A Lovely Distraction

Originally I had designed this dress with the intention of wearing it to the dinner portion of a two-day interview I had this past weekend. Needless to day the dress was not finished in time for the interview, and it's just as well: I did not get the job. With thoughts of uncertainty and inadequacy swirling around me I have sought solitude in the one place that I always feel in control, in front of my sewing machine. The bodice is near complete, and I hope to have the skirt portion put together by the end of the weekend. While I am unable to celebrate Thanksgiving at home with my family, at least I will feel at home, sitting in front of my sewing machine. To everyone reading this, have a very happy Thanksgiving, and eat an extra piece of pie for me!

Meet Audrey

I finally did it: I bought my first dress form! Every garment I have worked on, with the exception of a class assignment, I have had to fit on myself. Now I will be able to visualize my designs better and get even more creative. Right now I am very inspired by Audrey Hepburn. I have been "Netflixing" all of her movies and picked up a very well written biography on the actress by Harry Paris. While I admit to taking some creative liberties in naming my size 6 form Audrey, when Hepburn was more like a 0, she is whom I wish to emulate; in style and in life. I am excited to have this outlet for my nervous energies and stress during this holiday season. I am halfway into my first project and promise to update with pictures shortly!

Heaven On Earth

If you were to ask me what my idea of Heaven is, I would attempt the impossible and describe to you this place, really this feeling, which I struggle to put words to even in my own head. This place combines the two things I love the most; mountains and water. The air is perfumed with the scent of pine trees, the colors are vibrant and the sights are beyond breathtaking. In this place your heart beats faster by the excitement of adventure and the people that live there are genuine and inviting. In this place I call Heaven there is a strong appreciation of the history and distinct culture of the area, coupled with the curiosity and anticipation of what will come next. Luckily, this place I call Heaven does actually exist, and it is where I spent last weekend. It's a place called Lake Tahoe.

I escaped the craziness of city-living on Saturday morning and drove the three hour distance from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to spend a few days by myself, and participate in the Half-Marathon I have spent the last month and a half training for. At just the sight of the California mountains tears filled my eyes and a smile formed across my face that lasted the whole weekend long. I can't really explain how I felt, or how what I did brought about these feelings, I just know that this feeling was unique, and special. My heart was happy; my soul was happy. I finished the Half-Marathon with a better time than I expected (2hr 8min) and proved to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. Though I have had several accomplishments in my life, this was, to date, the moment I was the most proud of myself.

Now on to the pictures...

First view of Lake Tahoe on the drive in! 

Sunset from my favorite pier.

Me & a view of Nevada

Relaxing for a few, preparing for the race ahead!

This is what breakfast in Heaven looks like. A Chicken Chili Omlette from Driftwood Cafe!

There are no calories in Heaven... or at least none I was worried about after a 13.1 mile run!

Pic of a dead tree, just for Mom :-P

I got to see the Tahoe Queen in motion!!!

Another cool looking dead tree.

Pretty mountains

A view into Emerald Bay

I love Pine trees. A lot. 

Emerald Bay

Another view of Emerald Bay

A nice place to sit and think about all of life's blessings. 

A very happy me :-)

Ok Mom, one last dead tree pic! haha

I am already counting down the days until I can return to my "Heaven on Earth" and I am also desperately searching for pine tree scented candles and air fresheners!!!