Cool People.

I've been sporadically working with furniture designer and maker Andy Whitcomb as an apprentice, though apprentice feels so fancy to say so let's just call it I help him and in turn I get to learn a few things along the way. If I'm honest, in the evening after work while I sit in traffic en route to Andy's studio I usually ask myself, "Why am I doing this again? This whole traffic mess is hell and I've worked all day and really I just want to go home." I arrive frustrated and in the mindset that this will likely be my last time as I just don't see the point or understand what my goal is for this process. 

And then we make cool shit and have the best banter and I leave to go home feeling energized and creatively fulfilled. Kinda like on Tuesday when we made these lamps (not yet wired) below. That's right, we started looking through bins of junk and scrap and brainstormed to ultimately make these beauties. And it was awesome. 

 

Andy also opened my world to coolness that is his friend, this gal/company: Geronimo! I find it fascinating that people can just have a dream, let's say delivering GIANT balloons in LA, and just make it happen. Just make it happen! This gal in particular seems to enjoy her days creating and delivering, and then brings joy to others in their days when she pops by with a beautiful floating orb. So that's a pretty cool concept. So much so that she has some pretty exciting news on the horizon that I'm not sure that I should share, but it involves Andy's furniture in her studio...and a photoshoot for Martha Stewart Magazine. Whoa, mamasita.

Lately.

+ Weeks have been rainy as all get out; weekends have been drenched in sun - though sunny and hot are two very different things...no complaints here
+ Work has been super duper fun
+ Our house has stayed remarkably and consistently clean, which, makes me happy inside
+ Tyson finished prepping our deck for summer and sipping cocktails in the evenings, next up: planting in our planters
+ Tyson and I have been super flirty nerdy lately and overall spending a ton of time together. We were walking around the neighborhood the other day and I said, "Tyson, I love hanging out with you. Do you realize that we hang out together SO much, and its so fun." and he said, "Totally. Its pretty awesome." Its been almost eight months since we were married! Where did the time go?
+ We are learning how to sail through Seattle's Center for Wooden Boats. Its not easy and it makes me nervous but there is nothing more fun that being out on the water.

As winter's grip loosens, I find myself lighter. Grateful. Open. We've put together our summer calendar and when I stand back and look at it I can't help but smile. So many fun times on the horizon including a best friend's wedding and her pre-wedding bachelorette gathering in MN, backpacking, biking, sailing and our most recent booking scheduled for November: Vietnam and Cambodia. Life is pretty great, and I want to know that and realize that every day.

Enjoy what is left of the weekend! More posts this week. I'm feeling some words tug at the corners of my brain. 

The latest.

Been working on various projects lately, most notably our new dining room table. I've been told we have one more solid work day left and I can bring her home. Yee haw! Our last working session involved heaps of sanding, glueing and a growler of beer. 

Been working with Andy too and I find it fascinating the difference in technique of these furniture designers. Jon is a perfectionist and a true woodworker who makes beautiful traditional furniture. His measurements are flawless and his finish always uniform. Andy likes to see what stuff he can find around town and make something out of it. With a combination of welding, spray paint, various saws and of course a detailed sketch he creates brilliant pieces of furniture.

Its been really fun to learn about building with wood. I'm not really sure where this whole "hobby" of mine will go, but I am trying to just roll with it and not always feel like I need to plan something around whatever I'm doing. I just enjoy it and I guess for now that will have to do. 

Easter Sail.

Spring in Seattle can get a little brutal. It rains. Constantly. And because of the weather I like to plan weekends away that don't require snowboarding or camping or other weather-dependent things. Like Portland. Nothing depends, and everything is guaranteed fabulous. 

This particular visit involved sun, brunch southern-style at The Screen Door (insert bacon topped with pralines and brown sugar BAKED in the oven. WHAT?!), sailing on Columbia River, and an incredible evening out on the town with friends. Portland never disappoints. Ever.

Have a sunny weekend!

PS<<<<<< Mom and Pops, here is the plant you gave Lindsay and Matthew on that special day they left the farm. So great!