Back on my feet

This afternoon I went out for a run for the first time since mid October. It's hard to say why I stopped. I guess life just took over in the autumn. We moved, friends opened a new stationery shop, the holidays came and went in a blur. And before I knew it, two and a half months had passed since I last got out there.

I was nervous that I'd be cold and unpracticed. That I'd forget all I'd learned in the fall. I still haven't even finished the Couch to 5k program yet. But the moment I set foot out the door I felt better than I have in months. It was amazing just to be moving again. And the stride, the breathing, the energy - it all came back to me like it had never left.

It took me until age 36 to realize that it is possible for me to even do this, let alone like it. But I think I can actually say that I love it.

36 years to understand that I am capable of this. That I can push myself. That I can do more than I thought I could.

I am built for this.
:)

oh dear.

It certainly has been a while.
Hmmm.... I could offer excuses or explanations, but they will all sound weak and sad.

Life gets busy.

But I miss it here. So I'll be around so more. That I can promise.

to the river

So much time has passed. Yet it hardly seems possible. Much of my time this winter has been spent trying to figure out how to like it more. I bought a short coat so that I may venture outside for a walk in the park - something I live for in the warm weather. But the cold just oppresses me and keeps me indoors. Earlier in the year, I vowed to myself make a list of things that I truly love about winter in an attempt to make it less overwhelming. As the sun shines now, it seems a little past due, but knowing the weather around here, I am sure we are in for another cold snap. So, here goes.

Things I love about winter:

1. The way the light looks different at night. Is it the reflective property of snow that makes the evenings look so much brighter? It's a quality of light that is so hard to define.

2. That feeling of complete and utter quiet that comes over the world when it snows.

3. The crows and bare tree branches silhouetted against the sky.



Every evening, without fail, the crows of this city migrate to the river. This happens year round, but it is especially compelling in the winter. I have yet to find out if they are all headed to one particular spot or if they line the banks of the Genesee for miles, filling the bare trees with crow-shaped leaves. It is haunting, somewhat mysterious and altogether beautiful. It's as if they know something that I don't. Trying to capture this on camera has left something out.... It can't compare to the real thing.

Blue Moss

Just want to say a quick thanks to Michelle over at blue moss for featuring me on her super awesome blog today!


What a great way to start the day!

joAnn
p.s. - the Seattle map is newly listed in my shop, as well as Portland. (Ukraine was a custom order)

New work come and gone...

Well, the idea was to post about my new work here, before they completely sold out from my shop. But one busy weekend later and they are all gone. I will be getting some new ones listed as soon as I get them made!

So, in any case (a little late) here is what I have been working on.






I am quite happy with them. I have so many more ideas along this line and I plan to spend the cold month of February on the couch, sewing, with the cat on my lap. Perfection.

Warmth

New Year's Eve. This year, it was perfect. It was an evening filled with family, long-time friends, and new friends. It was also my 35th birthday. I walked into my sister's downtown apartment to find streamers and decorations hung in my honor. We stood at her vast windows overlooking the river and watched the fireworks from the comfort and warmth of the couch. We ate good food, had great conversation and many, many laughs. After the craziness that was the month of December, having an evening to sit and simply get to know one another was fantastic beyond measure. A perfect ending to a year that was good to me.




I begin this year with some new feelings about my life will really be about, what makes home home, and what it means to carve out a space for yourself in this big, ridiculous world.

This past week, although frigid, has been warmed with familiar faces and renewed friendships. It seems a perfect way to start the new year.

Pretty good.

Holy cow, it's been a long time since I was here. I feel like it wasn't that long ago I was saying the same thing.

The sad truth of it is that with all the time that goes into preparing for Second Storie, I have had no time to do anything other than think of what I want to say here. So many thoughts come and gone. The best I can do for now is try to recount my feelings on the show.

In a word: amazing. In my true fashion, I walked in the doors on Saturday to set up my table considerably later than everyone else. I was feeling rushed and under prepared. But when I walked into the the auditorium and saw all of the amazing displays everyone had set up, I was instantly rejuvenated. And once the doors opened, there was hardly a break in the traffic for the next few hours. It was jaw-dropping. All of our work that seemed to go unrecognized was immediately redeemed and we were beaming all day. The day was full of surprises, both big and small. I only wish I hadn't felt so distracted by everything that was going on; then maybe I could have absorbed the best parts a little more. I learn something different each year.

Like my table display - I took mental notes on the best displays I saw at our 2008 show and showed up with a much more polished table. It was a great fit with Karen's display so it was perfect that we shared a table this year. I received many compliments on how nice our display looked, something I haven't heard since our first show.

It felt so cozy. The decorations made all the difference.


my new, simplified display. Thanks for the help, Dad!


Karen's half of the table, including our photo album collaboration.


All I need now is a sign with my name on it and I'll be set.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. Next year? Bring it on...