Adventures in Howland

V-Day Sale

2012-02-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

Shop your heart out!

Love, Howland

XIV

2012-02-09T21:10:00.002-05:00

I woke up one morning this week and looked out the window to find snow to find the best surprise ever: snow! There are few things in life that bring me as much joy here on earth than that floating white magic. It was a little more than a dusting, but it was enough to make me forget all my troubles, lay my head back on my pillow, and smile :)

I sure do miss the snow days of our childhood...Here's to those glorious old days of playing in the snow!

Love, Howland

XXIII

2012-02-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

Our little vacation put me in a bit of a summer mood. Don't get me wrong, winter is one of my favorite seasons (as long there's snow + a fire in the fireplace); but the beach this week kindof did me in. I didn't realize I was such a beach baby, but I found myself craving time in the sun and sand, getting my feet wet in the ocean. Maybe it's because we've done that since forever? Sigh.

Love, Howland

Puerto Rico {sneak peek}

2012-02-02T23:10:00.001-05:00

Hola.

Sooo, Puerto Rico was amazing. We sat on white sand beaches, hiked through the rainforest, ate lots of delicious food, and toured nearly every corner of the isla de encanto. I only wish it wasn't over already. More pics and stories later, promise!

*Also, for those of you who get these posts via email (namely my family), you may be missing out on all the fun widgets on the blog itself, including my instagram feed (pics I post from my phone). You can access the blog from the email by simply clicking on the title, and view the feed in the right-hand margin, along with my current reads and favorite blogs...just another way to keep up with our everyday adventuring :)

Love, Howland

XXII

2012-01-26T22:32:00.000-05:00

Well friends, right now we probably have our feet sunk deep in some crisp white sand under a bright shining sun, or maybe we're swinging on a hammock to the rhythm of the sea breeze, or possibly hiking around the jungle or kayaking through the world's greatest bioluminescent bay...

In any case, we're off enjoying a little vaca in Puerto Rico. Hasta lluego!

photo credit

Love, Howland

Glamour Girl

2012-01-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, this girl walked up to me after church and told me I favored Emma Stone. Um, hello compliment. That was my introduction to my awesome new friend Lacey :) I found out she was a makeup artist (among a slew of other creative things, including a piano teacher! Love.) and she suggested we do a photo shoot one day (her husband Stephen is a photographer...perfect combo, yes?). How can I say no to playing dress up?

So, last weekend, I popped over to her house for a fun little 6 hours of modeling--3 hair/makeup/outfit changes later (including her very own wedding dress!), I felt like a true glamour girl. Enjoy!

Love, Howland

XXI

2012-01-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

This week, as we trucked cross-country for the second time in a year, I spent some time reflecting on the woes and pros of moving.

Woes:

1. packing things in boxes takes for-ev-er

2. driving a giant truck pulling a trailer with our car on it + two bikes on a rack on the trunk is a little nerve-racking

3. road trip diets aren't a way to jump-start getting in shape

4. my knees are killing me from sitting cross-legged in the truck for 30 hours

5. saying good-bye is never easy

Pros:

1. the US is a fun little country to drive across

2. redesigning a new space is so exciting...especially when there's going to be a DISHWASHER (!!!)

3. I heart reorganizing

4. lots of hours in the car = lots of time to read

5. sometimes you come across gems like these...

I think Jud is such a great artist, don't you? So original. I mean, that's probably the one and only organ trail.

Love, Howland

This is the way; walk in it

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

- Isaiah 30:21

It seems that 2012 has some surprises up it's sleeve. (There's no baby on the way, in case that was your first thought...)

Come Tuesday, we'll be hitting the road again, destination Amarillo, Texas. We've made the personal decision to temporarily relocate until the end of Jud's fellowship in June.

The decision in itself has been a difficult one to make, but through much prayer and the support of our close friends and family we have found a peace that surpasses understanding. Indeed, life is not always what you expect, but it is still a grand one :)

To say that God has provided for us is definitely an understatement. We're almost completely packed (a full five days before we leave!), we have an apartment waiting for us two doors from some superb friends, and we found some girls around the corner (literally) to take over our lease so we can get a return on our security deposit.

We realize that it's only been 7 months since our last cross country move and DC is still growing on us. We've made some great friends in our short time here, and we've visited almost every museum and monument in DC already (seriously). Besides, it's not goodbye. More like a see-you-later.

Here's to a life of adventure!

Love, Howland

XX

2012-01-12T21:03:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we had the honor and privilege of going to see Billy Elliot the Musical at The Kennedy Center. My good friend found super discounted tickets for this mid-day, mid-week show back in November and we've been looking forward to it ever since. We got all fancied up and trekked downtown on one of the coldest and rainiest days we've had so far this year. But it was so.worth.it. First of all, the ken-cen is gorgeous. And the show was just superb. It ran pretty true to the movie (which was fantastic in itself), but to see a 12-year-old dance like that right in front of you made it that much more impressive. And come to find out, it was Jud's first time going to a musical (not counting A Christmas Carol we saw just before Thanksgiving), and he loved it! That's not to say he'll be first in line for the next one, but I'm counting it as a win.

This week's throwback is from our dancing days (that's me front-and-center, and sissy is just to my right). I think I might have been a great dancer if I had stuck with it (of course our childhood best friend, Allie, used to give us ballet and point lessons in her bedroom growing up...)

Love, Howland

Assateague Island

2012-01-09T23:51:00.000-05:00

We took a little day trip to Assateague Island, and it was just as magical as I had imagined. Of course, every little girl wants a pony, especially after reading Misty of Chincoteague, but seeing wild ponies freely roam all around you on a beach puts it on a whole other level. Plus, it started snowing on our way home. Sigh.

In case you were wondering, my opinion on visiting is that the northern (Maryland) part of the island gave you a better look at the ponies, a prettier beach, and would be a fantastic camping experience (of course, it was a bit sparse being a cold day January); Chincoteague Island (Virginia) is famous for the pony swim and auction, but the park itself (the southern part of Assateague island) is a wildlife refuge with many marshes, and the ponies are herded within more specific boundaries, making it harder/impossible? to see up close. You cannot drive the length of the island; instead you have to take the long way around on the mainland, which takes about an hour. It will run you $15 for the park, which includes entry into both ends of the island, and is good for 7 days.

Love, Howland

XIX

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am slightly ashamed that I forgot to do a post for my mama on her birthday (the day after xmas)...fail. But, we did get to spend the day together, live and in person! She slept in and was treated to a homemade breakfast and a movie :) My mom is amazingly creative, compassionate, and fun-loving, and it was wonderful being home to celebrate her special day with her. Happy [belated] birthday mama mia!

Love, Howland

Fin, twenty-eleven

2012-01-01T03:31:00.000-05:00

Hello 2012, I'm so glad you're finally here! We rung in the new year in style with some great friends (think nerf guns/impromptu dance party/lots o' champagne). AND I finally got to watch the ball drop again in real time (aka EST), which is soooo much cooler.

2011 had lots of ups and downs, but was another one for the books. We spent time in a ton of great cities this year--San Francisco, Portland, Denver, DC, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, NYC--not to mention the 60,000 miles Jud has traveled in the past 6 months throughout the US and Europe. It's really good to spend some time reflecting on the past year (especially compared to 2010) to see how much we have changed and grown, how far along we've come in realizing our dreams, and what new ones we've dreamed up! Here are some of the highlights:

one: my [masterpiece] sketchbook

two: skiing in the Rockies with my sissy

three: get-well-soon flowers during surgery recovery no. 2

four: the Pac NW {Oregon}

five: Brook Fraser concert + a final farewell {Denver}
six: our new city {DC}

seven: Jud's eastern European travels {Prague}

eight: sissy's new city! {Pittsburgh}

nine: a visit to our childhood vacation spot {Marshfield}

ten: a New England fall at peak {Shenandoah Valley}

eleven: 2 of the 12 visitors we hosted in the month of November {Roosevelt Island}

twelve: home for the holidays! {Rochester}

Best album: 21 by Adele (Shannon) | Ten out of Tenn (Jud) | bonus shout out to NCC's live recording of The God Anthology!

Best read: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Shannon) | The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason (Jud)

Best movie: The Debt

Best buy: iPhones (!!!!!!!!)

Other notable discoveries (and rediscoveries):

new friends!

yoga

Pinterest
Scoutmob
carrot cake
geometric design

my very own Etsy shop

tea time

happy hour

the metro

[a particularly superb] New England fall

We are so very excited for this new year--the blank slate, new opportunities, and inevitable adventure it has to offer. As God continues to be our light and our guide, may we continue to live a life of genuine passion and love. Happy new year!

Love, Howland

What Are You Doing NYE?

2011-12-31T13:50:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all a safe & happy new years eve!

(aren't they the best?)

Love, Howland

Christmastime in [NYC]

2011-12-31T00:34:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share a few shots from our drive by visit to NYC last week before heading home for the holidays. It was so grand to be there just before Christmas, seeing all the lights and decorations and fantastic window displays. We also got a chance to visit the Brooklyn Art Library, and check out my sketchbook! Super fun :) Driving through town, however, was not so fun, given the 8 billion people that were also there visiting, but thankfully I can still drive like a New Yorker ;) Enjoy!

Rockefeller Center

9/11 Memorial

Brooklyn Art Library

Brooklyn Winter Ale (on the first day of winter!)

Lovely sea of cement

Still dreaming of a white Christmas...

More photos from the holidays here.

