Thoughts on Portland

print found via here

All in all, Portland has been good to us these past two years. I made new friends, tried strange foods, skied the Cascades, hiked parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, and settled into married life. There were major challenges, too. I was anonymous, momentarily unemployed, and overwhelmed in a big city. Life lessons learned. I look back on this experience fondly and will always be grateful for the time we spent here.

We're leaving tomorrow. First stop: Boise, Idaho! Then we'll head to our beloved Jackson, Wyoming and from there Boulder, Colorado to visit my brother. We have podcasts, Sirius radio, and a cooler full of snacks. Love me a good road trip!

Supermoon

Leave it to National Geographic to capture some of these amazing shots from Sunday's supermoon!

New Music Tuesdays

Another Justin Vernon side project. Volcano Chair's album, Repave, is due out in September.

Solstice Weekend

Loving the new VSCO app. Download it for free here!

Friday Film

Jimmy Chin, a member of Camp 4 Collective, can do no wrong in my book!

Shut Up and Play the Hits

all images via Google

We finally watched the documentary, Shut Up and Play the Hits. It follows LCD Soundsystem's front man, James Murphy, and their last performance at Madison Square Garden. I wasn't there, but I do feel very lucky to have seen them perform live a few years ago. They are the most fun!

Moving

Our house looks like it's been turned upside down. There are boxes and piles stacked high. Less than 10 days to go! I'm anxious to get moving now that we've finally found a place in Charlottesville. My mind is racing with the many things left to do. I'm hoping that my new hot water with lemon ritual will set me straight and keep me balanced during the homestretch.

New Music Tuesdays

Mavis Staples teamed up with Jeff Tweedy to put out the LP, One True Vine. This single has a beautiful, timeless sound. Listen to the whole album, due out next Tuesday, here on NPR.

Summer Mantra

Sauvie Island, Portland

Where your talents and needs of the worlds cross; there lies your vocation.
-Aristotle

In the Moment

via Shelter Co.

I am so guilty of not doing this.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Thanks for always being a pillar of love and support. You lead by example and have taught me how to appreciate life's simple pleasures. I look forward to celebrating in the coming weeks. We have to make up for lost time!

Friday Film

I'm exhausted just watching this video. Nicely done, Dub!

Interior Inspiration

images via Emily Henderson

As I mentioned, our move is weeks away. We're still searching for a house or apartment to call our own. The rental market is tough in Charlottesville, but I have faith that we'll find something that meets our requirements. Hello hardwood floors and washer/dryer!

I saw these photos on Emily Henderson's blog and got really excited about nesting somewhere new. We're selling most of our furniture here but will be inheriting some items from family. I can't wait to start again with a clean slate.

New Music Tuesdays

Neko Case's album The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, is due out this fall. She's also going to be touring around North America starting this summer. Hope to catch her in Charlottesville!

We're Moving!

image via here

And it's all happening really soon! We're headed back east (end of June) to settle beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia. It's an hour from where I grew up and very close to family and friends. Brett and I have both been out west for nearly 7 years and feel that it's finally time to put some roots down. I must admit, I'm a sucker for change and I'm really looking forward to starting over somewhere new. I think it's going to be a great fit, too. Breweries, access to the outdoors, music, food, farms -- what's not to love?

Blogging might be a bit sporadic, considering we have jobs to finish, packing to do, and furniture items to sell. Bear with me. My thoughts on Portland are a bit scattered, but I do plan to share them with you soon. Two years and many life lessons later. Stay tuned!

Friday Film

I was born in the wrong decade. I'll take nudity over obnoxious cell phone usage any day! Hope to catch Sunshine Daydream in full sometime this summer.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Brussels, 2007

Liked this article too much not to share it with y'all.

When givers give, it spreads and cascades. In my own case, the book served as a powerful reminder that the “giver” is the person I want to be.

New Music Tuesdays

A fun spin on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts.

Dreaming of Turkey

My friend Carolyn, fondly known as Shire, lives in Turkey with her husband. I've been gawking at her recent photos and thought I'd make you all jealous, too. Happy Monday!

Backyard Buds

So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
-Jorge Luis Borges