Joyful, Joyful

When I was little, I loved the summer nights when my family would head out to hear the local symphony play at an outdoor theater. We would arrive with a blanket and a picnic basket and settle in to listening to the orchestra play while eating our dinner outside in beautiful weather.

Tec Petaja via Once Wed


Simply Bloom Photography via Green Weddings Shoes via C Star Events


Roland Bello Photography


Lorenzo Agius


Thayer Allyson Gowdy

I still think camping out on a blanket while listening to good music, savoring delicious food, and relishing the company of family and friends is a fantastic way to spend a night, and as the weather is not yet too hot, humid, and muggy here in Houston, I am looking forward to enjoying just such an evening tonight. Whatever your plans, I hope your weekend is full of things you take joy in too!

Routing for a Hometown Girl

I'm sure many of you have been following the adventures of former Houston-turned Kuala Lumpur resident Courtney, of In(side) the Loop, as she's jumped headfirst into exploring life in a new country and on a new continent over the course of the last year.

Earlier this spring, Courtney posted stunning photos of her 3 week journey to India and Nepal. Each breathtaking, revealing and beautifully composed. Now Courtney has been recognized for one of those photos as she was named a Top 40 Individual Finalist in the KL Photo Awards 2010, out of over 1650 entries received from 38 different countries!

Courtney Barton

While the judges have made their decisions, the People's Choice award is now being counted. You can vote for your favorite entry once per computer (and once per smart phone!) until May 16th.

Regardless of the outcome, I am very happy for and proud of my sweet blogging friend, a woman who is every bit as warm and genuine in person as she seems online!