home and routine

 Here are a few snaps of my new home, a cozy studio apartment with a dreamy kitchen, shared organic raised beds in the quiet backyard, and a super fun location in my city.  I am still settling in and really love it.  I also bought my first i phone and have caught the instagram buzz.  Do you use it?  If so, please say hello!  I would love to follow you there.  My user name is elenalgold.  Another change for me is that, so far at least, I have not installed internet in my home.  I have mixed views about this, and may choose to have it in the future, but so far my wee phone is providing enough for me to feel quite connected.  Pinterest, flickr, and ravelry, sites I used to visit almost daily I have barely glanced at.  It feels quite good actually.  I am glancing instead at winter skies, dear sweet friends, my beloved stove, secret knitting, videos from the library...you know, life.  The only thing I miss is blogging.  Do any of you blog from your phone?  If so, I'd love to hear how you do it.  And I'd love to hear from you in general.  I still read your blogs, but still, hihi! Are you out there?  How are you?  I am doing really well. xoxo.

Backyard Wildflowers Book

I am so so glad I ordered one of Jaime's books.  I knew I would love it because Jaime is a true talent and I have enjoyed her flower bunch posts for over a year now.  But as soon as I unfolded the gorgeous paper wrapping and flipped through the pages, I knew I had found one of those objects so lovely and meaningful it makes you happy just knowing it is safely tucked in your home and becomes one of your Treasured Things.

hi hi!

Hello sweet friends!  Here is a little photographic proof that I am indeed alive and well.  Behold, the doofus Oz behind the curtain.  Try not to be overwhelmed by my towering presence and intense gaze.  I totally have that effect on people.  Anyway, I've missed this space and sharing with you.

Earlier this month I headed to the Oregon coast with a group of amazing women for our regular beach craft weekend trip; we try to make it happen twice a year or so.  Think cozy cottage, fireplace, crafting, lots of amazing meals, wine, homemade cookies and conversation.  You know, bliss.

One morning my friend Alexis and I headed up the path to the beach to goof around (me) and take amazing photos (her.)  I designed and knit up these alpaca mitts for the sweetheart Elly and Alexis took some snaps of me wearing them before I sent them off to Montana.  She was supposed to be taking pictures of my hands, so I felt it was fine to crack up at how dorky I was being for the sake of an interesting shot...(seaweed petting?)  Little did I know she was sneaking these whole body shots of me in that alluring squatting position.

I've been really busy working on a small collection of handknit patterns and the pattern for these mitts will be included.  Its odd and a bit frustrating to have a pile of knitted things I can't show you yet, so for now this will have to do.  How are all of you??

More soon! xo.
Photos by Alexis Putnam

cape falcon

Another lovely day spent hiking with Caitlin.  This weekend we escaped the hot city and headed to the coast, climbing up to Cape Falcon. This last photo shows a peek of Short Sands beach, a spot dear to my heart.   The cool green walk was misty and breezy and so nice.  I love my home.  x.

dusty plum

...on my needles and out my window...

+ loving this yarn
+ always love nicole's pins

tangle

...of wool and wildflowers. 

(above) working away on more new creations.
(below) exploring with my new camera on new (to me) trails in Forest Park. 

Doing new things is such good medicine.  This realization has been so important to me lately. What are some new things you have been trying, or want to try?  Take care out there.  Xo.

ps  Any photography books or resources you love and recommend?  For learning or inspiration, etc.

a cherry on top kind of day

 

 

 

 



A cherry on top kind of day.  Spent in Hood River, Oregon with good people.  So lucky to have friends who are loyal and loving and make me laugh hard.