Home is NOT Places

This was previously posted unfinished in error. I apologize!

“Feel it burn in my soul, like a wound that is exposed

I need to run, I need to go.

I took my time, I got no more.

So take me somewhere I don’t know

‘cause home is not places, it is LOVE.

I told myself that it was fine.

No shame in the dotted lines.

But then, I woke in the night and raised my fist for a fight!

So, take me somewhere I don't know 'cause home is not places, it is love."

-Home Is Not Places, The Apache Relay

Wow! Had such a spectacular time in Atlanta. It’s always just beyond incredible to be home. I was proud of myself for actually managing my time well. Not only did I clear out ten bags of trash and organize several boxes to be donated, I found some awesome jewels squirreled away. Here a few of them:

Every Congratulations card from when I was born.

I also spent A LOT of quality time with a few of my absolute favorite people with some of my favorite foods in some of my favorite places.

With the help of a cherished family friend, I made my first ever batch of fried okra, and feasted with some of my favorite southern foods: mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw, VENISON from the farm this season, and pork chops. I was waddling home. I was on a strict eating schedule in order to get in all my favorite foods, but I was so thrilled to share those foods with such treasured people.

I’m so sad to be returning to CA, but it is also good to be back home.

Home is not places.

It is people.

Wine-ing Down

The tortured law students are offered a short spring break. The bf and I took off to join my Dad and all our closest family friends in Oregon, then we drove onto Seattle, Washington. It was a really spectacular and relaxing break. Enjoy!

Courtside seats thanks to Jaimee

Wine tasting at the Wine, Pear and Cheese Festival

Brothers.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

The Sunset that night

Microbrewery tour in Portland, OR

We found the beach! Washington, Olympic National Park

Rainforest, Olympic National Park

Pike Place Market, Seattle WA

Pike Place Market, Seattle WA

The FIRST Starbucks, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA

View from the Space Needle, Seattle WA

On the Ferris Wheel at the Seattle Harbor

View from the Ferris Wheel at sunset, Seattle, WA

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

chuffed

Yellowhammers in Scotland? Yes please. 

Ross scrunching down about three feet to be my height

Castle Edinburgh 

Overlooking Edinburgh

tell me that's not exactly how you always pictured Scotland...

A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a friend in Scotland. I know Ross through my little sister in the sorority, and we haven't seen each other since 2011. Ross is from a little village outside of Edinburgh but studied at "uni" in Aberdeen, where he is still living and working. I can't tell you how spoiled I was to have a weekend completely immersed in the great people that live in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. I was welcomed with such warmth, had a lucky streak of great weather and laughed hysterically all weekend. Thursday night, I flew into Aberdeen. All day Friday we explored a castle, had a great lunch along the harbor and collected supplies to make Yellowhammers (the delicious signature drink of my favorite bar in Tuscaloosa). Yellowhammers were the key ingredient to a birthday party for Ross' little brother that night. Saturday, Ross, his best friend from high school and I drove into Edinburgh. After walking the streets of Edinburgh's city center, we headed to Ross' hometown- a picturesque Scottish village with sheep and green pastures for as far as the eye could see.

On the train back on Sunday, I left feeling I had met great people and enjoyed a completely authentic Scottish experience. The country has so much to offer. I am so grateful to Ross, for being such a phenomenal friend and letting me crash his weekend plans. It's certainly been a highlight of my year. I got to watch Alabama football on Saturday night with a KAO koozie on my beer. I learned excellent English phrases and words that Americans should adopt. Ross and friends are hilarious, and had me laughing until my stomach hurt multiple times. I was the shortest person for miles. It was an absolutely delightful weekend and I'm indebted to all who helped make it happen. Can't wait to host the Scots in Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, York, Los Angeles, London or wherever I happen to be!