tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46750476301891467652024-03-14T07:58:24.193-07:00J'reyesha: Engineer, Crafter of Things, Vintage DevoteeThanks for visiting my blog! I am a born and raised Oregonian with a passion for crafting and vintage collecting / resale. During the day, I can be found managing construction projects as a civil engineer. I started this blog when I graduated high school and have since continued by sharing my vintage vending space at Found on Fremont, various craft projects, and tidbits about my job. Enjoy!J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-79848693974173084102023-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:002023-12-31T14:38:54.341-08:00Roses, Thorns, and Buds <p><span style="font-family: arial;">I considered archiving this blog because I struggle to keep up with it and have taken to using social media to share what I normally would have posted here - it's just easier! But, everyday while working from my home office I look at an old Vision Board I made in 2017 and it includes the words "journal more." I've realized that while I love my vision board because I was able to accomplish the big goals: pass the PE, find healthy love, travel more, etc. - the rest was all about habits. Habits that I've managed to start and stop inconsistently for over five years... This blog is like that and part of my journaling habit. 2023 may have been a year of few blogged thoughts, but maybe 2024 will be the year I write more!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's so much that happened this year that I have nowhere to start and I started writing this post a few times this month. I also started feeling guilty for some of the somber feelings I've had about the challenges of 2023 when in spite of them, I had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences to be grateful for. I'm going to try again and use the nature reflection activity I use with the youth in my nature excursions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Rose</b> - highlights. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Thorn</b> - challenges.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Bud</b> - things I'm looking forward to in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Roses:</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving into my new home and it feeling like home. Over the last month I've been a bit of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">a recluse because I'm enjoying being home so much. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving back to my old work group. There are a lot of bad jokes about government employees and their lack of productivity, but I can honestly say, I work with a group of incredibly hard working, competent, and smart as hell engineers. They respect the rate payer dollar more than any group I've worked in (and I've worked in a few at the City) and I didn't realize how lucky I was until I had left. Returning to the comfort of a good team was a relief and one I needed this year. Big rose. I may be frustrated in so many ways working in the bureaucracy, but I really love my core team. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Travel - Yucatan Peninsula in Tulum and enjoying my first week as 31 in Costa Rica. Both trips were right on time and the first trips I'd really tuned out everything to rest and explore. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Co-creating an amazing Community Environmental Justice Indicator zine with friends at CCC / Unite Oregon / Multnomah County. It was a big labor of love and a project that I was so happy to see come to fruition. Read the zine <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5501f6d4e4b0ee23fb3097ff/t/64c2b5a1e9ce4a41a670b2eb/1690482095172/Cultivating+Justice+In+A+Changing+Climate+Zine.pdf">HERE. </a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaking engagements and the amazing people I met at all of them. My first keynote was the Annual Southern Oregon's Black Youth Leadership Summit and I am ecstatic to now know a community of thriving Black educators and students in Southern Oregon. I also visited Harvard for the first time as a speaker at their first Summit on Energy and Environmental Solutions (SEES) event. A student ran event with amazing humans I was so humbled to have been included with! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting my first paid contracts as a "consultant," including a culturally specific field guide for exploring Portland's parks/nature. Seeing pictures of students using my field guide and leading a hike to pilot the curriculum in Oxbow Park was a huge highlight. I'll be adding some pages to preview on my website later this week! Stay tuned next year for the revised final :) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Hosting, planning, and co-creating over 20 events with community organizations that have meant a lot to me. STEM workshops, professional development, focus groups, environmental education, little free library builds, etc. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Art Shows - it is so hard for me to make time for my creative practice, but I was able to prioritize applying for a few this, including my favorite showing this year: <a href="https://www.orartswatch.org/black-history-is-history-of-course/">'Black History is History,' </a>which was an incredible curation by artists, Daren Todd and Steph Littlebird. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Becoming a mentor with Holla Mentors. I have only known my mentee for a few months, but I feel so lucky to have been paired with a such a perfect match. For those who know me well, most know I am not interested in becoming a parent, but I've been big sister / community auntie for dozens of kids who are now adulting. Because I don't teach anymore, I haven't had a "mentee" in a while and never been an official mentor. It is so fun to spend time and get to know my mentee with Holla. The organization is SO well organized and both mentor/mentees feel celebrated / supported. I could rave about Holla for a long time, but it is an amazing program and it's nice to give back to an organization that means a lot to my family personally. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Thorns:</b></span></p><div><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I was really bad at making time to process the feelings of fear and grief I had related to my mom's health. I made myself busier than I have ever been to distract from the walking grief of knowing one of the most special people in my life was suffering from an incurable heart condition. There are lots of bad days, but there are a lot of really good days too. Seeing mom do everything she can to make the best of those days is inspiring. She has an infectious curiosity, laughs often, and loves my sister and I a little harder! