Construction Project: Blue Bench

I've always loved this blue bench that's on the Vineyard. But in recent years, it's fallen into disrepair. The legs were rotting and it looked dangerous to sit in. I think everybody was a little sad to see it falling apart.

While we were there, Eric decided that we should fix it! He went out and bought all of the supplies to replace the seat and legs, and then we went to work. First we had to take it apart, then we had to measure and drill and hammer and screw everything back together. And then we primed. And painted. And painted. And painted some more (1 coat of spray paint, 2 coats with brushes). The result is AWESOME!

We didn't change anything about the back, except to repaint it and reattach one of the arms where it had come undone. Want to know something super cool about this bench? The back flips over, so the bench can face either direction without picking it up and turning it! 

We're both pretty proud of the outcome. The new paint is very, very shiny and blue. 

Photo Walk With Sara

On Saturday night I went to Norwood to see Sara. We talked and talked, and it was so much fun to catch up. Also, Sara's 21 weeks pregnant and I got to feel the baby kick; it was ridiculously exciting!

I spent the night in Norwood so that we could get up Sunday morning and go for a photo walk. Even though I told Sara an unnecessarily long story and it was much warmer than we expected, we both managed to take some fun pictures. Honestly, I had trouble looking at my surroundings; I only wanted to take pictures of Sara and her little belly, because she's just so beautifully happy. Here are two of my favorites.

If you visit Sara's blog, you'll see photos she took (of the walk and of me!) plus her edits of these two photos and a few others I took!

In Between

It rained Monday - Wednesday, and I didn't really mind. It made being back inside and working 9 - 5 without an ocean view a little less painful. But as of yesterday, the gorgeous weather is back; I couldn't resist going for a walk and spending some time in the sunshine.

This is one of the scenes I look at often. I think it's such a pretty skyline peeking out between these two bigger buildings. I like the way the architecture meets the big, empty blue sky; it's almost like this could be the end of the city and it's all country beyond that building. But that's just an illusion. 

Happy weekend. 

Leif + Alyssa's Wedding

On Saturday, our friends, Leif + Alyssa, got married. Eric and Leif have known each other since first grade, and Eric was one of his groomsmen.

The ceremony was held outdoors at the Harvard Historical Society. Just before the ceremony started, we felt a few drops of rain. But the weather cooperated, and everything went as planned. The bride was stunning in her lace dress, and the groom couldn't have looked more pleased. It's always such a pleasure watching our friends say "I do."

Afterwards we all went to Wedgewood Pines Country Club for dinner and dancing. I didn't take many pictures because first I was too busy eating and then I was too busy dancing. We definitely had a great time!

Grand Illumination In Oak Bluffs - August 18

Last Wednesday Eric and I went to the Grand Illumination (I'll explain) in Oak Bluffs. We got there early and went to dinner at Giordano's (Eric used to be a bar tender there, and we're pretty sure we got moved to the front of the line!). Oak Bluffs was packed, so it was a good thing we planned ahead. After dinner, we headed to the Campground to wait for the festivities to begin. On our way over we witnessed a stunning Vineyard sunset.

It was getting pretty dark by the time we got to the Tabernacle, and the band was just beginning to play. They played a million patriotic songs, so it felt a little like the 4th of July. 

The music actually went on for much longer than we anticipated, and it started to rain a little bit. But we held our ground because we didn't want to miss the Grand Illumination! Okay, so what is this Grand Illumination business? Well, all the owners if the gingerbread cottages (the cute little houses I've written about before) at the campground decorate with lanterns. And then, when it's time, they all light them at once! Yeah, it's pretty much just as awesome as it sounds! I'd never been before, so it was a real to-do.

Once the houses are all lit up, masses up people walk around snapping pictures and oohing + ahhing. It's really quite a darling tradition.

It rained on and off, so we took cover inside the Tabernacle for a bit. There were lanterns lining the edge of the entire thing, and they were so pretty up close and from a distance.

We ventured outside again, when the rain slowed. Some people went beyond their porches, and decorated the lawns with lanterns and candles inside paper bags (though the rain prevented most candles from being lit). 

