Back To College
I went back to college this weekend.
My cousin, Brooke, & I were having some major cabin fever so I took a mini weekend trip to visit her at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. We tasted amazing local foods at the North Market in the Short North District & had the best ice cream I've ever had at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream for lunch. The market was filled with delicious smells like fresh meats, spices, vegetables, chocolate!, waffles, donuts, etc. while the ice cream shop gave me a ton of design inspiration.
I love visiting thoughtfully designed shops because when it's done right, you don't notice. It's a natural experience that takes a lot of hard work to procure. I appreciate the time it takes to think of every detail & I hope to create a shop experience like this someday!
We wandered into many cute vintage & craft shops, bouncing our ideas for dream spaces & wardrobes off each other. We found some maps at a quirky paper shop & as my cousin sifted through a box of hundreds of quotes—looking for the perfect one to brighten a friend's day—I realized what a special woman she's becoming.
I was reminded of the roller coaster that is moving away from home & living on your own for the first time. The independence. Not having to answer to anyone about your decisions. Meeting people who challenge you to think differently. Trying new things. Breaking out of that old shell. Visiting her this weekend made me realize she can handle her own. She is so kind, so sweet, and doesn't take anyone's bullshit.
A few things she's taught me:
It's ok to dance by yourself & love every minute of it!
You can be honest without being brutal.
You won't always have the best days but that should never stop you from laughing because life is funny that way & hard times will pass.
So take it from Brooke this week, break your routine & dance to this song, brave ones (I know I will be):
