Hello,
I do apologize for the sporadic posting, and the so many fits and starts this blog has had. I am finding that I am in need of break from the blog world - mostly from reading other blogs. I love them so, but sometimes I think it's almost TOO MUCH inspiration for an impressionable girl like me.
I will be back sometime after the New Year. I hope you and your friends and family experience a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Caitlin
*image from here
Last Friday evening saw me at a tea shop in Providence, sitting by the window at the copper-topped bar. I was drinking tea-infused hot chocolate (what a cool idea) and working on lessons for an online grant-writing class I'm taking. I felt hopeful, inspired, and cozy, and was relishing in the fantasy that I was a student once again.
On my Friday-after-work walk at Mt. Hope Farm with the dog I noticed that overall, the forest was quieter. Leaves were dying and animals were beginning to settle in for the winter or had flown the coup.
But everywhere we walked, I could hear rustling in the bushes and brambles behind and beside us. It happened so often that I was starting to get a little paranoid, until I could just barely make out a the colors of a chickadee as it flew away.
You know, the one who dresses as a princess EVERY YEAR?!
Not that I think I'm all cool sh*t now, but it kind of surprises me . . . although my love for glitter, false eyelashes, and sequins could be lasting vestiges of those times
We dressed as beer wenches, sea captains, cookie monsters, and lumberjacks. We drove to Newport in the freezing rain to dance to one of our favorite cover bands. I was "zombie Waldo" and was delighted to see at least 20 other Waldos (how fitting!). I had so much fun enjoying the company of my friends and the hilarity that ensues when you're out in a public in a ridiculous outfit. Happy Halloween Ghouls and Boys!
As I've written before in this space, I've been desperately searching for a new job for way too long and things were getting ugly. I requested to reduce my hours at my current job and am so thankful that they were supportive of my decision. I am looking forward to seeing Jeff more than 2 half-days a week, and being able to really focus on two online classes I'm taking - website design and grant writing. I already feel SO MUCH better and am looking forward to being able to spend more of my days the way I'd like.
I am not proud that it took me almost having a mental breakdown and feeling like I had no other option to make a decision that is obviously very necessary. Of course the main reason I didn't ask for reduced hours sooner is because we can't afford it - but I am looking for a flexible job with part time hours to try to make up some of the difference. I have spent way too long feeling like I had no control over my life, frustrated that I was spending over 1/3 of my waking hours in a situation that made me miserable. I've come up with alot of ideas and plans for a way to spend my days that would make me happier - I think having a few extra hours each week to launch them will make all the difference. I have applied to several jobs that I would very much enjoy, but none of them worked out. I'm taking this is a sign that I should finally try out having my own business (or something), I think that's what I've really wanted all along.
I am very much looking forward to taking back my life.
Last Sunday night, we were lucky to be able to sneak into the Roger Williams Park Zoo's annual Jack O' Lantern Spectacular. We had been a few years ago, but since then we've tried to go and gave up because it was a total mobscene. If you can get there at a less crowded time though (think early evening or a slight drizzle) it's a fabulous experience.
Because we had some connections, we were led in though the back gate, through the zoo in the dark. It was exciting to tip toe by sleeping bald eagles and moon bears.
The theme this year was "A Journey Around the World." They had carvings inspired by different cultures accompanied by music specific to that country. It was pretty wonderful to stroll through India, the Great North, and Bieber Country (he had his own area), all while holding the hand of my love.
Love these photos of the Tweed Run Party in NYC, taken by Jamie Beck. Her blog is always very sweet and uplifting, I highly recommend it!
Last weekend was an amazing one to spend in New Hampshire. It was unseasonably warm, but sunny and clear, and no one was complaining. Our campsite was located right off the Kancamangus highway. You could spend a day or two exploring all of the little overlooks and hikes located right off that highway. Jeff and I cooked an amazing mac and cheese dinner in our new cast iron dutch oven, and were relieved that everyone else liked it too.
We took it easy and just went on a few mellow hikes around lakes and ponds. The sun lit up the green, orange, and red leaves, and warmed the ground so everywhere you went smelled like smokey leaves and pine needles. There were so many "tourists" around (like us) but it made me happy seeing everyone enjoy the White Mountain National Forest.
We will be spending the holiday weekend camping in New Hampshire with some friends. I am really excited, but a little nervous too because 1) I'm worried I'll be too cold, and 2) we are bringing the dog. He has a tendancy to jump off of high things without looking; we'll just have to keep him on the leash if we hike up any mountains.
I took this photo about a month ago when I went to Franconia Notch, NH. We'll be close to this area again.
And below, I've assembled some warm cozy things I wish I could bring with me.
I hope you have a happy weekend!
Patagonia sweatshirt hoody, $179
Patagonia pants, $79
Patagonia knee high hosiery, $20
Patagonia fleece shoes, $180
Burberry glove, $285
Patagonia hat, $39
Men's Buckshot Flannel Shirt, $75
REI Recycled Camp Mug - 12 fl. oz. at REI.com