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">This year I also learned a lot about grief and how much being an empath is painful. I served a term of Grand Jury duty and it threw a monkey wrench in my life in ways I couldn't have predicted. What I thought would be a break from work ended up being a month of the most emotionally tiring days of my life. Second hand trauma is real. I learned so much about our justice system and the underbelly of our city. I still tear up in certain spots around the city and I can't watch crime shows or horror like I used to. W</span><span style="font-family: arial;">hile I can't say much more, I don't quite think I've been the same since. I have pushed further into my social justice work and I can no longer tolerate oblivious privilege / apathy, or, frankly, sociopathic sentiment I've seen in our media outlets (and local politicians) who berate the experiences the people of this City are facing. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Railroads, sinkholes, and permits, oh my. Not gonna say more, but I had a few restless work nights dealing with those... </span></li><li><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Non-Profit Toxicity. I continue to be burned out and burned with non-profits. As someone who is action focused, I give a lot of myself to the organizations I serve and there's only so much that can be given before it starts to feel just like capitalism's extraction of labor. I'm still learning boundaries and I will be make sure to build good things with good people in 2024. It is also unlikely you'll see me joining any new boards in the future. Please don't ask me. </span></div></li><li><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Grief and anger for all that is going on in the world and how truly powerless I feel sometimes. Free Palestine, Congo, and all the oppressed people in this world. We're not free until we're all free. I don't want to hear about how folks justify their taxes going to a genocide when we have a food insecurity, housing insecurity, privatized healthcare, and educational debt plaguing our people in this country. </span></div></li></ul><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Buds:</b></span></p><div><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Creating a succession plan for NSBE Portland Professionals! After two years (and four years total in a leadership role), my term is complete as President of our chapter. I have recruited a great President Elect. I'll still be President and have a few events I'm leading in 2024, but I'm looking forward to this transition. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Less boards means more time to focus on fulfilling projects</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Gardening for community and spending time in my mini greenhouse. My partner and I took the first steps in getting rid of our front lawn to build a mutual aid community garden. More updates in 2024. It's a project we're really excited about. We also planted a field of clover for pollinators in our back yard. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Next steps in my career. This week I got a rejection for what I thought was my dream job out of engineering. I'm taking it as a sign to find a way to stay in my field for a little longer and something else is in store for me. Looking forward to exploring that. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Japan 2024. I will be getting myself more active to plan for the thousands of steps per day I will be walking in Japan next November.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's hoping 2024 brings more roses and buds. I expect thorns, but I'm ready!</span></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJkqezrRahH3oco_axT86ChdV9wtnkgnDzqrPgGNcYRAe5fn0CiaWo6bGYCWiRZTzAhUr1DYe6lkq0U-0N7aQUEAGTbayp681CniLhBO6sWmkvHVUdYwOewNL6kpp5Vd5EmxM3dfKqf1j8I2U4DXnTtI1EpzJo-MOQ_d9DUCjklkDb2uiD2_mongyHAqQ/s5712/IMG_0323.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJkqezrRahH3oco_axT86ChdV9wtnkgnDzqrPgGNcYRAe5fn0CiaWo6bGYCWiRZTzAhUr1DYe6lkq0U-0N7aQUEAGTbayp681CniLhBO6sWmkvHVUdYwOewNL6kpp5Vd5EmxM3dfKqf1j8I2U4DXnTtI1EpzJo-MOQ_d9DUCjklkDb2uiD2_mongyHAqQ/w407-h305/IMG_0323.jpeg" width="407" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Not a rose, but I'm really into ferns right now. These were incredible in Costa Rica. I have been cutting paper stencils for an art piece over the last month. </span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-27583156052541452232022-12-06T23:42:00.004-08:002022-12-07T00:09:33.188-08:00A New Decade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-NVzzRxMvgCPT3zL3LOASJ4xG5-LKoOAB0wE5WPDSStuxqZMRUKI5yUyRyXDb3c5UGAdUGqLCIlMv7UbE4wE6R6yz5gi8askdZt_inloDSj3MjNziti9nEEqCmzMCAFo2wLXi8iNRYTPZwDWgLVa2s8R1YIE-3yUu5d-aJpqnsVyfwV_jY08hx3R5g/s4032/IMG_0069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-NVzzRxMvgCPT3zL3LOASJ4xG5-LKoOAB0wE5WPDSStuxqZMRUKI5yUyRyXDb3c5UGAdUGqLCIlMv7UbE4wE6R6yz5gi8askdZt_inloDSj3MjNziti9nEEqCmzMCAFo2wLXi8iNRYTPZwDWgLVa2s8R1YIE-3yUu5d-aJpqnsVyfwV_jY08hx3R5g/w400-h300/IMG_0069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tahitian sunsets are like no other</i></div><p>Last week I entered my 30's in Tahiti for a week long blip of rest, and promptly returned home to a whirlwind of new changes. I have always kept myself very busy with creative, career, and community based commitments, but a new wrench thrown has been starting a new (now almost 4 months) job and handling family health issues. I'm used to balancing different realms of my life by compartmentalizing, primarily because I've had the privilege of not being emotionally or mentally drained externally, but having my most dear family compromised has been a lot to handle. Something new and foreign to my balancing act. It has also helped me find a new gratitude that I think is more common with folks of faith, but I am so grateful the experiences, privileges I have in so many realms, and for the time being - my health. As I learn more about my DNA and what things I may now be at risk for, rather than slow down with caution, I am feeling almost frantic with a need to do things that bring joy. I've said that before, but this is a truly new inclination I'm acting on. I love my community and the network I've grown over the last few years, but I have finally started saying 'no' to things that while fulfilling, may take more than I have to give. </p><p>In September I stepped down from my role as Environmental Justice Committee Chair for the Portland NAACP and Parade Co-Chair with Good in the Hood. I feel so lucky to have had energy to work with both organizations and give so much of myself, but I've grown a lot by stepping down. I've taken the legislative action, programmatic management, and grant writing skills with me, which have opened up new doors for how I can serve my community, so it was 100% time well spent. I also constantly advocate for compensating BIPOC community for their time and energy, but I've seen so many projects relying on volunteer time or under compensated paid capacity- something that as BIPOC folks (statistically least compensated in our society) is just extractive. I've felt almost guilty taking on paid roles lately, but I know this is what practicing what you advocate means. Knowing what I'm worth outside of my engineering career has been a new skill in itself! I've had so many interesting