On Sunday, Landon and I drove down to Charlottesville to see Tyler Childers perform at John Paul Jones arena. Only Childers postponed the performance at the last minute, so we found ourselves Virginia-bound with no itinerary.
“You still want to go, right?” I asked, wondering if it would be possible to reschedule our hotel accommodations or dinner reservations at such short notice.
“Of course,” he said. “Why not?”
The day unfolded with vacation ease. We rolled into town and found seats at the bar at Guajiro for a late lunch of Cuban sandwiches and empanadas; we were able to check into our room at Keswick several hours early; there was a perfect table in a perfect spot of sun at Gabriele Rausse’s wine tasting shop, and we visited with the winemaker himself for a bit, and he told us that two of his secrets to a happy life are “singing out loud” and “eating a little bit of everything.” The undulating roads through the lush and hazy verdancy of the Virginia countryside were untrafficked and sun-dappled; we were able to reschedule our dinner reservations for later with no penalty or impingement; we sat at the pool finishing books. Green lights all the way.
Above: Driving through Virginia farmland; at Gabriele Rausse’s wine tasting; Keswick Hall — our favorite resort within two hours of DC
After I’d finished my book (The Berry Pickers — full review coming later this week!), I turned to Landon and told him: “I’m so happy right now.” I’d never have finished the book at home; and there I was, sitting by the pool with no agenda but my own desire. I saw the afternoon for what it was: an unflashily perfect moment of chasing what felt good with no hard timelines or plans in sight. We’d not seen Tyler Childers, but his absence had in turn given us a day of true rest and connection.
Sometimes magic happens when the plan falls through.
These thoughts fell into easy companionship with something I’m shedding in my 40s: the ersatz appeal of busyness. The pressure to have my children enrolled in loads of sports and afterschool activities. The blocking out of the calendar. The need to have weekend plans, period. I want the wide open white space of an empty calendar day. (When was the last time you saw that?). I want to avoid the sensation of rapid movement with little depth.
This spring, let me make more space for the unplanned. Let me live in the in-between and under-scheduled, where the wildflowers grow and the moss collects.
Post-Scripts.
+Let me also leave the door ajar, lest joy creep in.
+Who are your favorite under-the-radar musicians?
Shopping Break.
+I own this exact poplin shorts set in the bold red color — a great fit; shorts are a tad long on me (I’m 5’0) and might be ideal for slightly taller Magpies, but I still rock them all the time. I just saw Quince has a really good look for less for $29.
+While we’re talking Quince, Landon is wearing these $49 linen pants in the above photos! So handsome and I can’t believe the price.
+Just started reading this book after finishing Berry Pickers!
+Rothy’s new espadrilles are CHIC. You may recall how obsessed I am with their clogs. I live in them at home! LIVE IN THEM. Like a massage!
+Such a sweet and thoughtful mother’s day gift. Something else I am going to rec for mother’s day: this Aura digital frame. Landon told me he’d been planning to buy me one, but Aura generously sent me one on their own! We have it in our kitchen and I can’t tell you how much joy it’s brought to us. I’m often packing lunches, or clearing plates, and I catch sight of a happy family moment and it makes me realize how incredibly lucky I am. My kids often stop what they’re doing as they pass through the kitchen to comment on the photo in-frame, to re-live a memory, etc. It’s truly an incredible gift.
+Sezane has some really pretty new arrivals: this white eyelet dress and this blue and white patterned blouse turned my head!
+I’m so bummed that I totally missed the launch of the Kate Spade x Target capsule! So many adorable gifts and tabletop finds (and the kids tshirts and sweats…!). Linking here in case you can find any local ones in stock close to you!
+Really pretty wrap style skirt for spring. I’d style with a polished white tee (just got my hands on one of these “shrunken fit” Sold Out tees and love it when I want a slightly more tailored/form-fitting silhouette) and sandals.
+Rhone has some really great new arrivals in pretty spring colors. I love this brand for elevated athletic wear — my favorite item they have is this course-to-court half zip. The fit is really good — slightly long, and flares out the tiniest bit at the hem so it easily skims over your leggings. Such good colors, too! SHOOP20 gets you 20% off!
+Love this crochet-effect cardigan/jacket from Alex Mill’s spring collection.
+The chicest coupes!
+I’m all about terry as we head towards pool season! I did order this coverup from La Veste (can’t wait to wear in FL), and I also have my eyes on this Suzie Kondi jumpsuit and this zip-front terry dress.
+I have an Ossa wristlet in pastel colors but might need this tomato motif one!
+Alemais makes the coolest dresses.