Hi everyone! It’s been awhile, huh? And how can it already be December tomorrow?
As the year winds down, I have a lot on my plate and I’m also thinking ahead to 2013 and where I want to be and what I want to accomplish. It can be a bit overwhelming at times reading everyone else’s blog posts about improving yourself and your business and setting goals and resolutions with intention, at least to me. Sometimes I have to block out that thirst for knowledge and perfection and just sit by myself. The internet and its nooks and crannies are wonderful but mostly I just need a pen, a notebook and some time to think.
When I’m working, nothing is more comforting than being surrounded by nice essentials — these were a few of mine during the last week, namely a Poppin softcover notebook and pencils, Divine Chocolate (which I can vouch tastes as good as it looks) and chai and milk. If you prefer something warm but lighter than coffee, you can pick up a carton of Tazo chai at most grocery stores, add milk and microwave it for a minute. Presto!
Over Thanksgiving break, Joey whipped us up a delicious vegan feast and when I wasn’t eating (or watching terrible 80s movies), I was working on some fancy new things for The Blogcademy. I’m adamant about starting 2013 off on a good foot and feeling confident about where I’m headed and because the timeline to pull our original collateral together was almost nonexistent, I’ve been retooling a few of our basics. I’ve stared at the outcome of this digital project a few times since sending off final assets and I still don’t see anything I’d change. You know how fickle designers can be so that’s always a good sign!
I know that some of you are interested in cool places and goings-on around Portland and I’m trying to get better about documenting and sharing them with you! One of my favorite new discoveries was See See Motor Coffee Co. which, as you probably can gather from the name, is split into a motorcycle and coffee shop all in one! A pretty amazing combo if you ask me. I met my friend there for coffee and fell in love with the spot right away — it’s open yet welcoming and the wood panels add a cozy Portland vibe.
And as far as the coffee shop goes, the decor is pretty great. One wall is covered in shelving featuring vintage helmets and album art that contains motorcycles which is pretty entertaining when you realize that mix includes Prince’s Purple Rain and Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell!
On that tip, I need to get out more. I always forget how inspiring it is to just wanted through Portland’s never-ending maze of vintage stores. The good stuff goes on forever and ever. Who can deny the magic of this pink Christmas tree?! I hope it finds a good home! If I could afford shipping, it would be on its way to the Rock n Roll Bride residence right now!
Here’s to wishing you and yours a cozy, magical holiday season. I’m feeling more excited about the holidays than I have in a really long time — maybe I’ve just grown up a bit and settled in more than in past years. Our house is finally starting to feel like a home and we just got our first full-sized tree over the weekend at Target (white with silver and red ornaments — it will make its debut here soon!) I’ll be sitting at my desk all weekend but it’s all in the name of a great project. Have a great one!