Every morning, he greets me with the biggest smile. “Hello, Julien!” he always says. He’s from El Salvador and is honestly the kindest person I may have ever met. Meet my bus driver.

Our friendship started when I was physically running to the bus one day. Late, per usual, I climbed the bus stairs huffing and puffing. He smiled at me and said words I’ll never forget. “Julien, you don’t have to run. I will always wait for you.” It sounds so simple, but meant so much to me.

Another time, when I forgot my wallet, and was about to walk off the bus in severe embarrassment, he paid my fare.

And yesterday morning, as I walked to the bus (on time for once), he met me halfway to the bus. He told me that a lot of drivers were being assigned new routes, and he wasn’t sure if he’d continue being my driver, but that he was so grateful for our friendship. I just about cried.

Then today he wasn’t there. There was no one to wave to me as I hurriedly rushed to the bus. No one to enthusiastically greet me with, Good morning, Julien.” No one to wave me off to work after a long ride into DC with, “Have a great day, Julien. See you tomorrow!”

I’ll be honest - he was the best part of my mornings. And as I sit on the bus, I’m doing my best to keep it together. It’s not going well. I have to keep moving my hair in front of my face to hide the actual tears. Not like WRITTEN TEARS but actual alligator tears. Cue the aviators.

Connecting with people in DC isn’t always easy, so it’s such a beautiful thing when you find people that are just KIND, genuine and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Carl Maynard, my friend who shot these photos, is one of those people too. He’s the nicest guy with such an incredible talent for not only taking breathtaking photos but bringing people together. He organizes something called Walk with Locals (@walkwithlocals on Insta) where people get together, shoot, hang out and get to know each other. I love that.

Be sure to check out Carl’s new website and give him a follow on insta for all the killer photos and details on his meet-ups! Plus, his FEED GAME is on point.

Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, ADIDAS sneakers, Tuckernuck necklace (only $38!) c/o, Goodnight Macaroon jacket, Raybans

Look 2: Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, Everlane flats, Tuckernuck necklace c/o, Everlane men's slim fit oxford, Raybans

I feel as though I’m always late. Late to trends, late to the bus (you may have even seen me running down Wilson Blvd to catch it on occasion), late to LIFE IN GENERAL.

Also late to the game? SPRING. Like it came for the briefest of moments, then skipped town. Now I’m left out in the cold (quite literally), trying desperately to stay warm. (I was wearing THIS 4 days ago for pete’s sake.)

Luckily for me, I kept out a few winter staples JUST IN CASE a scenario like this would happen, thank goodness! Along with my tried and true fleece-lined leggings, this cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey has been in rotation at least once a week.

These photos were taken in New York a few months back, but I’m wearing a very similar variation of them today. Instead of these awesome faux leather fleece-lined pants, I’m wearing fleece-lined leggings under some trousers. But everything else is the same. Cozy boots, my most favorite cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey and the oversized blazer that’s taken over my life in the best way possible.

And of course, my favorite Sophie Blake jewels.

Are you guys ready to get rid of this winter weather as much as me? Shall we all dress for Spring and hope to goodness we can WILL IT to come back?! Who’s with me?!

Wearing Lou & Grey cashmere sweater c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, faux leather pants via Take 5 Boutique c/o, Achro jacket, Via Spiga boots, Ray-Ban sunnies, Erwin Gomez gloss in SAB c/o.

Photos by Cheralee