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!

Breathe

I'm happy to say it has been a really great week.  I was lucky to surround myself with great people, great music, work was fun too! I tattooed a roll of TP, because, well as Nate put it, who doesn't love toilet paper? Just think about it.
Kirsten got a sweet gypsy lady, and an eagle. It's a win win.

Speaking of tattoos, I just made an appointment with my brother from another mother, Shaun <3
Shaun is staying with us girls for the Portland tattoo expo, and I'm so excited to hangout again, introduce him to some wonderful people, and get tattooed.

It's a new month, which means a fresh start, and hopefully, maybe, finally fall? The air feels different, it's cooler, the light changed and the leaves are turning. I even had to dig out my boots. Fun!

We spent the week baking, I cut fabric for a fall quilt and did some necessary grocery shopping. Here is what my week looks like <3

With fall also comes inspiration, and sometimes I get so lucky to stumble upon new, great music, that is just that, inspiring. Check out these adorable Swedish sisters, First Aid Kit. I love them! 

What are you currently working on?

xo.

summer 2010 recap

October 1st, you would think summer would officially be over. It's hot, sticky and sunny in Portland, even after a week of rain. Oregon likes to tease you like that.

The Houghton house is finally complete, as of Wednesday. Our lovely 4th roomate Liz, is getting settled and moved in. She is quite the crafty lady as well, and makes wonderful jewelery. I can't wait for cooler weather, and craft nights.

It's almost scary how fast the last couple months went by, what happened to summer? I sure was busy.
I'm ready for apple picking, pumpkin carving, bike rides and rain. But before I say goodbye to summer for now I wanted to share the last months with you in photos. Enjoy <3

I can definitely say I did everything I wanted to do, I met some great people and made some of the best friends so far. Summer of 2010, you were fucking fantastic.

<3