This little boy was just about the most adorable thing. I only saw him for a split second, and I can't believe I got this picture. His dad was carrying him and when he saw this huge lantern in a tree, he reached out to touch it. My heart was melting. 

Eventually the rain starting coming down a little too hard, and we made a mad dash for the car. It was such a beautiful night! 

P.S. I didn't even have a tripod! 

Sleeping Beauty

You guys, this little girl is Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty); I'd recognize that dress anywhere!

I took this picture on Wednesday night, and I have so much to tell you about that evening, and some other other evenings, too. But first I have to sort through hundreds of pictures. So this is all you get for now. Mostly because I'm feeling a bit like Sleeping Beauty myself, and I think I need to head to bed. I was so productive today -- and I conquered my to-do list  -- so now I'm just exhausted. 

I'll catch you on the flip side.  

Yachts

Well, we're back in Boston. But I'm still thinking about the Vineyard.

While we were there, my life was filled with boats. We went to the lagoon on the motor boat, we sailed, and we kayaked. We also had the pleasure of watching all sorts of boats pass everyday. Fishing boats, sail boats, ferries, coast guard boats, and luxurious yachts (see Dad?). 

When I think of yachts, I think of the movie, Some Like it Hot. If you haven't seen it, rent it. It's Marilyn Monroe at her best, and it's one of my all-time favorite movies.

Sunset In Vineyard Haven

Since we're leaving a few hours, it seems appropriate to share a sunset picture (get the metaphor there?). 

Last night we went to one of our secret spots to watch the sunset. The ride is a bumpy one, reminiscent of a roller coaster. And then at the end, you get out of the car to watch Mother Nature make some magic. We brought drinks (peach Izze for me, ginger ale for Eric + Will) and sandwiches for the show. After we ate, we got out the fishing pole; that's Eric in the picture. 

Le sigh. Goodbye. 

P.S. Still more Vineyard photos to share. Wait for it. 

Sunrise In Vineyard Haven

Yesterday morning I woke up, looked out the window, and practically flew out of bed. I raced downstairs, grabbed my camera, and ran down the three flights of stairs to the beach without ever looking at a clock. But I'd have to guess it was about 5:45, because look what I saw:

Holy moly! Starting the day with such beautifully pink perfection is pretty awesome. There was no way I could go back to sleep after that, so I started working by 6:30. Next month I'll be sending out my very first Everything Little Miss newsletter, so I worked on my newsletter layout and wrote a bit of the content. It turned out to be a very productive morning!

*Today on Everything Little Miss, I wrote about being inspired by the ocean. If you stop by the ELM blog, you can sign up for my newsletter! 

Ninety Two Years Old

Yesterday Eric's grandfather turned 92! That's pretty cool, huh? We joined him, his older sister, along with Eric's aunt and cousin for dinner last night to celebrate. We ate at Blue Canoe, and Eric's other cousin was our waitress, which was extra special. We were seated outdoors, and it was a gorgeous night for a birthday celebration. 

This photo was actually taken on Saturday night, when we celebrated with Eric's dad, mom, and brother, since Eric parents wouldn't be around for the actual day. So there was lots of celebrating going on, which is only right since 92 only comes around every once in awhile and is a pretty big deal.

Working From The Vineyard

In case it hasn't been apparent, I've spent the past week working from Martha's Vineyard. It certainly is nice having connections to such a wonderful place. I set up shop at the dining room table, so I've had the most lovely view of the ocean.

I took this picture at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club just before sunset a few nights ago. The weather has been absolutely amazing, and I'm feeling very relaxed!  It's nice to have a change of pace, even if I'm still working. The very best thing, of course, is how much time I've been spending with Eric. Yesterday we even took on a little construction project. I may even share some pictures here in  the next few days!

Waking Up

I'm not sure why I'm so sleepy this morning.

But waking up wasn't too challenging, since I had this pretty view. I took the picture with my blackberry when I got out of bed at 7:00 am. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture the amazing breeze to share with you on the blog. You'll just have to use your imagination, but believe me when I tell you it's downright heavenly!

This week's Lost in Thoughts is live; don't forget to take a peek for some inspiration on this fine day!

Soaring Seagull

I took a ton of pictures of seagulls on Sunday evening. I really love watching birds soar and swoop and fly.

