A Friday Buffet
No. 041 Thoughts on 38 and the speed of time.
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Hello!
Despite today’s rain not being a surprise (hello weather reports and radar), I find a rainy morning to be the least motivating and stimulating. I thrive on the outdoors being an option since that #workfromhomelife means my scenery doesn’t change without my assistance. I like to get up and move around pretty often.
Here’s hoping the rain tapers sooner than later so I can get out to cut a bunch of fresh dahlias and take Pepper on a long walk because her energy tends to increase in the rain. ;)
Friends, I am now 38 years old. Wowza.
Last weekend, Saturday to be precise, I turned 38 which is just two years away from 40. And it is many more years away from 35, 30, 28, 25, 21…you get my drift.
Many say that 38 (or age in general) is just a number, which is entirely correct. However, in my own unique way of looking at the world, 38 feels far bigger, perhaps even more daunting than 40. I can hear your surprise.
My birthday weekend consisted of multiple family gatherings, plenty of delicious food, plenty of time with Seth and Pepper, and even spectacular weather - a gift in and of itself. We also managed a brief, beautiful day trip to Maine that made me crave a return visit as soon as the crowds diminish and dogs are allowed on the beach.
All in all, it was a joyful way to ring in the new year from start to finish; my mom even made a scrumptious GF cheesecake of which I had leftovers for days. Stellar birthday dessert and a very sweet weekend of celebrations.
And yet I still can’t believe I’m 38. 38! What is time? I feel like I was just celebrating 35 during the pandemic (masks and all) and it feels like moments ago I was ringing in 30, one year before our wedding, with two different parties to say adieu to my 20s and bonjour to my 30s.
Now, I’m 38 with just two years to go until the next decade and I’m in a smidge of shock. Seriously, what is time?
I have never subscribed to the notion of following specific milestones associated with certain ages because in that realm, I am just too realistic. How in the world can you predict when certain big life events will happen? It’s impossible. And it’s even more impossible to put a target timeline on said events. Things will happen when they happen!
I knew we would eventually buy a house, but I could have never predicted we would do so in 2021 amidst the pandemic. I had no idea house-buying would also involve a bidding war that we’d ultimately win (woohoo!). I had no clue when we would get a dog. I knew I wanted one, someday, but I never knew exactly when or how #doglife would begin. And yet.. here we are! May 2023 began Dog Life.
I’m not usually a fan of surprises, but there are certain elements of life that just lend themselves best to surprise. Sure, there is planning involved when one is buying a house, but you don’t know which one you will get! And we certainly didn’t know what type of dog would join us.
Pepper, while she is a lot of work and demands a lot of our attention, is one of the best surprises of this year. :)
Perhaps the best way to envision the future, and take charge of 38, is to consider it great from the start. Every age is important and special and has a whole host of “newness” associated with it. I’m 38; I own a home, a dog, a whole bunch of dahlias, I’ve been married for seven years, and while life has taken many twists and turns I never saw coming, I definitely think the best is yet to come. Wait. No. There have been a lot of “bests” already; and yet, there is even more best to come.
38, at any rate, is great and I’m embracing this time of my life to the fullest. I mean, these days many of our daily conversations are around the best ratio of wet/dry food for Pepper, is it the right moment to cut the dahlias, and do we have enough time to go out for dinner or will Pepper chew more of the vintage kitchen rug? ;) Life is full of surprises!
How do you feel about your current age or upcoming birthday?
3 Hours in Ogunquit, Maine
Drive 65 miles north of Boston to one of my most-favorite places, Ogunquit, Maine. I’ve been going there for 37 years - literally - and I just love everything about it. Yes, elements have changed over the decades and this once-secret beach town has now exploded in popularity. However, the charm and joy are still flowing and I highly recommend a visit during the spring, summer, or fall!
For a day trip, find parking at the beach, one of the public lots in the center of town, or down in Perkins Cove. It’s not free, but it’s cheaper than staying overnight!
Once you have parked, I recommend walking to Perkins Cove for lunch at one of the many spots that has a perfect ocean (or cove) view. Top of the list? Barnacle Billy’s, The Lobster Shack, or The Trap. Each one is fantastic in its own way and each has gluten free options (I got you).
Note that these restaurants get extremely busy; visit pre-lunch-rush or mid-afternoon for easier seating and a less-packed atmosphere if you prefer.
After you eat, continue strolling around the Cove for more great views, vacation-style shopping, or even some ice cream. Is anyone else always hungry when on vacation? I swear I’m #neverfull when I’m having fun.
Be sure to make your way to Ogunquit village which has even more shops and restaurants and it’s a brief walk to the main beach. The beach is beautiful! A flat, sandy stretch that goes for miles and has a view of the Atlantic as far as the eye can see. Quite idyllic!
I could go on and on about the wonders of OGT, my countless memories of many summers spent in this wonderful place, but instead I will say that even a wicked quick trip (just three hours total) brought it all back.
I was worried that a day trip would feel incomplete, but I was thankfully proven wrong. A lot can be enjoyed in three hours and it’s plenty of time to reminisce about the past while making new memories for the future.
PS: Pepper loved Maine! She was her best puppy self for the entire trip and seemed to have a delightful time. Same! :)
A Buffet for Today: 8/25/2023
We learned this week that And Just Like That… got renewed for season three. Did you see the second season finale? Thoughts?
The fashion served during the finale was pretty darn strong as well. Plus, Shoe the Kitten!
Dry Skin Season will be here sooner than we think so it’s time for a hand cream round up.
Currently perusing the first half of Alex Mill’s fall collection with my eye on several pieces.
A close friend recommended Dragon Diffusion’s woven-leather handbags; I finally began using mine and it’s superb - stylish and functional!
I am still 50/50 on the return of cargo jeans that have pockets on both legs.
But I am strongly considering the Nili Lotan Shon Pant.
Thinking ahead for Boot Season? I recommend this chic, yet funky style from Birkenstock. They are lightweight and comfy, I promise.
Finally, please read this important piece about Maui that also includes ways to donate and help.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
