Southern Coastal California.

I am on a 10 day adventure, and this was the first part of it.

I just spent a few days in Orange County, and I have to admit, it is probably one of my favorite places in the world. Even though I have some amazing memories from living there, it's just plain gorgeous. Especially this time of year. 

Plus-it was my sisters 30th :)

Day 7, Walk it out.

Today I took Alabama on a walk to a trail near by. It was one of those 'get-my-head-clear-before-I-lose-it' sort of walks. It was so refreshing to be outside with chilly cold breeze, and warm cozy sun beating down on me.  I have had so much on my mind lately, with finding a new job and just stress about life, I have been on overdrive emotionally for the past few weeks(let's be realistic-it's been months) and today I took a step towards relaxing a little bit. Spending moments on a hillside with nothing around besides tall grass, low clouds, little critters was some of the most peaceful I have had in a long time. Do you ever feel like you are just a version of yourself? That you aren't living to your potential? I had some thoughts today that that's where I am.  That it's time for me to turn over a new leaf and start living a more ampt up life that pushes me towards living the best version of me.  Firstly, I am going to starting spending more time on the sides of hills and mountains with plenty of time spreading my winds, growing, and pushing. 

Day 5

Today I celebrated fall in a completely different way.

My uncle and I brought out the ladders, cleaned out the buckets, and went olive picking! 

He is super knowledgeable about everything green and teaches me something new about gardening every time I see him. I am a lucky lady. 

My back is sore, and my fingers are tired, but we now have about 12 gallons of olives. 

We picked the trees throughout the neighborhood dry! 

I love fall in California.

First step:Soak the olives in water, and cover with a towel.

 

Day 1.

So! I have noticed that a lot of people are doing a photo a day project for the month of October, so I thought I would do something similar with a blog a day for the month.  I think there is going to be a lot of change, and events this month, and thought it would be fitting that I document it every day.
Anyway, On Sunday, Ryan and I went to a wedding, it was so fun! It was for one of his cousins, and it was really cool for me to meet all of his family and friends who I have only heard stories of.
There was cowboys, gymnasts, hippies, and every sort of person in between there and I heard so many stories about everything.

how amazing is his shirt???

Gone Fishing!

While I was in Southern California, I saw my dad's new house... the last tenants were fishers... not only did they leave an old boat in the garage, but tons of fishing equipment.  I saw some tackle boxes and I started scavenging, I found a ton of little gadgets. I don't have any idea what these things were originally used for, but I thought they were too cool to pass up.
Everything I took home smelled like fish juice, nastiness, and was covered in fishing hooks. I cleaned, sanitized, and de-hooked everything and made some adorable jewelry!!

ps... if anyone has any old Fish tackle boxes collecting dust, please let me know. I would be glad to make you something amazing if you want to do a little trade! 

keysforkelsey@yahoo.com

I also used little pieces from the hooks for clasps.

A weight that looks almost like a whistle, the deer is something I already had. 

La la land.

I am so sorry for the delay in posts! I told you in my last post that I was going to be out of town... I was in LA with family!
Last month I met my aunt, and cousin for the very first time.  An entire life spent with out knowing them!

I usually have a really hard time getting to know people... lets be honest, often a little bit awkward with people I don't know. But I was amazed to find out quickly I felt at home with them.
My aunt is an amazing woman who just sort of gets me, and is so willing to get to know me more, and to help me figure some things out... She understands where I am in my life, and just wants to see me thrive.
And my cousin instantly became like a brother to me. We have a lot in common, little things like similar interests, sense' of humor, even down to a common hatred to the same foods.
It is a testament to family, and just how strong a bond can be.

So anyway!! This past week I was able to just hang out with them, go on errands, have dinner, and just spend time together. It was such a blessing.
On my last day my aunt took me with me to work. She is an interior designer, and took me all over LA for pick-ups, drop-offs, and just shopping for samples.  I loved every second of it, but my favorite thing we did was go into different fabric stores.
WOW!! I could spend hours in these shops, feeling all of the different materials, looking at all of the designs and colors, and dreaming about things I could make. I was able to take home a couple of fabrics(thanks Auntie!) and now I am just decided what to do with them.

