Life's Little Details

"The details are not the details. They make the design." — Charles Eames

I typically pen Monday's post on Sunday night. There's that rare occasion where I bring my blogging A-game, and I've finished the post in advance. I love when that happens! Unfortunately, that's not the case today. In fact, as I type this, I'm sipping on a Gin and Tonic to calm my nerves. It's the exact cocktail in the image above, which kind of makes it feel as though we're taking a guzzlet together. Isn't that special? Since we're sipping on Gimlets, do you mind if I use today's post to decompress? You're such a doll!

As I mentioned on Friday, Flyboy is currently away. I stayed preoccupied with work on Saturday, and on Sunday I set out for the beach. Yippee! I'm glad I didn't listen to the local weatherman and the weather apps on my phone because it ended up being a pretty sunny day. I took it as a sign that I deserved a little R&R. I grabbed my beach gear and stopped by the local Starbucks for an Iced (Layered) Caramel Macchiato. To my knowledge, the day couldn't get much better... 

After a few hours of putting the sun back into Sunday, I made a pitstop at Whole Foods. I strolled outta the joint with a Baggu brimming with my favorite candy and some fresh blooms. Treat yo self! Whenever Flyboy is away, trips to Target and Whole Foods make me incredibly happy. On Sunday, I set out to find joy in the little things — sitting seaside with a good read, fresh flowers, my favorite coffee treat! After a successful afternoon out and about, I got into the car and I was ready to head home. I swapped my flip-flops for my TOMS and started the Jetta. I heard a terrible noise and felt a minor bump. I looked in the rear view mirror, and I saw a car butt up against the VW. This has never happened to me before. I started to panic when I saw the car drive off. I got out of the car and started to wave my hands. Thankfully, she pulled around and parked behind me. I was so annoyed. The woman got out of the car with her flip phone and proceeded to tell me how this has never happened to her either. I found that awfully hard to believe when I looked at the bumper of her vehicle; there were scratches and dents everywhere. She then told me how she was getting her bangs trimmed and wasn't sure if she needed to tip since the service was complimentary. Are we really discussing this right now? When I'm not impressed, you'll read it instantly on my face. I have the hardest time hiding my feelings. I started taking down her information and captured a few images from my phone. I saw her playing with her phone, and I realized she didn't know how to use it. Next thing I know, I'm standing in the hot sun, teaching this woman how to turn on her phone, and a bunch of people are staring at us. I was beyond fussy. Long story long, the damage looked minor and we parted ways. Unfortunately, when I get spun up, it's hard for me to come back down and take a deep breath. I think I was mostly shook up by the lady's lack of remorse. She was just so nonchalant about the whole thing, but I guess that's how one might act if they opt to not tip their hair stylist.

I called my parents and we discussed my next course of action. I think I really just wanted someone to talk to and ensure I did the right thing. I'm so glad they were still awake; the 6-hour time difference can make getting in touch with family rather tricky. I'd never done this before, and I wasn't sure if I did enough. Whenever Flyboy's gone and something happens, I miss having the ability to just pick up the phone and call him whenever I need him. It just stinks when you feel lonely, and you try to focus on the good, and the day doesn't work out as you'd envisioned.

This blog is my creative canvas. It's where I come to focus on all that's great in life. As I gathered the images for today's post, I was reminded of all the good things that have happened over the past two weeks. There have been moments where I wanted to push pause and I found myself thinking, "pinch me." A not-so-swell instance like Sunday's parking lot ordeal is bound to happen and reminds me to appreciate the good. You might see my sunny Instagram images or read about all that's rosy in the life of Ashley on m' blog, but I assure you I have my frazzled moments too. In fact, it happens more often than I'd probably like to admit. It's a matter of perspective and I'll strive to look for the positive. It's not always easy, but life's a lot more enjoyable when you focus on what's good.

I hope you had a swell weekend. 

What did you do that made you grin from ear to ear? Give it up. I'm dying to know!