opportunities in the last few months to expand the realm of 'J'reyesha Inc.' into <a href="https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/hybrid-bipoc-womens-speaker-series-marys-woods-jreyesha-brannon">public speaking</a> and <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5DVBHhucduisbG6H7_k23cx451i9ma0PFion6fQr98KNsww/viewform">program management</a>, which has been fun to imagine what stepping away from public sector engineering would look like. The holistic and layered self in a capitalistic society makes it hard to take risks. I'll always love problem solving and the satisfaction of completion that engineering provides - the things I hate about my job are unrelated to what engineering actually is (and I worked too hard on my P.E. license to ever abandon my career) - but that does not stop me from thinking what a full time creative or community career would look like. </p><p> Looking forward to what 2023 brings and my first year into my 30's! I could self reflect and monologue for too long, but below are some highlights of the last few months: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Promotion at work within a new group - yay for the P.E. paying off!</li><li><a href="https://multco-web7-psh-files-usw2.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2022-076.pdf" target="_blank">The Multnomah County Charter Commission</a> I served on had successes in the measures we recommended. All but one passed! Thank you to voters who supported our recommendations!</li><li>A new home! So looking forward to more space and being closer to family. </li><li>Opportunities to share about myself with <a href="https://blog.energytrust.org/jreyesha-brannon-shares-her-journey-from-lego-robotics-to-a-career-in-civil-engineering-and-environmental-equity/">Energy Trust</a>, Saturday Academy, and Lake Oswego</li><li>Travel to Seattle, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Tahiti (further and further each month!)</li><li>COVID-19 finally got me, a negative highlight, but a huge part of last month's forced rest... it was good to see that things CAN and must stop to heal. Cancelling a week's worth of work, events I organized, and presentations really put prioritization in perspective. </li><li>Learned Arc GIS Pro with Walle Plans and making progress on my Harvard Climate Justice Design Fellowship deliverable - I'm less than one week from finishing my fellowship and feeling college-like de ja vu with the deadline approaching.</li><li>Joined <a href="https://www.verdenw.org/" target="_blank">Verde</a>'s 501c4 Board! Absolutely loving this healthy and supportive non-profit space where I can continue EJ work, while maintaining boundaries and joy!</li><li>Organizing new programs related to geology, STEM, Superfund Environmental education, and more within community- so lucky to get to share my passions in so many different spaces. </li><li>Two art shows - Uncommon Threads (virtual) and Kalayaan’s Anti-Fascist Community Art Showing (open until 12/10)</li><li>Mom and I ended our 11 years vending with Found on Fremont after the store moved out to Gresham. Bittersweet, but we're starting new adventures at <a href="http://www.antiquealleypdx.com/">Antique Alley</a>. Find us in space C-18 😀</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM25JpfWkWH6-pobbMJjVk0eG8RSMONuocw8MRzOGGRTO4yT-gtw6DfEAnv7ERiMKlwwhY-_lDSdkJbLvrPdjmVR-CIFuWZdDmAIHnCU336dRsU1VVLw48gY-9kBxUjBlrzdRGHNHEzl6G3vl_2ng4QrMCHFJS1rgdiB6RJAQP0fmkwb5WiEihdTFqQ/s4032/IMG_9429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM25JpfWkWH6-pobbMJjVk0eG8RSMONuocw8MRzOGGRTO4yT-gtw6DfEAnv7ERiMKlwwhY-_lDSdkJbLvrPdjmVR-CIFuWZdDmAIHnCU336dRsU1VVLw48gY-9kBxUjBlrzdRGHNHEzl6G3vl_2ng4QrMCHFJS1rgdiB6RJAQP0fmkwb5WiEihdTFqQ/w300-h400/IMG_9429.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Preview of the new vintage space in Antique Alley (Space C-18)</i></div><p></p>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-90846613450051120592022-06-12T10:16:00.004-07:002022-06-12T10:27:29.926-07:00The Exciting Question of "Now What?" <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlWWCiD2u8p8A6oqxMle0DaAvWcVQltA0JTwcukIGubUEzuo-hMKsRmg5vaalcqHUlYel2nC_Z3IG2hU4Zf0RFClidCImm2k6EdYuQtg1w53nO-qKpqxsdKNozgTUb2uiFv-aRKcSIWX6zxj8r0lVB7KybQ9uRcdQm5B83l-MFeFfQ7fcChO2QGytJA/s4032/FullSizeRender.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlWWCiD2u8p8A6oqxMle0DaAvWcVQltA0JTwcukIGubUEzuo-hMKsRmg5vaalcqHUlYel2nC_Z3IG2hU4Zf0RFClidCImm2k6EdYuQtg1w53nO-qKpqxsdKNozgTUb2uiFv-aRKcSIWX6zxj8r0lVB7KybQ9uRcdQm5B83l-MFeFfQ7fcChO2QGytJA/s320/FullSizeRender.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Post PE / waiting for results mini trip to the Redwoods</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am writing this post with a soon to be licensed PE (Professional Engineer) after my name. I passed the PE in Environmental Engineering! For those who know me well, they know how long I've battled with the PE licensure exam. That 8-hour test with a recommended 300+ hours of studying has been my nemesis for the last 3.5 years. As someone who is unable to just focus on one thing, studying while juggling all of my commitments was really hard. I stubbornly refused to give up my community work that brings me joy, and instead had a temporary (did not last long enough to really help) reduced work schedule and isolated myself from socializing. The big difference with passing the test was also having a partner who pushed me to study when I would rather binge true crime on the couch and who made sure I ate when I got in the zone and hadn't left my computer half the day. Grateful and so proud to be done with the PE exam for good! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB_vVaK1iQSjydKH2jJaGoK1zFYHob6ntM7Q6htCmUKhpf7Nnyh1J_dG5-k0FBM-yag8Vp9qJ7Bcx52G2-G5PXKjFl3WuuawOkmQXbfXyF4txxWamegARpcb53jIk8gkhECPbNpTkCEdlQ5JHpC7AGmzk6Z_TeCJGF37HC_E00uiSCu8wM45MfTBrgg/s563/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-12%20at%209.25.20%20AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="127" data-original-width="563" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB_vVaK1iQSjydKH2jJaGoK1zFYHob6ntM7Q6htCmUKhpf7Nnyh1J_dG5-k0FBM-yag8Vp9qJ7Bcx52G2-G5PXKjFl3WuuawOkmQXbfXyF4txxWamegARpcb53jIk8gkhECPbNpTkCEdlQ5JHpC7AGmzk6Z_TeCJGF37HC_E00uiSCu8wM45MfTBrgg/w398-h89/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-12%20at%209.25.20%20AM.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In all honesty, I was considering project management and leaving "engineering" by proper definition because I couldn't fathom studying again if I didn't pass. I was tired of it being the reason I was told no for promotions, in spite of my workload and tired of not seeing my study hours pay off when I didn't pass. I kept rolling around in my head how those hours could have been used to make community programming, create more art, work on my business, and generally create invaluable memories with friends and family. Passing the PE reinvigorates me into my career and a reminder to myself of how few licensed Black engineers there are in Oregon (and nationally) and narrowing it down even further - Black women licensed engineers. Having a PE helps creates pay equity for those underrepresented in the field and allows the opportunity to join in making this licensure process more inclusive and equitable. As soon as all my license paperwork is completed, I plan on being a bit of a pest to <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/osbeels/pages/default.aspx">OSBEELS</a> about making the process easier, ha. