Goodbye Scranton...

...hello Seattle! I'm so sorry to report that I never met Jim Halpert, darn it! But I did have a wonderful time. I never thought I would want to, but I can totally see myself moving to Penn. I love the people, the food, the history, and the way the world disappears while I'm there. There is just something I love about not knowing at all what's going on in the world. I had not watched tv (except for baseball) the whole time we where in Penn. until yeaterday. And what is the first thing I see, Sen. Larry Craig, crap, AAaaahhh, the great state of Idaho, how I miss thee...now back to the real world. :)

Ready, Aim....

I've got a new hobby, and just to prove it here are a few pics. My birthday is coming up, and just so you know, I like guns.





I can't believe we have to leave tomorrow...I have had a blast and the past two weeks have just flown by. Now it's back to my little world of Simple Spiel, paper, tape, flowers and my cutting board. I love what I do but I have enjoyed the break.



FIRE!

Fashion @ the farm...

So today is another day of "hunting" treasure. I call it that beacuse we have to "hunt" trough ALL the mess to find all the treasure the farm holds. We found out that the farm and land has been in our family since 1856. Crazy. On the west coast we just don't have history like that! Here's what I found that other day in the parlor...Evan and I are really serious about it. Here's our Penn. take on it...pitchfork & all!



And yes, I do feel the need to try it all on, seriously!

Penn. Update!

So I'm still around. Things have been crazy in Penn., crazy busy that is. I've been taking tons of pictures and I'm really excited to share a few. With all that has been going on I'm sure that I could blog for rest of my life about all the new experiences and stories that have unfolded over the last week. I love it here and it will be hard for me to leave. Although I am "so west coast" I really envy the slower pace of life here. Everyone knows everyone and I must say there is just something enchanting about it. So here's are quick look at what we were up against in the farm house.


Yeah, seriously, it was everywhere...stuff!




So the first order of business was to get rid of the crap, and what better way then to dig a big hole and start a big fire. I got to help. I thought I was driving a back hoe but I guess it is more accurately called an excavator (sorry Caleb) and everyone made fun of me for driving with my legs crossed.




Digging big holes, no big deal.
Turns out I've been learning all kinds of new things...more to come....

Day Uno!

So here I am, in a shady hotel in New Jersey with the rents. It may be a bit crazy but at least they have wireless...so I can tell you all about my day! It was a great one. We took a shuttle to the airport with what seemed to be grandparents on vaca with their grandkids. Funny stuff, G'ma talked the whole time. At one point, she told her G'daughter (who was maybe 6) that the CEO of Alaska airlines died in a plane crash. "He just clipped some trees and down he went.", she said. Oh, the poor little girl. She thought her G'ma was talking about the plane they were taking. Some people.

I love flying, I really do, but there is always some sort fiasco when I fly. Most of you know that I tend to find a fiasco wherever I go. Today was no exception. Madre and I, being the health nuts that we are, got 32 oz. smoothies at the airport, instead of the evil McDonalds, before we left. They were good going down. Enough said. I like to fly but I hate going to the bathroom on the plane. I avoid it at all costs. Today I couldn't avoid it. Gross, I know. Don't you worry your pretty little head, we are feeling better. Here's what Madre and I looked like most of the flight.


We were so glad to finally land @ Newark and take the air tram to our car. I haven't been to the east coast since middle school. So I get off the plane in my black leggings, with this gray dress over them and my favorite flip flops. All of a sudden I feel so west coast, and really blond. Not another blondie in sight!


One of my favorite things about the Newark airport was the food choices. This cereal vending machine of sorts is great. "Cereality"! Seiously, I love it.

Well Padre just turned on Sports Center and I gotta get caught up, don't worry there will be more trip updates to come...happy Friday ya'll!

Reunion Time!

Last night was a quick impromptu NNU reunion...one last crazy night before I head back east. Jeff is in town and the Crew's migration to Portland is beginning. There was a lot to celebrate...and celebrate we did! We missed you Liz!

The life of a gypsy...

So here's the deal. I'm on the road again. This time it's a last minute trip to the east coast. I'm headed to Scranton, PA....seriously. Hopefully I run into a few of these peeps... (I've been saving myself for Jim) one can dream right? All you OFFICE fans know how much of a big deal this is, for real. And those of you who aren't...well you are missing out! I'll keep you all updated!

P.S. Keep my family in your prayers. This is a bitter sweet trip & we could use all we can get! More deats. to come...

Almost 2...going on 15.

Amazing...what can I say, I'm a little bias but I tend to think he is the best there is and that he also must get most of it from his aunt Missy. I wish I would have been there to witness it but I'm sure with this little man there will be many more stunts to come. Rock on Trav man!

She is contagious!

