Dear Orcutt

So the last time I blogged, I guess I just went on and on about the cottage. Well, it's not just the cottage that I'm loving--I've fallen in love with the Orcutt community as well. My hubby has always loved the Orcutt community, but it took some time for me to love it. But now I do. We take walks everyday in our neighborhood, where children ride their bikes, older neighbors walk their dogs, and mothers stroll their toddlers. We peruse Farmer's market on Tuesdays where I get inspired to make new gourmet meals with fresh ingredients (and get a long-missed taste of Europe for a bit). We visit our little Orcutt library (where I am writing this blog now) and check out great classics like Agatha Christie (which takes me back to my high school years growing up). We sample delicious baked goods from Tan Top, refresh ourselves with Blenders, and run into people we know. I must say, it's quite the charming community to be in.

Musings

So you'd think now that I'm on summer vacation with not much to do (HA!), that I'd be blogging more often. Well, the truth is, I have lots to do and a few internet complications. The result: limited blogging. I've been busy playing Scrabble on the front porch, tanning at the beach, taking walks in our lovely neighborhood, having district interviews (random!), playing with the Cass and Toey, watching "America's Got Talent", and loading iTunes. See? Busy! Anyways, so the latest confession from Fauf:

I love our cottage!

If you have not visited the cottage yet, you really must. It's quite charming and comfy and welcome to anyone. You must come play Scrabble on the porch, or have a snack on the back patio, or read a book in the library corner, or paint something in the back art studio. Just saying, it's delightful.

Ahh, summer!

B And E

Many things have ended and many things have begun this week. I feel sandwiched by bookends titled "Beginning" and "End". An exciting time to be sure, but also a bit unnerving. But then again, that's life and I think when it comes down to it, I wouldn't have it any other way. So here goes the reflections on the endings and beginnings:

1. Ending residence at the Nest (the Shaws have flown the coop)
2. Ending my title as 3rd grade teacher
3. Ending the Neverland magic
4. Ending the ridiculous workload of grading, scheduling, managing, decorating, conferencing, ugh, ugh, ugh...
5. Ending the "early to bed and early to rise" law

On the other hand...
1. Beginning our dwelling in the charming Cottage
2. Beginning my new job as Orcutt Art teacher
3. Beginning the Neverland guest room
4. Beginning the fun work of planning, drawing, painting, scultping, yay, yay, yay...
5. Beginning the summer lifestyle of "party-hearty"!