Love, Howland

XVIII

2011-12-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a great holiday! We have emerged (victoriously!) from the craziness of this season's festivities. I haven't been home for Christmas in SIX YEARS, but the rules have more or less stayed in tact: 1. Christmas eve with the whole fam, with a menu that includes calamari (yum) and tripe (yuck); 2. Xmas morning fire + stockings + gift opening; 3. home-cooked breakfast maybe by the afternoon; 4. lazing around. Here's a little glimpse of a Christmas long ago :)

Love, Howland

Happy Xmas

2011-12-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pop in to wish you all a happy Christmas! We are finding ourselves so thankful for the little things this year: family + friends + late mornings + hot tea and banana bread + fires in the fireplace + the lady at Kinkos that gave me all my xmas postcards for free after 2 1/2 hours of trying to print them. If only it had snowed...ba-humbug.

May you be filled with the love of our Father as we remember the gift he gave to us in the birth of his son Jesus. Merry Christmas to you and yours :)

Love, Howland

XVII

2011-12-22T23:57:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how this holiday season has flown by...but there's no place like home for the holidays (we just pulled in a few minutes ago!). We're ready for ice skating, cookie decorating, family & friends, and SANTA! Merry Christmas :)

Love, Howland

XVI

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

We were never a gingerbread house family--Christmas cookies, yes indeed--but I guess gingerbread houses never seemed that cool. That is until my Papa made this one for a charity event at the George Eastman House a few years ago. It's modeled after a church in Tuscany, complete with marble floors, gold leaf domes, tromp l'oeil, and stained glass (illuminated by a light installed inside). Seriously? Freaking ridiculous. It goes down in history as the most.amazing.gingerbread.house.ever.

It was auctioned off for a lot of money put forth by someone in California (can you imagine shipping this thing across country??). So instead of making gingerbread houses every year, we just look at a picture of this one :)

Love, Howland

Decking the Halls

2011-12-12T20:05:00.001-05:00

Christmas time is here / Happiness and cheer

I think my favorite thing about this season is the decorations. Suddenly the long dark nights (that are made more obvious by daylight savings) seem magical with a twinkling tree in the corner. And of course there's the fun little ornaments, the stockings, the garland, the wreath (homemade this year!), more lights, the cookie tins, the Christmas cards, the favorite holiday books, and the most amazing anniversary flowers yet :)

Tis' the season!

Love, Howland

Six

2011-12-10T00:05:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrate six years! Happy anniversary to the one my soul loves ♥

The few hours we have together (before Jud takes off for another overseas adventure) will be filled with breakfast-feasting, Christmas tree-decorating, and some monster-searching!

Love, Howland

XV

2011-12-05T21:46:00.001-05:00

I've been home this week for an odd combination of festivities, but it's been just wonderful. Can I just say that I love my family? Yes, I think I will :)

My Papa was so shocked at my surprise visit for his show on Sunday that he didn't have to force this pose for my picture ;) And more gifts and surprises came a day-and-a-half later when he had knee replacement surgery and got a brand a new knee! I helped the cause by practicing my knee-replacement surgery skills here. I am very grateful to report that it was a success :) He's sporting some fancy socks, been the star of his PT class, and the nurses have asked a comical number of times if he really is 80, because surely some one had made a mistake on his birthdate.

Most of the week was spent at the hospital, or in the comings and goings. So in honor of being Papa's little helper this week, I found this picture hanging in the attic stairwell (a throwback thursday goldmine!):

Get well soon Pappy!
Love, Howland

Anniversary Week!

2011-12-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Happy anniversary week!

6 months ago (today) we arrived in DC
10 years ago (Wednesday) I had my first knee surgery
6 years ago (Friday) I graduated from college
6 years ago (Saturday) my lover and I got married :)

Also, I am secretly on my way home right now to surprise my Papa at his art show (yay!!) and be there for his knee surgery on Tuesday (I told him we had to have a knee surgery anniversary party). Hip hip!

Love, Howland

XIV

2011-12-01T18:11:00.001-05:00

Well folks, welcome to the final month of the year! November was non-stop mayhem and officially visitor month (11 in total + 1 monster, whee!), but it's December now, so bring it on the tinsel. This is one of my favorite months, not just because Santa's coming (SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and the Christmas season is filled with all kinds of festivities, but also because people tend to be nicer and more generous and charitable for these few weeks of the year. Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Also, Christmas trees. And little brothers. And plaid pajama pants. (Which I wore all day today...hooray for R&R!)

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1867)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day / Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat / Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come / The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song / Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head: / "There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song / Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: / "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail / With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way / The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime / Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Love, Howland

Thankful

2011-11-29T11:47:00.001-05:00

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
(JFK)

Love, Howland

Introducing...Made in Howland!

2011-11-27T23:44:00.001-05:00

Ladies and Gents, with great anticipation (!!!!!) I give you my latest pride and joy, and the culmination of countless hours of inspiration/creativity/frustrations/trials and errors/and beautiful mess making...

Welcome to my etsy shop! I have looked forward to this moment for a very long time. My hope is for this little business to simply be a springboard for creativity and my more inspired moments in life. We'll see what the future holds for me as an artist :) I'm sure items will change with the seasons, so be sure to stop by often! Also, my mama mia has been joining me in these efforts and making some supa-fly journals I will be posting soon!

It's been an insanely busy month preparing for this (plus being a full-time DC tour guide! for the 10 or so visitors we've had in November...) and my debut calendar looked a little like this:
~~Black Friday~~
~~Small Business Saturday~~
~~Small(er) Business Sunday~~
Cyber Monday

(of course, that was the plan all along...)

So pull up your favorite chair, make yourself a tasty hot beverage, and stay a while :) And as a special thanks for my faithful supporters, I'd like to offer you 15% off any purchases you make today (Monday, November 28th) in honor of my grand debut! Just offer the coupon code GRANDDEBUT at checkout to receive the discount. Yay!

Thanks again for all your love and encouragement! It is so appreciated and means more to me than you know... (and especially mad props to my hubby, for staying up late on school-nights, helping me brand and market, making me a Facebook page, and even warming up a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers for dinner...what a guy!). Again, sincere thanks to you all!

Happy Cyber Monday!
Love, Howland

XIII

2011-11-24T19:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! My in-laws are in town (for a whole week!) and yesterday they celebrated their 27th anniversary :) Today, after cooking all afternoon, we stuffed our faces with my first homemade turkey (a success!) + mashed potatoes and gravy + stuffing + green bean casserole + buttered rolls + rice-balls (of course). And now we're pushing through our food coma for the sake of dessert (pumpkin pie and cherry cheesecake) and watching the Cowboys.

Love, Howland

Oh the colors!

2011-11-19T16:30:00.001-05:00

My goodness, this fall has been nothing short of spectacular. It's well into November and the trees are still at peak in a rainbow of colors: greens, yellows, golds oranges, reds, purple, brown. It's magical. I mean, even the roses are still in bloom! Just wanted to share a few snapshots from a little walk around the neighborhood :)

Love, Howland

XII

2011-11-17T20:16:00.001-05:00

We've been enjoying the most amazing fall weather lately (upper 60s/low 70s) until old man winter blew in this morning, and it was time to bust out the mittens. So, today, in honor of busting out the mittens (and new ones at that!), here's this week's edition:

Can you tell who's who? :)

Love, Howland

Rethinking the Holidays

2011-11-16T12:35:00.001-05:00

With the holiday season fast approaching, we're challenged to remember real meaning behind all the hoopla and celebrations. Here are a few things that I've seen lately that have inspired me to rethink it all...

via IJM (International Justice Mission)

[AC] Promo 2011 - International Justice Mission from Advent Conspiracy on Vimeo.

Operation Christmas Child (hooray for our OCC party!)

this ad from Nordstrom. Well done.

Happiness is celebrating one holiday at time. That's why you won't find any holiday trim until after Thanksgiving day.
So relax. Reminisce. Enjoy the day as we will--with family and friends...

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Love, Howland

Hello Etsy {Contest Winner!}

2011-11-15T19:47:00.001-05:00

I'm SO excited to share the winner of my Etsy shop name contest (!!!!!!!!!!!)...for everyone who called, texted, emailed, and commented your great ideas, THANK YOU! Seriously, you've helped to make this a super fun process :) This little video project is my latest pride and joy, so enjoy!

Now it's on to branding+ marketing +making lots of art before my big grand opening after Thanksgiving!

Love, Howland

Daddio

2011-11-14T01:24:00.001-05:00

My Dad came to visit this week (just hours after my mom left) + I got to dog sit my favorite monster, so it was a busy weekend indeed! There was only a slight overlap in activities, so it didn't feel like a repeat ;) Festivities included the Art Gallery (amazing), some hiking around Roosevelt Island and Great Falls, 20 cent drafts at the most excellent pizza place in town, morning coffee & quiche at Buzz Bakery (a fav), Eastern Market, and (finally!) a successful trip to the Jefferson Memorial (only to be stuck standing by the "no dogs allowed" sign...aw, lobey). In all, a wonderful trip! Here's a peak at round 2 :)

Roosevelt Island

hiking with the monster

Great Falls/Mather Gorge

Would you have guessed that's a Picasso?

Funny guy...we hadn't actually drunk anything yet, haha

Enjoying the Jefferson anyway ;)

Friends with Fala!

By day and by night

Love, Howland

Thank You

2011-11-11T01:02:00.001-05:00

It's hard to put into words how grateful we are for those who have served and are serving our country. I can only offer a genuine thank you on this day of rememberence, albeit it doesn't seem to do it justice. May God bless you and yours for your immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom.

Love, Howland

XI

2011-11-10T20:12:00.001-05:00

Today's edition is in honor my wonderful Granny. I can't believe it's been 6 years already since she passed, and we still miss her terribly. But her incredibly kind, generous, vivacious, and ready-to-laugh spirit lives on. Here's to you, Gran, and the vibrant legacy you've given to all of us :)

Love, Howland

Mama Mia!

