The Great Escape : Pacific City, Oregon

It began with a neglected house on 12th & Jackson and over years of college papers, house dinners, and a million laughs and tears (but more laughs than tears), evolved into a friendship and bond like no other. And while I’ll never know how seven of the most independent and self-driven girls I know lived under the same room, sans drama, for three years, I do know that this friendship is one we cherish more than most anything in our lives. And now that we’ve finished our time at school and moved onto life’s next adventure we’ve decided that every year, no matter how far away or busy or crazy our life is, we must get together. This year’s inaugural great escape was simple - the beach, some wine, and each other. There’s a chance that one day we’ll be at a point in our lives where the beaches will get a little more exotic and the wine a little more expensive. But being completely honest I don’t think even the most luxurious of resorts could make us any more excited than we already are to spend a weekend together. That’s really the beauty of it all - no matter the country or venue or weather or season, together we can just be us.

There are people in your life you would do anything for. You’d climb mountains for them, swim oceans for them, cross deserts for them. In an instant and without a second thought you’d drop everything to be with them when they hurt. They’re the people you cry with, laugh with, and dream with...

These are definitely my people.

A little unexpected beach town decor...

...and a hand drawn picture for the guest book.

I think the following picture explains why I'm best left behind the camera, not in front of it.

Hannah, after wading through waist deep ocean to get to the sandbar...

...as our friends watch, dry, from the shore.

Love.

And I'll end with this picture because every time I look at it my heart smiles a big, happy smile. There really is nothing like a sunset dance on the beach.

Happy Monday, Michelle

Shameless

I’ve become the girl I swore I’d never be. I talk about him like he’s our firstborn and I volunteer his camera phone portraits to strangers, without invitation. When people talk about funny things their children do I chime in with funny stories about Conway. Which to most is insulting but to me is really the highest of compliments. And in September he’ll be flying back to Oregon with me while I shoot a few weddings at home. Taking my dog on the plane? Ohmygawd this goes against everything my parents ever taught me.

When I saw we had a Three Dog Bakery downtown it’s as if the Universe was forcing me to own up to my new behavior. It was a turning point between calm, cool, collected and socially acceptable, and shamelessly obsessed with a four legged canine. Fortunately for me the latter is completely socially acceptable in Orange County.

Even if you’re not a dog person it’s hard to ignore the reality that these puppy treats are quite charming. Ever a feast for the eyes, I take solace in the fact that if I buy a few for Conway I feel less of an urge to indulge in adorable, miniature bakery sweets for myself. And Connie could use a little extra junk in his trunk, anyway.

At last count I still liked Colton more than I liked our pup. Which I think means this is all still within a healthy range, right?

There’s no shame on this blog, People. No shame.

Michelle