Remembering Summers Gone By...

Summer is officially here. This kids are out of school, days are longer, and lightning bugs sparkle in the night. Fourth of July weekend is upon as as well, when families celebrate our freedoms in this country with barbecues, pool parties, and other activities.

Which got me thinking about summers gone by.

I grew up pretty poor, so we didn't really take family vacations. The most my family would do is maybe drive a couple hours to see people for a few days, but we didn't go on long car trips or travel much at all.

However, this isn't me in a vain attempt to garner pity. I was lucky enough to have an aunt and uncle that looked out for me. Summer for me was when I'd get to go spend time at my Aunt Billie's and Uncle Bill's house.

They would swoop in and snatch me away for weeks during the summer, or as long as my parents would let me be gone. Their home was only a few hours away, but it seemed like another world to me. They would take me to movies, museums, theme parks, anything they could think of that was fun to do. Even after they had their own child, they still included me in all their family fun.

Some of our best times were when we'd pile in the car and just take off without a plan, just seeng where we'd end up. Usually it included a book store, because they both held an immense love for reading, and always nurtured that love in me. We'd find out of the way bookstores and spend the whole day getting lost in stories and finding treaures. Even when we'd just stay at the house, we'd have cookouts, fireworks, and play outside in the sprinkler. I had an entire set of friends there, and they were always more than welcome to join in all the fun.

Billie and Bill showed me how much beauty and wonder there was in the world if you'd just stop and take the time to notice. They had a huge garden in their backyard where we'd pick fruits and vegetables daily. Sunflowers taller than me would sway in the wind and yield huge bounties of seeds to munch on. Cats and dogs would play in the sun, or keep me company on lazy days inside reading.

Those times were simply magical to me and helped shape me as an idividual in more ways than I can even explain. They always called me "princess" and made me feel like one, too.

Uncle Bill has long since passed, but Aunt Billie is still around. She still calls me "princess" and makes me smile every second I'm with her. Her home has always been another home to me and always will be. I lived with her when I went to college and learned how to be an adult. Every stage of my life is connected to her in some way, but my childhood summers at her house were just the best times ever.

So what are your best and brighteset summer memories?

It's My Birthday and I'll Blog if I Want To!

So today, I turned 35. Yeah, that's right. I'll admit to my real age. Most people are shocked to find out my age, thinking I'm younger (yay), but I've lived those years, so I might as well own them!

It's been a really nice birthday, too. I slept in late - one of my favorite things to do, because sleep for me can be fleeting. I got all girly and put on a dress with sexy red pumps - hubby approved. Then we set off to see what we could get into...

We ended up seeing the new Disney/Pixar movie Up. Having seen mostly action/adventure movies lately, I was in the mood for something different. I wasn't prepared for the emotional journey this little film took me on! It was sad, touching, funny, exciting - I loved it! I spent the first 20 minutes bawling my eyes out. It was worth it, and I highly recommend you see it!

Then we went to Ruby Tuesday's and had a great steak dinner. It was a bit of a splurge, but we had a coupon! (lol!)

After my belly was full, the hubby took me to one of my favorite places - Half Price Books! This place is like a candy store to me, and I bought a load of stuff - 3 Katie Macallister books, a Cheyenne McCray novel , a Mary-Janice Davidson anthology, and a book by Amber Benson. The good old TBR pile just grew immensely!

(I also got a build your own TARDIS kit with David Tennant on the front. Excuse me while I squee like the fangirl I am!)

And now, I'm home, in front of the laptop, sharing my day with all my online friends! All the birthday wishes just make me smile so much!

I plan on curling up with the hubby this evening and watching the Primeval finale. My sister is also supposed to call (she's in Texas). Then perhaps the hubby will help me with a little novel "research". (hint, hint. nudge, nudge. know what I mean?)

So, here's to me, my friends, my family, and the hope of more great years to come!

Happy Birthday to Me!