2011-11-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

My mom arrived in town for a little vacation a few days ago (just as Jud was getting in his taxi for his latest professional adventure--good timing!), and we had a fantastic visit. DC touring (12 hours of walking!) and dining + crafting and discussing our upcoming etsy adventure + it was the most gorgeous 65-70 degree weather a few fall days in November have ever offered.

Arlington Cemetery, such a place of honor

our beautiful Capitol Dome

lovely fall colors

the most delicious lunch at the American Indian museum's Mitsitam Café

a sliver of the Andy Warhol exhibit, phenomenally displayed along the Hirshhorn's curved walls

moonrise over the Natural History museum, one of the 6 we visited (yes, 6!)

A peek inside the Air & Space museum (compelling a return visit the next day)

dusk on the mall

So happy for the visit! A perk of being an east-coaster again... :)

Love, Howland

X

2011-11-03T15:06:00.003-04:00

This week's edition is in honor of the world series, which, in my opinion, was one of the most exciting I've seen in a long time! I'm so sad the Rangers couldn't pull it off...and they're now being compared the to Bills for their consecutive winless championship appearances, aw.

I'd like to present to you my little brother, our family's very own MVP. Corey was so good at baseball! He was never the biggest kid on the team, but that kid had an arm like a cannon (lest you be deceived by his little stick of a body)...just like Jud! He collected cards like a true fan, too--looks like Halloween candy all over the counter. Here's to America's favorite pastime!

Love, Howland

Hello Etsy {Contest}

2011-11-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

(This post has been a long-awaited and much anticipated one, although it's really just a pre-grand debut.........)
By way of thoughtful prayer and consideration, I've decided to leave my job to pursue my art more full-time. So, hello Etsy (!!!!!!)

Etsy is an ebay of sorts, except for crafty and vintage things. It is an excellent website that allows crafters and collectors alike to buy and sell amazing little pieces of inspiration. The only requirement for items is that they are either handmade or vintage (20+ years old).

I am realizing that opening a business of any kind is an ambitious task, but one that requires a constant flow of artistic creativity--well that may be the most difficult. I've taken my time with this whole thing because 1. I'm secretly afraid it will fail in the slow-drift/unsustainable kind of way, 2. I've been formulating a detailed and fail-proof business plan to ensure success (one can only hope), and 3. I can't think of a name.

It always takes me forever to name things, and it's such a trial-and-error deal. I wanted to name my little brother Dancie Bowie + it took us 6 weeks to name our horse "Jamie." This shop-naming creative block/dilemma has lasted, well, like a year already? But names are important. They speak to the essence of what something is, so it has to be a good fit. Or maybe I'm making too big of a deal about it? Either way, that's where you all come in. I've decided to make this ordeal into a little contest, and the winner will receive one item from my awesomely-named shop (valued up to $25)! Below are a few lists, for your inspiration :)

Mediums I'll be using
paint & canvas
fabric
paper & ink
stamps
found items

Things that inspire me
song lyrics
one-word statements
puns/play-on words
foreign languages, especially Italian
family (my Mom is going to make things for the shop too!)
twins, sisters
horses
travel
being outside, especially camping
the stars
Sundays
history
Van Gogh
a good story

Words I like
wander
stars
rose
majesty
make
rummy
parade

The only rules are to be creative and original. The name could be a favorite phrase, or part of a quote, or a single word, or two words put together, etc. (Although many names are "taken" as usernames on the website, it's possible that no one is actually selling anything under that name--but don't worry about that, I'll check it out). You can leave as many "entries" as you want in the comment section, just be sure to include your name and email so I can contact you! I will choose a winner on November 15 (only two weeks away, gasp!) so put your thinking caps on!

Love, Howland

Hilloween!

2011-11-01T15:31:00.002-04:00

I had an english muffin', a green salad, a pear and some chicken soup....so now I can have 47 candy bars!!

- Dad

Last night we resurrected the glory days of Halloween by heading to some friends' house in the East Capital neighborhood, the acclaimed "mother of all block parties" and all around place-to-be for the holiday festivities...and DANG it lived up to its reputation!

We set up on a street corner to hand out candy and gave out out over 1500 pieces in an hour and still ran out. Twice (good thing I snuck a few pieces before we got there...I mean, the bag opened all by itself! SpOoKy...).

Everyone was in costume: cute little kiddies, parents, dogs, babies, strollers (done up like floats!), the DC rollerblading group. My favorites included an okra whale, cookie monster (8D!), an electric jellyfish (homemade!), and an adorable little asian baby as a piece of sushi.

By the time we ran out of candy (the second time) we decided to tour the neighborhood ourselves, with a grand finale finish at the "haunted hospital" that handed out chocolate milk (rumor has it the house is owned by someone who works at USDA and had it all donated...MUAHAHA!).

So yes, Halloween was a surprisingly big hit this year as far as holidays go, and plans are already in the works for next year's extravaganza, complete with candy distribution strategies...

Love, Howland

Another excellent weekend

2011-10-30T19:45:00.000-04:00

Here's to more fun days, beginning with Jud's homecoming from Lithuania :) Also included:

letter writing, a good book, and some re-decorating to the max!

world series action (aw Rangers), nostalgia for a Denver snowstorm + my last day of work (hooray!)

a whole day at the Washington International Horse Show

missing my riding days...

American Art Museum

+ the contemporary wing

our pumpkins on display!

lazy Sunday afternoons :)

The only thing missing was a Texas World Series title and a snow day on Saturday...

Love, Howland

IX

2011-10-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

Halloween is such a weird holiday. But you better believe we trick-or-treated through our senior year of high school, even if it was 20 degrees outside. And so what if I was a geisha every year? We were still always the best looking bunch in the neighborhood (Brent sure is sporting my dad's wedding suit...fancy!). It was all about the candy back then anyway....except for those people that lived in the Frank Lloyd Wright house who always gave out apples instead. Fail.

Love, Howland

Le weekend

2011-10-23T01:19:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while one of those weekends comes along that knocks the rest of them out of the park.

The past few days have been super low-key and filled with some lovely quality time with the husband, including some exploring the George Washington Parkway, pumpkin patches + painting, brewery touring, and some snuggling on the couch :)

Love, Howland

VIII

2011-10-20T23:16:00.001-04:00

October always makes makes me miss riding. Yes, perfect fall days were absolutely made for it, but also because back in 2006 my mom came home and told us we were officially owners (actually, it was on the sidelines at our middle school soccer game, I remember the moment distinctly :D). Of course it took us forever to name him (he was previously referred to as "pencil-neck" and his name was changed to "Cutie" when he first came to the barn; We finally decided on "Jamie", and his show name was "From Now On"...fitting, yes?).

He was seriously the best horse ever. He saved his quirky personality just for us, which made us feel even more special around him. We loved him so. I'm so very very thankful for this part of our childhood (thankkkss mom! and dad!). These pictures bring back such sweet and wonderful memories of time spent at the barn, our Monday night lessons, and our beloved boogerface. Happy birthday Jamie!

Love, Howland

Shenandoah

2011-10-16T21:17:00.000-04:00

I ♥ SPONTANEOUS CAMPING TRIPS!

This weekend we packed up the car and headed west to the mountains (sounds a little like our life in Colorado, yes?).

Skyline drive is fantastic. Skyline drive in the fall? Super-fanstastic. Besides the hurricane-esq winds that kept us up half the night, and the firewood that we purchased from the camp store that was practically inflammable (sure did return the blackened wood for a few crazy stares and a new bag + kindling), the trip was so great. We oooh-ed and ahhh-ed at the changing leaves, went for a nice little waterfall hike, watched the sun set behind the mountains, and [eventually] built a sweet-action campfire and camped out for the night.

Love, Howland

VII

2011-10-13T18:57:00.000-04:00

Aw, look at my little brother! Seattle Mariners hat + token Bass sweatshirt (awesome), skinny little chicken legs + sneakers laced up so tight it would cut a normal person's circulation off. And always with a stick in hand. Yay brother bear!

Love, Howland

The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria

2011-10-12T13:57:00.003-04:00

I think it's been since high school that I got Columbus Day off, so we celebrated the long weekend in style! (as any once-in-a-decade holiday should be celebrated...)

Friday: Italian food date night @Vento (if it was gonna be Italian you know it had to be fancy cause I'm a bit of a snob in that realm...) + some highly entertaining jazz @Black Fox Lounge, all thanks to Scoutmob (do you know scoutmob? It puts groupon to shame). Also, the pianist was ri.di.cu.lous. Simply amazing. (He was part of this guy's band, also amazing.)
Saturday: Great Falls + dinner with some old ACU friends in Maryland
Sunday: Bills win! + an afternoon AND evening with some friends from church :)
Monday: Kayaking on the Potomac @Jack's Boathouse with another friend + mini self-tour of Georgetown + snacks @Wingo's (more kudos to scoutmob!) + Monday night football via a SWEET Old Town venue (think awesome comfy couch + big screen TV) with a coworker (AND ACU + Bush School classmate!)

Thanks for discovering America, Columbus!
Love, Howland

VI

2011-10-06T22:45:00.000-04:00

Today's throwback is another special edition--and a bit of an exception to the rule--in honor of the late, great Steve Jobs...

His life story is pretty surprising (and equally impressive), and the scope of his career has spanned generations, both of which are summed up in perfect balance in the commencement address he gave at Stanford in 2005 (it really is worth a listen/read). To quote the President, Steve Jobs was, "brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."

I was beyond excited when I got my very own mac a few years ago (and still am!) + we're on our 3rd iPod + we've been waiting for Sprint to come out with the iPhone for, like, ever. Back in 2008, ACU was the first university to partner with Apple to provide iPhones to all their students in order enhance the learning experience. And Pixar? Only my most favorite movies of all time-no, seriously. The truth is, his work has revolutionized the world as we know it, and we owe that to the visionary he was, the tireless efforts he put forth, and the courage he showed to never give up. Here's to you and your fruit company.

