San Francisco, CA

I got to spend a wonderful, relaxing, soul-lifting 6 days in the San Francisco Bay Area last week. I used to live fairly close to the Bay Area, so I've been many times. But this time, I decided to see it like a tourist... and boy! Was it fun! I thought I'd share some pictures with you in hopes that they will lift your spirits, as well!

Our flight there was beautiful and one of the smoothest flights I've taken.

After spending the first day with family and friends, we hopped on BART (a first for me!) and headed to downtown San Francisco. 

Even the walls of the BART station inspired me that day.

We decided to start our day with drinks, since we were on vacation after all! 

Walking down by the Wharf, San Francisco is one of the prettiest cities I've ever seen!

I was ready for an adventure in the Bay, with my walking shoes on!

While it seems campy and touristy, taking the double decker bus (another first for me) was one of the highlights of my trip. It was SO much fun! I highly recommend it. 

These weeping ladies were beautiful. 

The weather couldn't have been bribed to be more perfect. It was simply gorgeous! And look! There is the Golden Gate bridge. We're headed towards it: and crossing over it is yet another first for me during this trip. (I have, however, been below it on a boat before.) 

It was so gorgeous close up.

We stopped in Sausalito and saw yachts and...  

Happy trash! (I guess California's cows are the only ones happy to be there.)

I took this shot from the cable car (yet one more first for me!) and used no filter. This day was perfection!

I also stopped by my friends' shop and checked out their Volkswagens in progress. 

When this one is done, I want it! DREAMY! 

I also got to see Niles, CA. Where Charlie Chaplin filmed his movies. Cute small town.

I went to parties and BBQ's, too. I got so tired, I took a quick nap before party 2. So sleepy in this pic!

I LOVE Portland, so much this gypsy has made it her home for good. But I will always be a California girl at heart. So going back really filled my spirit with joy. I hope you enjoyed these pictures of the trip... I sure enjoyed taking them!

People's Art of Portland Show

I am honored to have a piece included in the "For The Love of Portland" art show at The Peoples Art of Portland. This Saturday is the opening reception, and I hope you can make it out, if possible! 

art bullsh*t

I have struggled with the fact that art school seems to be a good 50%-85% lessons in bull-shittery. But this web site is GENIUS!

artybollocks generator

abstract art

Even though I LOVE painting people (because, well, I LOVE people!), I occasionally like to let go about make abstract art. Here is an example:

I have a few others in my etsy shop, too. I feel like they would make a great little instant collection, if displayed together. 

texture

it really DOES snow in Portland!

(Just not very much, and not very often... Just the way I like it!)

West Coast Beard and Mustache Competition

So a couple of weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure of attending the West Coast Beard and Mustache Competition at the Crystal Ballroom here in Portland, OR! It was my first time attending, and SO MUCH FUN! Although it started a little late, all of the contestants put on a great show!

We got there early and waited in line. Thank goodness it wasn't raining. :)

In fact, the sun was *really* shining on Raul!

We got seats upstairs at first, and watched the crowds pour in...

My friend Summer got mustaches for us to wear so we wouldn't feel left out!

Here I am, sporting mine:

Raul is always sporting his:

And THIS guy was sporting quite the outfit!

The contestants were working the crowd for support:

And if you haven't been to the Crystal Ballroom, you should really try to go. It's one of my favorite venues in Portland...

The man next to me won 3rd place in his category:

And, of course, Raul got some swag while we were there:

We had such a great time, and definitely plan on going again next year. In fact, I found out they have a competition for the women, too, and I'm already planning my beard design!

notes to self