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now that the exam is done, I find myself with the exciting question of, now what? I had two weeks of literal jumping for joy and still find myself smiling in relief. I then had a a few weeks of chaos brain where I didn't know what to do with myself or what my next goal is! I'm slowly setting into the thought that I don't need to constantly have something I'm working towards because it stops me from enjoying the now and all that I do have. Also, I'm plenty busy with some of the new (and old) projects I'm working on. I've graduated past simply Committees to Boards... the difference seems to be an annoying hierarchy, but sometimes with less work on my part and I appreciate that. Being on a board is a great way for me to still be part of orgs I love and wish I could do more hands on work with - such as with <a href="https://www.bb2s.org/">Building Blocks 2 Success</a> (BB2S), which I recently joined as their newest Board member. A newer project that will be starting at the end of June is the <a href="https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/climatefellowship">Harvard Climate Justice Design Fellowship</a>. I was floored when I was selected (and personally really happy to get a 'yes' from them, after my rejection from Harvard my senior year of high school.) I'll be working on making tree canopy and urban heat zone data more transparent and accessible for frontline communities. Been really enjoying my environmental justice / climate justice work with the NAACP and am excited to get some new training in data skills!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wP9nFZj1r5j-d73cAVdPsCObOL6zy07O13zaYlU5BbyiKZCH98morDdi4iA7PoiWuL4pCncpg6RSPyeMFOpxPMOwTgKXo3tHMAUuULTpu_vKT9YXwFwIctd1tmiTY8syRg9W30-wq4QDVU7jL6EZaMuaoHvq8RGrNO-_IamLck84f-2Y7HYU_-TukQ/s1081/asset_5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="1081" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wP9nFZj1r5j-d73cAVdPsCObOL6zy07O13zaYlU5BbyiKZCH98morDdi4iA7PoiWuL4pCncpg6RSPyeMFOpxPMOwTgKXo3tHMAUuULTpu_vKT9YXwFwIctd1tmiTY8syRg9W30-wq4QDVU7jL6EZaMuaoHvq8RGrNO-_IamLck84f-2Y7HYU_-TukQ/w497-h68/asset_5.png" width="497" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's also that time again - Good in the Hood is back and this time in person! It's been easier to balance with most of our planning meetings and sponsor meetings being on Zoom! We just announced the 21 Scholarship Awardees - one of my favorite things is managing scholarship programs. I know how much funding like this meant when I was a teen, so it's really fulfilling to be part of an org that gives so much. I've also been getting better at social media and have managing the Good in the Hood social media presence. I don't care for social media, but I really like Canva and making information easier for community to see. The parade planning with Good in the Hood is the thing I'm most nervous about as I haven't been around 1,000+ people since 2019. My anxiety around crowds (and even small groups in person) has gotten really bad especially when we're not out of the woods yet with COVID. I plan on wearing my mask and boosting my immune system as we get closer to the festival. See you all June 24 - 26! And, if you want to join in and volunteer, we NEED it! We are about 60 people short of what we usually have for volunteers. Sign up <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/your_details_more_info/MTQyOTEz/102595">here</a>. Also, give our social media a follow - @goodinthehoodpdx ! 😀</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This week I'll be putting all my effort outside of my day job into getting the second annual <a href="https://www.pdxnaacp.org/announcements/2022naacpmetroyouthleadershiprecruitment">NAACP Youth in Nature Leadership Program</a> started. Our 18 youth will be starting their three day training on June 16 with Metro's awesome educators. I wish I was able to find volunteers (though I know it's a huge privilege to have time and capacity to donate so much of one's time) to help manage programming with me, but for the time being I've recruited a past youth leader with a stipend and that alone feels like a huge improvement to the labor for the program. I'll be bugging all of my friends and family to help Chaperone this summer! The kids will be leading their community hikes almost every Friday / Saturday. Our Environmental Justice Committee is recruiting too - specifically for folks who like writing advocacy letters, sitting on policy meetings, and are interested in managing programming or grants. Good experience for the resume, but mostly just fun / valuable! In full transparency, I want to have a succession plan started for the committee. Email me if you're interested: environmentaljustice@pdxnaacp.org</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolKYHVSo3XCIrccB3OF7YaThc2PybcwTnoerEgdweFC-ATRJ1tbGRjLDuNgKtP88JrikfPHV9NeiVTZry1zx4KKMVyAGmmLhYp5xZYqm8xNm0VGgJP9AwX4cMmsK-OHb350uqMZJjVGAAa7Ts2B1aHTyfcS2Jz0R6iywIIeb_DLkzW5Os4ktYlik4wA/s1080/EJ%20Recruitment.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolKYHVSo3XCIrccB3OF7YaThc2PybcwTnoerEgdweFC-ATRJ1tbGRjLDuNgKtP88JrikfPHV9NeiVTZry1zx4KKMVyAGmmLhYp5xZYqm8xNm0VGgJP9AwX4cMmsK-OHb350uqMZJjVGAAa7Ts2B1aHTyfcS2Jz0R6iywIIeb_DLkzW5Os4ktYlik4wA/s320/EJ%20Recruitment.PNG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As usual, the more things I juggle, the less time I have for my blog, creative endeavors, or personal projects. I'm trying to change that and as I get past June and training, I see a few areas where I'll be stepping back to make room for my art, piano, and diving into the 'Now what?' </span></p>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-75602816919534947842022-03-04T21:01:00.002-08:002022-03-04T21:13:57.944-08:00In the Midst of EverythingI really thought 2022 would be better. I didn't jinx it and say that, but it's become clear that 2020 was the start of an era. All of the experiences, even just in Portland, are going in the history books. While we're heading into March, COVID lingering, gun violence by white supremacists in our Portland protests, and now our hearts saddened for Ukraine (and then quickly angered at the racism that of course did not stop in a time of war), I am unsure about the future. There are traces of good news - on our way to having the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice - but the sci-fi nerd in me keeps wondering if we've accidentally stepped into the wrong timeline in an alternate dimension. <div><br /></div><div>In the midst of everything, I'm still trying to do my little part of good by committing almost a part time job's worth of service hours. I've learned a lot in the last few months. Mostly, that non-profits will not be the way we solve issues for community - as a meme I saw said, "the revolution will not be under a 501c3." The bureaucracy in the name of processes like "Robert's Rules, insurance, MOU's" have shown me that so many grass root ideas get killed by the same bureaucracy that led many of us to leave corporate or government work for non-profits. Leading my dual life as a City of Portland engineer, it's a problem when my volunteering work starts to be caught up in more weeds than my work (i.e. when a Railroad Permit for an outfall processes faster than a grant agreement signature, I can't help but laugh - engineers who design around railroads will know what I mean, ha). I hope someday we can find a way to support grass root actions without red tape. Mutual aid efforts are starting to be come my preference above all. With that being said, I am committed to completing all the projects I've started with organizations and I figure as long as the work is helping community, it's worth the barriers I seem to keep facing with non-profits. