Have you met my friend? { Lauren }

 { Isn't Lo-Lo so gorgeous!?! She's one of those people who you're kind of are surprised exist in real life and not just on T.V.}

So-- a long, long time ago, I went to college in a far away state, and using the skills I'd learned in kindergarten-- I made my first friend. You see, there was a giant blizzard, and she was my neighbor and I like to think that she saved me from a bleak and sorry looking freshman year, because I actually think she did.

Meet Lauren!

{ This is the typical gorgeous deliciousness you can find on her website...on the left there are Individual Blackberry Tarts and Almond & Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding... 

Don't they make you want to be a food photographer? }

 I feel pretty special that I was there for the beginning! As her roommate and was often the lucky recipient of Double Chocolate Silk Cream Pie    (a.k.a. the pie that got her married --haha!) and ohhh those wonderful muffins. 

Not only is she a fantastic cook, but she's H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S. 

So, go on. Just go over and say, "Hello." Make a new friend! Find a great recipe for PI(E) DAY!

Have you met my friends? { Michael & Susan }

 { The morning I stopped by we had Blueberry + Cream cheese Stuffed French Toast. You might run into a Crab-meat Quiche or a heavenly plate of Gypsy Eggs Benedict. I'm droolin' thinkin'!}

Oh! You haven't met Susan and Michael of the Welch House Inn ?

You mean, I haven't bragged enough about this cool couple? Well let's remedy that right now!

 I'm pretty convinced that people come into your life for a reason...and you may meet them in the most random of places. I met Susan, backstage during a theater production where she offered me a job for my off-tracks during college.

If the reason for me to meet them was to learn more about human decency, real community, the craft of warm hospitality, and how to have more fun working in a 140 year old shipbuilder's home on the coast of Maine, than you ever have before?  Mission accomplished.

 { Can't you picture yourself cuddling by the fire, and flipping through the many interesting art books on the shelves, or sipping a glass of something fine and sparkly while you catch up with my favorite Innkeepers? }

These two are the real deal ; witty, hardworking, creative, driven and so multi-talented. I was very blessed to become a part of their adopted family.

{ Best view in town? No kidding. }

 { The Inn is celebrating it's 90th year in the hospitality industry! Wow, 1922 - 2012}

If you're looking for a place to stay in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, you already know my highest recommendation.

Ooooh and guess what? I think they're having a celebration special! (And no, they didn't pay me to post this--- they're just good people. ) 

{ Summers in Maine! What could be better?}

Have you met my friend? { Amanda }

{" '...books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick some out for you.' 

And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart, 

and the comfort of her life." -Louisa May Alcott } 

This is my friend Amanda, and you guys should be so lucky to have a friend like her. She is fiercely loyal, terrifically fun, (and may I mention--a chocolate-chip cookie queen), sincerely heartfelt and has the best laugh of.... all... time. 

If you could find Jo March reincarnated, it would be her. She writes stories of wild imaginings. She threatens to throttle the worst of human kind, she goes on adventures to big cities, she quietly observes, dives after her dreams, makes friends with uncertainty & chance, and sings at the top of her lungs. 

But better than any character, she is REAL. 

And today....twenty-seven years ago she was born.  

Can I get an AMEN?!

Today, if you can spare the time, (like--really, what are you going to do--watch another episode of Downton Abbey?)  you really should grab a cup of tea, and a tasty cookie-- and read all the back pages of her blog-life. She'd be totally embarrassed that I even suggested it---but really--she's a gem.

Have you met my friend Christine?

World? Meet Christine.

She. is. awesome. She's the kind of person you could spend the duration of one desert lightning storm with, talking about books and your past, and she'd make you feel like you'd known her forever. (Trust me on this one.)

She's the kind of person you can talk to late at night, when no one else is awake, but you really need to talk to someone. She's the lady that will ask you the right questions. She's the friend you wish you were most like. She's a yoga queen, and has the voice of an angel.

Today is her birthday.

Let there be cake! And guitar strings. And saltines.

Someday, when you pick up that award winning, New York Times bestseller, "Saltines: A history." you'll be able to say, "Hey! I know her. I totally met her."