The time has come

Until next time, summer.

As I start to pack up for Providence on Sunday, holy WOW, is about all I can think to say...

and, it's not because of the sheer massive, bulk of stuff college kids seem to be masters at collecting.

But it's when I pack a handmade paper-covered pen, that I catch myself and think "Hey...I bought that in Venice...Veeeniiicccee, I t a l y...like over in Europe, with Euros, speaking Italian...Wow".

Or, when I pack a few rings, bracelets and tops, that I think over the course of the summer how happy and joyful, I was to have a job finally towards my interests.

I've had one extraordinary summer.

One that I am so thankful for and that has shown me the certainty, that when my initial plans, ideas, & wishes fall through, that there is a better, more fitting, and higher plan for my life at that time. 

My all time favorite verse that has stuck with me and helped me through many tough times, proved more that true to me this year.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord. 

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." 

Jeremiah 29:11

So, as I still pack my things and continue to talk to myself in awe while doing so, I keep in mind my favorite verse and how true it is. 

-Alex

Scenic route

Two coffees & make that to go, please.

Day 2 on the Vineyard meant no time to lose.

We were up and at it by 7—coffee in hand and laced up to go explore.

We spent the morning wandering our favorite go-to, Edgartown—enjoying the beauty just right outside our hotel.

One of my favorite things to do on any morning in the Vineyard is to just walk/bike/run around the back streets of the towns—falling in love with each house that passes by and enjoying the calm & quite of the morning.

-Alex

p.s. Give me a follow on my Instagram for even more snapshots from the Vineyard & more that don't always make it on here! 

Familiar roads

Good to see you again, Martha.

There are 2 kinds of vacations.

There's kind where you go and explore a new place on your travel list.

You've never been before, so you soak up any advice & suggestions, and you read review after review on hotels, restaurants, what to see and what not to see—you get the idea...

it's like a research-vacation-run around and see EVERYTHING possible-get-away. 

That kind of vacation is great, don't get me wrong, but the best vacations are the ones where you return to your favorite, beloved spots.

You already know the lay of the land, you know where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and everything to see.

It's like a returning-home-vacation.

That place for me, is Martha's Vineyard.

My family returns to the Vineyard every summer, as well as occasionally in the fall time—no tourist :) 

With just the couple days I had on the Vineyard, I still packed my day with all my favorite things, not wanting to miss a moment.

-Alex