And now...

I'm all caught up and ready for in the moment blogging- how exciting!
I moved to Portland a little more than a month ago with my dear friend Mali, a recent college grad coming from Vancouver BC. We have known each other since childhood and in the past dreamed of being roommates in Seattle together (Portland is close enough). Lucky for me, Mali dove into the housing hunt with passion and found us a cute apartment off of Powell Street with ease. We've spent time decorating and making things feel 'homey', and I think with great luck! Our home is a sweet space with white walls, a brick fireplace, two bedrooms, a tiny kitchen and a pretty darn cute bathroom. To top it off we have Mali's beautiful artwork to hang throughout. It's a work in progress, as I think every home is, and its providing much comfort in the depth of this winter.
City life is different! Very different. I would be lying if I said I didn't love it though. The music, the shops, the food, the bustle, the nightlife (!), and of course the endless people watching have kept me highly entertained and fascinated. And I'm just beginning! I cant wait to see what this year has in store for me.
Right off the bat we started having visitors (everyones rolling through Portland), so it's been pretty hard to feel homesick. Kyra, Lissa and babe visited for Kyra's big 25th. It was a blast filled with walks, food and a little bit too much alcohol. Oh well.

Family

The most wonderful thing that happened this last year was the birth of Owynn Grey. Mamma Lissa has been my best friend since we were wee ones, and what a special and momentous journey it has been to watch and sometimes even be a part of. Owynn is the most handsome, smiley and just all around most lovable baby I have set eyes on. To watch someone I love so much create such a beautiful life is indescribable and the reality of it still amazes me 5 months in. Love to them both, and papa Alex. I miss their family so much in this new place, but I know I will see them soon.

Mom and Babe

This last Christmas my immediate family came together, which is pretty rare. I think it was the first Christmas we have spent together in ten years. Wowza! We had fun and were jolly, hopefully it will  repeat next year :) Here are some pictures of a sweet walk to Iceburg...

End of Summer

and we continue with pictures documenting some late summer parties... makes me miss Lopez and all of the warm smiles I know there.

Back in Action

Hello! It's been a long time, I know. Life has delivered some perspective and in turn brought me to a very new way of things. To sum up the last couple of months, I have left my comfortable life on beautiful Lopez to try and make it out in the big ol' city. Why would I do this, you may ask. To be honest, I have been asking myself that same question for the last month of living in Portland. But then I remember that I do have a reason for being here- to prove to myself that I can survive and lead a successful (in terms of happiness) and productive existence in the city. To be an adult, stand on my own two feat and put myself in a vulnerable situation. Hey if it doesn't work out, which is entirely possible, at least I tried. Life's confusing, and I'm just trying to figure it all out. With a smile :)

I have a ton of photos to share and get off my camera. They start pretty much exactly where we left off. Mid July brought a spontaneous trip to California with the girlfriends to visit another girlfriend in Tahoe. Along the way we dipped in rivers, visited long last acquaintances from years ago, fell in love with the Yuba, and felt the magic of California. Oh California :)

Black Beauty and passengers! 

Yuba Love

Tahoe Love

Van Duzen Love

Traveling Companions

Oregon Dunes

July Heat

The past fortnight has been in fast forward mode. This is usually what happens when the fourth of July rolls into Lopez- everything gets insane. The population triples, every single childhood friend/schoolmate comes back, and everyone goes crazy for the holiday. It's a bit too much for me to handle, and by the fifth of July I get overwhelmed and a bit rude (which isn't the best combo when you have a retail business in the village). 

There is plenty of good with the holiday as well. Like I said, I got to see so many friends, long lost and momentarily lost. To get away from the throngs, a lot of time was spent soaking up the 80 degree heat on the beach and in the water- everyone loves the beach. And of course laughter echoed throughout. 

It was a good time! But I'm glad its over. Back to mellow. Here is an interesting mixture...

Kyra got a puppy!!!!! Welcome Tulsi!

and it begins... check out the cute swimwear we have at Larkspur!

heading to the dump