Rollin' Down a Backwoods, Tennessee Byway...

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. 
-Elbert Hubbard

Whew!  I just walked in the door from a morning of travel, and although I was *kind of* sad that I didn't come across a Yoga Room at the airport, the flight + drive was TOTALLY worth it to spend a weekend with two of my dearest friends. Although I must now transition back into real life (always the hardest part!) and my to-do list awaits me, I wanted to take a moment to share a few quick pics & thoughts while my heart is still in Nashville with my friends...

Here are my takeaways & lessons from the weekend:

• If you love country music, Nashville is THE PLACE TO BE. I was totally amazed by the high-quality, live music being played at every bar every night. I lost my voice from singing aloud each night, and if I could do it again tonight, I would. Where else can you hear all of your favorite country hits in one place? Nowhere. Part of me wants to move there just for the music (and close proximity to friends, of course!)...
• Cowboy boots = sexy. I must get a pair!
• There is nothing better than belly laughs with friends. I think I laughed more in the past few days than I have in the past few months combined, and it definitely did the body + mind good. I feel totally refreshed.
• I didn't realize how much I missed the real south until I was there. I know I say this every time I go home, or back to KY, but really--how can everyone be SO nice there? And then I got back to DC today, got on the metro, and a man was brushing his teeth (loudly, with no toothpaste) in the seat behind me. Sigh....
• Even if you LOVE your daily life and your job, weekend getaways are a must. They're a great reminder of what's important in life (relationships, friends, experiencing each day, learning, seeing new things and new places) and what's not (checking one more thing off of the list, waking up to an alarm every day, living in a total routine, etc.). Getting away always puts things in perspective. Why do I always forget that when I'm deep in the daily grind?  
• Despite popular belief, you *can* get a speeding ticket from a park ranger for going 29 in a 15 (while sightseeing). I think my friend Leigh was the first person in history to get a "speeding" ticket for going under 30 MPH. Oh, and it's true that redheads get really fiery when crossed! I thought I might watch our Bachelorette get thrown in jail when that ranger tried to have her sign the ticket slip...
• Line dancing = most. fun. ever.

So here's my advice to you: if you haven't made plans for a getaway or a special trip/time with your dearest friends in the near future, do it now. There is simply nothing more rejuvenating, nurturing, or fun than spending a weekend laughing + catching up with those who are important to you.

I hope you had a great weekend, too! Here's to a week full of belly laughs ;)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine