Sarah + Michael

And everything falls into place.

Arrival

Meanwhile, yesterday on the eastern-most campus, we shared soup in the newly completed pen/home of Ozone (white) and Bill Murray. I am so impressed and proud of Seth and Kenya! They have actively re-shaped their physical surroundings to better suit their anesthetics, values, and lifestyle. The goat pen looks incredible! Well designed and executed. It really feels like a farm. A true urban farm! So cool!!!

When I Don’t Know When

This day has taken its’ toll on me. My back has been bothering me. I feel irritated and sensitive from the nagging pull of pain. And then there was this morning’s conversation. Adam and I were still in bed and I was on the phone with my former partner, Josh. He had called to tell me he was moving back into our old house. With his girlfriend. What a surreal moment. One of those moments where life is drastically black and white. Because sometimes I still let myself think of Josh’s house as home. Suddenly and starkly, that was utterly not true. And what was true was the light coming in the windows and filling my delicate room in Portland. What was true was Adam’s warmth next to me. I am here. I am no longer there.

Mixer

Cool. A mixer. We shamelessly invited a handful of handsome men and a clutch of beautiful women and watched the sparks fly. So fun! While Sarah and early arrivals prepared the meal, I outfitted a twelve foot table spanning the length of the livingroom and still, all 18 of us barely fit. Upon sitting, we went around and each of us introduced the person to our left. With varying degrees of intimacy-  “This is Allison. I think she brought those amazing spiced nuts.”

I fluttered around the table and each spot I landed provided tickling conversation and a deeper appreciation for my friends and greater community. As the door shut behind the last person, I bent down to kiss Bello on the forehead and whispered, “This was the best night of my life.” And in that moment, I meant it.

And Happy Birthday Sarah! You are so easy to love!

Past Season Discounted Overstock

Where did Fall go? The sun seems to be setting just after 3pm. The nights stretch for an eternity! I have my hat, gloves, scark, wool button-up, and puffy vest at the ready in a pile by the door. Here we go… down to the bottom toward the Winter Solstice. Just the other day a friend mentioned x-mas presents- oh yeah, x-mas presents! And holiday parties and sharp colors and pale skin. Events! Reasons to put on lipstick! Okay, Winter is starting to sound more enticing. Filly clothing is always available to purchase. Just e-mail me or Rayah. We are also offering discounted pieces from previous seasons. Click on the link below to view the discount catalog. Having just the right thing to wear- to feel cozy, to feel pretty, to feel prepared for whatever the day has in store- helps me feel warm inside too.

Overstock Catalog

Nighttime

Company. It feels good even when there is no sound but the croon of Bon Iver and the clicking of keys.

Goat Shed

Seth and Kenya win the prize. The house next door was up for sale and their dear friends Stefan and Bethany bought it. Now with two beehives, four ducks, two cats, and three baby goats on the way, their joint property has become the Sumner Street Animal Farm. Really, how lucky can you get.

The goats are expected on Tuesday. The four of them (the humans) have been working hard to finish the shed and front fence in time. Goat milk! Goat cheese! Goat love!

 

Midterm

This is what happens when a midterm is scheduled in a not-for-credit class. It is true, you don’t have to go and who wants to be tested given half a choice…

But they didn’t have anything to fear! I was going to ask each of them to attempt the thing that has been the most challenging this semester. So that I could help them really get it. I was not interested in scaring or punishing anyone!

Egg!

Their first egg showed up this morning! I found it in the coop and ran inside with it before realizing I wanted a picture of this momentous occasion. Lucy was willing to participate in a staged re-telling of chicken-near-egg.

Guilty

Yeah, we crafted last night. It’s an addiction.