Fireworks & Family & Fun

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays because it means spending time with my hilarious family, eating good food, and then gathering to watch the night sky light up in different hues. A true summer's day!

My outfit for the day: A subtle take on red, white, and blue.

A day among friends

Last Tuesday was the first time this summer that I got together with some of my friends from school, and I had a blast. After being stuck at home for a while, it was just the pick me up I needed. My friend Rachel drove from the Pittsburgh area to eastern Pennsylvania to stay at her grandparents' for a week, and she took the day to drive out to hang with the rest of us. (She was actually quite the chauffeur that day, much to our appreciation.)

After picking up our other friend Sarah, we headed to New Hope: a quaint little town along the Delaware River known for it's unique shops, antiques, and restaurants. It's definitely my favorite place to visit in Bucks County.

I once performed at this playhouse during my time in drama club in high school.

We stumbled upon a restaurant called Aladdin that seemed to have popped up since the last time I've been to New Hope. But the Mediterranean menu and beautiful decor made it an instant dining choice. And I can't say that I've had better  gyros anywhere else.

Sarah, Rachel, and I make quite the trio.

I was so tempted to buy this gas mask, and a bunch of other little knick knacks in this awesome antique shop.

After New Hope, and dropping Sarah off at home, Rachel and I traveled to Downingtown to meet up with Karl, another friend of ours from school (but an alum now). After a brief meet up at a local wing spot, we took a drive in his new car (ah, I love the new car smell) and went down some beautifully dark, winding streets and creepy old tunnels that were apparently haunted. Which was fitting as the three of us all met in our school's paranormal club.

Because it was too late for Rachel to drive me the long way home, I ended up staying over at her grandparents' house. And it was such a lovely home! With a barn and lots of land, too, so I was in love instantly. 

And I got to meet this little fella. 

I had such a wonderful trip. There's nothing like a beautiful day with friends to set your spirits high.

Where to Begin...

There's a storm brewing outside and I'm finding the vibrant green of the trees against the sky's now overwhelming shade of gray wonderfully distracting, but anyhow:

I never know how to start such things (blogs, new social networking profiles, and the like) because I never know how to go about introducing who I am.

I could give you the facts quick, straight, and simple:

• Shantelle
• Age: 20 (21 in September)
• Bucks County, PA, USA
• Integrative Arts major at Penn State
• Oldest of three children

Or, I could try to have more fun with it:

• At Starbucks, giving my name usually goes like this, "With an S, not a C...thank you...ah, no, two Ls and another E, please."
• I want to be 20 forever. On the cusp of full adulthood, yet still clinging to my naive teenage years. Like Peter Pan, I never want to grow up and maybe with enough faith, trust, and pixie dust I can stop right where I am. ...But on second thought, I would like to dance my heart out at the clubs whenever I want. So maybe 21 would be a good stopping point instead.
• Quiet suburban life. Steeped in history and all the farms, little villages, and open fields a girl could ask for.
• I entered college as a Japanese major, much to the delight and pride of everyone I know. Important jobs. Lots of money. A happy me. Somewhere along the way, the calling of the arts snagged my heart and I changed to Integrative Arts with concentrations in photography and art history--much to the doubt and uncertainty of everyone I know. Maybe jobs? Maybe money? An even happier me.
• As the oldest child, as well as the only girl, I am automatically the coolest child. Simple as that.

Either way, this is me. Of course, my life is more complex than what a few bullet points can offer. But that's what this blog is for, right?