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the more important commitments I've been working on is the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee. The County Charter is the County's constitution, which every 6 years is amended by a committee of legislator selected community members. This time it's happening at the same time as the City of Portland's Charter Review (theirs is every 10 years) - so they are not to be confused as the same Charter. I will be able to share more about my experience on the County's Charter after the Committee's report is submitted and our recommendations go to ballot in November, but I do want to encourage everyone to view BOTH Charter review processes and take part if you can. Public Comment and ways to participate in the County's Charter are <a href="https://www.multco.us/crc/mccrc-community-engagement-public-comment?fbclid=IwAR3-JQ0aw5cn7-FHa118gEwmGLcznWca9-nNQyVgiKQHxuiFPuUlQvgtJHU">here.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of community work, the <a href="https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/winter-2022-exhibition/black-lives-matter-artist-grant-exhibition?authuser=0" target="_blank">Jordan Schnitzer Black Lives Matter Artist grant</a> I was selected for in 2020 is finally being displayed. COVID postponed our reception, but the gallery has been open since January and will continue for another month. Seeing my work in a gallery was an amazing experience - I missed the feeling. I haven't had my art displayed in over a decade and it's been years since I felt comfortable calling myself an artist, which is why I usually refer to myself as a "crafter of things." I'm back to collecting supplies and planning out some new works - super inspired lately. I created two new pieces for the show - all three below. I was also lucky enough to be asked to talk with another grant recipient about the art show on <a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2022/01/28/new-exhibit-draws-inspiration-reflects-experience-of-black-lives-matter/" target="_blank">OPB's Think out Loud</a> last month. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhMukS4oVoEBkY7RskR1pqA1QH4cc4-NpEtM4A7QUoxMcVwN_exJTh249qGLdVdP1fVxmyys4A-OyKKR8cMZEZmVGNargU1vpFee_AW3Hpo2RfFtxq-xTxq0aftVSVgFDcdrKnoq5Gn5UDSvw8efKYiuaRa5dA1Y8use0TEz8fTVqjqL4UqWKdEcEHoQ=s936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="936" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhMukS4oVoEBkY7RskR1pqA1QH4cc4-NpEtM4A7QUoxMcVwN_exJTh249qGLdVdP1fVxmyys4A-OyKKR8cMZEZmVGNargU1vpFee_AW3Hpo2RfFtxq-xTxq0aftVSVgFDcdrKnoq5Gn5UDSvw8efKYiuaRa5dA1Y8use0TEz8fTVqjqL4UqWKdEcEHoQ=w443-h297" width="443" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been spending less time working on the vintage business at Found on Fremont, but it is a highlight of the month when mom and I meet up for an estate sale. She did an excellent job decorating for Valentine's Day - we had some beautiful 1940's Valentine cards that sold out so quickly! I've been preferring Etsy for my sales - truly enjoying all aspects of working from home, both as an engineer and as a small business. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ajfOm5jjnhoe-4SYuaaZgcVLXYFg4KGhF3dk760h4qErQXs0scx7iIL3Q38F7d4TI-qSi5Pws-GxnBLr5XK0XQv1FSjP21k8LEzAWNeLiwRuzUmmJ60TNXDDjHW0BYlSrS0hFoIa5fo8PjV8BsSOEK_ARrbGtHNaWsSGT9W1pd1MreH4KWYv3yvYPg=s3069" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3069" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_ajfOm5jjnhoe-4SYuaaZgcVLXYFg4KGhF3dk760h4qErQXs0scx7iIL3Q38F7d4TI-qSi5Pws-GxnBLr5XK0XQv1FSjP21k8LEzAWNeLiwRuzUmmJ60TNXDDjHW0BYlSrS0hFoIa5fo8PjV8BsSOEK_ARrbGtHNaWsSGT9W1pd1MreH4KWYv3yvYPg=s320" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, in the midst of everything, 2022 continues to throw curve balls. Last week my dearest Great Aunt Verda passed. She was 93 and one of the most special people in my life. I will be making the journey to Daingerfield, Texas next week to give a proper goodbye. I blame COVID for preventing safe travels to visit a senior, but also myself for not asking more about my family's history from the long life she lived. I am missing her so much, but so grateful that I was able to see her in 2018 for her 90th birthday - memories I will cherish forever. </div>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-25826420683839497772021-10-19T18:21:00.002-07:002021-10-19T18:26:40.162-07:00Busy Blur <span style="font-family: arial;">This year has been a blur. In the past I've expressed how busy things are and how I just never get around to posting here, but I don't think any past year has compared to the steady stream of frenzy that is 2021. Lots of life updates, new projects, and some restless stagnation. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Biggest change is that I am now part of a blended cat family, or more importantly - I moved in with my guy. After two years together, with a large chunk of that during a pandemic, it seemed like a natural step. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Coming up with new organizing methods, blending our different styles, and consolidating my dragon's hoard of trinkets/art/etc has been a challenge, but I couldn't ask for a better person to share space with.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGroP4HpyVhyyVxK07UUyZhKRDE1iMgOiNpIXBtyQbhCkWURDnqZ2lWAMpgEBKW8rt9I4EV9lIMKeBYMYxiQSScg90mUmeHhI1a4bsrCRQoSoLtpBMtMqQH6GhUt4LIpERZPF2mvazZnP/s2048/IMG_1483.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGroP4HpyVhyyVxK07UUyZhKRDE1iMgOiNpIXBtyQbhCkWURDnqZ2lWAMpgEBKW8rt9I4EV9lIMKeBYMYxiQSScg90mUmeHhI1a4bsrCRQoSoLtpBMtMqQH6GhUt4LIpERZPF2mvazZnP/w230-h226/IMG_1483.jpeg" width="230" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpAHXLLE6VL8eVIEIOLofjSwNxXqHdHX_jb3ZxF-JdstmqmsbH1jOJbnsEv6HP1eWT24QkOzYB9eoH8iCtfy-4FNtlQKw3RTkqiW5vNxzruw13Rbz-jtyBJTnW4jeQ3RXHO_GgzuPZQve/s2048/IMG_1104.