The Summer of Picnics

Holy, guacamole- where has the time gone? I can't believe that tomorrow marks the end of July! Summer is quickly slipping through my fingertips, and ironically enough it's been mild, chilly, and overcast for the better part of this "summer." SoCal, I shake my fist at you!

Nonetheless, I've been managing to keep myself busy, albeit not in the most productive ways. I haven't done as much reading or writing as I would like to- but that should all be changing soon enough. Turning 26 this week makes officially closer to 30 than 20- and I may have had a teeny, tiny meltdown.

One activity that I've fallen in love with this summer has been picnicking. There's absolutely nothing more relaxing than enjoying fresh food, good company, and mid-afternoon cloud gazing. The mild temperatures allow for longer picnics, and I can't complain to that.I'm so fortunate that Los Angeles has a lot to offer in the way of public areas- from parks, beaches, museums, and yes-even a cemetery. I have to say that my favorite picnic to date was a few weekends ago at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Each Saturday night, a mausoleum becomes a screen to a classic, and Angelenos pack the grass to watch a movie above and below the stars. After ten years, it's not quite LA's 'best kept secret,' any longer- I suggest arriving early (around 5ish) and starting the picnic early- my friends and I even brought Trivial Pursuit to help pass the time. The game was cut short when the gates opened around seven, and once inside a DJ spins until the movie starts, usually after sundown- or around 9pm. Saturday Night Fever was showing the week I went, and it was such a fun, disco-loving atmosphere. A few bottles of wine later, and my friends and I were having a midnight dance party. Without a doubt, I'll be visiting again before the end of the summer. If you're in the LA area, be sure to check it out.

Another fun place to picnic is at the Getty Museum. My roommate and I went for their Saturdays off the 405 event, which was a lot of fun. Although the band that was performing wasn't to our liking, we did enjoy the Beatles music beforehand. Another one of those surreal I can't believe I'm back in California moments- sipping on wine, listening to the Beatles, and surrounded by a bunch of hip people. Yeah- I just used hip as an adjective. I'm officially 80.

I'm definitely on the lookout for fun, new places to visit- picnic basket in tow- and I'm especially eager to test out new picnic-friendly recipes. My last masterpiece was an olive-feta spread, and it will be accompanying me on every picnic, it was that good! While I entrust my paper Trader Joe's bags and a soft-sided cooler, I am on the lookout for official gear- I want to be the real deal!! I stumbled this post over at Design*Sponge (one of my fave blogs) and immediately but this company at the top of my wish list- how cool is Boxsal!? Environmentally friendly, convenient, and creative- my three favorite things!

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Any other picnickers out there? What is your go-to food item? Place to visit?

Updated

I'm so excited to start actively writing again- I have so much to share! In the meantime, I've uploaded posts from my old blog- they're integral to my story and truly capture all the pitfalls and successes I've had in the last year. It's definitely been a growing process, and a journey I'll never forget.

On Finding Balance

"I used to think that one day I'd be able to resolve the different drives I have in different directions, the tensions between the different people I am. Now I realize that is who I am. I do feel I'm getting closer to the song in my head. I wasn't looking for graces. But luckily grace was looking for me."
Bono, as quoted in Rolling Stone

The last few weeks I've been stuck in a rut. I initially blamed it on feeling under the weather, but quickly figured out that I'm running myself thin- jumping from one social engagement to the next, I've ignored what should be my biggest priority-- myself.

It's true that there have been countless moments where I've felt the need to pinch myself. To take an extra five seconds for a deeper breath of the fresh, beach air. Holding back the desire to hug everyone around me and never let them go. I am so grateful that I get to call California home, because I never thought I would have this opportunity again. I am very lucky, and I am very happy.

But somewhere in the last few months, I've lost the clarity I had rediscovered- about myself- who I am, what I want, and where I see my life a year from now, five years, ten years. I replaced my "me time" with happy hours, pool parties, and late night dancing. That's not to say that I can't enjoy spending time with my friends- but I need to find the balance between having fun and being responsible and focused on what's important.

And that balance, is where I will find my fleeting happiness.