Today my life just got REAL yo!

So excited our wedding has become a real date on the calendar!

hello Monday my old friend...

inspired after the Portland ME Sidewalk Art Show and Sale; 

so many techniques I can't wait to try.

an enjoyable weekend of interesting art, good food, great company and fun!  looking forward to the work week, as this weekend left me feeling rested and happy :)  

Sometimes I can't resist being punny...since I work with
Substance Abuse Clients (BTW I love LOBSTAH)

hello monday my old friend...i've come to talk with you again...

in a cottage by the sea.

Feeling inspired to write this morning in a cottage by the sea. Enjoying my last few days of vacation with my family.  It warms my heart to have everyone under one roof (now I understand what my grandma meant when she would talk about having the family together).  This has been a wonderful summer...enjoying family and friends and "the nature"...as they say in Sweden. 

In other news, I have decided that my 30s are for people that add happiness to my life and the lives of my loved ones. Helpful advice I have received from friends and family include: keep the drama to a minimum (if someone is all about drama maybe reevaluate that friendship); do things for you, that you enjoy, everyday; your family will always be there for you and love you and you will know who your true friends are because they will do the same...no matter what!  And...just breathe.

Love is...

With Valentine's Day approaching I am inspired to write about LOVE.

What is love...

Love is willing to share your favorite food with someone, even if it is the last bite.
Love is sharing your blankets once you got them all nice and warm.
Love is making someone else's coffee and lunch before your own.
Love is falling asleep on the couch, so that at least you can be near that person, even if you are asleep.
Love is knowing exactly what the other person likes and how to make it, without asking.
Love is shoveling, doing the dishes and cleaning the bathrooms.
Love is a night out on the town, or at home with fleece pj pants and a hoodie.
Love is being able to look at the other person, not saying a word and them knowing exactly what you mean.
Love is being happy doing whatever, just as long as you are together.

This is true about my favorite people, especially Mom and Dad and Andre.
Love you guys and all my good friends!

Goodbye 2012

Goodbye 2012...

2012 you came and left many memories in my heart, from completing my Master's Thesis, to being hospitalized with cellulitis, to graduating my my Master's Degree and being offered the job of my dreams, sailing, hiking, the summer of Funemployment, the epic move and wonderful family, friends, a wonderful condo, and holiday season...I am thankful.  I am thankful all of the life lessons I have learned, wonderful memories, photos, family, friends, laughs, tears and sweat this year has brought!

2013 you are gonna rock!  I know you offer challenges and promises and I am ready for you...13 you don't scare me!  I look forward to publishing my first professional article, taking my Board Exams, traveling to my first professional conference, and working on certs to name a few.

Ready or not...2013, here you come in less than 6 hours

A most perfect weekend of hiking, camping and swimming!

Keuka Lake State Park was a wonderful way to celebrate the close of summer and all our hard work.  Dre and I enjoyed every minute of our long weekend!  Campfires and smores, swimming in the crystal clear Keuka Lake, cooking outside and sleeping by the fire.  

We arrived Friday early afternoon, set up camp and dashed to the lake for a quick swim!  Sausages, squash and potatoes, onions and peppers were on the menu and what a feast we had, followed by trivia pursuit of course!  We plotted out our hike and read up on the history of the Keuka Outlet Trail.

Saturday Dre made Ha-lo Ha-lo (spelling?) for breakfast and we prepped for an adventure.  We were determined to hike from one Finger Lake to another so began our journey on the Keuka Outlet Trail, a 7 mile hike connecting Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake.  The trail was beautiful and mostly shaded, following the "Old Crooked Canal."  Some of our photos are posted below.  We saw some old mills, 2 waterfalls and wildlife to include 2 herons, a praying mantis, and some other interesting insects.  A picnic lunch at a waterfall, wading in the canal to cool off and an $8 taxi ride back to our car was SO worth it!  We concluded our hike with a swim back at our campground/Keuka Lake and entertained friends for a campfire and cookout.

Sunday was a day to enjoy a nice breakfast, pack up camp and take advantage of the beach at the park.  We swam all day and played lacrosse and frisbee!  When it was almost time to head home we drove through  Bluff Point, visited Chapel on the Mount aka The Garrett Memorial Chapel, The Esperanza Mansion and we had to check out Big Doug's Meaner Weiner!  We headed home, unpacked and enjoyed some leftover hot dogs and smores on the grill.  

Quite perfect.  

Old Railroad bridge at the beginning of our hike 

Milo's Mill - 1.7miles in, home of the praying mantis!

Seneca Mills Falls - 3.8 miles in, where we stopped for lunch!

Cascade Falls - 4.8 miles in, where I got tired!

We Finished! 7 miles - Lake to Lake

Garrett Memorial Chapel/ Chapel on the Mount - Keuka Lake, Bluff Point

Art Focus

Last week I had my first official Etsy sale.  I have sold orders to family and friends, but this was a turning point in my etsy store!  I have been designing and making original onesies for almost 2 years now.  IT was an idea that started because one of my friends was pregnant.  She is funky and different and nothing in the stores would do, or so I told myself...and so I designed 5 original onesies (two of which are featured in my store).  She liked them so much that I decided to start selling them online.

Well last week I expanding my product line to include baby bibs.  Today is another turning point for the store....I am selling my photographs.  Slowly the store is expanding and my artwork is getting out there in the world.  It's a process, but a very rewarding one.  I would love to sell my artwork as a part-time job, or ideally for a living and this store fulfills part of a larger dream and allows me to thank that one day....one day it may just come true.  I will slowly be adding more artwork, as time permits!  Thank you for your support and interest!

Check out BeeDZigns Etsy Shop Here!

This past week

This past week and weekend, more so than usual, I have embraced my summer.  The last summer for awhile I imagine that I will not be working... I have made pickles, salsa and stewed tomatoes all with my mom; visited my parents and relaxed, while eating great food and laughing; took advantage of the nice weather to include a beach day with friends (possibly one of the last for the season), went walking and running and even got a pedicure!  I enjoyed my wonderful boyfriend cooking breakfast, enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared at a friend's house with conversation and catching up with long-lost friends; we cooked meals in preparation for the week and even enjoyed housework.

To sum it all up...it's been a great week/weekend!  I am thankful for my life and my love and my family and friends.  :)

One Shoe, Five Shoes

It was a great weekend for people to lose shoes, which means a great day to take pictures.  Park Ave Fest is notorious for craziness and fun, so lost shoes are to be expected.

Lone Shoe: Park Ave Post-Park Ave Fest

Brunswick Pair

Righty Lefty

New Design - "Robinson" Birdie Onesie

Check out my new design here:
BeeDzigns Robinson Birdie Onesie