Love, Howland

Boston

2011-10-05T20:39:00.001-04:00

Call me when you pahk the cahhh!

This past weekend, we ventured up to Boston to spend a few days with some old friends (my college roomie + husband). I remember this city with fondness, from our childhood vacations to the Cape. It was a grand time, which included rides on the T, important discussions about fashion in the 2000s decade, and our very own Oktoberfest.

Boston tea party on a rainy afternoon (across from the Boston Common)

Our sweet friends, Abi & Nate (they share our love for good food :D)

A personal tour of this Harvard bell tower: these bells are native to Russia, and at one point were the only one's left in the world, since most were melted down and used for ammunition during the world wars; a relationship was fostered about 10 years ago and the bells were returned to Russia to be casted and returned to their former glory (it made headlines in Moscow as they were paraded into town)...at least that's what I got out of our mini tour :)

Haaavad Yard (le dining hall splendor)

Old North Church: One if by land, two if by sea! (as made famous by Paul Revere's midnight ride)

USS Constitution: the oldest commissioned ship in the world! Fondly called "Old Ironsides" from her days in battle during the revolution

Holy Cannoli! ohmygosh, SO good! Love them Italians.

My beloved Marshfield. We spent some time walking along the ocean, collecting rocks, and reminiscing at Roger's house...sigh.

Love, Howland

#Faithful

2011-09-30T22:35:00.001-04:00

Sincere thanks to those who have been praying for our friend Sunday. His family made the unimaginably difficult decision yesterday to take him off of life support. We're sure he is singing and dancing in heaven, sporting a fiercely fashionable heavenly garment as Jesus is surely declaring, "Well done, good and faithful servant..."

Please be praying for his family and friends at this time. This print (above) was inspired by hs last tweet, #faithful. Proceeds go to support his family financially during this time. Sunday was one-of-a-kind, and the loss of his presence here on earth is certainly felt by many. Countless others have been recalling his joy and infectious spirit (here and here), about the light of his life. Death is always hard reality, but we don't grieve as those who have no hope, "for since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died." Heaven will indeed be a glorious place...

Friends have shared one of the final conversations he had, in regards to a message he had heard in church that morning which covered the portion of the Lord's prayer, "His kingdom come." Sunday began telling us of his dreams of bringing heaven to earth. He also told us that for the first time in his life he was truly happy and confident in his walk and had come to a place where God was enough. He said that if he never got married, or had children he would be content. The conversation ended with Sunday saying that he feels his life has been fulfilled and that if God was to call him home 'tomorrow' he would be joyful with how far he has come. We rest in confidence that this is Gods mercy shows in helping to prepare his heart and our hearts for today. He certainly is a good God and we hope that this story will bring you comfort and faith tonight. God is our rock and we stand in praise of his goodness even in tragedy.

Sunday, we know that he loved you till the end. Enjoy eternity, brother.

Love, Howland

V

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's extra-special edition:

This picture may not seem that old, but it's been 7 years already (gasp!). These fabulous folks were a select few from our ACU Backpacking class in college--and the lone brave souls who chose to summit (via scaling boulders up a steep incline) Santa Fe Baldy in a snowstorm with a lost guide. All in the name of adventure, of course.

This was the trip Jud & I met on. We exchanged friendly banter along the trail--about how New Yorkers can't hike (can I get an ADK?) and how ridiculous it is to wear a hat with fake irish hair (justified), and how fun it was to explore the great outdoors....which we've been doing ever since :)

Isn't he studly? Glad he took the hat off.

And just for fun, a drawing from the hubs, reminiscent of our trip. Mad skills yo.

Love, Howland

Sunday

2011-09-28T09:11:00.002-04:00

A few days ago, we got tragic word that our friend and former classmate at ACU, Sunday Ibok, suffered a massive brain aneurism (days after his 31st birthday) and was declared brain dead by his doctors at Baylor Medical in Dallas. He's on life support now, as family and friends continue to surround him with love and songs of praise and fervent prayer. I found this picture on his fb wall, where the response has been unbelievable--hundreds and hundreds of people have been sending love and encouragement, posting pictures and prayers, recalling friendships and sweet memories, and praying for his life unceasingly. But Sunday is that kind of person: vibrant, kind, an infectious spirit of life and laughter and passionate love for our Father.

Would you please join us in prayer for his life? We feel so blessed to be part of a community of people who believe in the Almighty God, His tender mercy and undying love for us. Updates are being posted here by friends who are with him at the hospital.

I wanted to share this video of a dance he did at his church in NYC, so that you can get a glimpse of the amazing brother he is.

Calling All Artists | "O Darkest Night" from Trinity Grace Church on Vimeo.

So we raise our voice with angels

We follow after you

And though the shadows swiftly fall

We still cry out, Lord hear our call, Lord hear our call

So we linger in your light

And gaze beyond the darkest night

And so we linger in your light

And gaze beyond the darkest night

Love, Howland

Heyyyy Buffalo Bill

2011-09-25T23:38:00.000-04:00

photo credit

WE'RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not really. Well, not yet anyway. BUT we did just beat the Patriots in epic rally-style! Not only did we come back from 21-0 to win by a field goal in the final seconds (no wide right today!), we broke our 15-game losing streak vs. NE + it was our second impossible comeback of the season + we remain undefeated (3-0!) + we are #1 in our division (!!!!!!!!!!!). You can read about and watch it all right here and here. Also, props to the Lions who are also 3-0 (say whaaa? is this real life???)).

Cheering for a team through 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses, and a current 11 year playoff drought, and countless heartbreaking losses may be one giant anxiety-attack and a cause of high blood pressure, but it's days like this that make you proud you kept your loyalty.

All I know, is that no one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.

Love, Howland

Good-buy Summer

2011-09-23T12:09:00.000-04:00

Apparently I am all mixed up with this autumnal equinox thing (that's what I get for not checking the equinox chart, duh). So, since I wished everyone a happy-first-day-of-fall yesterday, I'll just continue on with the confusion and do a last-day-of-summer post today...

Our first DC summer was great. We took bike rides and ate ice cream and played cards and went to the beach and listened to live music watched the sun set + fireworks shows galore. (We also survived the heat wave and earthquake and hurricane and flooding).

We try hard to be frugal, but a few key purchases made all the difference:
my shiny new bike + five dolla sunglasses
flowers for the garden (successfully revived from their post-mortem state)
this awesome yoga video
summer ales
our fancy new ipod

The only thing missing was a hammock stand for the backyard + 1,000 cans of off (for the mosquitos)...maybe next year!

Ok, now it's officially official: happy fall :)

Love, Howland

IV

2011-09-22T13:58:00.004-04:00

Happy fall! I had big plans to ring in the new season, but I didn't realize until late last night that yesterday was the 21st... Anyway, how about these beauties? Nothing will ever quite compare to the 90's. (Don't miss the solo on the right. My favorite part is the jazzhands, throwing leaves for added fall effect, no doubt.) Underneath all that cheese and hairspray though is one really great family :)

Other happy fall moments so far include a DC United (soccer) game last night, the premier of The Office tonight, and the surprising success of the Buffalo Bills :)

Love, Howland

This week

2011-09-17T19:03:00.000-04:00

We've been making up for lost time this past week (that's what happens when Jud travels for nearly a month straight...). Here's a snapshot:

And here's the highlights:

inaugural [20 mile] bike ride of the summer (what can I say, I just got my bike...)
watching the planes take off from Reagan National
Georgetown
Arlington Cemetery/changing of the guards ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
seeing Marine One (!!!)
more National memorials
sunset over the Potomac
football on our very own big screen!
mad home repair chores (including the leaky studio window...amen)
Ten out of Tenn at Iota Club (folks from Tennessee can jam!)
plaid flannels/boots/scarves weather
Del Ray Farmer's market + the first hot chocolate of the season

Happy weekend!
Love, Howland

III

2011-09-15T10:06:00.000-04:00

Nearly every summer growing up we would caravan it out to Marshfield, MA to spend a week on the beach, which became affectionally referred to as "Roger's house." (mostly because it belonged to our family friend named Roger...original, yes). Anyway, as was tradition, we would hang this ridiculously giant-sized American flag, of which always warranted impressive looks from fellow beach-goers. Uncle Doug + dad + papa did most of the work, with us kiddies [obviously] contributing immensely (pillars of strength, we were). I found this little series fitting for end-of-summer and post-9/11...

Love, Howland

Dos Expressos

2011-09-14T11:41:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we should allowed to eat two breakfasts.

(this is my unedited photo of leftover bratwurst/potato/zucchini/green pepper stir fry + 2 eggs + 1/2 tomato + colby jack cheese w/ coffee and honeysuckle on the side.)

Love, Howland

September 11

2011-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been 10 years since that day. I remember the details of it like it was yesterday--much like our parents' generation may remember the day JFK was assassinated, or our grandparents' remember Pear Harbor. It's incredible to be here in DC--only a few miles from the Pentagon itself--and experience the sorrow and patriotism and fear and courage that is felt and displayed and discussed at every turn. It is sobering still, to imagine of the grief experienced each day by those who witnessed these events first hand, or worse, who have lost loved ones because of it. And though the years have passed, the pain surely has not. But it is with the great American spirit of pride and resolve that we have grown and learned and rebuilt.

On this anniversary--as with the ones past and the ones to come--we honor those who are no longer with us, as well as those who have worked tirelessly and courageously to protect our country for the decade since. There is a letter that is read in the movie Saving Private Ryan written by President Abraham Lincoln in which the final sentence--a prayer--seemed proper for today:

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

God bless you, sweet America.