I was up high, so I got to see them at eye-level. That's pretty awesome! It looks like so much fun. 

Seagull At Sunset

Eric is home. Let me rephrase that: ERIC IS HOME!!!!!!! That's better. :) He got home around 5:30 on Saturday night, and it has been so, so great.

Sunday night we got to enjoy this gorgeous scene together. Everything felt peaceful and right. Still does.

Second Blog Birthday

Happy birthday to us! We started this blog TWO years ago! I made a little video of some of my favorite photos and memories that we've blogged since last August.

Thank you all for keeping us company here on Objects of Communication! You're the best! :)

[Related: First Blog Birthday]

Shakespeare On The Common 2010: Othello

On Wednesday afternoon I packed up a bunch of snacks, blankets, and some reading material, and headed to The Common. I got there around 5:15 to reserve a spot for the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's free summer production. This year they put on Othello. Most of the good spaces were taken by 5:45. It was 95 degrees out, and super humid; I was glad that all I had to do was sit.  

These were the people to my left. They used their bikes to hold space for their friends who were coming later. I held space with my two blankets; I laid on them while I read, took pictures, and waited for my friends to arrive.

Everybody loved this dog.

Seriously. The owner couldn't go two feet without somebody stopping to ask him about it and pet it. 

My friends started arriving around 7:15. By the time the show started there were nine of us! Some of the girls brought their dinner and we also had some snacks for sharing. That's my blue bag and green backpack right in the center. 

Here's our view of the stage. You could pay $25 and get one of the blue chairs reserved for you. Since the chairs were being held, all of the occupants showed up much closer to show-time, which was 8:00.

I had never read or seen Othello, so I was really excited. Luckily, before the show started, Lindsey gave us a little synopsis (she's a high school English teacher). That was so incredibly helpful! 

Even after hearing the details of the story, I found the first half sort of difficult to follow. After sitting on the ground for almost 3 hours by the time it started, I wasn't especially comfortable. I think that may have had something to do with my confusion. But maybe not.

After half time (aka intermission), I got more comfortable and the play seemed to make a lot more sense. The second half is also more exciting than the first.

I had a lot of fun. There's something so awesome about being in a big crowd of people who are all doing the exact same thing. Plus, there's nothing better than enjoying a gorgeous summer night with a bunch of friends. The show ended late, and with train ride + walk I didn't get home until midnight! That's pretty late for a work night, but totally worth it. And now I know the story of Othello.

P.S. I wasn't about to lug a tripod to the play in addition to all the other stuff, so I'm really pleased with how well these long distance nighttime pictures came out. I've got a pretty steady hand!

Eight Years

Eight years ago, Eric kissed me and I said, I guess that means you're my boyfriend now. I don't think those were my exact words and I didn't say them for a few hours, but that's pretty much how it all began.

Since he's currently in Philly and I'm in Boston, he called me bright and early this morning just to say happy anniversary. It is happy, too, because we're celebrating eight years of growing, laughing, and being awesome. That's pretty great!

P.S. Know what? He comes back on Saturday! As in the day after tomorrow!

[Related: Seven Years]

Saturday Morning In Harvard Square

On Saturday, I met up with my beach buddies outside the Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square. It's a great place to people watch and take portraits unobserved.

It was pretty early, so it wasn't yet bustling. Most people were grabbing some coffee or sitting down with a bagel.

Also, it was a perfect day!

Crane Beach

On Saturday, some friends and I headed to Ipswich for a glorious day in the sun at Crane Beach. We packed up the car with chairs, blankets, magazine, and snacks and headed north on a little adventure. It was my first time visiting the area, and it was just beautiful. On our way, we even drove by a real live polo practice! I'd never seen anything like that (except in Pretty Woman).

The beach was an absolute delight. It was so great to have my feet in the sand and the sound of the ocean as the soundtrack to the day. I had a lot of fun with the girls, and everybody everywhere was smiling.

The only downside to the day was a bit of miscommunication in the morning. We accidentally left one of our friends behind; we assumed (always stupid) she wasn't coming, and didn't wait around at all to find out. We left in a hurry, but if we'd stayed at our meeting point in Harvard Square just a few more minutes, it would have been a perfect day.