Lately I’ve been intrigued of my ancestry. During my visit home to Nebraska, my grandma sent me home with some books about Finland. I’ve been having fun skimming the glossy pages of pictures and drawing in my sketchbook. My old high school art teacher, Ms. D would be proud of my continuous lines.

Poppy Seed drawing print has a slight new look. It will be released very very soon. To pre-order a 5″x7″ or 8″x10″ print be sure to drop me a line.

I heart buttons. I have so many buttons, it’s ridiculous. I have a vintage Pyrex bowl filled with them. Speaking of items soon to be released, I will be listing little surprises in the shop like button rings. Each ring has a antique brass band and is topped off with eye catching buttons.

I did a print & framing custom order last week. Aren’t they exquisite? I love these 16″ x 20″ frames with their milky white mats. From left to right: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Poppy Seed.

I have so many things to share with you about my recent visit to my homestate, Nebraska. Being there for 2 weeks, I couldn’t help taking lots of photography. I plan on dedicating a few future blog posts to the highlights. Above is a shot I snapped in rural eastern Nebraska. I do miss the drives; being out and about between Columbus, Lincoln, and Omaha. It was nice to be reacquainted with the rows and rows of corn stalks. One thing I didn’t miss was the 90° – 100° humid mosquito infested summer weather.

When I left Portland at the end of June I began reading my friend, Kim’s novel suggestion… The Time Traveler’s Wife. Wow, it was such a good read. It’s confusing at first with all the time traveling dates. I don’t think I have ever read a novel (that was not a mandatory high school or college requirement) so fast. Niffenegger’s writing is to die for. I fell in love with her writing style. This is really her first book? I didn’t notice. Very well done Niffenegger. Before I read this book I wasn’t fond of the name Henry. Felt so old-fashioned. After reading this book, let’s be honest, I have a new appreciation for it. I loved the dreamy character Henry. Who wouldn’t. He’s compassionate, dashing, and a time traveling adventurous stud. I don’t normally read chick novels but this one went well under the radar for me. I give it 5 stars. I’m a little leary of watching the movie. It seems like when books are made into movies they are just not as good.

Chick novels… chick flicks… I only like a handful of either of them. Maybe 3 or 4.  Love & Sex is an adorable and funny one. I watched this flick a couple times this week. One of my favorite quotes is when Adam says to Kate, “I cheese sandwich you.” If you haven’t watched it, the 2 were discussing, that after a while, saying “I love you” is like saying “cheese sandwich”.  Saying “I love you” starts to lose it’s meaning.

This is off subject, but I’ll give you a little heads up of what I have been crafting up these days. I crafted these… “Handpicking La France Pears In Japan” earrings. When the day comes that I get to visit Japan, I do hope to visit a pear orchard. I love how the La France Pear is uniquely spherical, like these lemon jade beads. I have listed a few pairs in the ol’ Etsy shop. Click here to be directed to my shop.

Well I hope you lovelies have a great weekend. If you are in Portland… stay cool. It’s going to be a warm one! It would be a good time to go to the coast.

Ah Portland. It’s so incredibly good to see you again.

Flying high above layers of cotton candy clouds and thinking fondly about my Nebraska trip.

My trip to Nebraska was pretty… pretty… pretty good. *throwin’ in a Larry David reference.* I wish there was enough time to see everyone though. I was always on the go- riding in a car to Lincoln, Columbus, Nebraska City, and Omaha. My trip included visiting with my family, in-laws, & a few friends. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to see them. And for that matter, so thankful to be able to be a part of my best friend’s special day, her wedding. Just you wait, I’ll be posting pictures very soon!

Enjoying the sunset, drawing in my sketchbook, and anxiously waiting for my connecting flight to PDX.

I will also be posting some snaps of my most recent doodles and sketches very soon. I’ve been working on two sketchbooks at the same time. Silly, I know.

Well I would love to share more about my Nebraska trip, but I’ve got to get going here. So much stuff to catch up on! See ya on Friday.

Heading out to The Good Life state. Be back in a jiffy. Enjoy this photo of my pal Jennie while I’m away.

Photo Credit: quietless.com

Woosh! And just like that, there goes the month of July. In this month’s documentation snippets include— continued visit in Nebraska, traveling back to Oregon, a few trips to Sauvie Island, my first experience at a motocross event, Ecola State Park/Indian Beach (I can’t get enough of that big blue ocean), and lastly Skyping with a good friend.

(See a larger version of the video here.)

My video for the month of June is complete! Woo-hoo! To fill in those that are unfamiliar, I’m documenting what I encounter each month. I’ve had this urge ever since I’ve moved to the west coast. Some of June’s snippets include— downtown, work, the Burnside bridge, Indian Beach, Multanomah Falls, friends, Powell’s Bookstore, the Max, and a trip to Nebraska.

(See a larger version of the video here.)

I just love getting packages in the mail. One of my best friends from good ol’ Nebraska sent me a package a few days ago, I thought I would share the excitement. Hmmm… what could be under all this newspaper?

Ah ha! Filigree picture frames to use with my art! Thank you, thank you! I’m so looking forward to recycling/reusing by painting them milky white & celery green and… seeing them wrapped around my artwork. My favorite are the two touching the bottom edge. They are metal and cloth, I haven’t seen ones like these before.