grin and share it

AND we are exactly 60 days away from Halloween!
Hostess with the Mostess already posted some absolutely to-die-for Vintage-Style Haunted Halloween Party ideas. I'm so excited to put some of those to use along with this adorable idea for apple cider cups originally posted on Gimme Some Oven

My extremely lovely friend Amy reminded me that one year ago I said goodbye to Portland, OR to return to Minneapolis. It was an incredible year filled with beauty and fun and I can honestly say I haven't stopped missing it. So in honor of the people that made my life in Portland truly wonderful, a little recap of just some of the things that I won't forget. This one's for you Amy, Summer, Brandie, Will, Sarah, Sharin, Annie,  Ben and Jo...

Do you have have that feeling of longing and searching for something else, somewhere other than where you are, but in a way it is beautiful and perfect? I hope so; it's a feeling I have often. It most often occurs to me while out at a bar or other social setting, surrounded by friends who are enjoying themselves and I have found myself in a more reflective, observant disposition instead. Sure, it sometimes ends with me whisking myself away to walk quietly around the neighborhood to look at the stars instead of socializing- but I so enjoy it. So in honor of this feeling, which I can only think to call ethereal restlessness (and please, let me know if you can think of a better name), I give you three little albums to perfectly accompany this mood.

1. Horse Feathers- House With No Home
This album is perfection from start to finish and the first track is, in my opinion, the best. It captures a sense of beautiful longing better than most songs I've heard. For added effect, listen to this while taking a candlelit soak in the tub.

2. Avett Brothers- I and Love and You
Alright I'm sure this is nothing new to most folks but this album has been a huge part of my life this summer. Most of the tracks are great (I only skip a select few) none the least of which is Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise. I mean come on, the title alone is exactly what we are talkin about here. I also love January Wedding-in the way where I kind of want to live in it.  Best when listened to while riding your bike around the neighborhood on a warm thoughtful night.



3. James Vincent McMorrow- Early in the Morning
This album is newer in my collection and is quickly racking up plays in my iTunes. I first came across this when I heard Sparrow and the Wolf on the radio on a particularly moody Monday morning (thank you, Shazam). That night I went home and looked up the video. The video. Just watch it:
Right? I know. But that's not the song I wanted to mention. It is actually We Don't Eat, which likely won't be one released on the radio. It is quite captivating. Give it a try.

So there they are. Hope you enjoy!

Crater Lake, Oregon. Film. Taken by me.

So here we are again. Another blog. But this time I swear I mean it. It recently occurred to me that since getting my Masters in 09  I have been waiting to start my life. Waiting for what, I have no idea but I have been waiting. Well enough of that. It's time to start actually doing the projects I want to do instead of getting caught up in doing them "right". There are too many wonderful things in this world to let it pass by. If I keep this up past two weeks I expect a high-five from everyone that decide to join on this journey.