short but sweet. just thank you all. for 2012. it's been a year. with ups and downs, lots of fantastic memories, and plenty to remember for years to come. it may sound contrived, but you were all a huge part of it... those of you who are my dear friends, those who comment, those who follow me on twitter, those who i never even know are watching. this blog is a huge part of my life, and though many of the people closest to me don't even know i have it, it's something i hold near and dear. what began as a summary of my life, when i parted ways with friends for my masters degree, has grown into something so wonderful. i love writing, and i love sharing. i love having a virtual scrapbook of my life, and something to refer to... and i'm getting more and more used to strangers coming up to me, and commenting on small parts of my life. though i'm sure that will always be a bit hilariously strange.
thank you for your loyalty, and thank you for your support. i hope you enjoy being with me here in my space of the internet, as much as i enjoy filling it with words, photos, and memories. i promise i'll keep doing what i'm doing, as long as you keep doing what you're doing too.
i'd love to hear your reflections of this past year - what were your favourite memories, favourite blog posts, favourite songs, or favourite weekends of your own? what did you spend your time on? what did you like that i wrote, and what do you want less of?
thanks again. to all of you. i know over 4000 of you read my absurdly boring post on jewelry hangers, so there MUST be a demand for my ramblings somewhere - and i always love knowing who you are!
to another year of continued love and success for you all, in 2013.
hey friends... sorry. things have been nutty, and i promise i haven't been ignoring you!
i didn't write yesterday (i know! don't hate me!), and to be honest, this entry isn't anything of real substance today... and i am sorry. not because i think you all can't live without me. i'm sorry that i haven't had time to blog. because man - i love it so.
so yea, this may be a cop out post, but that doesn't make it any less valid.
have you checked out katie's blog lately? man. these are some gooooooood photos. it's so easy to read/look at. so even if you're feeling like you don't want to engage too much, you can look at her kick ass, cute, hilarious, and soooooo coooooool fam, her beautiful photos, and read about their adventures. through picture form.
it was brought to my attention that MANY friends were surprised by my presence on the internet... as they weren't aware of it. all of it.
what?! how could you possibly not know!?!?
perhaps, jamie, because you are one of the most terrible human beings at self promotion that ever did live?
that's likely the reason.
FINE. i'll do it. i'll share where you can find me on the interweb. but if you don't like it, you are NOT allowed to complain about what i tweet about, where i go in toronto, and what things i post on my blog. simply. not. allowed.
lately the topic of moving has been at the forefront of my mind - not in the near future, but for a variety of reasons, it's been something consuming a lot of space in my head... and while the thought of moving makes me squirm at the amount of work (and cleaning - booooo) required, it also means a new chance. a new home to make my own. a blank canvas to problem solve with. to mix and match existing belongings, and new spaces.
so, i look to inspiring spaces, for not only new beginnings, but also acknowledging what i own that is worth keeping, worth moving, worth playing with. the internet is a wonderful thing - there is inspiration everywhere you turn. these are some of my favourites...
these will serve as inspiration for my next home... white palettes; lots of personalization of artwork; memories (collected reminders of people and places); handmade bedding and pillows, throws and other comfy makers; lots and LOTS of shelving (which i don't have enough of in my current space); and baskets and other spaces for magazines, books and other storage needs (for example, my out of control beading and other 'making' supplies).
i've been torturing myself again via internet exploring.... i find myself entrapped in the maze of spectacular jewellery designers and photographers, and generally amazing people who share loves that i do. and through this maze, i somehow stumbled onto this wonderful wonderful blog - a lady who i want to be friends with, and hike with, and play with antiqued metals and gemstones, and silk and cotton scarves with. i think i'm in love with her, and it's taking everything in me to not stalk her (sarah, if you read this, i'm not creepy. i swear).
her blog - shop - camp + quarry - is a wonderful mix of all things i am in love with. hikes in the great west coast, jewellery design by the lovely sarah - including gemstones, antiqued metal, and dyed silk scarves - small bits of graphic design, sharing of art work, and general musings on life.
first, please observe the stunning beauty that is vancouver and the surrounding area. she posts photos of her hikes, her daily adventures, and simply absorbing all that is her lifestyle on the great west coast. this was where the torture came in - how can you look at these photos, and not want to be part of this landscape.... ALL THE TIME.
(for the record, i need to be on the west coast more than once a year).
second, guys - SHE MAKES AMAZING TO-DIE-FOR jewellery!!! see, soulmate. she utilizes fantastic, natural materials, with great chain (man, the mix of her chain usage is off the charts), and awesome wintage charms or findings - like brass posts, and fantastic shapes. i adore her work.
and then music. like this. drool. (uh, hello... james blake's 'i never learn to share' on her 11-11-11 playlist? amaze).
soooooo i basically love her. you will to. check her out in a few ways.....
great interview with sarah here // her etsy store here // her blog of awesomeness (where all the photos are from) here // twitter here // her 8tracks (which are kickass) here