Love, Howland

My baby's coming home tomorrow...

2011-09-10T01:09:00.000-04:00

What's a girl to do when her love is gone away? I say, lay in bed and listen to love songs. Here are of few of my favs that have been on repeat this past week (and then some):

Sam Cooke | Ain't That Good News

Adele | Make You Feel My Love

Brooke Fraser | Who Are We Fooling (amazingly beautiful lyrics)

Ain't that good news, man ain't that news?

Love, Howland

II

2011-09-08T00:28:00.000-04:00

If our kids turn out to be half as adorable as Jud was when he was a wee little one, I'll be so excited. For now, we can just dote on this picture. Aren't those shorts the very best? I want some. The socks take the cake, though.

In other news, it has been raining non-stop here, which would otherwise be so calming and relaxing, but instead it means I am cleaning up our steadily flooding studio, and doing laundry to have enough dry towels to soak up the mess. Great fun.

Love, Howland

Labor day + the unofficial end of summer

2011-09-06T00:59:00.000-04:00

The summer days / are gone too soon

(Norah Jones)

Oh summer, we're still holding on! (despite school starting tomorrow, cooler weather around the corner, and it being September already--goodness gracious!) We did our best to pack as many summertime festivities as possible into the past few days. Observe:

A little drive up the way to Philadelphia (their City Hall is impressive, yes?)

Roadtrip within a roadtrip: hello Jersey shore

Sexy chic time. Meet Liz, bff from high school :)

Lazing around

Homemade brunch feasts

Late nights with new friends

More feasting (3-for-3 asian dining this weekend)

+ a grand finale baseball game with fireworks (of course!)

Hope you had a good holiday!

Love, Howland

I

2011-09-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

I'd like to introduce the newest series in Howland: throwback thursdays (!!). In an effort to preserve our family history, I'm scanning old photos from way back and digitally cataloging them. Sound epic? Get ready for some awesomeness.

This first installation was inspired by mine & sissy's most recent photo booth experience (right) last week at the Warhol. Pop culture is forever young, no?

Happy September! (Can you believe it?)
Love, Howland

Le [disaster] weekend

2011-08-30T10:37:00.002-04:00

Earthquake: check
Hurricane: check
Pittsburgh: check

It's been a busy week, folks.

While husband was out of town on another adventure compliments of the USA, I road-tripped it to Pittsburgh to help my sissy move in and get ready for her first semester of grad school. She's studying Occupational Therapy (which couldn't suit her better), and I'm so proud of her :) Pittsburgh is a surprisingly large city (at least downtown made it feel that way), but insanely confusing to drive around. Plus it's super hilly and has a river that splits in the middle of town, making it even harder to get your bearings. But it's a cool place, with lots to explore.

The week included a trip to Ikea (her first! shocking, I know), decorating her apt, the Andy Warhol Museum, a mini shopping spree, some Arrested Development, an art fest, freshman roommate reunion + delicious Thai food and tasty beverages. Oh, and people asked if we were twins everywhere we went. One lady just declared it ("TWINS!")...that was the best. Do you think we still look that much alike?

Jud was able to be re-routed to Pittsburgh Saturday and we got catch up on the ride home together on Sunday. Hooray!

Thankfully, the hurricane did minor damage to our house: a little flooding in our studio (from the excessive rain), loss of power, broken branches, etc. The Alex crew was on it by the next day, so there weren't many devastating carnage photos to snap (bor-ing). But it did make for any easy clean-up. Grazie, Irene.

Love, Howland

Irene

2011-08-27T19:30:00.002-04:00

photo credit

Mass-transit closures, mandatory evacs, and looming threats of high winds, rain, and storm surge flooding all along the coast: natural disaster #2 for the week (!!!). I'm taking refuge with sissy in Pittsburgh + Jud was able to get a flight re-routed here this afternoon since the DC airports shut down. We may venture home tomorrow, but for now we'll just have a hurricane party and watch the storm here and here and here and here.

Love, Howland

If the house is a rockin

2011-08-24T01:01:00.002-04:00

Here's what made headlines today:

Here's proof:

Wild times! We survived, btw (cue Destiny's Child "I'm a Survivor").

It actually hit about 80 miles south of us in Vienna, Va. It was my first, though, and I found it kindof exciting (probably because the earth didn't split open in front of me or anything horrific). The restaurant I was eating in just shook for about 10 seconds. It felt like that scene in My Cousin Vinny when the train passes by all hours of the night and shakes his motel room and wakes him up every time. (If you've never seen it 1. you're missing out, and 2. disregard that analogy). Anyway, the poor chitlins at work were a little freaked out, but who can blame them? I mean, an earthquake in Virginia, really? You can read an article about it all here, which includes a video of the white house a rockin. Like I said, wild times.

Love, Howland Surviors

Get over the sun

2011-08-22T12:50:00.001-04:00

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

- Marcel Proust

(i.e. my laundry list)

Today's soundtrack includes this song on repeat:

Soloman, wisest one

Tell me what you have found

Under the sun, under the sun

He answered

Get over the sun

Where life is hidden

Happy Monday to you.

Love, Howland

Change gonna come

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed things are a little different around here...yay for our new blog title!

(For those of who who receive an email with my posts, the blog title doesn't actually show up, so you may be confused as to what I'm talking about right now...{sad face})

It's been a long time coming; I've been wanting a new one since we moved to DC 2 months ago, but I've had a hard time putting my thumb on the culture here, hence my design dilemma. So yesterday, when I was sick in bed all day (btw, thanks for all the prayers & encouragement!), I spent it watching The Music Man and fooling around with the new title graphic until I got it right.

And for fun, I thought we'd take a walk down memory lane and revisit the old blog titles I've had from adventures past...enjoy!

Blog title #1 (July '09) | From our days in Buffalo Gap (a mere 2 years ago, but seems like forever!). Picture compliments of my dear friend Erin. Of course, I was only a blogger for one month in Buffalo Gap before we moved.

Blog title #2 (Oct '09) | Denver! Inspired by my first snow day in years, a few months after we moved there. Photo credits to Jud + my sissy.

Blog title #3 (Jan '10) | Winner of the long-standing award and serving as the header for the past year and a half, a perfect summation of our life in Colorado (although the picture on the end is from a moonrise in Machu Picchu...minor detail). Photo credits: me, Erin, me, Jud.

Blog title #4 (Aug '11) | Life in DC: bold and sophisticated. (Sounds like I am describing a coffee, yes.) We feel grown up here, and this move certainly marked a new season for us. Photo credit to me + Caroline (another photog mastermind/friend). Hope you like it!

Love, Howland

Gratitude

2011-08-15T21:56:00.003-04:00

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.
(Melody Beattie)

Today I am grateful for:

God's mystery & love
My funny/responsible husband
New seasons
Family
Good health
A clean bathroom
Cooler weather
Delicious peaches
Dreams

Love, Howland

Beach.Roadtrip.

2011-08-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

(starting now.)

photo credit

Love, Howland

Digitized!

2011-08-10T10:56:00.001-04:00

Remember my sketchbook? Well it's finally done touring the country (!!) and settling into its permanent home at the Brooklyn Art Library along with its 28,000 sketchbook neighbors. (Btw, if you're ever in NYC (or if you live there), stop by and look me up.) Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who went to see it in person! And mad props to whoever convinced the folks at art house co-op to stop by Rochester, (and MCC no less)! But in case you missed all that, check out my digitized version here.

I'm debating doing another one this year, especially since the tour is going international (i.e. Canada and Melbourne and London). I got my mom one for Mother's Day, so the tradition lives on in new form :) There are some great themes to choose from, and I've got some ideas brewing...I'm thinking pop-up book? Or maybe a book of posters? Or restaurant journal? Or polaroids? If you've got $25 and any bit of imagination, doooo it.

Love, Howland

Happy Birthdays

2011-08-07T20:20:00.003-04:00

Happy birthdays are in order for my Dadio AND my Aunt Lynelle :) I have always thought it fun to share a birthday (of course I haven't known anything else), + we were often all vacationing together somewhere fun.

Here are some fun things about my dad:

At the dinner table he used to offer a dollar to whoever could name whatever music he put on (from The Who to Dolly Parton to Tchaikovsky).
He always had a quirky collection of robots and spaceships on his dresser.
He never let any food go to waste (to the point of warming up all the leftovers in the fridge and eating them together).
He is always watching old films.
One time when we were little, we were vacationing at the beach near the cape and he shaved his mustache off and told us he lost it in the ocean. We cried.
He always tries to guess a gift before he opens it. And he was usually right.
He taught us to avoid using the words "always" and "never" (at least when we go into an argument).
He is a trivia genius (in my mind).
He is an inspiring artist.
He is learning to use gmail!
He is immensely caring.
Life is a grand adventure.

Aunt Lynelle, I wish we were in Colorado to celebrate with you! Hope you had a day of sunshine for the books :)

Happy birthday to you both!

Love, Howland

The past few days (according to instagram)

2011-08-07T00:50:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy past few days: a live recording of our new church's worship set at the historic Lincoln theatre, dessert at Busboys & Poets with new friend Lissa, rummy tourney (not sure how I lost 2 nights in a row!?), jazz in the sculpture garden + a picnic dinner with the handsome husband, more DC touring, and a lazy morning to peruse the Ikea catalogue.

In other news, sissy's bf Andy is our new neighbor (relatively speaking)...congrats on the teaching job in Maryland! Plus in a few weeks, Meghan is moving to Pittsburgh for grad school, so we'll be one big happy family :)

Love, Howland

2011-08-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

Are you on pinterest? Because it's amazing.

