happy halloween!

Brock Davis

(click the image for a lil surprise!)
bottoms up! will your weekend entail some interesting adventures?

early riser

saturday

7:00 am: woke to the sound of lovely owl hoots.

7:04 am: opened eyes to see orange and yellow swirls of magic in the sky.

7:05 am: slipped moccasins on feet, grabbed camera, walked outside to see beauty.

i'll keep you warm

i love our giant yard this time of year. everything is green & perky & wonderful smells are everywhere. this mushroom family was hiding in one of nick's bonsai pots and we almost missed it. it's the small, amazing things that matter...

also, some exciting (for nick) and creepy (for me) news: a trap door spider wandered into our house and found itself on our carpet near the kitchen. nick let him out with the help of a pint glass and some newspaper. i'm hoping he found his way down the hill, into the more expansive part of our property.

new bag

be-lated birthday purchase from anthropologie. thanks, les, for being the most supportive shopping-partner-in-crime, ever!

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

yosemite in the beginning. this female traveler visited the park in 1902. photo via PBS


hello, El Capitan (Yosemite)!


the 1.5 mile tunnel at Zion was created in the 1920's.


Redwood National Forest. yes, the forest actually meets the beach. i know, i know, it's unbelievable.


pathway to Humboldt State University. the base of this bridge is a fallen redwood tree.

i am completely enamored with Ken Burns' series The National Parks: America's Best Idea. the history of the parks is so rich, i really had no idea how many people had visions-of-greatness which helped steamroll their creation or how many hurdles had to be jumped in order for precious land to be secured. it all kind of makes me wish i was a park ranger (trust me, with a sewing machine, and a good pair of fabric-only shears, i could re-work those ranger digs). if you haven't already taken the time to watch, you should. and then, quickly, take a trip to the park that speaks to you with the loudest voice!

nick, chelsea & i had the most amazing adventures this summer as we embarked on our journey into married life (okay, that part was just me & nick) and honeymooned through several national parks in the southwest. but, to be completely honest, we love the Redwood's best! when i stepped into the redwood forest for the first time, i knew that i needed to experience THAT life above anything else and, somehow, i knew my life would be richer as a result. i had no idea i would be so touched...

dear joanna...

i'm still reflecting on your performance, the most amazing live show i've ever experienced. thank you for your gifts.

forever,
inspired