Maine + New Hampshire...

The second leg of my trip back east was spent visiting the folks in Maine.  It's a truly beautiful place to be.  My dad and step-mom "retired" there some years back (I say retired, but I think they're more active now than ever- which is fun to see.)  Here we are together at their new favorite coffee shop, CIA.  The owner, Jeannie, who took this picture is SO wonderful and such a lovely artist.  

This stop was a happy treat...

I was reminded of the difference in coastlines.  There's a rugged salt of the earth beauty to the Atlantic ocean.  You breathe in and feel grounded and sure of your footing.  The Pacific ocean has been a good balance to that for me (softer, open, sparkling with sunshine).  But how stunning is this Maine shore?

They also took me to another favorite spot, Scratch Baking Company... adorable and delicious.

 A rainy afternoon visit in Portsmouth, New Hampshire...

with a lunch break at this restaurant (The Friendly Toast) - think bizarre 1950's eye candy and a stoner's delight menu. 

And storefronts... always keeping my eye out for pretty storefronts.

But, really, this trip largely comes down to the moment I was able to devour some Dunkin' Donuts chocolate glaze munchkins.  Oh have I missed them so...

I'll be back at the end of the week with a few of the sweetest photos from my stay.  

I can't wait to share them with you.

Itching to travel

         It seems like it's been forever since I've last traveled to a far off land-
or even to visit family + friends back East- which is kind of making me daydream about having a new adventure out there in the world.  

I think I pretty much consistently feel this way during Autumn, but mostly want to swing back to New England to watch the leaves turn and fall and to buy myself a secret stash of maple candy (I may just covet these more than anything else in life.)  But if I were to choose other places to hop on a plane or sleeper train to, it would be these...

Amsterdam, Netherlands.   I love that it's bicycle friendly (beyond, even) and walkable.  Friends who have visited + a friend who lives nearby Amsterdam all say that it's an incredibly kick back place to hang out.

Capri, Italy.  I don't think I've ever been to a fancy resort destination.  But I'd love to spend some time full on relaxing in the sunshine (under an umbrella, mostly) and drinking cocktails, I'll just admit it.  I also want to explore my family roots, so I'd really love to weave throughout Italy someday. 
Ah, the luxury.

Ireland.  When I was a teenager, we visited the southern part of Ireland and, to this day, it remains one of the happiest places + experiences of my life.  The people were present, the small towns' pubs were alive with gathered family + friends (and guinness), and the seaside cliffs and fields were wildly green and dotted with sheep.  I left wanting desperately to be Irish.  It was perfect...

 Paris, France (you must have known it was coming).  I've never been, but just want to roam around everywhere and feel compelled to make out.  I hear it does that to a person...

Finally, Iceland.  And, my gosh, this is why...

Fragments of Iceland from Lea et Nicolas Features on Vimeo.

Where would you like to travel?

[Amsterdam + Capri + Ireland + Paris + Iceland]