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2048" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpAHXLLE6VL8eVIEIOLofjSwNxXqHdHX_jb3ZxF-JdstmqmsbH1jOJbnsEv6HP1eWT24QkOzYB9eoH8iCtfy-4FNtlQKw3RTkqiW5vNxzruw13Rbz-jtyBJTnW4jeQ3RXHO_GgzuPZQve/w245-h148/IMG_1104.jpeg" width="245" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My elusive new fur kids, Leo and Pi </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the middle of moving, I also helped organize Good in the Hood's first virtual festival. The festival was amazing and probably the best virtual event I've seen during the pandemic. It was fun to be on site filming and see LIVE music for the first time in over 2 years. I learned how to use 'Canva' and became a Social Media coordinator for the festival (follow @goodinthehoodpdx). I also became an impromptu Switch Tech for the festival's director. Amazing and kind of stressful experience - I have a newfound respect for all that goes into filming, directing, and lighting. You can still stream the festival on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n8fJm4pBp0">Youtube! </a> We also gave over $22,000 in scholarships this year to some incredible <a href="https://www.goodnthehood.org/2021-scholarship-recipients.html">teens</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0LkXg05wNT4EZUt_VvftUhVcQwXS06MLAIBOg8lq4Dp2g-YjWMGW5TIGL6jYO4khhAVaUdkDLgG_E_hMBVzNY4j6nS0LctrYhYf8Wxer9-QTJYRATcUZF6jxcgZR1Pz5TK67FoZoDths/s2048/IMG_0684.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="2048" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0LkXg05wNT4EZUt_VvftUhVcQwXS06MLAIBOg8lq4Dp2g-YjWMGW5TIGL6jYO4khhAVaUdkDLgG_E_hMBVzNY4j6nS0LctrYhYf8Wxer9-QTJYRATcUZF6jxcgZR1Pz5TK67FoZoDths/w260-h203/IMG_0684.jpeg" width="260" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">During the same week of GITH, I also began implementing a Black/Brown Youth Leadership program in collaboration with Metro. The NAACP Environmental Justice Committee I chair, wrote for our first grant last fall and we spent June through August getting (10) youth leaders out in nature. They were trained for three days and then practiced their skills by leading hikes for the community. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The kids were amazing and I loved being able take time off work to hike. I was a four-time Outdoor School Counselor in high school, so it was full circle to rekindle my old interest in nature with the teens, many of whom had never hiked before! The Portland Observer highlighted the program </span><a href="http://portlandobserver.com/news/2021/jul/20/connecting-nature/" style="font-family: arial;">here.</a> <span style="font-family: arial;">I also found that I absolutely loved working with Metro! From the moment we got our grant, Metro nature educators worked to co-create some amazing curriculum, and with all black/brown staff! The experience prompted me to apply for their </span><a href="https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/equity-advisory-committee-provides-diverse-views-metro-s-parks-and-nature-policies" style="font-family: arial;">Parks and Nature Equity Advisory Committee </a><span style="font-family: arial;"> and I was selected! Note - I have worked for the City of Portland for over 6 years and never applied to be on their advisory committees - I actually feel a lot of progress is delayed because of how long things take and how little action results in committees. (With that being said, I lead and am on a lot of committees, ha)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And, when it comes to committees, my Environmental Justice (EJ) Committee has been incredibly active! In August, the committee turned one years old. We helped pass a bill, testified on a few others, wrote and received two grants, held a community forum session, participated in a few coalitions, and started the Youth Leadership program. We also have a few big grant proposals pending and new ones in being written. I never thought I'd get into grant writing, but it is so much like applying for scholarships in college, which was something I was pretty good at in the past. Means so much more to me seeing the funding help run programming that benefits my community!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After the hectic summer, I tried to focus on rest and was due for a vacation. My baby sister turned 21, so we took her to Vegas. It was also my first time there and I realized I do not like Vegas. The best part of my trip was the quickly planned Hoover Dam tour I took myself on. Absolutely stunning engineering feat. Much better than the anxiety inducing glam of Vegas. After Vegas, I also took a real vacation to Cabo, Mexico! A lot of this traveling during the pandemic was pretty scary with the Delta variant raging, but with so few travelers and being fully vaccinated - I felt safer than I did in Portland. Masks were worn and the anti-vax sentiment was not something common in Mexico. I didn't get COVID-19 and also survived a Hurricane Olaf while there - we had a week of beautiful days and one final day with a hurricane! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nPZMrKSub5NIPsj8-jULYU3qfCF5WI-I7SlgVZykbvyB-lBfkLJ-yr6jv3RVVYg6gv6tLGkxI7r3hEvuPryjrfB7-PoF10eefnvo3WL76kJNqWU_9mvEKdHajyT3frmGuxUhsssFe7y5/s2590/IMG_1676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="2590" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nPZMrKSub5NIPsj8-jULYU3qfCF5WI-I7SlgVZykbvyB-lBfkLJ-yr6jv3RVVYg6gv6tLGkxI7r3hEvuPryjrfB7-PoF10eefnvo3WL76kJNqWU_9mvEKdHajyT3frmGuxUhsssFe7y5/s320/IMG_1676.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hoover Dam views </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNWCCsP4yLdQF0DiOO6xjPRtkrjGCTsVmZzpZ0lKhN2KUUSHaKF19xH5vgR3ekvTd7_hfgW-bbP40tx4TCe9GOmqWerFJr7RcER4wdKMEBRo2zHfOptVSl1yX0HTR9xtXrtsyS6PTIFjr/s2048/IMG_1826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNWCCsP4yLdQF0DiOO6xjPRtkrjGCTsVmZzpZ0lKhN2KUUSHaKF19xH5vgR3ekvTd7_hfgW-bbP40tx4TCe9GOmqWerFJr7RcER4wdKMEBRo2zHfOptVSl1yX0HTR9xtXrtsyS6PTIFjr/s320/IMG_1826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Restful nights in Cabo</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">While things haven't calmed down a ton, I've been working on saying 'no' when I don't think I have capacity, and it feels like I am more in control of what is on my plate. The next few months will be focused on the <a href="https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy">Portland Clean Energy Fund's</a> grant cycle for the Portland NAACP, working on the <a href="https://www.multco.us/multnomah-county/crc-members">Multnomah County Charter Commission</a> that I was selected for, and getting ready to study for my nemesis: the PE exam! </span></div>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-48783393802764837912020-12-30T00:15:00.010-08:002020-12-31T14:34:07.123-08:00Mise en Place<p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">What. A. Year. