Signs

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There are signs all around us, if only we take the time to notice them. Some are more obvious than others, of course, but even the most subtle signs can point us in a new direction, offer a little inspiration, or simply remind us to appreciate the moment we're in.

Tim and I were off to New Hampshire, meeting up with three other couples at our lakeside Airbnb for a friend's wedding weekend. We all arrived at different times throughout the day and evening, with Tim and me being the first to settle in. The house was right on the water, beautifully set up, and equipped with just about everything we could need. The only oddity we all agreed on was the fact that none of the walls reached all the way to the ceiling. Instead, the house had an open ceiling with three-quarter walls, making it feel as though we were all sharing one giant room. Strange, for sure, and it made for an interesting night's sleep, listening to several of the guys snoring in stereo!

Megan and Jason had claimed the basement bedroom, which offered the only smidge of privacy in the entire house. But even the lack of walls couldn't put a damper on our fun. Six of us piled into Jen's car and headed off to the rehearsal dinner, an Oktoberfest celebration tucked away in the deep woods of New Hampshire. We were treated to bratwurst, German potato salad, and all sorts of other German specialties. Campfires were roaring, the October air had that wonderful autumn crispness, and we were all happily embracing the season in our favorite fall sweaters. It was one of those evenings when the setting, the company, and the simple pleasures all come together just right.

Back at the house, our final couple arrived after battling some truly terrible traffic. Before long, we were all gathered together, chatting, swapping stories, laughing, and enjoying what felt like a grown-up sleepover. There is something so wonderfully carefree about a weekend spent with good friends, where the only agenda is to enjoy one another's company and see where the evening takes you.

I was the first to call it a night, although heading off to bed didn't mean I was ready to miss out entirely. I lay there listening to the chatter and laughter drifting through the house, smiling to myself as I slowly dozed off. Even with the unusual acoustics and the symphony of snores waiting for me, it was hard not to feel grateful for the moment.

And there it was, that little sign in the window, with a beautiful lake stretching out behind it: The world is your oyster. A simple reminder that life is full of possibilities, adventures, and unexpected moments worth savoring. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate all that the world has to offer is to simply say yes, gather your favorite people, and enjoy the ride. And don't mind me if I go ahead and savor every last bit of it!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.” — Mark Twain