Goodbye dabbling; Hello serious crafting!

I made candles! They are bright, rainbow colored, and professional looking! It was easy, and though it wasn't on my list of things to learn (simply for lack of having thought of the idea myself), I am definitely going to keep doing it.

The screenprinting workshop was fantastic. On the first day we learned about the basics of screenprinting and how to use water-based inks. On the second day we learned about oil-based paints and more advanced techniques. I bought some supplies and already started doing it myself at home. The possibilities are amazing and I feel inspired.

I have officially filed for unemployment for reasons of a) the simple fact that i am eligible for the first time in my life and b) to have more time for my new creative pursuits. As long as I am using my time wisely, I feel okay about being mostly unemployed.. I'm still working at the paper shop a couple of days a week and I've been presented with the most incredible opportunity to work for Hostelling International for one week on an all-expenses paid trip to Santa Monica, CA. Life is in a giving mood.

On the other hand, Per is leaving for Sweden in just a couple of weeks and I don't know how long he'll be gone. I plan to power through this separation head-first, determined to remain on course (read: distracted), and continuing on an adventurous path.

Other things happening at the moment:

I have met another cool 31 year old (an entity I was beginning to think was extinct) who happens to be at a startlingly similar place in life.

I talked to Eric. He is as intense and determined as ever, but in a more quiet and patient way. It's a little unnerving to tell to truth. But maybe there's a future in all of this.

I have discovered workshops! I am under solemn oath (to myself) to take as many as I can during this meantime.

I have started playing my guitar again! Not as much as I'd like to, but I'm pleased to report that it feels comfortable and not alien. And I'm thinking about buying and learning to play the mandolin.

And finally, Per and I will most likely get married in the next couple of weeks before he leaves. All that is required is a simple promise before a couple of witnesses and an ordained minister. My roommate happens to be one. We have almost certainly decided to sign the paper with no pomp and circumstance and then when he leaves begin the application process for his residency. All of this handling of the marriage in a casual, non-public way will allow us to have a real ceremony with friends and family sometime in the future without feeling like we've had one too many (ceremonies, not drinks). I actually feel very excited about it being kind of a secret.

I have no idea what the coming year holds for us, but all predictions have so far come true. 2006: We will live in a mountainous region. 2007: Matrimony. The prediction for 2008: Our first child. Heaven help me.


Foot note:
Per and I did get married on April 26, 2007. We had a small ceremony at my house in Seattle with a group of ten or so friends. You can see pictures here.

Time to Kick Some Butt!!

I have been busy! I have set goals! I am making things happen! Life is exciting!

Okay, so one of my goals for the new year was to keep a better record of life in general through frequent blog entries... and so it's two months later than my last one. What can I say? I've never been much for goals, so when I set a lot of them at once, you can't expect me to keep much of a leash on all of the little buggers. But as for the OTHER goals, well let's just say I feel like I am kicking some proverbial butt!

I am sitting in a coffee shop in Vancouver, BC killing time before my screenprinting workshop starts. I am doing a 2-day workshop on DIY screenprinting and advanced screenprinting! This after having made my first bars of melt and pour glycerin soap and learned (among other things at the paper shop) the technique of embossing! By the end of this month I plan to be well on my way to having the tools of many trades.. trades which I hope to call my own one fine day. Soon.

Can you picture me with my own little shop full of things I made myself: screenprinted shirts, bags, home decor, and housewares, homemade soap and toiletries, handmade greeting cards and stationery, and who knows what else? All of this complete with a coffee bar to attract the buyers. This is my new dream.. the dream of the new me.. the me who is self employed with one or more portable skills, the ability to barder, and an unending creative power.

So yeah, sorry if my blog is taking a backseat at the moment.