Hi guys! Just popping in real quick to say hey! We all survived the first day. Cal's first day of 8th grade (gotta love that photobomb, don't you), and Neel and I survived our first day with our trainer. I say survived because my arms can barely lift to desk height to type this post, but I digress.

I'm going to focus on some family things around here today, but I'll be back tomorrow with a really, really special post. One that is very dear to my heart and has a special place in history too. Please stop by.

Also, sorry if I left you hanging! My camera was safely tucked under the passenger seat of our car. Our best guess is that the dogs scared off our would-be burglars before they got any further than the change compartment (that and the camera was pretty hard to see down there). So hooray for the Black and Tan Trio. Never again will I disparage a beagles howls again!

Catch you tomorrow!

Well, summer is coming to a close. Callum heads back to school on Monday so our days are truly winding down. He finished off with a bang, heading to a Phillies game with Neel this week (Phillies! For the win! FINALLY.) and a canoe trip down the Brandywine on the way home. We'll sneak in a beach trip or two to finish things off, but really, for all of us, all eyes are on the coming weeks.

I can't lie and say that this summer has been spectacularly awesome for me. Don't get me wrong, our highs were really, really high (Hello, London and Paris), but I've been riding a melancholy train for most of the summer that I can't seem to shake. Discontent is a tricky thing. It seeps into the edges of things and is waiting to meet you around the corner. It is not your friend.

I've felt beat down and sad in sometimes astonishing ways, and then alternately mad at myself because truly? There's a lot to be happy for.

And still.

Still. This has been, for many reasons, a summer more of muted tans and grays than bold and vibrant pinks and oranges, and I think sometimes there are seasons that are just like that. Is it just horrible around here? No way. Could I say more about all of this? Probably. Is it possible to verbalize what I'm feeling? Not really. Some things are buried too deep.

If you've read this blog for any length of time or if you know me at all, you might remember that we're heading into my absolutely least favorite time of year. Late August through September is brutal on my heart and soul. This year, I've managed to (mostly) escape my usual spate of late-summer migraines, and there is much anticipated joy as Cal turns 14 in a few short weeks.

And still.

In think we're all looking forward to a new school year, and I'm trying to look within and figure out how to find my way out of the gloom. I need some more vibrant colors and less muted tans and grays.

first day {still + life}

summer summer {life}