Signs of Winter

Important

Check out an op-ed written by Oregon State University's Dr Mark Hixon and University of Washington's Dr Brian Tissot. It's a good take on the work Oregon is doing to revitalize their once booming and still beautiful coastline.

Alright, now it's time for Christmas Break.

leather line

I discovered the Portland Leather Company and have quickly dreamed up an entire new line. See pictures for a taste:

heartwarming & holiday-esque open house

First house party! Atlanta, 11/21/2010.

The formula was simple: a late November date (schedules not too crowded, yet people already starting to think about Christmas shopping), lots of snacks, lots of friends and family. It was great to reconnect with all of these people who raised me, some of whom I hadn't seen in years.

I miraculously got all of my pieces and tools through the security line, and even got home a few days early to put finishing touches on the bolo ties and find displays for all of my dainty creations. I felt on top of my game and excited.

The morning of, however, Caroline and Sarah took it to the next level. They turned what was a side street showcase (all my pieces crowded onto one table in the corner) into a true art gallery. Turns out that momma's house is an ideal space in which to uncover wooden boxes, earth-toned feathers, cotton pieces, river rocks, and fabric of all kinds. The girls made it truly stunning.

My plan? To make a giant vat of white bean chili. Who knows best? Momma. She made a spread: pumpkin breads, chess bars, wine bar, veggie platters, spinach artichoke dip, and her famous sweet tea.

And Paralee came with her soaps which truly made it a holiday house party.

Thanks to everyone who came out! xoxoxo.

Ladies playing dress-up

One example of Paralee's heavenly soaps. They are truly divine and lather like nobody's business. Check out her site and buy a bar for yourself!

The master gallery curators: Sarah Moffett and oldest sis, Caroline.

grandma

'tis the season for both extended and lots of family, hence a good opportunity to share this incredibly badass photograph. Photo credit to Katie Anderson, co-creator of Pink Shoes Photography. Website coming soon...

vicariously.

Through others travels, I feel fulfilled. Through their pictures, I gain a greater context of world, beauty, adventure. Though I'm loving the idea of being planted, growing roots, knowing my neighborhood, not being constantly lost, buying bulk food, etc... the world can start to feel small if you're not careful.

My girl Sarah just got back from an almost two month escapade to South America where she worked on a biointensive farm and fell in love with a whole new neck of the woods. Her photography is incredible and worth checking out. She climbed a big mountain, watched the birth of baby goats!, learned to live off the land, took the crazy bus rides, and at least tripled her already well traveled photography collection. All by herself.

Derek's sister, Jessica, went to Peru awhile back with the intention of only staying for a few months and like a true warrior, hasn't come back. I recently saw her pictures and must share and repost these.

not even the rain has such small hands

Inspiration reposted vie SadieDeluxe.