Time Traveler

Sometimes, I think I was meant to live in another time and place. One where technology was an unknown term, conversations were the most desirable from of entertainment, and being cordial was as essential as breathing.  A place where brick, stone, lush grass and moss provided the perfect scenic backdrop for your travels on any given day.

I was able to step back in time for three extraordinary days...

Family weekend at my son's college... 

It was a beautiful moment in time. 

All photos courtesy of A&A and may not be copied or reproduced.

College Bound!

The big day is here and I still can't believe it. My oldest is headed off to college. This afternoon we will be making the drive with all the necessary stuff packed in the back of our SUV.

It seems for us design types decorating a dorm room would be great fun. Well, not exactly. Turns out that shopping for boys is not the endless and exciting marathon, as relayed by friends, that it is for girls.  It is not about dog-eared pages from the latest Pottery Barn Teen catalogue, the perfectly coordinated comforter with the roommate, art on the walls and just the right accessories.

Nope, shopping with boy's is a completely different experience. And, this new freshman arrival waited to practically the last minute to complete it. Here was the plan: 1 day, 3 stores and no bright colors or patterns. Oh, and one request..."Mom, I know this is your thing, but  can we just not make a big deal about it and get it done?"  I think this was the first time I have ever shopped for decor and had no pressure to get the "best" stuff, even on a very small budget. The budget is small because I am under no illusion that any of this will survive or be coming home next spring.  In my mind it is all disposable!

My son turned out to be a very easy client! His favorite thing to say during the shopping... "it's fine".  And, it was fine with me too.  All except the letting go part. I am still struggling a bit with this.  Made it through graduation, beach week, and trips away this summer just fine too.

The Room:

The Closet:

The Bathroom:

Gift From Dad:

Gift From Mom:

Of course, any of you who have already traveled down this road know these are just the basics. I just hope we can actually see out the back hatch once the computer, printer, storage boxes and clothes get loaded in!

So, as I prepare to let the first one go, I will take comfort knowing that he will be attending a very good school with a beautiful campus and history of some rather notable alumni. They include 3 former Presidents, the current Secretary of Defense, an Oscar winning actress, several pro athletes and perhaps the one that really intrigues me, is a very popular comedic political pundant...maybe you watch his show?

It's the second oldest college in the country....back in the day....before computers...the students used an ink well and a quill....in a wonderful and historic city....that we love and now will get to visit often....so perhaps it is going to be fine afterall! 

Sources: Target, HomeGoods, Bed Bath & Beyond