FloydFest

I am now home from a four day music festival in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia.  FloydFest, cleverly located in Floyd, Virginia is directly off of the parkway and full of breathtaking views.  I borrowed this photo of the venue from the FloydFest website to give you a little idea of what I'm referring to. 

The weather was perfect... well, until the monsoon that happened upon us on Saturday.  Even the heavy rains and mud couldn't stop the music.     

 

 

 

Fortunately for us our camp neighbor had an extra tarp and we had three very capable men more than willing to rig up additional shelter... in the pouring rain, at any cost. 

 

 

While the girls... TOOK COVER!

 

Without the rain there wouldn't have been any trash bag skirts or trench coats

 

Let's get to the good stuff though.  The music was out of this world and I am now a huge fan of so many bands and highly recommend you look into them as well.  Promise me you'll at least download Jason Isbell music.  I am OBSESSED and you will be too or we can't be friends any more.

1- JASON ISBELL (do it, seriously)
2- Devil Makes Three
3- Megan Jean and the KFB
4- Field Report
5- Spirit Family Reunion
6- Brandi Carlile
7- Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros

You're welcome, ahead of time. 

Jordan and his grass hat

playing with his new girlfriend

a few brewskies are always necessary (especially when they cost $1) 

making friends with your neighbor is important (when they have an emergency tarp)

campground snuggles

and selfies

can't find a funnel?  Poke a hole in a m&m bag

Jason Isbell and my newest friend, Sarah!

sweet boy

love her, duh

no shirt and jorts... welcome to FloydFest

this place couldn't be more beautiful

 

Camping for five days and live music throughout the night isn't everyone's cup of tea... who am I kidding, it's great and you should find a festival close to you too.  You won't regret it.  

Topsail Island

It's summertime which means travel, beach, travel, friends, travel, try new things.  I think you get the point.  It also means visit friends who live less than a football field away from the beach.  Ashley and I did just that this past weekend and had a blast visiting Meredith and AJ at Topsail. 

Our only requirement for the weekend was paddle boarding.  I've wanted to try this for a few years now and Meredith had the hookup.  My only piece of advice is listen to the professionals when they tell you the tide is low, the wind is crazy, and the current is fast.  We had no issues starting out but I'd be lying if I told you we did not need to be saved by two fishermen on a john boat who had to tow us to shore.  I'm quite positive I'd still be paddling if they didn't come by that day. 

double margaritas pre paddle boarding probably wasn't the greatest idea

proof

and we're up!

 We spent Saturday fishing and lounging on the Intracoastal Waterway with Mere, AJ, and their friends Eric, Stacy, and Stacy's mom Melanie.  Our count for the day: 3 sharks, 1 stingray, 1 crab.  I've got my eye on a flounder during our next outing.  Thanks again to Stacy and Eric for the invitation, we had a blast AND I CAUGHT A SHARK!

 

my catch of the day

all lines out

lucky to live in a beautiful state

by the end of the day I was Fifth Mate but definitely not Captain

great friends and hosts

Captain and First Mate

 

 

After a night on the town at the Tiki Bar and sitting up until 4am laughing and talking Sunday was spent sleeping on the beach.  This is the life. 

 

Mere and AJ... I'll be back.  It was the most wonderful beach weekend possible.  

Engagement Announcement!

I recently realized I begin most of my posts with 'my friends and I'.  Truth be known, my life would be a bore without them and I'm fortunate to have such a close knit circle.  Most of us have been together for almost 10 years now and have been a part of each others happiest and saddest moments.  Next to my family I know I can count on them without question, at any hour of the day or night.  This is why I'm SOOOOOOO excited to share that my best friend is newly engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!! (please insert screams, squeals, squeaks and all other high pitched noises you can think of).  Let the celebration(s) begin! 

West Coast Surprise

As I wrote an email to Sheila expressing my plans to visit soon and asking when she'd be back to the east coast my phone started ringing.  Sheila was on the other line and called to let me know she was making a last minute surprise trip to NC.  Would I be able to meet Friday night?  OF COURSE!  What a great treat it was to have her come to town even if it was a quick visit.  We spent Friday night toasting to everything we could think of, laughing about the past, and making plans for the future.  Our time together wasn't long enough but I'll take what I can get.  A big thanks to David and Christine for hosting us all.  Girls, let's do it again soon!

hiding in the garage to surprise Anne

 

SURPRISE!

 

time to face time friends!

and the photo shoot really begins

 

 

and one for instagram

  Sheila, please make last minute trips across the country as often as possible!!!