Almost four years ago, I started a blog and had no idea what I was going to get out of it. I wrote, but no one really read. Then, later, people did read, and there were times when I would question myself. Do people care? Is it appropriate for one to put so much of their life on the internet? Is it worth reading? Is this a waste of time, a hobby, or something much more?

But then you meet three girls who also blog and take pictures of everything and want something much, much more out of life. You meet them and keep in touch for six months and then it's June and you're all sitting on your back porch together, laughing until you cry, and suddenly you realize that these are some of your very best friends.

It is definitely something much more.

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Here are fourteen.

Jenna, Whitney, me, and Melissa

I have to really thank my mom and dad from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to invite into their home three people who, six months ago, were strangers; for keeping us full of delicious food and margaritas and wine; for gassing up the boat and taking us for a spin; and for generally being the thoroughly generous people whom I love so much.

And then there's my brother, who made creme brulee from scratch and drove us around and catered to our every whim. You are a wonderful brother and I love you, Sean. 

My heart feels so full and I am now not just missing a tall man in China, but three girls miles north of me, as well.

[The taste of summer: a spinach and berry salad, taken May 2012.]

My lovely friends Jenna, Melissa, and Whitney are just an hour away, and when they get here, we are going to have this amazing weekend that we have been planning for months! We'll be at the lake until Sunday, and then we're swinging by Para in Charlottesville for some of those pistachio milk lattes that I can't stop talking about on our way to Blogger Blitz DC!

Lots of cocktails, good food, pool and lake time are on the itinerary, as well as a tour around all my favorite Roanoke spots. I feel like they're all some college boyfriend coming to meet my family for the first time--I'm so excited to introduce them to everyone and show them around!

Talk to you later! Anyone else going to be at Blogger Blitz on Sunday?

The internet at the lake isn't exactly the most advanced. I've been feeling a bit disconnected, which used to stress me out, but I have to tell you, when you're where I am right now, it's really not too bad. Some days I only turn my computer on to chat with Rob or work on my paper, and that's fine with me.

Here's some of what I've been up to lately:

1. Iced coffee and reading at Mill Mountain.

2. Trying to make water more fun by adding fruit and herbs to it.

3. Self-portraits? Sure!

4. More reading. This book ended up being unhelpful but is so lovely.

5. Hanging out by the pool.

6. Afternoon espresso. Love those baby cups.

I've also been working my ass off at CrossFit this week, but you don't get a picture of that because it happens early in the morning and then I get really sweaty.

You can follow along on Instagram if you want! My username is @megan_flynn.