Ending Strong

As the week comes to a close, there has been a pervasive thought resonating through my mind. With the school year coming to a close, more than anything I desire to finish well and end strong. It is easy to give into the summer weather, lakeside days, and enter a laid back season prematurely before this one has properly ended. Last night I sat by a bonfire with friends, furry and human. There was a guitar, chill conversation, and a good drink in hand. But more than anything there was grace, ease, and incredible simplicity. The simplicity that makes you appreciate the process and how far all of our relationships and personal growth have come this year. In a few days the month of May will be upon us. For many that means graduations, mother’s day, and the beginning of lake season. Around here, it means saying farewell to friends and knowing that they may return after summer. For some, they may never return to American soil again. There are hellos and goodbyes that remain significant, but more than anything it is a month where ending strong and transitioning well is vital.

This weekend will be filled with final tasks for the semester and a visit from my mom. We’ll head outside and discover a few new adventures along the way. Waterfalls and mountains are her thing, so I’m hoping the weather will hold off so we can go play.

Here are a few things that have been keeping me inspired lately:

Some would call it a social experiment. Photographer Marcos Albert decided to take photographs of his friends as they consumed progressive glasses of wine. The photos say volumes, but also reveal something that surprised me. By the fourth photo (and third glass), his friends were relaxed, joyful, and happy. Something to ponder: what if we all exuded as much joy of the fourth photo without a single glass?

Lately my Pinterest feed has received an onslaught of popsicle recipes. I don’t hate it one bit. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, these popsicles look perfect. Anyone have any popsicle molds they recommend? I’ve been on the lookout, but haven’t found the perfect one quite yet.

Looking for something interesting to watch on Netflix? Last night, we watched a documentary called Cartel Land. It was well shot and in an election year where relationships with neighboring countries comes up it brought up interesting discussion, particularly when watching with a friend from the Netherlands. Regardless of where you fall in politics, this is a must watch.

With summer season around the corner, I love adding rose to our rotation of wines. With the addition of stonefruit, this sangria looks amazing.

Just in case you missed it, here are this week’s posts.

10 Summer Essentials for Him | Lamb 3 Ways: Basque Stew | Getting Real: Behind the Feed
Day Trip: John Muir Woods

What are you up to this weekend? How are you ending your current season strong?

 

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