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.

Do It!

I love, love To Do lists. I make one everyday, seriously. And often on Sunday nights I will make one for the week of things that don't need to be accomplished on a specific day but just need to be done. My desk is cluttered with old lists that never quite make it to the trash. I love the feeling of crossing things off my list, and I admit that I have been known to write things on the list that are already finished just to be able to cross them off. I know, I'm sick. So I've found this great pre-made To Do list from Knock Knock( www.knockknock.biz ) It helps me categorize even further into errands, correspondents, etc...and feeds into my sick world of extreme organization. Knock Knock has been around for a while. I love all their witty products...check 'em out.





Tuesday is not too late to start...let's see some productivity folks. At least make a list of the peeps that you should send snail mail to. Here's a real life tale of how snail mail can affect someone's day, read Sarah's blog about her mailbox...she's wonderful.





Cheers!

Just a quick Simple Spiel update! We are attempting full domination of all businesses worth shopping at in the great northwest. Items will always be available online through www.simplespiel.etsy.com but for those of you who have to touch, and smell your paper goods you can now find them in three shops that I think are amazing.

Sister to Sister in Prosser, Washington has been selling Simple Spiel from the beginning. I am so thankful for M'Liss and her enthusiasm about the new "She" line. Her shop is great, her staff amazing and it's just a fun place to be (and they sell Gelato) seriously, you can't go wrong.

Just because I'm not currently doing interior design does not mean I have forgotten my roots! I love furniture and decor! If you love it as much as I do, the best place to check out in the valley is Marchant Home Furnishings. They have great stuff, wonderful service (thanks to my bro-in-law) and now Simple Spiel cards! And yes, the ads are correct, located in Grandview, Washington they really are just minutes from anywhere! P.S. They deliver all over!

All Fired Up in McMinnville, Oregon is a great paint-your-own pottery studio that is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to be. They host pottery painting parties, kid's art camps and walk-in painters! It's a great way to spend an afternoon, and set in old downtown McMinville there is plenty of places to eat, grab a cup of coffee and people watch. Liz, the studios owner is an amazing artist. I love her laugh, hospitality and willingness to take a chance on Simple Spiel.

I've got my eye on other boutiques, shops, etc. to market to....we need others to join the revolution and send snail mail! Please let me know if you have ideas of perfect places for Simple Spiel. A huge thank you to all of you "word of mouth advertisers" for joining the revolution and talking up Simple Spiel, you are my favorite, and I'm thankful for all the words of encouragement!

Cheers!

Oregon Driving 101

I haven't been pulled over in forever, I think not since my soph. year at NNU. I'm darn proud of the fact that I have never gotten a speeding ticket and have only been pulled over for a handful of semi-dumb reasons. You know, tail light out, swerving while completely sober, etc. Well this weekend's run in with the law was more than just semi-dumb. It was pure dumb.

My friend Tiffany and I were at a friends house in Amity, Oregon, population, -5. They have one cop who looks like he's about 12 and has to make up for his age by knowing and enforcing anything that may slightly resemble a law. So it was about 12:30 a.m., Saturday morning after a crazy night of fondue and fun. I was driving Tiff's car and we got pulled over because the light on her license plate is out. Ok, so maybe he didn't have much to do and I can understand that, but did he have to call me Melis? Come on, he does not have the right to nickname just because he's the law! So, no ticket and we went on our merry way.

But it does not end there...on Sunday after church we were driving back through the same small town & we were pulled over by the same copper (and also a state trooper)! This time Tiff was driving and he said that she failed to stop for pedestrians on the side of the road who may be attempting to cross the street (their was no cross walk mind you). The problem was that we saw the pedestrians, they were standing on the side walk talking, not attempting to cross. Still no ticket, boy he is generous, ha. My favorite part of it all was that he thought they were waiting to get across the street to attend the Amity Tractor Pull!

So driving tip of the day...courtesy of Melissa, Tiffany and the Amity Oregon police dept.:

If someone is standing on the opposite side of the road as an annual tractor pull and they may attempt to cross at some point, who knows when....but sometime, you better stop. They have the right away folks, cross walk or not! Keep your eyes on the road!

Maybe in all my gyspyness and travel I will never be able to avoid the small town life. What is a tractor pull anyway? HA!

Thankful...