It's the love child of an inspiration/bulletin board (which I've been doing since forever) + blog-stalking (which I've been doing since almost forever). You can check out my boards here.

Love, Howland

Death by heat wave

2011-07-29T11:54:00.001-04:00

It has been terribly hot here. The heat index in DC last week was 121! People were cooking steaks in cars, just because they could. I would say it was for the fun of it, but really, how fun can 121 degrees be?

I like summer, but days like these make me want to hide inside next to my a/c (all those years in Texas didn't do much for my heat tolerance). Thankfully, I had a random stroke of genius last week when I was at an art forum and they were serving [otherwise enjoyable] hot coffee. I just poured it over ice, and voila! delicious iced coffee.

The secret recipe for said delicious iced coffee is: coffee + creamer (I use French Vanilla, but I'm sure any would be tasty) + ice.

Like I said, stroke of genius. I've seriously had one every day since.

Hope you are staying cool!

Love, Howland

Romania + Portugal

2011-07-24T23:05:00.001-04:00

My darling has been in Europe on business for the past two weeks, and I was so very very excited to pick him up from the airport yesterday afternoon :)

Here are a few photos from his travels via instagram.

Love, Howland

Pac NW Part 4: Oregon

2011-07-21T23:12:00.001-04:00

Day 9 (continued):
After leaving our hotel, we headed just outside of Portland to the of the city to Gresham (actually, it was quite near to where the reception was the night before), which is where my college roomie Abi grew up. Her parents graciously let us stay at their lovely home for our last night in the Pac NW.

Our first stop was at Burgerville. I was very clueless as to what all the fuss was about (rumor has it was recently voted #2 for fast-food in the nation), but their seriously fresh, homegrown ingredients and commitment to local farmers was an eye-opener, + their strawberry milkshake (with real strawberries people) was the bomb!

The rest of the afternoon we spent exploring the historic Columbia river highway.

Simply breathtaking.

It was like a scene out of a movie...sunshine peeking through moss-covered trees, the insanely impressive Columbia river on one side, and hundred-feet-high waterfalls on the other. 77 of them to be exact...Jud was in heaven. We nicknamed it all the Columbia gorge-ous because, well, it was. Multnomah Falls is the largest of the falls (620 ft. from top to bottom), and therefore the most popular to visit...it's worth the stop for a photo. But honestly, they all are. We decided to hike for a while, and made our way into the gorge for some amazing views and more waterfalls, hidden from the road's view. We passed over Oneonta Gorge, which, in the hot summers, is common to wade along to cool off. The entire area was so divinely beautiful. The sun was setting as we were driving by the Crown Point Vista House, so we pulled over to enjoy the moment. Just divine.

Day 10:
Our last morning included 1. church with the Evans', 2. packing the last of our stuff (it's amazing how many random little rocks + bottles of wine or beer I ended up taking home...), and 3. a drive up Rocky Butte for a view of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens (neither of which we could see the day before, despite them being nearly in our backyard).

It was a perfect ending to a perfect trip, really: sitting at the little park at the top of the hill, looking out over Portland and the mountains, sunshine on our faces, breeze in our hair...Seriously though, this trip was one of the most amazing we've taken yet--it felt so simple and peaceful and beautiful. Pac NW, it was lovely meeting you.

Silver Falls (from day 6)

Columbia River Gorge at sunset

Mt. Hood

More here.

Love, Howland

Pac NW Part 3: Portland

2011-07-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

Day 6 (continued):

We made it to Portland by five-ish, met up with our soon-to-be-wed friends Monica and Michael (and company) at Hotel Monaco--home for the next 3 nights. Since this was a destination wedding of sorts (some of the groom's family lived there, but not the couple), 25-or-so of us wined, dined and celebrated together for the entirety of our time in Portland. Also, the hotel was one of the best we had ever stayed in: fantastic interior decorating, a happy hour in the amazing lobby that included local micro-brews, goldfish, a grand pianist, and DIY painting, and Timmy the retired seeing-eye dog, the hotel's mascot.

Dinner that night was at Mother's. I had the fish special. Jud had something else delicious. It was amazing. Daddy Shilman drove the 15-passenger over the river to a super-chic bowling alley. I got lots of attention for velcro shoes (since my feet are so small). My last frame looked like this: XX9 (I only barely broke 100 though). The Wisconsinites + the bride and groom + Jud and I finished the night off at McMenamins' Crystal Ballroom and a pitcher of the most amazing raspberry beer ever.

Day 7:

We met up with a friend of Jud's from ACU who was from the Portland area and took us on a little tour of the city. We started at Powell's bookstore--an entire city block/68,000 sq ft/4 stories filled with books--the largest new & used bookstore in the world (if you order from Amazon, chances are it was shipped from Powell's. It was quite impressive. And what could be more perfect for a rainy city than to sit and drink coffee and read books all day? From there it was to the Pittock Mansion for a view of downtown, over to Washington Park, the nation's largest city park and home to an amazing rose garden (not in bloom, but we saw the potential), and then off to the Columbia employee store for some amazing deals (it helps to know people!). Later we enjoyed a flight at Dechutes Brewery before heading back to the hotel for some rest before the evening's festivities.

The rehearsal dinner was held at the very classy Jake's Grill. We toasted and celebrated the couple while dining on steak and lobster. OMG, we inhaled it. Such a lovely evening. But it was off to bed for the big day tomorrow!

Day 8:

Wedding Day! Downstairs in the lobby the Royal Wedding was re-playing. Weddings can be so exciting :)

Jud and I were appointed with overseeing the decorations at the reception site, so we were off to arrange the room, hang pictures, prepare for a grand ol' time. Back at the ranch, everyone was getting dressed and ready to pile on to the charter bus that would take us to the ceremony site, a vinyard an hour south in Salem.

The sun came out and the ceremony was lovely (props to the meteorologist groom for working his magic!). After some pictures and a small wine and cheese reception we loaded back on the bus with the Mr. & Mrs. and headed back up to Portland for the real party.

The reception was held at McMenamins Edgefield, and was a photographers dream. While delicious food & beverages were being served in the aptly named "attic" room upstairs, the wedding party perused the premises for some photo ops, and the sun kept right on shining :) As the night wore on, there was much toasting and dancing, followed by more toasting and dancing. 'Twas a happily exhaustive 14-hour day, loaded the party bus one more time, and headed back to the hotel. Every aspect of the wedding weekend was so personal and enjoyable...just as planned :) The most touching part of the whole evening, though, was watching the bride & groom in their full-on wedding attire deliver the leftovers from their feast to the homeless on the streets in downtown Portland. Love.

Day 9:

The next morning was slightly rough, since everyone felt hungover from drinking Terminators/wild dancing/being out all night. But, of course, if grandma Shilman could do it, then so could we :) We all gathered in the lobby for a choice selection of Voodoo donuts (a local favorite), served in a coffin. Hugs & kisses for the Mr. & Mrs. before their roadtrip back to Salt Lake, and honeymoon in Tahiti (jealous, anyone?).

The rest of the day we spent on bikes (compliments of our hotel) and hit the road for a tour of the city. Portland is such a great little city...everything is in fairly close proximity, and on days when the sun is out, so is everyone else :) We rode several miles along the waterfront before stumbling upon the Portland Saturday Market (tons of great art/music/food), and then back to the hotel for a final farewell before the last leg of our trip.

Powell's bookstore

da terminator, ya

the lovely bride

More here.

Love, Howland

Pac NW Part 2: Highway 1

2011-07-21T23:05:00.003-04:00

Day 3:
We woke up early and played Easter bunny, said farewell and hit the road. Our route took us up highway 5, west through Anderson Valley (with a quick stop at a winery to exchange some corked wine) and then on to the coast.

We had decided we wanted to spend the night somewhere along the Lost Coast, which was part of the King Range Conservation Area, as rumor had it the coastline was rugged and breathtaking. The roads were narrow and a bit of a mess (thus explaining the name "lost coast"), but we made it to the northern most point by sundown, and called it a night at Mattole Campground.

In order to fulfill my dream of beach camping in the pacific northwest, Jud was persuaded to let us camp a few hundred yards from the campground on the actual beach. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Until 3:30 AM rolled around (having not slept a wink), with winds so intense it nearly blew our tent down on top of us. In an effort to salvage the night, we threw everything inside the tent, picked it up, and walked it through the rain/sleet/wind storm to the actual campground and spent the rest of the night in the car. So much for my picturesque dream-come-true. I only wish I had made the rational decision to camp in the campground, make a campfire, and peek over the ridge in the morning for a glimpse of my dreamy panorama...but where's the adventure in that?

Day 4:
After a breakfast of champions (love our backpacking stove!) we took a short hike along the amazing coastline, which was all foggy and super green and made it feel like we were in some foreign country. Backpackers have to carefully plan their trip according to the tides, since the beach path is not passable at high tide (totally worth the research though).

Next stop was Redwood National Forest. It felt like we were driving through Jurassic Park. Like a dinosaur jungle. It was awesome--bigger than life. We could've spent all day there, but in keeping with our timeline we crossed into Oregon, and the sun came out to play :)

We spent the next several hours driving from vista to vista along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, which was just spectacular (and we highly recommend it!). By sundown we had probably made 15 stops, and had to get a move on to find a place to camp that night (especially since it was looking like rain). There were vacancies at Cape Blanco State Park, so we picked a spot (after much deliberation on which site would be the driest), and set up camp. We dined like kings on soup and hot dog buns while standing up since even the picnic table was too wet to sit on (so much for campfire opportunity #2). And by night we were sleeping quite soundly to the calming rhythm of the rain.

Day 5:
Grabbed some coffee (which is so utterly fantastic when you've been camping at it's wet and rainy and cool), and hit the road again. Stopped off for a fun little visit at the dunes, and then on Eugene.

