Swag

Now we know what celebrities feel like when they are given a bag of swag. Except instead of a fancy-schmancy watch or jar of Creme de la Mer, our's had a trial-size granola.

A big Whole Foods just opened up across the street from our house. We've been there twice. Once for some tempeh bacon (and $49 dollars later...) and a second time for a loaf of bread used to lure a lost duck out of the road and back to the pond. She stuck with us for a good block and then flew away when we tried to MacGyver her into the Whole Foods grocery bag. but that's a story for a different day.

Although we were a little bitter that it had taken over a year for them to finally open their doors, anyone who leaves chocolate* on my doorstep is immediately a new best friend. (*note: new, wrapped chocolate)

Meet Jennifer and Nicole. Underneath those cute hair-dos are creative brains packed full of paper crafting, pop culture, and home improvement genius. They each shared an office with me once upon a time. And they still like me enough to come out for a visit.

We were treated to 80 degree weather and sunny skies - perfect for "probing" the depths of the tide pools on Short Sands Beach and dining outside while sampling the cocktails Portland has to offer.

It was delightful. And surprisingly more fun than sharing an office once upon a time.

Rock the Taxbah

In true Ewald fashion, we sent off our taxes this afternoon. With a whole 10 hours to spare, thank you very much. This year, we got to file in 2 states, with 6 W2's, multiple freelance jobs, moving expenses, and the sale of a house.

We discovered our trusty folder marked, "taxes 2007", did indeed have important papers we needed. Mainly, papers we've received since our move. For anything prior to the move, however, we got to dig deep in a box marked "*sort post 4/23*". That's code for, "you think you'll have time to sort this the week before you move across country, while staying in your parents' basement, but really this will sit untouched in your new garage for 11 months".

We discovered the box marked, "*sort post 4/23*", did indeed have the other important papers we needed. It also had Dave's harmonica headgear and a linoleum block carved self-portrait I made in 1996. Both of which are almost as valuable as the $7.00 refund we'll be receiving from the State of Minnesota.

Hot dog!

After months of hunting and gathering, I am excited to announce the opening of my Etsy vintage store: re*kindle .




I'll be adding many more trinkets and treasures over the next few weeks now that my store is up and running.

If you're new to Etsy, it's a most wonderful site where independent artists (and vintage hounds) can open small "shops" to sell their wares. The amount of amazing work that's available is the reason 99% of my free-time online is spent at this site. One stunning example is our friends at Labpartners:



Check it out, post-haste! And please stop by to say hello.

Tonight is the night.

The after-school program where I teach runs in 8-week sessions. On the evening of the last day of the eighth week, there's a Showcase. Art projects are hung proudly on the walls. The theater group performs its play. Cookies are served. And my dance class takes the stage.

Usually I am busy thinking about what needs to happen for the Showcase to take place. I am nervous for my dancers. (The opening of the curtain causes them to forget half of their steps.) And I am proud.

Today I find myself with similar feelings - busy, nervous, proud - but overall, its a bittersweet sadness. Today is my last day as their teacher. And of all my classes, this is the hardest one to leave.

Tonight, my dancers are performing to "Crazy In Love" by Beyonce mixed with "We're All In This Together" from High School Musical. (per their request) Yes, its a bit unconventional, but I think its perfect. While they try so hard to keep up with the big kids they can't deny their inner eight-year old.

And I am proud.