A few photos to show you some of my adventures..

Wally the Dog:

My cousin Danny and I

 

 Downtown LA

Fall

I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of fall

:)

Dog Park

I didn't do anything for my challenge today... honestly? I was too tired.

Today I met with the guy who is printing some of my paintings for a 'check-in', I saw a couple of samples that made me really excited! It was so weird to see my paintings that are normally sort of large-in a little tiny miniature format.
:)

After I left the printers, I took Alabama to my favorite dog park. It's right outside of Berkeley, and right next to the sea.  I debated not going today... I had to be at work at 4.30 this morning, and needless to say I was very tired... But I am so glad we went.
The air was so fresh, it felt like velvet. It was smooth and cold and was being pushed in every which direction from the wind.
And the sun! Oh man! The sun felt so refreshing! Was fighting the cold air with its warmth.
It was invigorating.

I love this dog park.
Not only is it beautiful... but the people are great. Maybe its because they are dog people... or maybe because they are Berkeley people... the people are priceless. Sometimes it gets a little messy, although Alabama is an extremely sweet dog, she is very fearful of people she doesn't know.  Even seems a little snobby at times, paying no attention to anyone.
Alright people, get your imagination caps on. This is a story that you MUST get a mental picture of.
On our walk, a woman approached us with her husband, and 2 furry little dogs. She reached out for Al, and of course, she pulled away. Your getting the picture... right?
I tried to to explain to her that Alabama isn't very found of strangers...
Either she didn't hear me, or decided to just flat out ignore me, the next thing I know she is trying to explain to me how all dogs like her and sat on the pavement in front of us. She then proceeds to pull out all of her treats, and toys. Laying them out. Displaying them to us.
Alabama still isn't budging.
Her Husband begins to tell me how dogs will be friendly if they feel like they can be dominant... blah blah blah...
The next thing I know, the woman is laying down on her back rolling around in the middle of the sidewalk.
I'm not sure who was more freaked out. I must of had the most obviously weirded out look on my face, and Alabama took off running towards the car.

I got to the car and just busted up laughing. It was too awkward, and weird, and hilarious.
You guys ever have anything like happen??

#17 Thrift Thursday

Today is THRIFT THURSDAY!! 

On my searching today I found a couple of things that I am really excited about!

Do you ever see a glass, or kitchen utensil, or lamp, or just something you see and are instantly determined to find one for yourself? 

Well... I get that way.

Awhile back, I saw someone drinking from a glass and I have been set to find them since. It's just a simple glass with scallops on the sides, but I have been obsessing over this particular size for awhile, and today I found it! I felt pretty good about that.

FINDS OF THE DAY!

3 really tall-white-scentless candles which I LOVE. 

3 different sizes of hurricane vases which I have some crafty ideas for, but I also like them as is.

4 different colored zippers.

Challenges #15 AND 16!

This post is for 2 days for my challenge..
A long time ago, I decided that I wanted to make some prints of some of my paintings to try to make a few extra bucks...
Part one: Yesterday I went over the 3 paintings I wanted to have prints of, I added some color, added some extra lines, and just cleaned them up a little bit... it took awhile because I am sort of a perfection about these things.

Part two: Today I met with the printer!! Ryan and I went together... I was so glad he was there with me!
We talked a lot about what I wanted and expected and he showed me about a million different papers that were available...

I hope these come out well... he is going to try some stuff on photo shop to make these look a little more polished... and if I like the outcome, I will bring different paintings to him.
What do you guys think??

#13 Team Challenge.

So today I didn't do a project challenge. 

But my sister did a challenge and I helped her... sort of. 

Today my sister ran the full Nike's Women's Marathon in San Francisco! 

26.2 miles! That's insane!! 

Honestly guys?? She's my hero. 

She did a challenge today that most people, me included, will never do in their life time, and she did it with style.

My challenge today was to make sure she reached her goal. 

No I didn't run... but as my sister crossed the finish line, I felt like I crossed the finish line. 

I feel like we are a team. 

She is so inspiring! 

Strong, beautiful, wise, driven, encouraging, caring, fun, and so-so-so-so much more.

I don't think I could ask for anyone better for an older sister. 

I am so blessed.

I love you sis!