Gallery.

Hello, my friends. I have to share: Just when I thought posting to this humble blog was questionable, I got a comment from a sweet soul that made it all worth it. Shout-out to Team Awesome Pants and your uplifting and motivating message - I can't thank you enough! I received it when we were actually out boxing - can you believe that?? 

Samsonite and I were on a mental health excursion to Port Townsend last weekend, and boy, did we have a blast! We snuck in long-overdue visits to Port Gamble and Poulsbo, as well. The weekend prior, Chuck and I headed to The Dalles, but there are scant boxes in that area, and they are mostly my own, so not a lot of boxing was possible. If you want to plant somewhere cool, think about the Columbia Gorge! I promise I will come to find them! 

We only found 1 box on the two trips. But phone pix are treasures, too. I hope they brighten your day. 

I wish you were here!

What a couple of goobers! In Port Townsend.
Samsonite looks so cute in this!

Me pretending to be a photographer.

In Port Gamble, we stopped at the Mercantile - 
if you have not been there, it is definitely worth a visit.

Haha! Yeah, it was cold, so I bought a hat :P

On the hunt, but no luck.
Oh well - trying is half the fun!

Samsonite and I stayed in Sequim, and our hotel was excellent. This scene
was between the hotel and the Black Bear Diner (pretty fancy for a diner!)
 However, a youth ball tourney was nearby, and the families stayed in our hotel.
You gotta know there was a LOT of running the halls until the wee hours!

A charming coffee shop in Port Townsend.
We also found the best bead shop ever that 
featured the exact necklace I was looking for - Score!

Yep - it was raining.

Mood.

This is where we were when I read the message from
Team Awesome Pants. It totally redeemed not finding the box.

A fabulous sunset in the rearview - 
The Dalles, OR

Antique architecture in Hood River - 
Obimaster and I stopped to walk around for a bit.
How lovely - look at that blue sky!

A view of Mt. Adams in Hood River, OR

Arriving at our hotel in The Dalles :)

Oh yeah! Mexican food (drinks?) is always on point!

Selfie on the Columbia

Back in Aberdeen.
It is not often that I do a walkabout in town, but we were 
waiting for the car to get serviced. Something about this scene
captured my imagination. Classic and kinda timeless.

On the road back home.
Until next time ...

W is for ...

 

Winter.

Gray. Wet. Chilly. That about sums it up.

But it is not snowy here, and for that, I am grateful. It does put a damper (no pun intended) on getting out on the trail to beat the bushes for boxes; perhaps I am just too old and whiney to brave the cold wet like I used to. I prefer staying inside, cooking comforting soup, enjoying the fireplace, and reading a book. And no, I have not carved anything for quite a while. Hopefully, after last week's events, that will be rectified!

Work.

I am now working 30 hours a week as a mental health therapist. But the good news is that I love my job! And I love the people I work with. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity. No, it is not all glitter and unicorns, but I think I am where I am supposed to be. And that, my friends, is a good feeling. It's been a long time coming.

Withdrawal.

Since I am now working, I felt I needed to acquire a bit more knowledge (read: confidence) in individual counseling to provide the best care for my clients. Toward that effort, I enrolled in an 18-credit university program that would have earned me a certificate in professional counseling (it would have taken me a year and a quarter to complete). All sounds great, right? I was more than willing to put in the work and give up fun stuff to make that a reality. Unfortunately, the workload was unexpectedly overwhelming and coincided with my client load filling up at work, so I had no time during my workday to catch up on reading for class. 

Further, it was different from other programs I have been in: It involved considerable research, writing, and discussion board posting multiple times per week (9 postings, to be exact, in addition to 3 papers due throughout the term). Moreover, each class was eight weeks, with the next course starting immediately after that, with no break week between - that's insane! I was in the program for 4 weeks and had no time for anything other than schoolwork. It was restful to go to work! 

The realization started slowly - "gosh, maybe I could just take the courses I need, not the entire certificate ..." Then it was, "how am I gonna make this work?" Eventually, it became, "I am drowning - I gotta get outta this."  So, I made the hard decision to withdraw. Quitting is not something I do regularly, so it hit me hard. I have convinced myself that I am not a failure, but it was clearly not the right fit. 