Thankful actually doesn't begin to express all that I feel. The last few months have been crazy and it has been all of you (friends, family & such) that have made me remember what it's all about. I'm a starving artist...it's a good thing we can't take material things with us! All these relationships mean more to me than anything I could ever own. Thank you for the support, love, words of encouragement, prayers and laughs. Ya'll have made my circumstances irrelevant.


This weekend was a quick trip to the Grandview....Fun times!

Sarah's working on an arranged marriage...

My favorite guy!

They just can't get enough of each other!

New Stuff & Things!!!

Check out what's new @ my etsy shop.....http://www.simplespiel.etsy.com

This time last year....

Man, this year has flown by! The 4th is tomorrow and I can't help but think back to last year & "the crew does PC's wedding extravaganza".

It doesn't get much better than that.

Ok, well there have been other memorable 4ths....

...the lake with the Froslands & all the rednecks in Oregon....

...any year spent at the beach with my fam...even if Jenna was crabby...etc.

Basically I love the 4th of July, the BBQs, the friends and/or family but most of all the fireworks...I can't get enough.

And to my most patriotic friend of all, Liz...HOLLA!

Happy July!

What a weekend it has been! I spent most of my time split between Salem and the coast. One thing I've decided about living in Oregon is that I really want to spend more time at the ocean. I would call it a beach but, I'm still a So Cal girl and the Oregon coast is like, so not the beach! I had great days with my good friend Tiffany who really inspired me this weekend with her whit. I felt good all weekend and I'm back in Beaverton ready to start a busy week. The "She" line will soon be offering a plethora of pronoun cards for all sorts of folks. Also, in the works are two new lines involving song lyrics and my new favorite "Straight Up". Stay tuned for more info.! It seems now that I have too many ideas and not enough time to create them. Sand always does this to me. Happy July ya'll!

50 days...

...not that I'm counting or anything. Those of you who even remotely know me know that this is a HUGE deal. No coffee (not just the bucks, although it's my fav) for the last 5o days. You all thought it couldn't be done (and I agreed) but I'm well on my way! And on top of that, I've been surprisingly productive....who knew! Happy Thursday!

Join My Book Club.

Oprah has one, so why can't I? I think the main problem is that I am the type of person who is reading a dozen books at once. (ok, maybe a baker's dozen) Anywho, one of the grandest things about being done with school, which I have been for a while now, is the rediscovery of reading for pleasure...and maybe even learning. So I've been reading...a lot. I will only share with you a few of my current picks. (There are far too many going at the moment to list) As you will see the subject matter is a bit strange. More of the learning reading than pleasure at the moment, although I will admit that the more I learn the more pleasure I am finding in this new world of mine.

MAD COWBOY by Howard F. Lyman

Mandy gave me this book the week I started down this crazy path of natural medicine and operation Get Melissa Healthy. It's subtitle says it all: Plain truth from the cattle rancher who won't eat meat. He doesn't eat it folks. No big shock from this book that meat is not the best for you, but it is still shocking stuff. What amazes me is the amount of truth that we as a society ignore about what we put in our bodies everyday, and those who know the truth don't share it. Well, I'm learning and I must share. Read it...but only if you don't have an extreme love for beef. It just might change your mind.

FAST FOOD NATION by Eric Scholsser

So I'm only half way through this one but I can't put it down! I watched the movie first and much to my delight the book is nothing like the movie. Although the movie inspired me to go veg the book has helped reinforce my decision in a different way. It focuses on the fast food industry as a business and also the food that we all know and love. I can't wait to see what's next, but I will admit that fries still sound really good....most of the time. Read the book, watch the movie...whatever you need to do, just get it!

12 SECRETS OF HIGHLY CREATIVE WOMEN by Gail McMeeken

I would love to someday say with confidence that I am highly creative. It is one of my greatest goals. But I think that one thing about being creative is that you can never get enough. This book has been great to help me focus my "creative energy" (how dorky am I?) and I actually came up with the "She" line of cards while reading this book in a random Starbucks in Spokangeles. There's nothing a girl can't do with a venti non-fat vanilla latte, a note book, and a little Jack on the ipod.

So, a look into my library, as random as it is, I'd have it no other way! I'd love to add to it so let me know if you've had any good reads....

GOOD NIGHT!