Twenty Six

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Top: LOFT; Shorts: Lou & Grey; Bag: Madewell; Sandals: Joie

I am turning 26 today. And 26 will have a tough year to beat. 25 was full of new: a new kitten, a marriage, travel, opening a new business, and a whole lot of love.

I rang in the new age this weekend with a few of my favorite things: gardens, a whole lot of flowers, and a slow dinner with sparkling wine. The weather was hot - 99 and 97 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively - but we managed to get outside amongst the flora and take it all in. On Saturday we explored a secret English garden (more on that later), strolled in peace amongst the sprawl of tended plants and flowers, and watched boats go lazily by from a look-out. We capped our evening off with a nice dinner at a favorite Portland restaurant, Ava Gene's, where I sipped lambrusco, Ben sipped a rye cocktail, and we talked about work and life and people watched over three courses that were plate-licking good.

Sunday, we ventured forth in the heat of the day to the rose garden. I love that my birthday is in July, falling mid-year, and at a time when the sun is shining and the roses are blooming. There is little more beautiful than wandering into Portland's vibrant and sweet-smelling rose garden at the top of the city. We attempted not to melt, did a bad job at that, and then collapsed into the car to retreat to the air conditioning of a grocery store.

All in all, a weekend that was fitting for my birthday - flowers, wine, and not much else. 

Have a great week!