Roots N' Blues N' BBQ 2014

This past weekend, I went to Roots N' Blues for the first time in years and was just totally floored with how awesome the festival was.

Not that I didn't expect that. I just hadn't been to it since it moved down to Stephens Lake. And in that time, had been to my fair share of outdoor festivals to compare. Plus, Avett Brothers was headlining and you know how I feel about Avett.

But still. There were the typical things – awesome food vendors, clean bathrooms (the cleanest I've ever been in), beer + koozie discount special, plenty of shaded areas, chair and aisle lines that festival goers actually respected – but more than that...

It felt local.

There were art installations by local creatives. Someone with the festival came on before each musical act to make announcements and thank the community members who made the weekend possible. Everyone was super friendly. You got the feeling that people would have come out for the festival regardless of who was playing.

And so when you add that with beer, biscuits, amazing weather and great music... it sort of makes for a perfect weekend.

Already counting down til next year. (I just wish someone would make them a better website.)

Fall 2014 Shopping List

A black, camel, navy, and emerald green palette.

Easy shells and blouses (likely from Loft).

Thin leather watch, in black, tan or navy.

Black loafers (JCrew) and tan flats (JCrew) and a restock of my favorite fall boot.

A classic buffalo plaid button-down shirt (Gap).

Dark skinny jeans, with room for a cuff.

The perfect white button-down shirt.

A cozy cream cardigan (like this one). 

It's Okay

If I've learned one thing over the past year, it's that sometimes this is all we need to hear. 

Amnesia

Those days when you hear a song that so accurately describes your life that it kind of freaks you out. Hearing this one – exactly a year later – really hit home.


I remember the day you told me you were leaving 
I remember the make-up running down your face 
And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them 
Like every single wish we ever made 

I wish that I could wake up with amnesia 
And forget about the stupid little things 
Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you 
And the memories I never can escape

The pictures that you sent me they're still living in my phone 
I'll admit I like to see them, I'll admit I feel alone 
And all my friends keep asking why I'm not around 

It hurts to know you're happy, yeah, it hurts that you've moved on 
It's hard to hear your name when I haven't seen you in so long 

It's like we never happened, was it just a lie? 
If what we had was real, how could you be fine? 

'Cause I'm not fine at all

Summarizing Summer 2014

"And at wedding #12, I sat on a men's toilet." 

 - Jess, New Girl

Habits

Looking Forward To {September 2014}

• the Love Party of the decade
• a month of music with Loufest in Forest Park, Roots n' Blues in Columbia, and the final Point Summer Show at the end of the month
• more yoga
• a couple farmer's market Saturdays with fall goodies like apples and kale
• cherishing these dog days of summer with as many outdoor events, iced coffee and patios as possible before making the switch to warm lattes and firepits.