Monday, December 6, 2010

safe travels

I celebrated my 'one year in Portland' just the other day, December 1st. It seems to have gone by so fast since I first fell in love with the city. Come spring I was swooning hard, by summer I was obsessed.
I can honestly say it is the very first time I have felt at home. I am so Portland.
 
I have met some of the best people my short time here, made some incredible friends, reconnected with old friends, reached personal goals, and made a life here.
The last year definitely had it's ups and downs, but all in all I can honestly say I have never been happier.

In a matter of hours I leave for Norway, I'll be gone for 3 weeks, feels like forever. It's bizarre to have mixed feelings about Christmas, and going back home. For those of you who know me best, know that in the past it has been the highlight of my entire year. Now, it feels strange to leave Portland, friends, pets, and work behind, even if only for three weeks.


I ended October by doing a guest spot at Scapegoat Tattoo on Halloween, with papa Shaun , I tattooed some great people, made new friends, and met someone special. All in all, it was a great day. I will be tattooing at Scapegoat Sundays and Mondays as of January 2nd, exciting news! It has been my dream to work there since I moved to Portland! Good things are definitely happening :)



With that said I'll share some pictures of my last few months, and I hope you all have a wonderful December!



Tattoos on Kirsten and Brandon. 


Shaun tattooing my hand during Portland Tattoo Expo.


Shaun getting head by Cupcake. Wait, what?!


Happy birthday Kirsten! <3




Farmers market.


@ Powells books <3



 warmest day in November!


...to coldest day in November.



 dog walks, and bike rides.



twinsies <3



first Blazer game!


 current project.


still cute!



Halloween! 


Loves! <3


now.

Happy Holidays! <3


Thursday, October 21, 2010

face melting good

I just got back from a weekend in San Francisco. I can honestly say it was the best time I have had in years. My friend Brandon and I left Portland at 5am Saturday morning, drove along the coast, and through the red woods. We stopped at a pretty epic diner in Humboldt county, shared some great stories, and made it to San Francisco after about 15 hours.


We got in late Saturday night, unloaded bags and bikes, and started walking up and down the hills of SF looking for a place to eat, incredible. I will admit I was a little intimidated by the thought of biking down, and up those same hills the next day. I was worried for no reason.

We got up at the crack of dawn the next day, hopped on our bikes and headed down to Pier 33. Alcatraz was waiting. I grew up watching the escape from Alcatraz, with my dad, and finally getting to go there was like a dream come true. It was incredible. It rained the whole day, but that didn't stop us. We spent about 14 hours on our bikes that day, all smiles the whole time. I wouldn't have it any other way :)


After Alcatraz we continued to bike around the city in the rain, through chinatown, by the waterfront, all over really. I think we both fell asleep extremely happy, and sore that night. 


We woke up to sunshine and warm weather Monday morning, we had decided the night before that a bike ride across the golden gate definitely had to happen, and after coffee and bagels at ground control, we headed out. I can honestly say I have never been so sore, and was struggling before I got warmed up on our way to the bridge. I had a moment after biking up a big hill where I decided a 20oz coffee before an all day bike ride was a bad idea. Bad, bad idea. 

Biking across the bridge with the sun in my eyes was wonderful. I wished my dad had been there, but now I have an excuse to go back! San Francisco is truly magical. A lot less bike friendly than I had imagined, very busy, but with great architecture, people and weather.



We biked back across the bridge, and down to Pier 39 where the sea lions sun bathe, and have their picture taken. So cute! Then we biked down Powell, and stopped by H&M, we both scored some great treasures before we headed back to our hotel to get cleaned up before the show. 

I missed Interpol twice before, and was definitely not gonna let it happen again. Brandon and I planned this trip about 3 months ago, and I'm so glad we did. I wouldn't change anything. We did everything to the fullest, it was non stop adventure and fun from start to finish. Many, many more adventures, and shows to come. 



Interpol was amazing, we were right up front, the sound was great, and I filmed most of the show. However it was incredibly loud, so the sound quality in my video is shit. I'll still share though. Enjoy <3









Clearly I have no shame. Non stop dance parties, no wonder I am exhausted. My face is also frozen to a permanent grin. It's quite fantastic! <3

Thank you Brandon for being the best adventure buddy ever, this weekend wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you!