Journey 2009

Well, here goes. It is that time of year again, we are heading out on the Canoe Journey 2009. Usually, I only get to attend a portion, while Sophia and Travis are there for the duration. This year, since I am unemployed, and it is a shorter distance than it has been in the past, I will be there for most of it -- a week. We will head out on Sunday and spend the week paddling, singing and camping, we will be on our way to Suquamish, WA. Sounds greuling, and don't get me wrong, it is. Yet it is extremely exciting, and one of the most amazing things a person could participate in. This is the largest youth drug and alcohol prevention event on the west coast. It is extremely spiritual and touching, like nothing I have ever seen before.



This particular video was taken by one of our skippers -- those are just about all teenagers pulling these canoes.

I have to say, this is one event that makes me wish I had tighter roots in my culture. I see these hundreds, maybe thousands, of people, all with this cultural tie. All of these people, working so hard to go back to their roots, and I swell with pride when I watch my daughter participate. She knows her tribes songs, dances, language. As a 5 year old, to have all of that culture handed to you -- wow. I am 28, I have no songs, dances, or language. I am lucky that I can watch my daughter absorb all of this and someday, she will be rich from her culture and pride. I love that.

To read on and find more information on the Canoe Journey 2009, follow this link:

http://www.tribaljourneys2009.com/

another Sunday, come and gone!

Wow, what a wierd weekend. Middle of July and we are surrounded by pouring rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning storms. Who would've thought we would spend one day in the pool and the next day in the rain! Crazy Oregon weather. So, what did this weekend bring? New magnets, new dishwasher, and a new book binding technique. Pretty exciting, I think!

New on my Etsy site are these magnets, they are so much more beautiful in person, but crappy pictures do no justice!


I made one WONDERFUL find this weekend. Long story short, my dishwasher shorted out about 6 months ago and I have not been able to bring myself to buy a new one -- I didn't know if it would even work after all. SO, as I was driving through town (in Travis's truck, no less), I passed a yard sale. As I glanced to the side, I see a shiny, glowing, beautiful, white dishwasher!!!
I jump out of the truck, give it a look over, and the price..... $30. So, I gave it a what the heck and they threw a sold sticker on it. After a busy weekend and three trips to the hardware store, Travis pulled through today, and installed that baby. Officially, it works. It is wonderful. Dishwasher is in effect.



I also learned a new book binding stitch today: the coptic stitch. I love it... soon to be in the Etsy shop: coptic bound books. I love learning new things!!

Have a nice evening, I am off for a long relaxing bath...

Next phase (life).

Well, here is day one, of week one, of unemployment. So far -- pretty productive! I have had some serious inner soul searching: Starting with a breakdown, and now realizing I now have the opportunity to evaluate my situation and decide what direction should I go in. Sounds glamorous, but it is so hard, in reality, to accept. For now. I am working on making this an opportunity and trying to see it as a time to really figure out what it is that I should (or better yet, WANT) to do. At this point, I LOVE graphic design and would love to continue on that path, design, printmaking, screenprinting, sewing: I think I really need to take time to do these things that I love. It makes me happy and pleasant. It releases the creative juices. The challenge is finding a way to earn money from it so I can continue to help support my family, and ensure that Travis does not take all the financial stress, my part to keep him happy as well. Beyond that, I want to work part-time. I think the ultimate situation would be to work 1/2 time in education, with kids, and the other half at home creatively. These are the things that I enjoy, and truly can't decide between.
Moving on, I am sure you are saying "Productive day, yeah right, what have you done today??" Well, I was up at 6:45, got a cup of coffee and spent about 15 minutes just holding my girl. THAT is what I needed today. Once she was ready for school, we were off, and she was at school and I was at the gym. excercised. Headed to the post office to pay bills, came home, showered, did the dishes. And here I am: 10:13 am and ready to start trying to build myself a website. Not too shabby. However, as I said, this is day one, we will see what day two brings! Ciao!