Today the sun came out and allowed us a post T-day speed walk along the Columbia. Walking stick a necessity.

A sophisticated celebration at The New Lagos Center for Experimental Living, AKA Sarah and Jade’s house. Good people, amazing food, plenty of whiskey, and lots of pie.

What if I started to see how perfect it all is instead of always, always, wishing for something a little different.

Thank you thank you thank you beautiful, sharp, warm life. Thank you for this moment. I am alone in the house. Baba Muktanada on the record player. I am sitting cross-legged on the couch with a full cup of coffee and Bello next to me with his head slightly tilted and deep in sleep. My body is neither hungry nor full and my heart is still, content. In a bit I will walk in the country before joining friends for food and drink. And tonight I will fall asleep in the arms of a dear and decent man. Thank you warm life.

She brings a little smile to my lips. Her style is carried off with such precision. There is not a section on which the eyes get stuck. Smooth.

And everything falls into place.

Meanwhile, on the eastern-most campus, we welcomed Ozone (white) and Bill Murray to the fold. I am so impressed by Seth and Kenya! They have totally re-shaped their physical surroundings to better exemplify 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!!!

This day has taken its’ toll on me. My back has been bothering me and I feel 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.

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!

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

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