chipmunk cuddles

best ever cuddles from a creature happened right here. just walking along this wonderful trail - just a smidge out of town - and out pops this little wonder. he/she - not too certain, was most brave and gregarious and we took full advantage of his bold nature. never would have expected he/she (although we've dubbed him amigo pequeño - so we'll go with he - respectively) would have traversed up the denim clad course, up our legs and into our hearts. 

small treasures found this day.

Fall {festing}

{ i do like him ever so much }

 ... yet again, an extensive amount of admiration and acclaim were shared this past weekend, as we exhibited at Fall Fest, in our downtown area of Bend.

Each and every time people mentioned of their amazement at the craftsmanship, skill and brilliance of these incredible co-creations, this beautiful husband of mine gave such sweet honor to God, accrediting Him with the passion to pursue and the aptitude to accomplish these pieces with such expertise and with such inspiration. This of course only serves to make me live and appreciate the man he is, more and more. We were additionally grateful that our friend Jason stopped by to offer encouragement and assistance, lifting heavy stuff for tear down and the heart of the artists as well.

My mom stopped by a few times as well, being beyond generous to make and bring hot soup and warm bread, chai and love. We strolled together briefly through the various booths together and enjoyed the crisp fall air mixed the the delicious sun. She's a helper and she's my best mom.

Despite all the hard and fast work it is to have a weekend art boot, it is always terrific exposure for J, and lots of fun to interact with the folks who stop by. Fall fest 2012 - check. =)

We had an absolutely lovely time in Southern Oregon for a family wedding this last weekend. Jason's cousin Heather got married during a beautiful ceremony atop of Johns Peak - over looking the entire Rogue Valley. We got to dance and groove to some fun wedding tunes with each other and with his Papa, who might have just brought the party TO the party! ;) I ran into a friend from high school, who I hadn't seen since our 10 year reunion, which sadly, was nearly 10 years ago - haha, wow - I'm old. But seriously, it was super fun to re-connect with her and her fabulous family.

Great visits were had as well, with Jason's mom - visiting around Ashland, for a great breakfast,  then  strolls through Lithia Park, relaxing and recouping.

It was good for both mom and son - lots of love there to share...

new {home} sweet home

So... we moved. Yeah, we did. 

Super stoked to have such a wonderful place to land and super exhausted from the "flight". ;) Packing is such fun (NOT) but getting settled in really is...

{more pictures to come}

Art [centric]

What an honor and unique privilege Jason has this weekend, to be one of only 6 invited artists to participate in Lahaina galleries 36th Anniversary show & event. They've shut down the gallery as of yesterday until Sunday with a private, invitation only showing Saturday evening.

Re-opening to the public Sunday, the relationships he's already forming with other artists and art connoisseurs are wonderful and perhaps may even result in shared life time adventures.

[ Thank you God - it is ALL in your Hands ]

::Summer Sounds::

Mom is moved!!!! Fun times at Summer Concerts {Bend has lots of great outdoor venues and free events} and lots of memories ahead!

She's getting settled in all cozy - slowly but surely and we are SO grateful for the provision of SUCH a lovely and lively home!

Every{day} Oregon

 

 So each day of this season we call summer seems to provide bonus beauty and we are privileged to have days like this one to get out in it and capture sun dipped moments of togetherness.

We were on a hunt for more forest floor offerings for J's art and came back with a piece or two, and much lightness in our hearts. I revisit that feeling looking at these pictures here again. 

[We.Heart.Central.Oregon.]

  

Here's just another casual stroll in the Old Mill District near sundown, enjoying a brief walk around the river trail. Truly, Bend is a remarkable place to call home.

And this is a lovely sampling of the beauty that the Rogue Valley also has to offer. Seeing as how we both grew up there and enjoy visiting family there as often as possible, it's some of home as well.