Star Crafty

I'm ready life, BRING IT.

It is such an odd feeling... I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what my life will be like in a week. I've never been to Portland, I've seen countless of pictures, but that's it. It's like pondering what happens to your soul after death, or where and how does the Universe end. Like standing on the edge of ... the unknown, with no guidelines, no map, no one you know (at least physically), and no reference to your point of origin.

It's such a WONDERFUL feeling, not scary at all. I live for this, to cross the unknown, to explore new worlds and civilizations, to... try not to turn this entry into a Star Trek quote-fest.

Lots of fun was had, drinks were downed, and pictures were taken that I cannot show to you because.. well... I just can't. :)

Thanks to all my awesome co-workers, brother, friends and everybody else who joined the Ceremony of Debauchery.

Every post is full of words of wonderment, delight, nostalgia and a sense that every day is rosey and unique even when some convince us otherwise. I have been so inspired by her artwork and outlook on life. Without realizing, I was falling in love with Portland, Oregon for the longest time through her eyes.

Even if I never meet Miss Alicia (though I would love love love to) once I relocate, it is such a comforting feeling knowing that people like her inhabit this grand City of Roses.

image by alyson

But there is an equally fantastic blogger I will actually meet! Miss Alyson of Unruly Things fame. Oh how I love her blog. Short words, great feelings, child-like dreams, neutral threads and sunday-afternoon-lighting-like photos. She has been stalking me a bit through the social networks of the Internets. That's totally cool with me. Also, how rockin' is that guitar of hers!

Been editing wedding pictures, and reading wedding blogs all day long, to be followed by a rather elaborate wedding tomorrow at our restaurant .

The fiercely independent woman in me longs to abandon all pride and let go.

Le sigh. Here's to Mr. Awesome in Portland.

So, I'm moving to Portland, Oregon in late August. Before moving to Vegas I said I'd only be here a year. And as my first anniversary looms closer (June 9th), I am engaging in a positive and active state of mind. I have acknowledged that my issues with insecurity do not stem from this awful city, or anywhere for that matter. The issues are in me, I need to solve them.

I have secured a room in a lovely guesthouse for three months. Am taking business lessons with my work buddy, Ryan. You have seen all the crafty progress I've been posting the past few weeks, more prototypes have been created awaiting to be properly photographed.

I am taking charge of my life. I have far too much potential, I don't want to let it go to waste. As I still have three months left, a job search will be undertaken as well, but I am definitely ready for Star Magnolia to become what I've dreamed about for years now.

I know most of y'all have a lot of burning questions, so let's begin with the press junket.

*amy searches the crowd of reporters and lands on Timmy, signals him*
Timmy: Have you ever been to Portland, Amy?

Amy: Oh don't be silly, Timmy, of course I HAVEN'T. This wouldn't be a crazy adventure if I had, right? :P I will pay a visit sometime in late June/early July (if my manager ever decides to group my days off consecutively instead of giving me Mondays and then Thursdays off. Thanks a bunch.).

*amy chooses her next reporter*
Ramonda: Do you know anyone in Portland, Amy?

Amy: Well, aside from two lovely ladies whose blogs I've been reading a while, no I do not know anyone.

*Amy searches once again.. agh, dammit, he's here*
Bartholomew: So, Amy... why Portland?

*damn, I knew he would ask that*
Amy: Well, I've been researching this city for months now. I like that it is environmentally conscious. It has bike trails. I like that it supports its artists. In fact, most of the times I see a cool shop on etsy, where is it from? Portland! Something creative must be running in the water. I can finally wear rain boots. It is less than two hours from the Ocean. The greatest film of all time, Overboard, was shot in this fine state. My super awesome friend/kindred spirit Sarah lives just outside Vancouver (Canada, just 5 hours north) and I can't wait to finally meet her in person. I feel that both my design and photography business will flourish in this fine city. But most of all, dear God, most of all... THERE IS GREENERY!!!

That is all the questions I shall be taking at the moment. I appreciate all your support. I really do. Many of you are a little puzzled by my decision, but I just want to you let you know I haven't felt so sure and confident about a place/plan in a long time. This time, I'm going to make things work. Enough sitting around waiting and waiting.

In the meantime, I'm going to sleep. And also learn ways to wake up early (like by 8-9 am-ish) on my days off. For reals, this is a problem for me. My sheets are so nice and comfy though, mmmmm. bed.. mmmm.