April 2014 (a cut and paste kind of month)

My parents and I tried to force the coming of spring and warmth by eating outside. It didn't quite work.

Easter:

 The rest of April (hiking, laughing, and baking lemon bars):

 It was William Shakespeare's 450th birthday on April 23 of 2014. My dad and I ordered these cupcakes in celebration. Happy birthday Bill.

The making of Pedal-Wonderful

Grainne came over last night. I glued flowers to her face and forced her to lay out in the freezing cold. She is gorgeous, though I recognize that you might not be able to tell that from the final photo. Expect to see more of her in the future.

Collecting petals for the shoot:

Behind the scenes of the shoot:

 The final photo:

NYC in April

I went to NYC this weekend with my father. 

We stayed at a hotel that was unsuitable for both his and my age...it had a very late twenty-year old clubbing vibe.

He sold at an antiquarian book fair and I was able to do one of my favorite things–to wander amidst aisles upon aisles of books. The books smelled of memories.

My dad and I stood on the balcony of the penthouse suite as we watched the sun rise. 

From the top of Chimney Rock

My father and I hiked up a mountain yesterday. We ended up wandering off the trail (on accident) and having to scale a rock wall. It was worth it. I felt free. 

2014 March adventures

March is the most bizarre month of the year. It seems almost schizophrenic, like it can't quite choose between bone-chilling rawness and enveloping warmth.

 Walking in the snow

My mother and I went on an emergency run to the big-box store to buy the third season of Downton Abbey

To run in the misting rain is to live

February Roadtrips 2/23/14

 My mother and I were sitting at home on the couch when suddenly I grew restless. With the manipulative nature of a teenager, I managed to persuade her to journey on a road trip with me. We spent the rest of the day traveling down winding roads that led to nowhere. Everything was blanketed in snow and haunted by a silence (the silence known only in winter-the one that buries itself deep in your bones) 

February 2/15/14

Winter is long and deadly this year. Though I am enjoying my walks in the early morning, my heart is numb by noon and my mind is glum by night.

February is never-ending.