abby try again

a weight lifted.....

       Well, ah-there is so, so much I want to write about right now but because anyone can access this site, I cannot. The past seven days have been extremely difficult, emotionally and physically. I had a situation that has been bubbling up for several months finally come to a head and I decided that I needed to take a step back, re-evaluate and find myself another job.
   I have never before been so stressed out, i was actually physically ill and that is not okay.  After talking to friends and family, I knew I had to take action about the situation, and not let the person involved scare or intimidate me.  They reminded me of my attributes and talents and gave me the confidence to take a step in a new direction and pursue my own hapiness. 
   My first day on the job hunt I had an interview, scheduled another and now I am typing away with two job offers and a weight lifted from me. I was reminded this week that I am good, talented, and hard working and no one can take that from me. I have a couple of loose ends to tie up, but I am really excited about being around people, having a bit more time to be creative, and not being around a person who is constantly trying to tear me down. It feels SO good!
   Oh yeah-the amazing Sally invited me to participate in an amazing trunk show with some other lovely ladies. Check it out!

stamping again

     Back to work for me, I feel as though I've been on some weird "artistic vacation" where nothing creative could be done as I focused on my mundane job and the joys of the last days of summer.
    Well, I am back to carving again-it feels nice. This bicycle card is making its way to Seattle, along with many other cards and journals. I am so lucky to have met some great people at Crafty Wonderland that basically throw business opportunities at me! That is really, REALLY lucky and I think somewhere deep inside I know the day is coming that I need to get a little kick in the bottom and really work harder at this.
    The very lovely Gwen has been a recent source of inspiration for me. I don't know how I missed seeing her blog for so long-but am glad to have found it. I will be releasing some special prints of camera's soon-here is a WIP of the first one inspired by this photo:

So what inspires you lately?
Something else that is inspiring me:

pumpkins.

In-Laws visit in full swing

-james during breakfast at Cup and Saucer-

-like father, like son-

-green pumpkins at Sauvie's  Island  Market-

-these were called "cinderalla" and had awesome twisty stems-

-the most beautiful squash I've ever seen!

-a preview of my sewing project-oh-and new stamps this week, too!

Thanks for stopping by!

So that is what cold feels like

     Posting here is sporadic at best.  I think at the change of each season I go through a slight "metamorphosis"-trying to soak in the final days of one season and preparing clothing, my home and my mind for the next. I guess the first real cold weather of the season told me that summer was officially gone. On to autumn I guess...
    Remember a while back when I bought this camera? Well, after some foiled attempts and a lot of math on James' part, he was able to take some awesome photos. Above are my two favorites.  He fiddled with the camera itself and was able to get some nice people at this shop to print the odd format photos.
     I went to the Portland Art museum last Saturday. I was able to wander alone for hours, admiring Japanese prints,  Native American baskets, and my favorite-the Oregon Biennial.  There is something almost religious about museums. Am I alone on this? Maybe it is the quiet reverence, my complete awe and fascination for the objects, my folded arms reminding me of hours spent knelt in prayer...I can't quite put my finger on it-but it is there. A couple of things in particular made me feel all warm and fuzzy-this and this-so much better in real life and wish I could share a better link. Truly stunning-if you are close by-definitely worth checking out.
     We received a surprise visit from James' grandparents the other day. It was so nice! We had a great dinner and conversation. They are so sweet and loving to James.  It's nice to see some friendly faces from home. His parents will be here tonight and are staying for several days.  I should be a fun week. After that my family will be up here for the big wedding day! I am so excited!!
    I've been working on a  wholesale order for a shop in Seattle. It is so amazing to be creative and have some much enjoyment while working-it really makes me want to quit my job-really, really bad...I need help taking that leap-but I know that James has got to finish school first.....
   Soon It will be three years since I married James. Isn't that crazy? I feel so young and lost sometimes I wonder how I got to this place. Other times I feel like I've been with him all along-and can't remember life before.
   I've missed all your posts and flickr photos. I've got a big cup of coffee, a new (old) Cat Power album, and some free time to go and catch up. I hope you are all well.
   Oh yeah-new shoes :)

rememberance of things past

Remember playing outside?
I thought that I did, I really thought so but I found out today how much I've forgotten about being a kid. We spent time at the park, collecting acorns and climbing around on the trees. I noticed the sheer beauty of the moss on a giant oak and so many memories came flooding back. Visalia, my hometown, is known for its oak trees. It love them; their enormous stature, their beautiful leaves, toy like acorns, and generally amazing silhouettes. I thought about the roots-how each little twist and knob looked like a miniature throne. I wished I had some dolls-I just wanted to sit and play. I really miss playing outside.
     James is in an urban studies class right now and it fits right in with what I've been thinking about lately. He  is constantly bringing up topics that are challenging the way I think and reminding me of ideals and goals i strive for. Today he mentioned something he was reading about how each generation is spending less time with nature. Kind of sad...
    We've been walking and biking a lot lately, and James made the brave decision to sell his car and give up driving for awhile. Now I realize this is not necessarily do-able for so many people, but we have no children, are healthy and relatively fit, and live in a bike and bus friendly city. I actually don't have a license-and I realize I am some sort of pariah because of this-some people are even offended by it! But let me tell you, our lives are so much better lately! I do understand the nice weather is a huge help-but it feels so good to give yourself time to get places. It makes us think twice about running to the store or grabbing a bite to eat while we are out. It's definitely helped us save money, be more healthy, and spend more time together-doing things we enjoy.  I hope we can keep it up.
   I am so behind in "the blog scene" lately. I have emails to answer, posts to read, and comments to leave but I've been working on a project that I hope to reveal soon! I am so excited I am about to burst but I cannot write of it just yet....
   i put up some fabric and old clothes on ebay. If you are interested-you can look here. I will be adding more soon-if I feel up to it!
   I hope all is well with you all-
I am looking forward to fall and the changes it brings!