Live life forward.

Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead- that is where your future lies.

– Ann Landers

I’ve got a lot ahead of me to look forward to these days. As summer nears its end, my plate gets FULL.

Next week, we’ll be sharing our home with close friends and co-hosting a party with them- how fun! Then, we’ll hit the open road on an extended trip West, first into Bear Valley and on to the West Coast, visiting pockets of friends along the way. I will have the opportunity to see Neil Young play live, something I can’t even think about for fear of jinxing it. We’ll be greeted by a green, tree-filled yard when we return home, and will have a one-day turnaround before a 5-day family camping trip (yay, Betty!) in Colorado. Adventures abound!

In September, I have the absolute pleasure of spending time with some pretty fabulous women. I get to enjoy a pre-wedding gathering with my fun Durango girlfriends, and I just confirmed a weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea with my Matron of Honor, which will kick off with a dinner with my Cali girls. Remember my Life List #61 – Take a trip with girlfriends once a year…? These are memories that will stay with me in a special place in my heart- and they haven’t even happened yet!

There are fun things ahead for the usual bliss, too. My friend Tracy (momoftwosalums) and I will be embarking on our third Foodie Challenge in August. I wonder what we’ll tackle in the kitchen this time! Take a look at our past challenges here and here. Hungry yet?

Take a gander at my updated and extensive blog love page, which includes more of my daily browsing locations.  And don’t forget to follow my daily Photo-a-Day Challenge! The prompts for August’s photos are up already, and I can’t believe it will mark the start of my fourth month of participation. Time flies, you guys! 

I’m working on a page for awards and recognition, but I’d like to quickly thank two fellow bloggers friends for thinking of me this week.

Kate at The Kate Keeper tagged me to participate in HostelBookers’ Seven Super Shots. If you’ll recall, I shared my photos another time (see them here). I also shared my runners-up (such a softie). See those here. Check out her photos, and thanks for including me, Kate!

Emily at Adventures of a Dog Mom nominated me for the One Lovely Blog award. It means a lot to get a cyber-hug and shout out from another blogger . Check out her blog- she’s recently incorporated more food-related posts in addition to showing off her darling doggies. Thanks for including me on your list, Emily!

And last, I have a fun new feature in mind for the usual bliss called “Me in PC” that will involve me playing “tourist” in my own town. I already have a long list of places to see and things to do, and am really excited about experiencing this incredible area to the max– and sharing it with you!

I find myself getting emotional more easily these days, and I know it’s because it feels like a lot is happening all at once. But it’s all good stuff. And at a time like this, all I can ask for is MORE, PLEASE.

*Image from Say Yes to Happy