L is for Life

Life has a way of throwing you some extremes...one year ago I was getting ready to embark on a road trip that was going to forever change my life.  I made one of the hardest decisions in my life and learned a lot about myself.  I have been able to focus on myself for the first time in a long time.  Being on my own has also allowed me to dictate exactly what I want in life.  I have a better understanding of myself than I ever did before.

The first photo is the last shot I took with my camera in Arizona.  It was a hot summer night, the heat was radiating off the pavement, and it was intense (literally and figuratively).  We hit the road the next day and our first pit stop was in Palm Desert, California.  The second photo I snuck outside and shot this as the sun was coming up over the hills.  It was still warm outside but a sense of relief also filled the air.  I was starting a new chapter in my life.  

WIth any sort of separation, breakup, etc. people choose sides.  I have seen this played out so many times in movies and didn't think it would ever happen to me...but it did.  Those who have stood by me and supported me through all this (old and new); you mean more than words could ever express and I am forever thankful for that.

L is for Locks

I spent the weekend up in Seattle a while back and really wanted to visit a few places I hadn't been in years.  One of those places was the Ballard Locks.  Boats are constantly passing through between Puget Sound and Lake Union so there is a lot see.  Also certain times of the year salmon are running through the fish ladder and you can actually watch them as they swim through.

The 'Salmon Waves' sculpture by Paul Sorey was one of my favorite sites (photo 3) at the Locks.

K is for Keller Fountain

The weather here in Portland has finally started to show true signs of Spring.  Because it rains all the time you really have to savor these sunny warm days even more!  I took the sun for granted while living in Phoenix and now I finally understand why everyone is outside the minute the clouds break and the temperature goes above 65 degrees.

I shot these photographs of Keller Fountain after walking around the waterfront area.  It was a perfect day outside!

S is for Succulents

Maybe its all the greenery around me but I have been more inspired to grow plants.  I recently visited an adorable shop called Ink & Peat on Williams Ave in NE Portland.  Everything is extremely well curated and the assortment of home products is amazing!  Not only do they have a beautiful floral section but lots of plants and ceramics for the home.

I came home with these two succulents.  I am not sure exactly what they are but they compliment my other plant very well.  Also I don't really have much of a green thumb, succulents seem easy to care for.  I have also invested in a couple air plants--which I learned is best to submerge them for an hour or two once a week to water them.

L is for Lavender

Lavender is one of my favorite things.  I love it in bath products, growing in a garden, and in my food.  This delicious cake is infused with lavender and has lemon frosting on top.  

Desserts for breakfast?  Why not...after all its Monday!  

B is Baies

Diptyque Baies candle...my current obsession.  The smell is so unique I have a terrible time describing exactly what it reminds me of.

Diptyque says it "recalls a bouquet of roses and black currant leaves".  Either way I enjoy burning this candle for hours and hours.  I recently got the all black version (here) and love that the wax is black too!  These candles are a splurge but oh so worth it.    

C is for Coffee

I drink coffee everyday.  If I don't stop by my usual places (Starbucks, Nordstom eBar, Peet's Coffee) I'm making it at home.  As much as I love the big chains, I do love a local coffee shop.  The Northwest is in no shortage of them so I just need to do some more exploring.  

I wish I knew more about coffee.  I just know it tastes good with soy milk.  I prefer it iced (maybe to consume it faster?) but sometimes on a cold day...a warm cup is so comforting.