The View From Here....

September is my favorite month of the year. The view from here is optimistic, hopeful, and ready! Ready to enjoy a change of season and the coming months in all of their golden splendor. There is so much to look forward to: fires in the fireplace, falling leaves, maybe a new job, Halloween (I hope that little girl that said my pumpkin planters were so "Martha Stewart" comes back this year!), Thanksgiving South African-style (whatever that means), another Christmas Card, and snow on cedars (fingers crossed!) I'm spending the month planning a trip, preparing for interviews and visiting friends. First things first.

The Friends.....

KS came to visit from Seattle. Seattle!!!! We met in French class in high school in northern VA and decades later here we are. (Yes, I can't believe I was a teenager 21 years ago. I still feel like one, but whatever.) It's been a long time. I'm so glad she's in the pacific northwest now. She fits in perfectly and I'm happy to have her close by. She came down to PDX for Labor Day for some girl fun while JSM golfed the weekend away....

A hot September afternoon with a perfect blue sky.

The paparazzi was at it again! 

KS at the Nordstrom coffee bar.....of course. 

We stopped for dumplings before getting foot massages. I heart food carts!

As per usual....drinking wine in pajamas. Because we can on The Prairie.

The next weekend we made new friends! Well, I did anyway. What a small, small world it is. JM's sister's best friend and family moved to.....wait for it.......Brush Prairie! Seriously. They are lucky to live in Clark County's finest neighborhood, set on top of Summer Hill, with views of Vancouver and Portland. After years of hearing wonderful things about JSR I finally got to meet her and her family, twins Urban and Masley, and little Jamison. JSM and I brought buckets of Play-Doh and made instant friends with two 4 year-olds and a 2 year-old. We are now known as "the cousins" and I hope it stays that way. They are so darling! 

On top of Summer Hill

The sun setting on our way towards home

This last week my sweet friend HN met me for lunch and brought baby Scarlett. I love Scarlett! She is the sweetest baby with an enormous smile and a huge personality and she really hams it up for the camera. Can't wait to photograph her first birthday next month!

I'm 10 months old!

And I have a great toothy smile!

Scarlett and her mommy

The Trip.....

We'll be spending Thanksgiving in Cape Town, South Africa. So, I've been working overtime as librarian by day answering everyone else's questions......and librarian by night answering my own questions like: Where is it located? What does the view look like? Is the pool indoors or out? Is it safe? Is there outdoor space? I feel like I'm buying a house. We haven't even gotten to the safari yet...but it's going to be fabulous and wonderful and we may not want to come home. I'm worried about that part....according to my source (CWDB) it's supposed to be the most beautiful city in the WORLD! 

The Interviews.......

I have applied for two promotions within the library district. I have been asked to interview for both jobs. One requires a PUBLIC forum Q&A. Yes, that's right, the public will be invited to come and listen to me talk about my library qualifications. Enough said. 

The view from September is lovely! So much to enjoy, so much to look forward to and so much to be grateful for. The view from September can't be beat....except maybe by the view from the top of Table Mountain! We'll see about that.

XOXO