Portland Oregon Zoo

I love zoos.  Each creature is just so majestic in its own way.  We saw baby turtles the size of a mini cupcake and endangered painted african dogs.  This trip, I was really wishing I had a better camera, because a lot of the animals were too far away in their habitats for me to capture, but that is a good thing for them because they have a nice area to roam about in.

We rode the max into town which is pretty amazing in itself.  You exit the tram and immediately hop on an elevator that takes you up 600+ feet to the surface and right at the zoo's entrance!  The zoo is well thought out, and has some really nice art, bronze animal sculptures,  a lifelike reproduction of a baobab tree, and even miniature bronze elephants lining a walkway.

I'd like to go back again in the spring or fall and see everything when the crowds might be sparser.  I didn't really get to soak everything in because of all the people.

It's nearing the end of this summer so quickly, I cannot believe it.  Tonight we are off to the annual air show at Matt's tower, and then packing, moving, unpacking in the new house, and school will be starting again.  Ahhhh...crazy.  Have to enjoy it all while I can!

Recipe For A Lovely Picnic

Recently I thrifted a couple of nice leather baseball mitts for a few bucks each.  Playing catch is an easy way to waste the day away at a beautiful park like this one.

A deck of cards, cribbage board, or the game of Uno are also must-haves for relaxing on the picnic blanket beneath a shady tree.

Favorite picnic eats include: prosciutto, sharp cheeses, green olives, melons, and crisp crackers.

But most important is letting go, breathing in the fresh air, and simply enjoying a little time with the ones you love.

<3 nbsp="nbsp">

WOYWW: Natural Bling

One. Two. Three. Four.

Five.  Six.  Seven.  Eight.  Nine.

Lately, I have been obsessed with making dangly beaded earrings.  My style leans towards natural stones, and I patina the silver to give them an antiqued look.  There is something mesmerizing about wrapping the wire and creating little ensembles of color and pattern.  I'm completely hooked.

One of the reasons I have been spending so much time at the bench is that MyGirl has been enjoying being out in the shop with me.  I taught her how to burn a mixed CD and she puts her music on and sits at her little work bench where she paints or draws or builds with sculpy.  This explains why Taylor Swift and Katy Perry (only the PG songs) are running through my head.  MyBoy is spending his summer reading reading reading.  Sometimes I forget I even have two kids, he is so content and quiet with a book in hand.

Hope everyone is feeling creative, and sunny!  Happy WOYWW.

To see more creative work, visit the Stamping Ground here.

A Summery Sleuth & My Birthday (again)

Wearing Handmade Cuff By:  MyGirl

Well, I had another birthday.  It was pretty great as long as I conveniently forgot which year I turned.  I swear, it seems like the time just gets more precious the older I get.  I am happy to report one great thing about getting older:  I get power tools as presents.  Yes!  My honey surprised me with a new torch head AND a tumbler (which means my jewelry has had a complete makeover which I cannot wait to photograph in all of its shiny splendor)!  We ate some cheese cake.  MyGirl made this beautiful cuff for me all by her nine-year-old self with felt and beautiful stitching (I'm super proud), and MyBoy created a very nice piece of collage art that I must frame.  Possibly the cutest birthday event was my morning puppet show presentation of the "Happy Birthday Song".  So, to another year.  Cheers!

Stay Summer, For Just A While Longer

Their hands in everything, knees scraped up, freckles coaxed out from their winter hideout by the sun.  Summer, please stay and hold us capture in these perfect moments.

First Day Of Summer Vacation

At the park with:  

Rollerblades--Giant Frog--Red Robins--Picnic--Sunshine--Cards.

A lovely start to summer break.