How to NOT have a boring summer

          This summer has been one of my favorites. While many previous summers have had their fair share of boredom, this time I've rarely had a day with nothing to do. I will admit there is something to be said about lazy days. Every now and then, it is really nice to just relax all day, but too many of those in a row can be real downers. A good way to lift your spirits and have some fun is to leave the house and go on an adventure! I'll give three of my favorite days this summer as an example.

          The first day included an art museum, some grilled cheese, and a great friend. She and I are both artists, so we knew the art museum was a must. We visited the Orlando Museum of Art for an hour or two, then ate lunch at Toasted, a little restaurant that focuses on everything "cheese." I was feeling adventurous (there's that word again) that day and ordered a grilled fig and goat cheese sandwich. Let me tell you, "amazing" doesn't even begin to describe it.

          While we ate lunch, we tried a little art challenge (you can find my blog from this day on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thatoneartist). After a while, it started raining, so we decided to leave. We didn't get very far, however, and made an unexpected stop at a small tea house called Krungthep. Though we only thought we'd go in only to take a peek, we were seated and ordered some tea. The day ended at her house, watching cartoons on the television. All in all, it was a great day with great memories.

          The second day was spent with a different friend a couple weeks later. We drove to downtown Mt. Dora, a cute place with many little shops, restaurants, art museums, and a lake. We walked around much of the town, talking and taking photos, ending up in an abandoned and overgrown courtyard.

We talked, braided hair, and took more photos there, then ate supper at One Flight Up Cafe. Our dinner was interrupted by a thunder clap and a race for the car, but our day ended happily with a trip to an Italian ice place for dessert.

          Finally, the third day was spent with the same friend as the previous day. It began with some thrift shopping. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it - thrift shops are treasure troves. Amidst the many too tight, too large, and too "scandalous" clothes we tried on, we both ended up with some "new" clothes. Then, yes, it started raining. After a stop at Krungthep where we devoured their delicious dessert, "Battle" - ice cream, waffle cone, whipped topping various chocolate candies, and chocolate syrup - and two iced teas, it was off to the beach! 

          The car rides there and back were filled with us jamming out to old songs and just being weird. At the beach, we took photos, ate lunch, jumped in the slightly-too-cold water, and took a walk. I even painted on myself, amidst the curious onlookers, for some nice YouTube intro footage (the intro is coming later, but check out the footage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thatoneartist_). Our last act was to stuff ourselves with sushi at Hatsuhana. 

          These three adventure-filled days will certainly not be forgotten. I urge anyone reading this to take a day off from your normal life. Go out and have some fun. Hang out with a friend and get to know them better, be impulsive, experience new things. It will add a little more flavor to your life and leave you with great memories.

- Darcie