I lost my heart in Southport on July 4th, 2007… the fireworks were loud and exciting, and I kept pretending to lose my balance so the boy named Josh standing behind me would have to catch me. As the fireworks continued, I remember realizing that I had absolutely fallen in love with the boy named Josh. After they ended, we walked up a hill to deck overlooking the water. We were married on that same deck overlooking the water 3 years later.
Southport is indeed my refuge, my “safe haven”… I remember driving on the stretch of highway into that small town 6 years ago, when I was desperately in need of both rest and adventure. I had just finished my sophomore year at ECU, and with my windows down and my music blaring, I decided that I would spend the summer with my grandparents in Southport. I found a job working on Bald Head Island, where I met some incredible people, and got to ride the ferry to work each day. Josh worked his summers on a fishing pier in his hometown of Ocean Isle, and on our days off we would drive to Myrtle Beach or Wilmington in search of cheap summer adventures. That summer holds priceless memories for me… sweet memories of playing hours and hours of card games with my grandparents, eating seafood at their favorite local spots, and watching the boats pass by on the waterfront with my Pa… now that my grandparents are gone, I hold onto those memories more tightly with each passing day. Truly, that summer will forever be remembered as one of my life’s grandest adventures…
A few weeks ago, my wonderful parents invited us all to spend some time together in the place that we all hold so very dear. We hadn’t all been together in Southport since Josh and I got married, so it was a very special trip. We stayed in a white house by the waterfront, where we spent most of our time sitting on the front porch talking and watching the boats pass by. It’s always emotional going back, because we are reminded of my grandparents everywhere we look… sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry, but that town never ceases to make us feel something, and I think that’s why it is my favorite place on earth.
THE TRAVELING CANON. 
I visited Southport for the first time a few weeks ago and fell in love, too! We are planning a weekend to go visit later this year hopefully. Katherine, I love your pictures with the post… you have this seemingly effortless way of making your scenes look completely quiet, untouched, and serene. ❤
That is awesome, Amanda! It is so unique, isn’t it? I could spend hours and hours just walking around and making new discoveries! Thank you so, so much for your wonderful encouragement!! I can’t tell you how much it means to me! Miss you, beautiful lady!!
Just LOVE that you are collecting your thoughts and musing all in one place. I am always immensely encouraged by your words because they carry such a beautiful weight and emphasize the glory of life! In a time where life can get so busy and move so quickly it is so nice to have a spot online like this blog. Will be back soon 🙂
As always, I am so touched by your beautiful and kind words, Alex! I grew up journaling, and I stopped when I got to college… I have felt so led to begin journaling again, this time with pictures as well:) Your passionate, strong, and courageous heart encourages me more than I can describe. Thank you so much for your support!!