Year. One. Celebration.

Anniversary’s are amazing – especially first year celebrations and especially when you camp with your beloved and especially when he surprised you with a trip to the Oregon coast. The drive up was filled with wonderful conversation and of course a great road trip soundtrack.  

Although I didn’t know exactly where we were headed, as we rounded the various bends on the road, I grew more thrilled at the fun that awaited us, to.ge.ther.

Filled with SO much elation and giddiness, we arrived at our fantastic campsite at Bullards Beach State Park, quickly set up our tent, changed out of our comfy travel clothes into nicer attire and headed to our sweet treat #1. We shared a absolutely WONDERFUL dinner – generously gifted to us by our dear friends Nick and Dana (seriously you two, you’re TOO much) – at this great coastal restaurant called Edgewater. It has amazing views of my little lighthouse, the coquille river lighthouse, and we had a window seat from which to enjoy it, as the sun encased it in slumber.

The week was filled with delicious clam chowder, fish and chips at Tony' Crab Shack, homemade pasta, yummy and easy to fix sandwiches - amusement by way of backgammon, speed, cribbage, lots of reading, exploring and strolling the beaches - basically general merriment.

We were so spoiled on so many levels and I often day dream of our time there – honestly – wishing we were on “perma-vacation”. Alas, such is not reality. However, it was such a cherished time, and I am so loved (as is he of course).

Happy first year indeed! Here's to our lives, lived in love and exploration of one another, God and all the journeys He has in store for us - to.geth.er. I love you J and thank you for all you do for us!

Summer Storms

One of the many sweet benefits of living in the beautiful high desert is the lovely summer storms and the purple haze that is consistently cast on the mountain tops. This night was no exception and a lovely and small pleasure.

 

Summer{fest}

So for the second year running, Jason participated in Bend's Summerfest July 8th - 10th. Last year was delightful and this year was no exception. 


In 2010 we were on the home stretch of planning our wedding and it was an artistic launch into our new community.

In 2011 - we are nearing the one year celebration mark of wedded bliss. And, come 4:00 a.m., we were just as "super excited" to get outta’ bed and begin set up of his booth, downtown. ;)
Despite the early rise, J got to spend two days interacting with folks that were simply floored by his work - using such descriptors as: 

Fantastic - Wonderful - Exquisite - Imaginative - Spectacular - Magnificent - Wow - Creative - Unusual - Phenomenal - Cool - Ridiculous - Pretty - Fascinating - The most unique thing I've ever seen - Just gorgeous - Intense - So dramatic - Really cool stuff - Bitchin' - Absolutely amazing - Impressive - that. is. awesome. - I'm freaking out inside right now - Sensational - Amazing..." Just to name a few.

My heart swelled with pride and joy as I witnessed each person compliment his artistry and with every humble and genuinely contrite reply, the admiration I have for my husband grew in spades!

Love how the iconic (to Bend anyway) Tower Theater is the booth backdrop! Such an encouraging and fruitful weekend at Summerfest and we are so grateful! The remaining stories are all in God's faithful hands...

Why yes, he DID win Best of Show!

Out of over 150 participants, J’s work stunned and awed the audiences and the Summerfest Jurors, and they voted his work and booth, best of show. It was a great honor and we are super grateful. All his hard work talent being recognized makes this wifey proud as punch!

Wood, into water. Ridic!

It was such fun to see everyone's amazed expressions. Wish I could have captured even more appreciation and artistic astonishment on camera...

Our display table and "portfolio" a top a manzanita branch.

Under the Stars

We were in need of a little escape & grateful to find such, under the stars & along the rivers edge - or in Jason's case, IN the river. He caught a fish (then set it free), we got in some great fun, relaxation & created lots of sunny, summer memories.

Spring Stylings...

birthdays are for hiking... and dinner... and dessert... and family... and friends... and fun

  

On his 33rd birthday, my sweet and dear husband waited till I got off work and then, we took a fun hike, near where we were wed. He’s presh, and I love him. Now he’s older, but I don’t think he can get any sweeter!

Afterwards - we ate some delicious pizza with Dave and Misty (thanks again for the yummy treat guys) and then had our second annual "washers" tourney. Washers is like horseshoes, but cooler! ;)

This year was properly represented with blackberry pie, (my husbands a pie guy, no cake for this one) post decadent dinner, and a little song - again spent with the Dukes (baby Evie included) and our wonderful family, Seth, Susie, Lyla and Mak.

