being sick and having to miss out on days of work and having (yes, having-it's not easy for me) to lay around for two days straight, I finally started to feel better physically. Problem was, after laying around and not being able to be me for almost a whole week, my mind was in a place of doubt and honestly, I was feeling a bit lost. (Probably most, and maybe all, thanks to cabin fever.) Luckily, I've learned, that relying on the people around me in always the answer during these times. People, a hot cup of coffee and walk outside get me a long way. So, I was happy to get out of the house in the afternoon and go get a latte with my ever-supportive man. Truth be told, he listened to me through my weekly worries and reassured me that I am right where I need to be. THEN, I was lucky enough to have my mommy come over and we went for a walk around town. (On which we found these gorgeous yellow roses) (top left). We, walked right into the Homecoming Parade of our local high school. I mean, full on Homecoming with football players, cheerleaders, floats, princesses...the whole deal. Normally this is not my cup of tea but to see our Main Street shut down and lined with people all gathered to support the community was awesome. That's something you don't get just anywhere! I'm glad we've got it.

Saturday my husband and I went on an mini adventure to Venice for the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club's vintage bike rally. Pabst Brewing, who my husband works for, was sponsoring the event and it was rad to walk through and look at the vintage bikes. Riding motorcycles isn't on my list of desires however, walking through the hundreds of them and admiring the design and care that's been put into them is pretty cool. Check out how old those bikes are! (top right) We had a delicious lunch after at Lemonade. The turkey and cranberry pot roast sandwich I ate was great but the fleur de sel macaron and the cucumber mint lemonade was the best part.

Saturday night wedding festivities began. Remember this bachelorette with Snooki as a guest and this wedding shower...well the real deal weekend finally arrived. We rehearsed away and then carried on for dinner at Baby Blues BBQ in Venice. All that needs to be said is Banana Pudding...hello awesomeness!

Sunday morning, though tired, I got up early to be able to see my best friend before continuing wedding fun. She lives in Seattle and was in Orange County visiting family. We didn't think we were going to be able to see each other but the need was too high and the opportunity to have early morning coffee together was too great to pass up. She means the world to me, for real, and having her put in the extra effort to make it work makes me love her even more. We chatted about life and the things that friends need each other to chat about. It was so worth forfeiting sleep for.

Then, I was off to the Farmer's Market at the Grove to meet our bride-to-be and the rest of the bridesmaids (bottom left) for crepes and a walk around before we headed to the venue and got spiffed up for the wedding. Spiffing up always needs some champagne and especially for this bride, champagne was best put in a sock monkey. (They had sock monkeys on their cake too!) Check out the detail on the custom clutches we got as bridesmaids gifts..."Thank you for being you and loving us! -Jackie and Justin" (bottom right). How awesome is that? So cool and so thoughtful!

Weddings are always precious to me because of their ability to bring out the truth of who people are and to bring people together. You get the best of people and the worst of people with weddings, but the important part to me is that you get the authenticity of each person along with that. They are the bringing together of many people all for the sake of one couple and their love. And, as a married person you get to reflect on your own vows and your love for each other as well. It was a blessing to be part of this wedding and to share in all the little moments.