A Cape Cod Weekend

We spent the long weekend of Fourth of July enjoying one of my favorite places - Cape Cod. And despite a few injuries and discovering my previously unknown allergy to sunscreen, the weekend was relaxing and peaceful. It has taken me several weeks to edit the photos, as I have fallen quite behind in editing photos composing thoughtful posts.

As life went from hectic to sullen to impossibly cruel over these past few days, I curled up under my down comforter and bawled my eyes out more times than I care to admit. Then yesterday, I suddenly needed a visual reminder of a quiet, peaceful moment in my own life, not so long ago when life seemed easy, joyous, and finally on track. So I pushed aside the tissues stained with mascara and containing the last tears my body will physically be able to produce for awhile and took myself back to Cape Cod.

As it turns out, I took hundreds of photos that weekend - so many that I need to break them into separate posts in order to share them all with you. I hope you are able to visualize the peace and serenity and all the reasons I so love this tiny island. And if you might also need some comfort in your life, I hope the photos here and to come will remind you, as they did me, that life will at some point in the future once again seem beautiful, simple, and free.

Aspen, Colorado

While I felt as though I was running non-stop during the week I spent in Colorado for the 2011 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, the breathtaking beauty of Aspen, Colorado made me smile each time I had a spare second to look up.

Surrounded by mountains, filling my lungs with fresh air, and feeling the sunshine on my face was such a treat.

Even during the cloudy days, when the sky was thick with fog and rain clouds, Aspen struck me as truly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited.

2011 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen

Three months ago, after spending the first three years of my adult life endlessly searching for a career I truly loved, I was welcomed into an incredible team of individuals who work day, night, and weekend in planning the annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.

It is difficult for me to put into words how quickly this event took over my life – in the best way possible. To be able to take part in the weekend, to truly understand the importance and significance of the event, was an incredible feeling of accomplishment. The exhibitors filled the Grand Tasting Pavilion, offering wine, food, and cocktails to thousands of consumers. In between tastings, consumers took part in seminars, where they attempted soak up as much knowledge and inspiration as possible from culinary legends and wine experts.

I listened to so many coworkers describe their favorite “Classic Moments,” moments that emphasized the uniqueness and specialness of the weekend, and wondered if I might have any of my own, intermixed with a week of non-stop work and running from one location to the next. I did not leave Aspen disappointed, experiencing not one, but two moments that completely took my breath away – and it wasn’t just the altitude! These moments deserve their very own post, but more than anything, they made me stop and think: this is my job. I get to wake up every day and be part of a team that plans this incredible event each year, an event that offers information and access to talent like no other I can imagine.