We met up with a friend Jud met and adventured with in Israel. Matt was a perfect tour guide since he grew up in Eugene and was a student at the University of Oregon. We perused around campus, especially the athletic center (which was funded by Nike founder and U of O alum Phil Knight, or as they call him on campus, "Uncle Phil"), and then went for a hike at Spencer's Butte, complete with a 360-degree view of central Oregon. From there it was a homemade meal at the house, and then some track town USA arcade games and a tasty beverage at a brewery downtown. Eugene is a really mellow and laid-back little town, and we loved the feel of it.

Day 6:
Breakfast of champions: strawberries & honey. How we've not heard of that goodness before is beyond me. It was especially delicious since everything there tastes so ore-ganic. (pun!)

We hit the road again and headed for Silver Falls. Jud had actually visited here when he was just a little tyke, but was just as excited that you could actually walk behind the falls. The trail of ten falls is a fairly easy one (only a few miles + hiking here is easy compared to the Rockies) but we had to book it a little to make it up to Portland before rush-hour. The waterfalls were impressive, especially in such a green and natural setting, and the whole park felt very serene (since it was a Wednesday in April and no one else was around)

Next stop: Portland!

the lost coast

Redwood forest

the famed Oregon coast

More here.

Love, Howland

Pac NW Part 1: San Francisco

2011-07-21T23:03:00.001-04:00

I don't remember the last time I was so excited to visit a new place (it's been a growing anticipation for over a decade!)

We flew into SFO late on a Thursday night, picked up our rental car (complete with interior party lights that changed colors), and drove up to my Uncle John's place just north of the city.

Day 1:
Little cousin Caroline (8) was waiting outside our door, hoping for a chance to see us before she had to go to school :) After breakfast at their lovely house, we went on a running tour of San Fran: Golden Gate Bridge, the pet cemetary!, Chrissy Field, Fort Morgan, the Italian district, Chinatown, ferry building/Giant's field, Union Square, a jaunt around their old neighborhood (which included a drive down mural alley, a tour of their neighbor flat, lunch at Delores Cafe, and some bomb lavender ice cream), Mission district, up a secret hill for a view of the city (pictured below), Haight-Ashbury district, a drive through Golden Gate Park, and a peek of Robin Williams' house in Sea Cliff before heading back over the golden gate bridge in the other direction.

Those were the highlights anyway. We were back by 3:30 to walk Caroline back from school and decorate easter eggs.

I was quite impressed with the city itself, most particularly its resourcefulness. They have recycled trolleys from other cities and countries to use as part of their public transit system, built an entire park on a landfill, turned parking lots into outdoor space, are a hub for all things artistic, and yet still manage to feel like a humble little grouping of neighborhoods.

Day 2:
We took the ferry into town with the whole fam, had lunch at the farmer's market, rode the Milan trolley to a sweet photography exhibit, went for a ride on an elevator in an old hotel next to Union Square (the name is slipping my mind...) for a view of downtown, perused Chinatown for a dragon kite, bought some chocolate fortune cookies at the original fortune cookie factory, took the ferry back to San Anselmo, and had some a.maz.ing puerto rican food for dinner, and finished off the evening with a variation of dominos.

More pictures here.

Love, Howland

Pac NW

2011-07-21T20:37:00.000-04:00

So, now that we are unpacked and settled, I am finally going to post our pics from our Pacific Northwest roadtrip in April (what can I say, we've been a little busy...). It was such a fantastic trip, really, so I had to share all the details. Stay tuned for the 4 part series :)

(L) a Polaroid from Jud's first trip to Oregon in 1988; (R) the roadtrip

iconic, no?

Love, Howland

For the love of the game

2011-07-21T02:31:00.000-04:00

After watching the Women's World Cup this past week, I have officially renewed, with passion, my love for soccer. (Yes, it was official. There was a ceremony. And a certificate.)

Having played for years through blood/sweat/surgeries (my mom took a sports medicine class just for us, aw) + being a certified ref (there really was a certificate for that), I can say I learned some things about the game. What I love most, though, is that it's the world's game. No other sport fuels the passion around the globe like fútbol. This year's World Cup tourney generated a lot of attention for our US Women's national team:

that goal (which is in the running for the goal of the tournament by FIFA!)

Letterman appearance

ESPY award

WMLS attendance record

Official Abby Wambach Day + keys to the city

I'm only slightly obsessed with it all right now. Abby Wambach is a sesnsation, no doubt, but she has made our little Rochester, NY hometown especially proud. We grew up reading about her in the paper, and wanting to be her then...

I know people can be infatuated with sports to no end, and it may seem trivial or trite, but there are times when a team can unite and inspire a country by playing with such fervor and perseverance. So congrats to the US team for doing just that. You played an amazing tournament, and you've made us proud.

Love, Howland

The past few days

2011-07-17T00:18:00.002-04:00

Whoa busy week.

The US women's team is playing in the world cup finals tomorrow (on the heels of this AMAZING (!!!) victory last week), I finished my first week of work at my crazy new job, and I have a new friend to share it all with :)

The past few days looked something like this: work-out, mint m&m ice cream from Pop's, work-out, open house @Torpedo Factory Art Center (um, definitely signing up for a class!), my first go at yoga, and a late-night run to Buzz Bakery for red velvet cheesecake, hot tea, and lovely conversation.

Plus today we ventured to eastern market for some inspiration, fruit tasting, and delicious gelato. Oh, sweet exhaustion :)

Love, Howland

All that glitters

2011-07-11T22:24:00.001-04:00

Not sure what my current obsession is with gold, but I am loving me some shimmer action right now. Maybe it's because DC is a kindof yuppie {maybe a little bit, yes?}. Sigh, lifestyles of the rich and famous. Anyway, I treated myself to a trip to the thrift store the other day and splurged just a little on these gold treasures :)

In other news, I started my new job today...42 seconds away. It is uber convenient, but the first day was crazy chaotic. So we'll see.

Happy Monday!

Love, Howland

Another birthday, another finale!

2011-07-10T02:06:00.001-04:00

Our very Alexandria had a birthday party tonight, and we were all invited. We celebrated from the tallest rooftop in town, which boasted a fantastic view of the city and beyond (i.e. across the river to Maryland + a stunning skyline of downtown DC). The city was founded in 1749 (262 years ago) making it older than even the US-of-A itself (by 27 years), but the first European settlements dated back to 1695 (316 years ago)! Old Town (pictured above) is the historic center and our 'hood, nestled between Mount Vernon (George Washington's estate) and the District, right on the Potomac. Ok, enough of the history lesson, on with the show!

Love, Howland

America the Beautiful

2011-07-07T11:36:00.059-04:00

Independence day in DC was kindof awesome. I've grown to love the 4th of July more and more, but this year was especially fun being in the middle of it all. There was so much to do and see + a whole lot of patriotism going on: monuments galore, smithsonian folklife fest (this year's featured Colombia, the Peace Corps and Rhythm & Blues), A Capitol 4th concert (which we enjoyed from the west lawn) and, of course, fireworks galore! And besides getting stuck in a wicked storm the day before (60 mph winds, rain, branches falling off of trees, the works), the weather held up for a great weekend all around. Plus my dad was along for the ride!

Love, Howland

All-American

2011-07-03T00:19:00.002-04:00

Happy anniversary to me! Today marks 2 years since I started blogging (of course I thought about starting it for months and months before-hand, but that is beside the point). Thanks for joining in on our adventures!

We are celebrating other things around here this weekend, too. Like Independence day--which, here in DC, is comparable to New Year's in NYC. Festivals, fireworks galore, re-enactments, and even birthday cake served at Mt. Vernon--George Washington's estate! My dad came to visit (yay!) and we'll be taking it all in over the next few days. In honor of the 4th, I made my mom's apple pie. It turned out so delicious I decided to share :)

Pastry

Ingredients:

3 c sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/8 c shortening
7 Tbs ice water

Directions:

Sift flour with salt into medium bowl
With pastry blender (using a short, cutting motion) or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal
Quickly sprinkle ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over all pastry mixture, tossing lightly with fork after each addition and pushing dampened portion to side of bowl; sprinkle only remaining dry portion (pastry should be just moist enough to hold together, not sticky)
Shape pastry into a ball; wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate until ready to use; divide in half and flatten each half with palm of hand.

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Ingredients:

Pastry for 2-crust pie (see above)
1 c sugar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
4 Tbs flour
Dash salt
6 c (2 lbs) thinly sliced and pared tart cooking apples (5-6 large apples should be plenty)
2 Tbs butter

Directions:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of pastry into an 11-inch circle. Use to line 9-inch pie plate; trim and refrigerate **I always remember this being the hardest part. My recommendation is to use a little more than half for the bottom of the pie and make sure to re-flour your surface so it doesn't stick when it's time to transfer it to the pie plate.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt, mixing well
Add to apples in a large bowl, tossing lightly to combine
Turn into pastry-lined pie plate, mounding high in center; dot with butter
Roll out remaining pastry into an 11-inch circle; make several slits near center; adjust over filling and trim **I used a cookie cutter for a star-shaped top
Fold edge of top crust under bottom crust; press together with fingertips; crimp edge decoratively ** If you use a shape to decorate the top, just make sure you pinch the edges together some.
Bake 45-50 minutes, or until apples are tender and crust is golden-brown

Happy birthday America!

Love, Howland

Le house // D.C. chapter (sneak peek)

2011-06-28T19:32:00.001-04:00

Thought you might enjoy a glimpse of our little house in the big city.

Love, Howland

I [heart] NY

2011-06-26T10:31:00.003-04:00

This past week, while Jud was on the west coast training for his new job (!!!!), I spent it welcoming summer home in NY. I love going home more and more, not because I am spoiled (well yes, but--), but because I get to spend a week doing all the things I love with [mostly] all the people I love.