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was adamant about writing before 2021 because it will be my first time posting as frequently in over 5 years. Maybe next year I will meet my blog goal and post once a month. But, I'm also tired of making goals when so much can happen in a year, as seen in 2020, where our entire world has changed in 9 months. Being disappointed in what we "should" have accomplished this year wouldn't have allowed us to celebrate the successes of this year. Surviving a pandemic, a wildfire with hazardous air quality, political unrest, global racial awareness, etc. The list goes on because honestly, this year was so traumatic that I am hardly able to remember sometimes. What I do remember is that I felt more well rounded than I have in over a decade. With so much going on in the world, this year challenged me to strengthen my friendships, reactivate my artistic creativity, explore ways to give back - all while maintaining 6 feet and social distancing. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A small successes for 2020 included diving into my filipino roots. I have spent so much of my life dedicated to my Black community and background, but I wanted to also give time to my other half. I am also Filipina! I can go into a long discussion on being bi-racial and multitude of layers that creates in identity, but I'll stop for this post. I read Filipino American books (Thank you Carlos Bulosan, Jose Antonio Vargas and Elaine Castillo!), joined the Filipino American City Employees (FACE) Affinity group, and spent lots of time in the kitchen with my mama. I've also been making up for lost time and eating lumpia WAY too often. My mom always says it's supposed to be for celebrations, which I think is fair because 2020 calls for parties at dinnertime simply for maintaining sanity and joy. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7b-zPH2d9IxRh5aZDsFJgmfNLTvPrRpKT31hMlV3Y1cuoanI07FhlAPL9c4NFdROd0ayT6MhVva-hYAjJYLv-Rej_elRMHsJvV_gpU3bmAvybzvFFiBgSNyUE1dXHORRdy9_pKQsHHvV/s4032/IMG_6291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7b-zPH2d9IxRh5aZDsFJgmfNLTvPrRpKT31hMlV3Y1cuoanI07FhlAPL9c4NFdROd0ayT6MhVva-hYAjJYLv-Rej_elRMHsJvV_gpU3bmAvybzvFFiBgSNyUE1dXHORRdy9_pKQsHHvV/w300-h400/IMG_6291.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lumpia! (No, it's not a spring roll) </span><p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some much larger success happened all right in the last month. In my last post from August I talked about working on an artist grant. The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation had announced the <a href="https://www.harsch.com/artist-grant-program/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter Artist Grant</a>, which dedicated $150,000 to 20 artists in Portland, Oregon (and another 40 in Washington/Eugene) for artists whose work responds to Black Lives Matter. I haven't made a visual art piece in over 8 years, but my past work was all themed on social injustice, so this grant was a perfect chance to funnel all my feelings in to a new piece. It was hard. I learned I can't just jump into art at a whim anymore - thinking too much on materials, dimension, composition, etc. Too much engineering lately, if you ask me ;) In spite of the hours staring a blank slate, I pulled together not just a proposal, but a completed piece for the grant. It was worth the effort too because I was <a href="http://www.jordanschnitzer.org/artist-grant" target="_blank">announced</a> as one of the grant recipients earlier this month. I was and am still elated. I thought I had given up the artist in me when I became an engineer - choosing not to study art in college and giving up the street shows I used to do. Details on the upcoming grant showcase are TBD due to COVID, but I plan to share the piece at that time. Applying for the grant also prompted me to reactivate my old domain and recreate my website, so <a href="http://www.jreyesha.com">www.jreyesha.com</a> is also up and running again! </span></div><p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: left;">Also, around August when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed with the state of affairs, I did some research on starting scholarships, foundations, etc. Thanks to some great advice, I was able to start my own scholarship for BIPOC women majoring in engineering, the 'Brannon Diversity in Engineering Scholarship' through my alma mater, University of Portland (UP). It is essentially a unique way to support diversifying STEM fields, which to almost all who know me, is a passion. As part of the 2% of engineering graduates who are black women, I am personally vested in diversifying my field. My scholarship was highlighted this month by UP in their </span><a href="https://www.giving.up.edu/s/1797/doc.aspx?sid=1797&gid=2&pgid=957" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Annual Giving Campaign.</a><span style="text-align: left;"> Highlighting my scholarship was astounding because it got so much support! Seeing my friends become donors and even a local company supporting this effort brought me so much joy. I am so grateful to all of the donors who made my education possible via scholarships, so it is a pleasure to give back to the future generation of engineers. More info on my newest website tab! ;) </span></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qSCGWjOMQMiZ-DxIzxm4gdLKjo9zpg71SouzHANcEJo5teW0O37VM3DEI1zgKiYKMKUkBy6SWGufIfwFbogcI-bFiRPVbJ0k0oMtfKIBVpMioridV7ta_rGsBHFg-tZmT1NTdOzK_xGd/s1418/IMG_7759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qSCGWjOMQMiZ-DxIzxm4gdLKjo9zpg71SouzHANcEJo5teW0O37VM3DEI1zgKiYKMKUkBy6SWGufIfwFbogcI-bFiRPVbJ0k0oMtfKIBVpMioridV7ta_rGsBHFg-tZmT1NTdOzK_xGd/w234-h400/IMG_7759.jpg" width="234" /></a></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I can't pretend this year was all good. I lost my great grandma, spent many days in bed, slept more than I thought possible, cried over a lost foster kitten, drank too much, postponed parts of my life and found myself feeling helpless. In spite of the tumultuous year our world has had, we each accomplished so much - working from home, maintaining health, getting closer to friends, and reshaping our "normal." </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The french phrase "mise en place" means 'everything in its place,' as well as 'setting up' and thats a bit how it feels right now. A year so wretched, but hopeful - setting up for something better in 2021. </span></div><p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjRDLXd0_RxTjrTbsOFa9a7JDWhU6DJJf7d9hDbVrLGaNnZvW8cHQHZ1elzTW4krI3M_pdv6nPSPbaiK9PhpddDjqeVw8etogUmR_RLW8-aKS2aGOM3MHdYmHVhxTgNUJl1wpKz_2tFoj/s2048/IMG_7742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjRDLXd0_RxTjrTbsOFa9a7JDWhU6DJJf7d9hDbVrLGaNnZvW8cHQHZ1elzTW4krI3M_pdv6nPSPbaiK9PhpddDjqeVw8etogUmR_RLW8-aKS2aGOM3MHdYmHVhxTgNUJl1wpKz_2tFoj/w240-h320/IMG_7742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;">Small orange highlights to this year. Meet Franz.