Throwback Thursday- All Aboard.

"What was your favorite part of your trip to South Dakota?"

A common question I've been asked since returning, and rightfully so. After much consideration, I have decided that there is a simple answer- being with family.

As I've grown up these past couple of years, I've noticed that slowly, we are going our separate ways. I'm off to college next month, my sister is in her senior year, and I haven't even seen my brother since January, working in SD on the train and all. It's so sad! But it's growing up and I must accept that fact.

I'm noticing how much more difficult it is to do things as a family. We're close as all get out, don't get me wrong, it's just that as young adults, we all have different ideas of what we want to do. Different agendas, priorities, and lifestyles. Instead of waking up in the morning and hopping into the car because Mom said so, we now have arguments on what's to be done.

Normal, of course, but altogether tough sometimes; however, on this trip, we put aside some of those problems and settled to the fact that we didn't need some spectacular activity, just something to do as a family, together.

Well what better way than to ride a train? I daresay that's a fine idea.

It was mostly centered round my brother, seeing as he works there and all, plus our lack of seeing him. Anton is officially dubbed a "hostler" and "fireman" on board the 1880 Train in Hill City, South Dakota. So he gets the engine ready in the mornings, fixes it up on breaks, and then accompanies the engineer on the trip to Keystone and back.

To see him up there, overalls caked in oil and with a gigantic grin on his face.. my goodness. Words could not describe how overjoyed and proud I was to see him doing what he loves. And to see him talk so ecstatically about his work is amazing. I never realized how much I missed him until then.

It's a pain sometimes, growing up, but it's also a real treat. To see each other grow into the amazing individuals they always were.. that's pretty special right there.

And truly, there's no better time than spending it with my family.

These are a collection of photographs from the time spent there.. starting with Anton manning the 110 engine, to our very own trips aboard the 1880 Train.

Throwback Thursday- Winner Creek with Winner Peep.

You know what really bites my rear end? When I make these special friendships with these incredible people, and then they leave. 

It tears at my heart. You get these really important people who come and make such a positive impact on your life and then they're gone. It just stinks.

There's the yucky bit. The good bit I want to focus on today, are the moments that I was able to spend with these special friends of mine. I don't know if you recall, but I did a post way back when about my friend Kate who lives in Arizona and how we're "soul-friends." Well guess what? She got to visit me in Alaska! Yes yes. One glouriously long week full of laughter, ogling Harry Styles, and being in each other's company, just like the good ole times.

Human nature truly amazes me. The strong bonds of friendship and the intense connection with people close to you. And I've realized that no matter how many miles apart our separate lives may take us, true friends will always be in your heart. Same with time, and I dare say that Pooh says so best. 

                                                 

    

We did have an extra special time together. It means the world to me to have friends take time to come all the way to the Far North to see me. 

Kate is definitely a keeper. 

Bonjour.. Hello, I'm Back.

And I have returned at long last.

Apologies, but I have been vacationing in the Black Hills of South Dakota visiting family and riding buffalo (ok, the last one might've been an exaggeration) and have just now returned to the keypad of my laptop.

Sorry to say, I did not miss the electronics. I did, however, miss posting to you! So here I am, coffee by my side, ready to catch up.

I find myself in a predicament when it comes to vacations and postings. It just seems irregular to post whilst on vacation. It's all about enjoying the present, and so that's what I did!

Anyhow, I have returned home. My cat was sure glad to see me- drooling, purring, cuddly thing and all, and I can honestly say that I've missed home. Stepping out of the airport and breathing in that fresh Alaskan air.. there's nothing like it. It also feels as if I left in summer and came home to winter. The air turned a bit chilly and whilst mowing yesterday, I noticed them colored leaves. Oh yes, I fear that fall is upon us and summer is bout gone. Then again, this could just be a rainy phase, what do I know?

So I cannot wait to share some stories with you! Man, I have some catching up to do on Throwback Thursdays and Songs for Sundays, so you might be seeing multiples.

Eeeeeee.

It's good to be home.

What I wore: black sequined beret (used), red Bonjour FOREVER 21 top (used), sequined ANN TAYLOR skirt (used), and black NINE WEST ankle boots (sale).