SUNDAY:

1 1/2 hrs of public transit to the airport for a one hour flight home

sunday dinner (feast) at mom's with the whole fam

played with fire in the fire pit

MONDAY:

cleaned nana's storm windows (great fun)

kick-boxing class with sissy

TUESDAY:

[poor sissy was sick and had to call in to work (cough cough)]

haircut

public market and other fun shopping

pool

fetch with the doggies

thai for dinner with dad & Maryetta

7 [losing] rounds of banana-grams

WEDNESDAY:

Macy's sale + H&M

sewing lesson with Nana (laundry area curtains + hemmed bedskirt)

McGuinness' tap at the table

THURSDAY:

coffee with my calumet kid friend Jess

public market (take 2) with mom + an a.maz.ing chicken and onion empanada

arts & crafts

gym class (take 2)

charlie chaplin film @ the dryden with the whole fam + my dear aunt jo

FRIDAY: (happy birthday Jud! sorry we weren't together...again)

2 hours of racquetball with Dr. Ruth

thrift store shopping with mom

lunch + abbotts at the lake with brother bear + Alexis and her sweet kid Anthony

Abilene's for a rockin concert by Kingsley Flood

SATURDAY:

breakfast at Jines (as is tradition before I leave) with the whole fam + lots of friends

squeaked through security 45 minutes before my flight + 1 hour in the air + 3 hrs of waiting/riding public transit + 6 block walk in 90-degree heat before I got home in enough time to grab Jud from the airport 5 minutes away (remind me next time: Reagan Airport >>>>BWI)

Click click!

Love, Howland

Yes

2011-06-19T16:00:00.005-04:00

Six years ago today I said yes to this guy. And life just keeps getting sweeter.

In other news, 1. we are completely unpacked (minus one room), 2. we hosted our first BBQ yesterday and it felt very patriotic, 3. Jud flew out to Washington state this morning to start training for his new job (!!) and 4. I am on my way to New York for a little visit with the fam (and hoping for some sunshine pool-side!).

Love, Howland

Dad

2011-06-19T02:00:00.002-04:00

Just want to wish our awesome and amazing dads a day (and year) filled with excitement and love. Here's to you, for being so generous, thoughtful, willing to help, and filled with adventure!

Love, Howland

Happy Pappy Day

2011-06-18T21:28:00.000-04:00

We've been so busy moving in that I forgot to [formally] wish my papa a happy 80th birthday! That's a lot of candles to fit on a mud pie :)

Love, Howland

Moving

2011-06-13T23:26:00.001-04:00

Of the 6 times we've moved, this has been the hardest--hands down. We found ourselves absolutely exhausted from our few thousand mile road trip, all of our healthy routines went out the window (eating, sleeping, exercising--what??), and we've had quite a go of it getting moved in.

But now we are finally to the point where we are feeling somewhat settled. This, after moving furniture in, moving it out, squeezing it up the stairs, deep cleaning everysingleroom, figuring out a parking permit, resolving our "mystery wall" problem (we still don't know what they're made of; and by "resolve" we mean "don't hang anything on it"), and--lest we forget--the 82 trips to the store and elsewhere for split box springs/internet modem/vacuum cleaner/more shelving/towel racks/shower curtain/drill bit/etc.etc.etc. We did score a new reading chair and sleeper sofa off of craigslist for free! (well, minus the second truck rental and gas...boo) and Jud spent his first paycheck on a fancy new TV.

And despite how expensive and frustrating and tiring as the first few days turned out to be, we made time to explore our new 'hood. Old Town Alexandria is so fantastic (props to Jud for finding a place in this neighborhood!): countless coffee shops, antique stores, bakeries, and any kind of restaurant you can imagine--oyster bars, Spanish tapas, blues & BBQ, irish pubs...

We've also stolen a few afternoons to take the metro downtown to be DC tourists. More on that later.

For now, it's back to unpacking more boxes, folding more laundry (AMEN to our very own washer & dryer!) and maybe even a trip to the zoo :)

Love, Howland

DC or bust!

2011-06-06T16:27:00.000-04:00

1,775 miles, 34 hours, 8 states, 3 time zones, and one-heck-of-a-roadtrip later, we made it to DC! Between 8 of us [almost] all of our furniture was moved in (that which couldn't fit up the stairwell is hanging out until further notice).

And now for the fun part...

Love, Howland

Bittersweet Symphony

2011-06-02T02:39:00.000-04:00

Today we said farewell to Denver. It still feels like just yesterday we moved in, and this little view near our house never failed to impress. Our time here was short, but sweet for certain. We celebrated our last night with the Big Lebowski showing at Red Rocks, which was awesome (dude!). But today we said our final goodbyes (for now), packed the truck like pros, and took off for our next adventure. And as those rocky mountains disappeared in the side-view mirror, our hearts were full from the time we spent loving them.

Love, Howland

Wheelin n dealin

2011-05-29T17:49:00.001-04:00

This week we:

detailed and sold the van (!!!)

packed

pumped the jams

had a yard sale

fancied up the VW

And now for more packing...

Love, Howland

That's what I like about you

2011-05-25T01:27:00.003-04:00

We're gonna miss Denver, that's fo' sho'. But there are some things here that we have absolutely loved--the kind of things you aren't quick to forget, whose memories are cherished more than just remembered...So here's our list, in no particular order:

1. Evenings at Jonesy's. Their truffle fries are a.maz.ing. (Other frequented good eats were Marco's, the original Chipotle, Root Down, and Cholon's soup dumplings).

2. Those Rocky mountain majesties. The view never got old. Nor will it. Ever.

3. Camping. Always an adventure. Plus we got to use all the fun toys we bought at REI garage sales!

4. Dinner parties. We loved stuffing our house with as many friends as possible. Or stuffing ourselves into friends' houses. As long as there was an excuse to get together + tasty food & beverages + lots of games we seemed to get along just fine ;)

5. Craft parties. There are some creative people up in here (up in here). Seriously, getting together with some super-talented girlfriends to make beautiful things (case and point, check out this mobile!) left me with enough artsy inspiration for at least a few years.

6. Snow days. Snow in itself would've been satisfying enough, but to get the day off to play in it was as magical as ever :)

7. Red rocks. This place has a special place in my heart. We never got sick of going. And we went. A lot. Hiking, our first ever 5K, listening to concerts from the hill behind the amphitheater, and their film on the rocks series. As a final farewell, we'll be at the Big Lebowski showing on May 31.

8. Rockies games. Nothing beats a $4 rockpile seat, blue moon on tap, and warm Colorado evening with a bunch of friends at Coors field.

9. Our perfect little house, outfitted with wooden floors, pocket doors, an old-school mail slot, and wood-burning fireplace (that doubled as a slide for squirrels...wheee!). The best was walking across the street to watch the end of a DU sports match, being a few blocks from Wash Park, or running to catch the light rail for some adventure downtown.

10. The music. (Really I just wanted an excuse to post this picture.) But Denver has some great concerts going on. This was Brooke Fraser at the Bluebird. Other notables were Josh Garrels and The Rocketboys last summer. Simply put, though, Colorado is the kind of place you just want to roll your windows down on a sunny day, jam out to Van Morrison's Caravan, and go get lost in the mountains.

So, here's to you Denver. Keep it real.

Love, Howland

Beloved Colorado

2011-05-18T23:28:00.001-04:00

We've officially begun packing to leave our beloved Colorado. We figure a few hours a day will make the process easier, and it affords us time to be distracted by all sorts of fun things we've re-discovered! Like this picture (which I think might actually be of sissy, but let's just pretend) from a trip to the cabin near Rocky Mountain National Park in the 80s. Oh, how we'll miss this place. But alas, another adventure awaits.

Love, Howland

10 days

2011-05-15T20:28:00.001-04:00

Here's what has happened in the past 10 days:

Jud & his dad went to DC in search of a perfect place to live (and found one!)
Nana & Papa came to town
Tracy & Jennie came to town
Papa took pictures
Nana made ravioli
We played with sidewalk chalk
We skyped for Mother's day
We drank wine
We had Sunday dinner
We had Monday dinner
We got rained out of a Rockies game
We went out to eat
We went out to eat again
We had another order of soup dumplings (o.m.g)
We went to the art museum
We got the house!
We got rained out at a BBQ
We drank grappa
We went to see baby Ryder (it feels like only yesterday I did her maternity shoot!)

And now we're off to see THE Brooke Fraser tonight at the Bluebird Theater (!!!)

Love, Howland

Mom

2011-05-08T02:00:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to wish a very happy mother's day to our wonderful/amazing/inspiring moms (and grand-moms)! We are so thankful for you, the delightful childhoods you afforded us, and the love and support you have shown and continue to show for us in our lives. Today, may you feel especially loved and appreciated for all you do :)

Love, Howland

Pac NW [sneak peek]

2011-05-01T21:08:00.003-04:00

We've spent the past ten days in San Fran & Portland, and everywhere in between.
We've slept in comfy beds, sleeping bags, our rental car, air mattresses, fancy hotels, and my college roommate's childhood bedroom.
We've woken up to the Easter bunny, my excited little cousin, curious cats, windstorms, rainstorms, sleetstorms, and the excited bride-to-be.
We've toured, camped, hiked, biked, photographed, wined, dined, toasted and caffeinated.

And we loved.every.minute.

Stay tuned for a ridiculous lot of pictures :)

Love, Howland

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T02:15:00.000-04:00

We have been living it up in San Fran the past few days (+ decorating eggs!), so before we head north tomorrow morning on the coastal highway just wanted to wish you all a very happy easter filled with abundant joy and gratitude :)

Love, Howland