Mistakes happen, to be sure, and making this kind of mistake was a bit pricey, but at least I have my sanity. There are other ways to gain knowledge and confidence than putting myself (and my family) through a meat grinder. I have already made moves to find another, more suitable alternative. *fingers crossed*

Wellness

The overwhelming burden was lifted immediately. It took me a couple of days to unwind and actually relax enough to sleep. And the muscle ache in my neck and shoulders is gradually improving. The first thing I wanted to do was head out for an impromptu road trip with my beloved - it was glorious. 

I am almost back to my old self - Samsonite and I planned another quickie trip to Port Townsend in a couple of weeks just for fun. I was very worried about our upcoming trip to the south in a couple of months; getting schoolwork done during our visit would have been nearly impossible. Now I can spend quality time with loved ones while we are there rather than holed up in the hotel room writing about things that will never matter after they are graded. 

I have heard it said that when you say 'yes' to one thing, you say 'no' to another. It is mostly true, as I have usually made things work by stretching and juggling. But, this has been a hard lesson to learn: I cannot do everything, nor can I make everything I dream work, no matter how much I desire. In this case, a little fallback and strategizing were in order.

Winter wandering.

Today, here on the Pacific Coast, the mostly clear icy-blue sky is visible in all directions. The weak sun is reflecting on the gently rippling Grand Canal, only interrupted by the occasional diving duck. It looks like winter - it feels like winter, but 

"calendars across the Northern Hemisphere say winter will begin on Dec. 21, but for meteorologists, the start of the season happens three weeks earlier on Dec. 1. The reason behind the discrepancy is that weather experts follow what’s called meteorological seasons, while others use the astronomical calendar to signify the change. Meteorologists and climatologists break down the seasons based on when temperatures typically change, not the status of Earth’s rotation." (source) 

Well, the trails are mucky and my freezing fingers fumble trying to find a box under that infamous 'duff,' which around here consists of slimy leaves, sopping moss, and dirt. Ah, the joys of winter boxing in the PNW! Actually, I haven't traditionally boxed for a bit (not counting the sporadic planting), but have been doing more holiday-themed projects.

I decided, at the last minute, to jump into this year's Sock Swap (thanks Damselfly for hosting!) and it was a joy to send fun socks to a long-time boxer from the East Coast I recently had the pleasure of meeting - Sherlock Miles. Since we both attended the amazing Harry Potter-themed Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon event, hosted by Music Chick, I knew my choice of HP socks would be perfect! I set out to carve a couple of stamps to embellish my humble gift.

this was the transfer - yes, I am still in LOVE
with the laser ink-acetone transfer method!

aren't those socks perfect for the swap?

Another project that involved some running around was my part in the office's annual Secret Santa gift exchange. Honestly, I am kind of a 'ba-humbug' type, but it has been fun to put this together. Come to think of it - I am not sure I have ever done a Secret Santa thing before! I included candy, popcorn, an ornament, more candy, a candle, therapy dough and aromatic mist, a restaurant gift card, a Zox wristband, a coffee gift card, and a Squishmellow (not shown). Cuz, who doesn't need a Squishmellow? The one I added is a chocolate bar - so fun! My person is a Mobile Crisis Team angel and deserves to feel special - I do hope she feels the love :)

oops ... I think I exceeded the spending recommendation :(

yep, I even dug out the two holiday-themed
stamps from my stash for the tag

And finally, last weekend Obimaster and I ran away to the Oregon Coast - my favorite escape from reality. I'll drop a few pics of our rainy weekend. It was absolutely delightful; I filled my self-care 'cup' with moments of calm, gratitude, companionship, and peace. But, alas, no finding of hidden treasures. We did manage to plant one though, which is good.

our upgraded peek-a-boo view - thanks, Best Western!

Camp 18 is an old logging camp turned 
touristy restaurant constructed with some of the biggest
timbers you have ever seen in a building

they serve a decent breakfast ... and this
little guy thinks so, too

We ambled through the shops in Cannon Beach, and
I couldn't resist a snap of these glorious colors

me 'n my love - I am not sure if the masks were
more protective of the plague or the cold!

gosh, the water was so high at Cannon -
don't think I have seen it that high before

the roundabout at Seaside in winter dusk is simply magical

on the Prom

sometimes I manage the perfect snap :)

here we are sans masks
(dang reflections!)

Seaside was so moody - so good for the soul

So, how's that for a meandering winter wander? From carving to shopping, to escaping for the weekend ... I sure hope you are making the most of your winter wanderings, as well. 

Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons 

from the Pacific Northwest!

Leaning in.

"Traditionally, the term 'lean-in' has been used in the context of sports to mean 'to shift one’s body weight forward or toward someone or something.' In water and snow sports, you can lean into a wave, the wind, a slope, or a turn. You can lean into a pitch, or throw, or catch as well." Well, that is what dictionary.com says, anyway. Even though the term is a little faddish (overused perhaps?), and is sometimes meant to encourage women to embrace and rise to the many challenges faced in the business sector ... as if we don't already - and often in heels! Regardless, I like the visual connotation it evokes. Leaning towards the circumstances with awareness, acceptance, and willingness to engage. 

I think 'lean in' fits what is happening in my life right now. Instead of spending time out and about with loved ones devoting time to our hobby, I am working three days a week (10-hour days, no less). I also have made the lifestyle-altering decision to take the necessary classes to earn a professional certificate. Juggling all that is a challenge for me and our family. I am 'leaning in' to the awareness, acceptance, and willingness to engage in a work environment, giving my all to the clients that come my way, preparing to start class again, and keep up with family responsibilities. That's a lotta leanin'!

That is the story for so many of us, I have no doubt. With all that, along with the change of season, has left me runnin' on empty. The change from warm, lengthy days of bright sunshine and carefree road trips has morphed into the continual sound of the furnace, bundling up in many (often restrictive) layers of clothing, scraping ice from windshields, and driving to and from work in the dark. I seem to have lost my letterboxing footing somehow. I keep meaning to get back at the carving desk, but it hasn't happened yet.

Our last outing was great, though. In the presence of the spectacular fall color, Samsonite and I snuck out to try our luck boxing in the Gresham area. We had some luck, but had more fun planting little unconventional 'boxes' around the area. As winter approaches, we have hunkered down rather than brave the wind and rain to slog on muddy, sometimes flooded, slippery trails, and dig in moldy, icy-cold dead leaves and duff for hidden treasures. Maybe I am just getting too old and whiney. *shrug*

Fall colors are hard to beat.

This was an awesome mash-up of 
two of my favorite things: Little Free Libraries
and letterboxing - delish!

We decided to take a side trip to The Dalles - a place near
to my heart. This was taken at the wonderful
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

What a grand tree - even as it loses its beautiful foliage.

One of my favorites.

We stopped in at a kitschy local coffee & pizza shop
that I would definitely recommend.

This gives me hope in humanity :)

It was a fun trip, and we even got some sunshine. Troutdale was pretty windy and cold, but Edgefield - McMenamin's was on point (as usual). At home, the migratory diving ducks have returned, and we even have a never-before-seen-by-me visitor hangin' out at our feeder rather regularly.

Welcome back, Ring-necked Ducks! They spend the 
winter with us here in Ocean Shores, and head elsewhere
for the summer.

Hello!

I believe this is a Scrubjay - beautiful blue!

As I wrap up my second Year of Giving participation, and impulsively decide to add my name to Damselfly's Sock-Swap, I am hoping to 'lean in' to more carving time. I have several more Pocket Treasures to hide, a RD TRP box to recarve and replant, and a handful of exquisite Native American art-inspired animal stamps to tackle. The laser printer-acetone method is working like a charm for me - it is a dream come true! And, as always, I am looking forward to the warmer weather. You, too?

Happy holidays and keep warm, my friends!

Falling off the planet.

Well, not really falling off, per se, but rather flying down to Louisiana and Mississippi to visit one of my favorite people in the world. No, we didn't get to box at all, but maybe it was good to take a break for a bit. Travel, along with trying to fit it around my work schedule, has made this month fly by. Literally.

So, I will drop a few pics from our flyin' trip, and hopefully Obimaster and I will be able to do a little boxing on our next outing. Next week we are planning on heading northward to a little town called Lynden. Perhaps some RD TRP boxes or Pocket Treasures will find hiding places along the way.

Me and my travel buddy (Blarg)
all boarded and ready to take off!

my view from the window seat - fires everywhere!
(over the Cascades)

and there is that dreaded Bolt Creek fire that
covered all of Seattle and surrounding areas
with choking smoke

Our destination - southern Mississippi

the best part of all - hanging out with
these beautiful souls

My chauffeur for the trip :)

down in Houma, LA

And then it was over,
and we were left to chase the sun home.
But, we will be back.