Kara or "Sweet Pea" as my madre calls her, is as sweet as can be! She inspired the card: She...has a contagious laugh. She really does folks! This picture is almost a year old and I'm sure that when I see her in October she will be taller than me (not that it's hard) and more beautiful than I can imagine. Kara is one of the most sensitive people, she is always thinking of others and has the sweetest spirit. I keep using the word sweet, it could be over done but there is no better way to describe this one! Kara is loyal, creative, and super fun to be around. She is a smarty pants and has always been mature for her age. She is silly, which I love and when her mom ( my cousin Cherith...more on her later) and I get going Kara always joins in. I can't stop laughing with these two...they make my day. Kara's laugh is what I most look forward to, you can't help but get wrapped up in it and forget everything else around you. Thank you Kara for letting me laugh with you...you are a contagious one...and that's a good thing...I love, love, love you!

Bumble's Boutique!

Bumble's Boutique in Salem, Oregon is a sweet little shop that you need to check out! They opened only a month ago (today is their one month anniv.)! It's a great boutique full of unique finds, upscale women's shoes, clothing, jewelry, handbags and now Simple Spiel cards. Carolyn, owns and runs Bumble's with the daughter and

together they are bringing a little class to West Salem. If you are in town check 'em out, you will be sure to find something you can't live without. And make sure you let them know I sent you...and maybe pick up a few cards while you are at it.

The girls of "She"

As I have mentioned before my "She" line of cards is inspired by special women and girls in my life who I think are absolutely fabulous. I think it's time ya'll know who they are so I have decided to take time to tell you about each of them here on my blog. There are so many to list, and some of their cards I have yet to make, but let's start with a couple that I really can't get enough of...

Jenna and Chloe Joy girl! My aunt sent me this picture today (she is a "She" girl too, more on her soon!) and I love it.

Jenna inspired the card: She...dares to follow her heart. She is someone that I never get bored with. We can do nothing at all and have a good time. What I love about Jenna is that she can't help but be herself. She is not a follower and stays true to who she is no matter what. She keeps her own pace, and follows her heart, while still being one of the most caring people I know. She teaches me things all the time. She is the little sis I never had and the one of the best cousins around. I am thankful to her for rainy days at the beach with Jack Johnson, Coco's Asian chicken salad, walks around gram's with compression shorts, and "Go Emily"! Jenn, I love ya & can't wait for God only knows what in October! Thank you for daring to follow your heart.

Chloe Joy inspired the card: She...creates joy. This is not a big surprise to those that know her. She truly lives up to her middle name. She is possibly the most amazing person I know and has helped me realize a kind of love that I never thought possible. When you are around Chloe you can't help but smile. She has helped remind me what is important in life and despite her circumstances creates joy wherever she goes. I am thankful for her courage, attitude, and sweet acceptance of all those around her. Our family would not be the same without her. She amazes me with her ability to hear things no one else does, core strength, hilarious "hair noise" and her sweet whispers. I'm pretty much a huge fan! Thank you sweet girl for creating joy.

So there's a start...two of my favs, check back soon to see who else is a girl of "She". And don't forget to tell the girls in your life, that you think they are wonderful...make it a point to make someone's day.

Wish list...

Like I need more shoes. Some of you have seen my closet, and I bet you are rolling your eyes right about now. I needed a break from my design today and found myself perusing some shoe shops online. I don't NEED any more shoes, but if I did...
...just so you know. Now get back to work!

Etsy Update!

My Etsy shop has just been updated, check out the new "He" and "You" cards. "She" has a mind of her own and now has expanded to a full list or pronouns!
http://www.simplespiel.etsy.com/



As a sit here typing this blog one of my neighbors is cooking bacon
for breakfast and the smell is surprising tempting to my vegetarian nose. I must be starved! Happy Friday everyone!

Happy, Happy Birthday.....

...to my sweet Madre! Yeah, she's my mom and today's her big day. She's also my best friend, biggest fan, and one of the most fun peeps to be around. So Happy Birthday Madre...you are my favorite.

And, she would want me to tell you it's Cider. Really.

Christmas in August

Yeah, I know...it's suppose to be July, well July flew by. So, I'm thinking about Christmas and seasons and how I can't wait to be done with summer. Crazy, I know but I love fall and winter. The boots, the leaves, the hoodies (ok, so I wear hoodies, no matter what time of year it is) and the pumpkin spice scented candles. Yum. I love this picture of Christmas lights because it is what I know and love. Lights and palm trees. Little known fact, two years ago was the first time I saw snow at Christmas. And I have to say, I missed the sun. There's just something about going to the beach and then opening presents that will always appeal to me. Ironically, I have always been the last to get my Christmas cards out and often they become New Year's cards. Not this year, I've got to be on top of it....so I'm feeling the Christmas spirit. Like I have time for another project, but Simple Spiel will debut it's first line of Holiday cards this year and they must be ready in time. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

P.S. Don't forget: I love custom work....let me know if you would like something special for your holiday greetings.

Coming soon to Etsy....

Hey, look what I've been up to! My newest line, "Straight Up" is pure simplicity. Not up on all the slang? No prob, I've included definitions with each card. I'm starting with nine different designs so be watching for them on my etsy shop www.simplespiel.etsy.com real soon! Peace out.