vacationland.

Mama Olson came to town a few weeks ago, and I have to say she came just in time. I was in desperate need of a little vacation from work and also a taste of home. We traveled up the coast of Maine, ate lots (and lots) of lobster, visited a few light houses in true Maine style, and then explored around Bean Town. We even had time to bake an apple pie and spruce up my apartment (My mother can't help herself when it comes to interior designing...and I was not about to stop her).

 Portland, ME

Rockland Breakwater Light 

Vacationland...true that. 

Two Lights State Park

Newburyport, MA

In summary...I love New England. Even more so in the fall. 

  

timeline.

I am apologizing in advance for extreme amount of photography I am throwing your way, but it is a much simpler way of describing the chaotic-ness of this past month. I am glad to say that as of right now I am much more sane, relaxed and excited about my new adventure. And so it begins...

A few weeks before I made my move I had the pleasure of spending a few days with some of my favorite people. My California trip can be summed up by the following...

Coffee. Food. Food. Coffee. 

Sweet love. 

Check out more photos of my new favorite married couple at Color Me Rad.

Friends!

Sun. 

Food again. 

Then I returned to Portland and the reality of moving across the country hit me like a brick wall. I tried to keep it together by soaking up as much of Portland as I possibly could.

Wandering around the Pearl. 

Pottery painting with the mom and sis. 

Delicious food. 

Then I was off. The people at PDX probably thought I had lost it. Little to no sleep the night before and an emotional goodbye leads to KO tearing up through security, and continuing throughout a five hour flight. Get it together. 

 One of the best parts of my move was knowing that I had a friend to greet me. Sara. You are a lifesaver. My first night in Boston I was greeted with a few too many G + T's...but just the right amount of fun. 

I am glad to say my things all arrived in one piece...just barely though. 

(anyone want to send me a new Portland mug?)

My first piece of mail!

Of course I couldn't wait too long to find a piece of home. 

My baby arrived all in one piece. 

 After way too many trips to Target and IKEA within a seven day period, I saved this weekend as a time to explore. I hopped on the T (AKA the Subway) and made my way to the Back Bay area of Boston. (I am a lover of all things Brownstone so this area is most definitely a fav). Block after block of Brownstones, old historic churches, yummy restaurants...and wait Starbucks? Yes it is true. Dunkin' Donuts is a bit of a "disease" over on the East Coast. I apologize for all you lovers of the "cheap and quick" coffee...I am not one of them. I wish I could get a little Stumptown, but tracking down a Starbucks will do. 

Trinity Church

Boston Public Library/Subway stop.

Boston Common - Best park ever. 

Looking forward to sharing even more of my new adventure as it continues! 

happy place.

In an an attempt to soak up my favorite season, I have been out galavanting around Oregon. First stop - the Fruit Loop in Hood River, Oregon. 

Gorgeousness! We picked up a small load of apples for baking and canning, both turned out delicious. 

Shortly after I trekked to Cannon Beach with the mother for a desperately needed weekend away from the city and work. 

Never have I ever been to the beach, in late October and experienced this kind of beautiful weather. Cold to the bone, but sunny with blue skies all weekend long. The day's were filled with beach walks, yummy seafood and shopping. While the evenings consisted of wine, a warm fireplace and some fun flicks. Perfection.

Quickly followed by breakfast with some of my longtime fav's.

If you are ever in North Portland, check out Helser's and devour the crumpet and egg sandwich - egg's, bacon, tomato and chèvre. 

Fancy cheese makes everything taste better.

I swear fall went by in the blink of an eye this year. 

Could I please get a few more weeks before winter hits?

with a little help from my friends.

Guess what this lady found on Netflix...The Wonder Years. 

The best television show ever. 

 

Kevin + Winnie. You rock my world. 

"I'm young. I live in a house my father owns, in a bed my father bought. Nothing is mine...except my heart and my fears and my growing knowledge that not every road is gonna lead home anymore." 

Any other favorite television "oldies"?

holy photo.

Of all the family portraits I have seen...these may just be the best. I am amazed how relaxed and simple the shoot is. Especially love the addition of the beautifully patterned Mexican blankets. Adds a touch of home to an outdoor shoot. Ben Christensen does an amazing job of going outside the family portraiture norm. You know, the marble backdrop or a sunny beach (with the family decked out in rolled up jeans and a white shirt...you know what I am talking about). This is so not your typical family portrait.

lovely chaos.

Ben Christensen Photog.