new.

As if Etsy wasn't addicting enough, introducing big cartel - or bigcartel.com. Bringing the art to the cart, big cartel describe themselves as, "a simple shopping cart for artists. It’s easy to use, customizable, and awesome."

One of the "shops" on the site is called plainMADE and they made wonderful, little gems.

Gbye.

I know, a little strange that we're all so dressed up to say 'Goodbye', but it just so happened that Lindsay's birthday fell on Halloween weekend, and Oh yeah they're leaving on a six-month roadtrip. Or rather, they've left now. And this post is a little late. More on that thought in a later post.

A small but quality group of us headed to Mt. Hood, Oregon to stay and imbibe in a cabin for an evening. Lets see, we had Amelia Earhart, a zookeeper, an 80's gym teacher, a one night stand (ha), an 80's aerobics instructor, and um, a gal in a wig and some character from a show I've never seen so I can't remember the name.





I'm super pumped for Linds and Matthew. Considering she and I had simultaneous meltdown-ish moments a few months back when the prospect of heading out of our comfy homes, jobs and lives seemed unthinkable, its wonderful we're both now simultaneously excited. And the prospect of NOT heading out into the world to seek our dreams seems unthinkable. I wish them well on their adventure - a roadtrip across the U.S. I'm sure there will be endless moments of laughter, beauty, chaos and probably some low-points, but they've already added a good story to their repertoire. See their travel blog, click here. Big love to you two! Can't wait to follow the journey.

living-in.

Tyson and I recently decided to move in together!

We decided to celebrate with a bottle of Prosecco and fresh cut strawberries with homemade whipped cream.



We're totally excited and geeky about it!

Mama.

My mama was in town visiting for eight days last week+. We really had a good time. The I picked her up on a Thursday night and we immediately headed out on the town for red wine and Via Tribunali pizza. We gabbed and we gabbed and it was just so great to sit and catch up like two little chirping birdies.

Unfortunately somehow - and I really have no idea how its possible that I didn't snap 100 photos - I didn't take very many pictures! A small sampling below.

Mama was VERY productive! Over the course of her visit we were able to tackle: Painting the entire condo, finishing the tile backsplash, hanging some photos, combing Re-Store for light fixtures, cleaning out my closet and getting things to Goodwill, consuming wine on a daily basis (yum), finishing a puzzle and creating the perfect lasagna.

And what was really fun was when Tyson joined us after moving back to Seattle after his summer on the Olympic Peninsula came to an end. The three of us were like a dream team. We made each other laugh. We had fun conversations. I really felt that we all had a good time together. And it was comfy and not forced. And I loved it.





At one point we called Kesney while in the car driving, and within seconds we were all laughing. Kesney immediately expressed how much she wished she was with us, riding in the back seat, laughing along. My mom has such a great spirit. She's fresh and she's open. People who meet her, love her. I had so much fun during her visit, and I was really sad to see her go. I know, surprising considering EIGHT days really is a long time for anyone to visit. But I think her visit was just easy. Easy for me. Easy for Tyson. Easy. And Fun. Hmm, I guess I have one of those fun moms. And though it may have taken me a few years to figure that out, I really am so happy she's my mama.

Thanks for the visit, lovely Debbie! Looking forward to the holiday!

Oh and Tyson is really into baking bread. Its not only delicious, but very cute. Here is a yummy ricotta fennel skillet bread. And last night a loaf of wheat came out of the oven piping hot. Have I mentioned I love him?

loving.

I'm loving these beautiful pieces below. The hanging plant above the nightstand - CUTE idea. The map on the wall - I'm looking into some interesting topo and population maps for MY walls! And lastly, those glasses. I recently picked up new glasses in an attempt to use my insurance and I'm a little skeptical of them. I took a risk. Lets hope it pans out, otherwise there's always this site selling super cheap glasses with prescriptions. Wish I'd discovered it before I'd ordered mine!

Grams.

The sweetest grandma of all time so graciously made the journey west to visit me a few weekends ago. Lucky me! Though her trip was cut short on BOTH ends - secret hatred for the airlines - we managed to make the most of our time, and have a blast catching up and connecting.

Let's see, hours and hours of brunch + coffee...


a stop in to Volunteer Park and their Conservatory...




and to the market to pick up fresh seafood for dinner.


Grandma P also had a chance to spend some time with my sweet Tyson. Being the bakers they both are, they made bread together, and she passed on some fabulous tips! We are both looking so forward to staying with her on Christmas Eve and hopefully stealing some secrets on her famous cinnamon rolls.



So much of Grandma P makes me happy and proud to know her. She is so sweet, and such a wonderfully caring and supportive person. She is insightful, and helps me see things from different perspectives. She's open and honest and I appreciate her so much!

Grams is also a savvy text messager:

As she waited in the airport for her flight to Seattle:
Me: "Gram, I love that you text!"
Grams: "Is it not marvelous?"

After she arrived back in Minneapolis:
"Good flight! Good sleep! Great memories of Seattle! Tyson is a keeper - has a good heart. Love both of you! -Gram"

Lastly, Grandma P was convinced that no "old people" live in Seattle. No "gray hairs". And days after she left when I happened to see a gray-haired woman at the coffee shop in my building I immediately notified her of the sighting. Her response, "No way, just sea salt showing up as her hair dries after the weekend monsoon!"

Umm, adorable.
Love her.

Thanks for visiting, Gram! See you soon!

posts coming!

I have good things to write and reflect on. With both the visit of my grandma, Peg, and also the current visit by my mother in full swing, as well as the ability to FINALLY shout to the rooftops the decision to head off on an adventure to New Zealand with Tyson, I feel excited to post on this blog. Unfortunately, work and life has been pretty intense for the past two weeks. I hope to post this weekend!

Hugs to you all who read my blog!