Puppy Playtime

I have an unfortunate tendency to feel stressed and tired at the end of the workday, (especially the ones of late, but that's a blog for another time).  So recently I've been open to finding new ways to unwind and let go of the  things I can't control between 8am and 4pm.  When I traveled down the road to a nearby dog park, which I used to frequent more regularly, I felt instantaneous rejuvenation.  There, I found Tom and Lucy on a puppy playdate with Jesse and his newest love, Randy.  With a breeze tumbling pine cones down the rocky path to the Charles river, where dogs were splashing around, my list of complaints dwindled rapidly...                

Lucy could chase a stick forever...and she did. 

         Back and forth...

and back...

When she was feeling really impressive, she started picking up what the other pups were leaving behind...

(not just a pretty face, this one.)

And now it's time to meet Randy...

even soaking wet, I just want to pick him up and stick my face in his.

Of course I couldn't help but notice the puppy love taking place off in the distance in an intimate little river scene that I completely invaded with my point-and-shoot instinct, which kicks in at the sight of anything even a tiny bit romantic...

Tasteful PDA doesn't bother me one bit. I think its great. If the spirit moves you, then that lucky other should know, (sometimes) especially in public.

So, I was fortunate to remember, on this particular afternoon, that blue skies, a slow river current and splashing dog friends were all I needed remind me to just let it go.

July 4th

I used to look forward to the 4th because it was a night when the old crew would all head down to the local park after a few cold beverages to watch the fireworks and maybe even take a walk down memory lane...

because is there really anything quite like watching the sky explode with color while you're lying on your back with your best friend on one side and your "secret" crush on the other?

well, there isn't when you're sixteen.

...but it turns out that ten years down the road, it actually becomes not only acceptable but preferable, to spend the holiday with mom, dad and brother...of course i should mention i got the best of both world's this year because my biggest crush came along  too...

Yes, I don't know if my mother thought the day would ever come when I'd choose to be at home instead of in the middle of whatever alternative was presented. I must be maturing.  It feels good.  Right where I'm supposed to be.

catching the perfect moments

that tend to pass all too quickly...

soaking in sunshine and a light rain, the cityscape with a waterfront view and fried seafood, while sharing lots of laughter was just...perfect.