Here's hoping that we all get out and do something wonderful this weekend.

~S

image found here

lava lake and some glorious green

This weekend we went camping near Sisters Oregon. Saw the Metolius River (it begins seemingly out of no where, from the side of a hill - it isn't there and then it is. Its lovely and intriguing), helped a stranger and his car out of a ditch, slept amazingly well in the back of a van and explored the most amazing meadow I have seen in a very long time.

I took a nap in the soft grass and we swam in the (very) cold water.

We walked and walked from one end to the other and back again.

I read while he fished.

I felt more connected to the world around me then I had in a long while. It was fantastic.

I hope your weekends were just what you needed them to be.

home and a smattering of green thoughts

Well, here I am, home again after only a few days away. But even though it wasn't long this trip did a few things for me.

First being anywhere else makes me really, really appreciate here, and all the people and things I have here. A couple of months ago I was sort of presented with an opportunity and a reason to move away if I wanted to. Being faced suddenly with the idea that moving was a real, current option, it became incredibly clear to me that I don't want to leave.

And after a taste of California dessert (and oh was it a lovely taste), the Oregon green was a much needed gulp of water.

Growth wise, the vineyards in Napa were about a month ahead of ours here in Oregon. So in that way it almost felt like a glimpse into our future.

I got to see where we will be, to see some of the troubles they have had and take note of ways to avoid those problems. It was like those plants were warning us of wrong turns and gently encouraging us to go in a better direction.

I have also been having thoughts on hope. About how much we all need it, even when a hoped for thing seems unlikely or unrealistic. Maybe that is when we need it the most. Even when hope seems downright silly.

Having hope in this world is an act of bravery.

And, I think, a safe bet.

Another thought. Sometimes it feels easier to be alone.

And now suddenly I find myself not at all alone. At first I bask in it. Soak it all in. Enjoy it fully. And then I start to notice a lack of balance. I see important things being neglected, not because I don't care, but because I cant seem to turn away from the togetherness.

I begin to miss the comfort of solitude. The safety of it. Of not having to ask for so much from another person, but instead knowing that I can provide what I need myself. I find joy in creating, joy in nature. I alone decide where I spend my time and money. I love and need my friends and family, but there is another level of need that I alone fulfil.

I feel and think these things and a part of me wants to turn and run. To return to this way of being that is comfortable, that I know I can do.

But I don't.

Instead of running I allow myself to be pulled by some force of the universe towards this other person. I keep my eyes open and allow myself to move freely with it.

Because it might sometimes feel easier to be alone, but its not.

Its not easier and its certainly not better.

I don't know exactly what I want to say, or if I have said it. But whatever it is is asking to be said, and so I hope that my attempt will be enough for now.

Happy Thursday birds.

I hope the sun is shining where you are.

books! sprout, woodgrain and the last of my chartreuse hemp

hidden order of things daily agenda

Made for those days when you take comfort in the patters that the world holds.

Large daily agenda made with hand woven chartreuse hemp. This 100% eco-friendly hemp fabric was grown, spun, woven, and dyed with natural plant dyes by a fair trade collective of Hmong hill tribe women.

***
The perfect time for a road trip
This book was made in honor of summer and the road trips that sunny days inspire
This large blank book covered in a lovely grass green book cloth and wood grain oil cloth. Oilcloth is a vinyl-type fabric that is waterproof, durable and completely wipe-able. The underside of the oilcloth is solid with a very thin white cotton webbing, which gives it its durability. Oilcloth is super easy to clean by just wiping with a damp cloth.

***

Sprout address book

This large address book is covered with a lovely bright blue book cloth and features a white sprout stamp on its cover.

This book is made to remind you to GROW.

Also I will be out of town for work (I'm going to Napa California... I know, I know, its a rough life...:) until Wednesday night. I have never been to that part of California and I am looking forward to seeing it.

Any items purchased between now and then will be shipped Thursday June 16th.

Thanks ladybirds!

travels...

The getting here part of the trip was good. Long but good. There was snow on the ground but happily not on the road. I forgot CD's so I got familiar with local radio stations. I found NPR is 4 different states and listened to more country music in that 12 hour period then I had in years. It was enjoyable.

***

I haven't been as productive as I expected.

Instead I have mostly wanted to lay around.

But that has been good too.
***

a few frustrations:

money

not being able to immediately create what I envision when I start working with something new

not being able to read minds

a twinge of homesickness

***

But

there is nothing quite as good at making you appreciate home then being away from it for a little while.

getting outta town and a shipping notice

Well friends, a few days ago I decided that it was time to get outta town.

***

So this afternoon, after packing the car and rockin' a job interview, I will head out to stay one night with a friend in eastern Washington and then the next morning make my way down to Salt Lake City to spend some time with my sister.

***

I have one whole bag full

of rocks (gathered from the Oregon coast)

and paint and paper and glue

and leather and tools.

And I am bringing lots of books

(the first in the Outlander series, a Tom Robbins I haven't read yet,

Letters to a Young Poet, Bird by Bird and 3 books of poetry),

and of course my journal and camera.

I think we are going to have

a marvelous time.

***

ALSO:

**SHIPPING NOTICE**

both shops will remain open while I am away

but any items purchased after 5pm today

will not be shipped until I return.

(the 16th at the latest. I may be back

a few days before that).

Today I hope you all

get to feel a bit of sunshine.

a mini journey

Up close

Close ups from Hawaii...

I've gotta admit I'm missing it.

underwater

Some thoughts after a day spent underwater...

*Its an amazing kind of solitude and forced being in the moment that is hard to find elsewhere.

*It forces me to see things in a new way. I am literally underneath when I am used to viewing from above. The physical change expands and becomes mental.

*The storm above does not translate below. Its like there is a buffer around me and I cannot be touched. I am cushioned from all but my immediate environment. The surrounding water is a comfort. Instead of feeling confined its freeing.

*Below everything has a twinge of blue.
*Communication is difficult so I am left with only my own mind and imagination and interpretations of senses. Sound is important.

*Its difficult to care or worry about other practical things. My focus is not on money or jealousy or some past mistake, instead I focus only on my next breath and the wonders that are in front of me.

a drive to the coast in photos

what my week has looked like

leaving Oregon

***

***
Utah
***
moving day
***

***

and lots and lots of painting.

The rest of this week

will hold unpacking,

some favorite restauraunts,

and hopefully sleeping in.

Hope you are all having

a great week!