Things I Love Thursday // 5.30.13

• The commencement address that John Green gave to the graduating class of Butler University a couple weeks ago. John Green wrote one of the best books I've read in the last year (another "Thing I Love"), The Fault in Our Stars. If you haven't treated yourself to that amazing work of fiction yet--please do so at your earliest convenience.
• Pigs. Cannot get enough, lately. I found these treasures at my one of my favorite stores just yesterday. This is pretty oinktastic too--but I didn't see it when I was there... this time...
  
• Convos With My 2-Year-Old This is so worth the few minutes it will take to watch. Funny, funny stuff.
• For the mornings when I don't have the time, the motivation, or the ingredients to make Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake, a reliable box of muffin mix from the pantry is a pretty decent stand-in. 

• The delightfully mild spring we are enjoying.
• Accompanying Piper's class on their field trip to The Lazy 5 Ranch. Hoards of five and six year olds are crazy and funny (especially enjoyable in small doses). 
  
• The fact that the girls will be out of school soon and we get started on the business of enjoying our summer: sleeping in, swimming, Oregon trip, camps, lemonade stands, day trips, etcetera! 
• Impromptu picnics in the front yard. 
  
• The smell of gardenias.
• Maxi dresses. I know; I'm super behind the trend. I just didn't think this style was very flattering on me--until I gave them another shot this week. Now, I'd rather not put anything else on (especially as things warm up around these parts). I'm sorry fellas that you will never be able to rock the comfort and ease of these lovely garments. It's like wearing your nightgown out into the world without all of the sniggering and sideways glances (Honestly, People. I'm just grabbing the newspaper. Hold onto your hats.)
• Finding artful surprises in (the last of?) the spring showers. How do you weigh-in, fox or dog?