We just ate (a dang fine and refreshing caprese salad that the birthday boy fixed up right - I might add) talked and enjoyed one another - good times indeed.

Plus, just for good measure and because I like pictures collages so much, (are you all sick of them yet?) I thought we'd post a pictorial retrospective from last years celebrations. Not included in any of the photos unfortunately are our dear friends Scott and Ayva, however, they too were delightfully present and appreciated. We miss you terribly guys - Seattle or bust! ;) 

Window to the Waldrons

So we’re super happy to have you all visit our blog - please poke around and chat with us!

Spring has sprung in the Waldron Home!

Blackbirds perched & serenading as we strolled.

You know that saying: April showers bring May flowers? Well, in Bend, we modify it a little to say: "April showers, snow, sleet and sun bring May showers, snow sleet and sun" and it's in FULL blown effect outside these Waldron walls. We are encased in cozy goodness inside while the winds wail and water wisps against our windows outside. It's an official Central Oregon storm and it's rather awesome!

Spring Sprucing...

Our cozy bedroom stylings...

 I'm kind of a decorating nerd and like to mix things up in the house as seasons change - here's a glimpse into my artistic  expressions. 


We all know Jason is the art master in this family, but I have my contributions, {grin} and this is the way I kind of relax and make even more cozy the home that God has blessed us with...

Sunday afternoons are for goofy lovers on a hike.

The thing I think I need more of here, weather wise, is stamina. We have a second winter essentially, a smidge of spring and a stupendous summer! 


We're super excited about the fun things that await us as the sun and happy clouds break through - to last this time, and in the meantime, we're enjoying the bits of "spring" that burst into our lives.

Streams a flowin'...

Jason and his great friend Christian discovered this wonderful hike not far out of town and we got to take advantage of a Tuesday afternoon last week when the weather was stellar – crisp but sunny and not too breezy – and we hiked up to this stunning view... 

Enjoy the pictures, as we've enjoyed making the memories!

Hello Panorama!

Walking Art - Friday Night Art Hop

So proud of my guy!

 Friday night Art Hop was rad - Jason's pieces were SO well received and his humility in sharing his art was inspirational, to me and to many others.

Lots of interest and many a praise, we give God our gratitude and praise. 

OnPoint - First Friday Art Walk

·         So you know when you’re looking for something, can’t find it, then you stop looking (surrender to the possibility that it’s not meant to be found) and then it, or something better appears – crosses your path - and becomes an opportunity that you thought had been lost along the way. Well, yeah, that’s kinda what our participation in this First Friday Art Walk is like.  

      You see, J had applied to an art show here locally and among the many and varied applicants submitting this year, he hadn't been accepted. We were slightly disappointed, and then submitted the whole thing back to God, trusting that He would figure out the better portion of His plans and desires for Jason's art to be exhibited and shared.  And, that He did.

    

      We  joined our accounts last year when we got married and have absolutely LOVED this financial institution. They are competent, community oriented, ridiculously personable. In fact, they sponsored and “put on" Bend's Winterfest where Jason carved ice sculptures. And OnPoint loves us and admires J’s art (and his person – who wouldn’t), so they invited him to be their featured artist at their inaugural foray into  - the well trafficked Art Walks, Bend has each first Friday of the month. Needless to say, we’re honored and stoked!

Le' Brr... Winterfest Fun!

So my husband wields a chainsaw for a living and this is some of what he makes…

Asked to participate and head up a team of ice carvers this February at Bend Winterfest, he carved ginourmously heavy blocks of ice and makes rockin’ stuff out of them.

It amazed and delighted me that nobody got hurt working withing such close proximity to one another! Each carver was skilled and careful and they all had fun together.

Dockers was one of the Winterfest sponsors, so they asked for their logo to be included somewhere in the group ice carving. I think this was a very tasteful way of incorporation!

OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) had just interviewed Jason at the house - featuring him in a segment they are in the process of producing for Oregon Art Beat. They were total troopers and filmed a portion of his ice carving work as well. 

~ And the finished product ~

Kids kept saying, "Mom, look it's The Lion King!" or others remarked to it as Aslan - it was great seeing & hearing the interaction! Jason is so gracious & humble & despite the frigid temperatures, it was a great weekend - seeing the town come out & enjoy our community!