Buds + Blessings

The past few weeks have been quite a blur pet/house sitting, working and brainstorming remotely with the usual sprinkle of self discovery-- because it's never done, I suppose.  

In just a couple of short weeks I am making a big, funny, cool, ludicrous change: I'm opening a retail space.  Saying that is getting easier, but still feels crazy and impossible, yet God dropped the means squarely into my lap.  Not only will my little boutique offer hand-curated vintage clothing, but over time I'll be offering handmade, fair trade and US made vintage inspired (and otherwise awesome) clothing and accessories as well! 

I'm realizing that these types of random opportunities, simply ought not be questioned. :) So with the newly budding spring, I'm quite prepared to let things happen and see where they go.  So so many things are on the horizon, and while I'm not sure how this little boutique of mine fits in with any of them, I have peace.  Today is only that, and tomorrow will worry about its self.

Details

{dress} - ModCloth

{tights} - Target

{sweater} - Urban Outfitters

{jacket} - gift, Michael Kors

{boots} - Mel via ModCloth

{scarf} - ?

Winter Blush

Details

{dress} - Vintage 40's, available in the shop!

{sweater} - ModCloth

{coat} - J.Crew

{belt} - vintage 70's, thrifted

{mittens} - handmade, Stoney Creek Knitters

{tights} - ModCloth

{boots} - Fiorentini & Baker

Lately 11-14

Lately I have almost lost track of time. I've visited familiar mountains, aspen trees, elk (and mule deer that were not elk).

Though I've spaced a bit, change has continued to flow around and through me-- namely autumn.

I've spent quite a bit of time, and shared laughter and tears with this bright eyed fellow. I love him quite thoroughly!

I've been imagining and painting, but still do the former much more than the latter.

I am still not done with my oxfords (only going once a week slows things down), but hope to be soon. I think I've dreamed about putting them on my feet for the first time!

^Don't worry, the lilac is the lining. ;)

I have been unfocused lately, but inspired, and on my way to finding the order I know I need. I think deciding how and where to use our gifts (even just for now) is one of the hardest decisions we humans face. I'm hoping to end that seasonal struggle soon, or at least take steps forward.

The Whimsical Pig

This past weekend, I went on a family jaunt to a little town outside of Akron, Ohio to visit my sister-in-law's family-- this is the first of two posts I'll do on the subject.  Little did I know when we left Saturday morning, what natural beauty and unique charm the weekend would hold.  I got my first hint a few minutes from the B+B we would be staying at, when we drove through this.

I'm such a sucker for tree-lined roads, but especially ones like this that feel like tree tunnels.  Just around the corner, we arrived at our home-base for the weekend: The Whimsical Pig Bed and Breakfast, aka the sweetest, most awesome lodging ever.  At least for yours truly, that is.

I wish I'd taken better pictures of the full exterior of this restored vintage farmhouse.  The gardens were so beautiful, complete with lounge chairs next to a rocky stream and koi pond.  Three sweet farm cats lazily strolled the paths and prowled through the flowers. My favorite of them was a big tom cat named Thunder who is what I like to call, a John Wayne style cat-- stoic but a sweetheart at the core.

Inside the house were even more surprises, beautifully restored with glistening wood floors and full of vintage details and decor.  I'm pretty sure I did a double take, and definitely wondered what the odds were of finding such a place in the area we were visiting-- not to mention later finding out that this had been a last minute selection on the part of my SIL's family, who had no concept of the affinity for history that my family and I have!  It felt like such a wink from God, and indeed it was.  I was so busy taking everything in that I didn't take pictures of everything that I wish I had, but here are some glimpses. Not to mention, the spectacular breakfasts: the oatmeal cremebrule and baked honey grapefruit were my favorites!

One thing I so wish I'd gotten a picture of more than anything else is the awesome couple who own The Whimsical Pig! Sue and Ron were the most welcoming and genuine hosts who not only made our stay wonderful with their attention to detail, but were such a blessing to talk with and get to know.

I may be back at the Whimsical Pig before too long. :)

twenty.six

Today I turned twenty six.

Among other things, my Mom and Dad accompanied me on a pre-lunch walk around my favorite wooded area, Reed Turner Woodlands (yes, the very same from this wintery post).  It was such a warm and glorious day and as always, this place left me nostalgic about my childhood and the "nature heritage" my family has instilled in me from a young age.  I cannot describe the wistful way I feel when drinking in and walking among wild and natural beauty such as this.  I almost feel a part of it.

Twenty six feels less exciting than twenty five did for me, but in some ways I'm more blessed now than I was then.  I have closer friendships now, more knowledge and ideas in my head (and more insatiable curiosity with them).  I know the coming year will grow and bless me in new ways--  I'll become a first time Aunt (in just a matter of weeks!), I will continue to learn leatherwork and shoe making, among other things.  I'll keep on finding treasures of old and growing into the woman God creatively designed me me to be.  Blessed indeed!

-----

Details

{dress} - vintage 1940's, birthday gift from Mom

{tank} - Forever XI (for serious)

{necklace} - a fishing lure I found

{belt} - J. Crew

{sandals} - Sam Edleman via Nordstrom

{ring} - vintage 70's, inherited