Summer of Hope

😷 As restrictions here lift, last weekend we went with good friends up north, to two side by side cottages. 🛻 A bit reluctant, I threw on a smile & my runners. 😊 👟 My twin brother & sister joined us -- committing to half the time, bringing their own car. Truth be told, I didn’t expect much. 👀 Expecting more of the same in this pandemic, I envisioned a lot of sitting around, cooking, & mosquitos. 🛋🥘🦟

I definitely did not count on how pretty the lake would be. And our own little paddle boat. 🛶 Or the long walks, where everyone you meet says hello. 😊 The adorable puppy Molly we met, who I desperately wanted keep. 🐶 The hours of serenity while fishing on the docks. 🎣 Strolling around the town of Fenelon Falls, with its quaint boutiques. The local ice cream @slicesnscoops (something I never, ever eat because I am old and the cold hurts my teeth) where even our Morkie Johnny devoured the butter pecan.🍦

The amazing meals we took turns making. Our shared stories about life & love. And just how well everyone got along. Capping off the late nights, the younger ones hooted and hollered over UFC, and YouTube vs. TickTock boxing matches. 🥊 While we, laughing till our sides hurt, relished the comedy of Netlfix’s Sebastian Manescalco and Jo Koy — thank you @jorgegonzalezroyallepage

All, after nightly campfires, s'mores & counting the stars in the clear evening sky. 🔥 💫

What I didn’t expect was a whole lot of bonding. Even the twins extended their stay, for the duration. 🙏🏽

Sidenote to said bonding: my sister reminded me of a film, in which the shy, awkward teen is pressured to dance for a crowd. Remarkably, he manages to bust a move, quickly earning the nickname Pop'n Lock. 🕺🏽 She told me that next to my name in her contacts, I too, am Pop’Lock. 😊 An awkward dancer myself, she made my day! 💃🏻

If you haven’t seen The Way, Way Back, it’s perfect to watch (or rewatch) right now — funny, deep, tough at times, but oh so lovely. 🎥

And sometimes, it's just as lovely to be wrong when trying new things! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Tell those you love what they mean, enjoy their sweet company, and get outside during this beautiful summer of hope! ☀️