</div></span><p></p>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-20044369219825602122020-08-18T22:31:00.003-07:002020-08-18T22:38:54.691-07:00Some Assessment and Some New Things <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I feel torn between two states of mind. One part incredibly hopeful for the future with all of the activism / awareness that’s spread around the world. And, the other feeling hopeless with some people’s innate lack of empathy and willful ignorance. I’ve seen many of my (what I thought were) friend’s/family’s true colors to which I’ve realized that who I am as a person was just the one exception to their racist world views. The moment I show emotion or solidarity with activists who are trying to make change, I’m being “racist.” All of which is comical and frustrating at the same time. I’ve learned this little summary of insights:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Don’t read the comments. Trash world trolls there and they will make you doubt hope for humanity<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I will get called sensitive and throwing the ‘race card’ for discussing who I am, but they’ll be the first ones to claim they feel left out, upset that they’re being “targeted,” and that they’ve had a rough life, so therefore don’t carry privilege… A LOT of people miss the point. For the people in the back – <b>To have white privilege does not mean your life hasn’t had struggles, it just means your skin tone was not one of these struggles. </b>Given that I can’t change my skin tone and it’s the first thing that is seen, along with my assumed gender, it’s a big one to have at the forefront of how I walk through this world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I’d rather take well meaning than willfully ignorant. Was frustrated by this concept when this activism bug caught on, but I’d rather have folks trying to learn or do better, than deal with those refusing to see facts or experiences, and having a stubborn inhumane lack of empathy. <b>Just because it doesn’t affect you, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">All of this being said, this blog was never very personal or political as far as my emotions and frustrations, but with the world in its current state, I can’t pretend that my COVID crafting streak or increased involvement in community wasn’t fueled by a desire to destress, self-care, and a need to do something that creates meaningful change in a system that is undeniably broken.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Cross stitching (a new craft hobby) via virtual “Crafternoons” with friends, gardening, making cocktails, cooking almost every meal, and spending time with my beau have been some of the calmer parts of my life. I have also seen more friends virtually and socially distanced than I ever had time for in pre-COVID times, and value their friendship more than I realized. I am also thankful for having a job that allows me to work from home, though finding out this work style will continue into 2021 was a bit of a shock. The cats definitely enjoy this work life, not very balanced lifestyle than I do…</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPws1-nBJSs3fpQe6HllW5RSBV_QRIQS4lkg_GDfYRblP0zZFtlm-iopew9o1RYeD6l8G4Eq5Q4_X4WIBGqV6Vpd-dMPcN2irr-WX_h2UVT_agJ9rAnJchNlyTt8yYfvqwGZENrp6X_gS/s2016/IMG_5233.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPws1-nBJSs3fpQe6HllW5RSBV_QRIQS4lkg_GDfYRblP0zZFtlm-iopew9o1RYeD6l8G4Eq5Q4_X4WIBGqV6Vpd-dMPcN2irr-WX_h2UVT_agJ9rAnJchNlyTt8yYfvqwGZENrp6X_gS/w197-h262/IMG_5233.JPG" width="197" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBtmYujKAuFfpmm4J77t9T8at-Ev1HCCSiHbRB4Q4624PxnvUYD00LdtuwcLYXqR9x9zNnBSzV4DNsGpjV37x26WnDD8vmQy7RC0RK2Jk0GxMkcD3xu42obiu5QS5mN19xeN-pwWltt26/s2016/IMG_5551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBtmYujKAuFfpmm4J77t9T8at-Ev1HCCSiHbRB4Q4624PxnvUYD00LdtuwcLYXqR9x9zNnBSzV4DNsGpjV37x26WnDD8vmQy7RC0RK2Jk0GxMkcD3xu42obiu5QS5mN19xeN-pwWltt26/w197-h262/IMG_5551.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Gardening Results</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGutw3qY7Y1WM_DbUojxoUf2hIAAbacye3FmlKNeOa4rIVF1HjZV1mIO3ygT2T3ByDBaRKY9XUDf3m-9gPPyLTFoKTMBRZmcg63Tx1ZJcbJb7W5JEgJg7v7hrT07FYxTkJpourZLqpQK-/s2016/IMG_4990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGutw3qY7Y1WM_DbUojxoUf2hIAAbacye3FmlKNeOa4rIVF1HjZV1mIO3ygT2T3ByDBaRKY9XUDf3m-9gPPyLTFoKTMBRZmcg63Tx1ZJcbJb7W5JEgJg7v7hrT07FYxTkJpourZLqpQK-/w246-h328/IMG_4990.JPG" width="246" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDnsmzFVbCDoXWdf-8k_nH7ny5Lyeuf6u6NSNkU97CUTeT2Ah5dddYrQmgWeoMS5p198L3tBvVrrIXouogZNStltM4DYeW2fZql6srP10RT_TRJiM-ZlRQo7bXNN6TjdrqZUrc-DA7ray/s769/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="769" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDnsmzFVbCDoXWdf-8k_nH7ny5Lyeuf6u6NSNkU97CUTeT2Ah5dddYrQmgWeoMS5p198L3tBvVrrIXouogZNStltM4DYeW2fZql6srP10RT_TRJiM-ZlRQo7bXNN6TjdrqZUrc-DA7ray/w262-h254/unnamed.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My completed cross stitch projects from the last few months. ;) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHghwrvg2M4vDJW0jh_P1Qlgi5FkOATYi2uZtLnsV6LVQncqUr-EqgnKJyjbniHzvHsm4Ql2ux3aWN3liYvPDBNoHDcIKfQbOMPxsBQyiJG_Y0DEi-j9xb_ldu7CnWPMNAG-_TTfI7WDK/s2016/IMG_5473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHghwrvg2M4vDJW0jh_P1Qlgi5FkOATYi2uZtLnsV6LVQncqUr-EqgnKJyjbniHzvHsm4Ql2ux3aWN3liYvPDBNoHDcIKfQbOMPxsBQyiJG_Y0DEi-j9xb_ldu7CnWPMNAG-_TTfI7WDK/w246-h328/IMG_5473.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cats enjoying backyard office time with mom :) </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Joining the National Association for the Advance of Colored People (NAACP) Portland Branch has been a whirlwind. I was recruited by a friend who chairs the Political Action Committee and within a few weeks, I’ve stepped into a new role as the Environmental Justice Subcommittee Chair. With the increased racial awareness that has spread worldwide, there has been a reinvigoration of activism with the NAACP and its breathing new life into the local chapter’s committees. Meetings are thought provoking! I’m learning a lot on honing my leadership skills and the work that goes into legislation. It’s a different experience than working with engineers all day at work, which often continued in my time as the Vice President for the NSBE Portland Professional Chapter (also, check out our new board members on <a href="https://www.nsbepropdx.org/">our site</a>) I am very excited to continue working with the NAACP and gain a more political background, to which I hope will create real change within our society. Stay posted on IP 44 on your ballots, which is one of the measures our committee is supporting!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I have a lot of projects in the works now too. Potential app development, attempting to apply for my first artist grant (remember when I was an artist 8 years ago? I'm hoping to tiptoe back into my creative side again…TBD), continued studying for my PE license, and maintaining my existing commitments – NSBE, Etsy Shops, Found on Fremont, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pdxcaan/">CAAN</a> projects on empowering my fellow black employees within the City of Portland, and the inevitable search for BALANCE.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">See below for my first site visit in months. Very cool project in SE Portland, that to be fair, I was just visiting for cost negotiation on my own projects, but I got to go on this fun field trip afterwards. I do miss Construction management sometimes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKNoIjaPTOyax-SZ3W-GhJ7euoUF3Vc5CONSUw9sVlIVGHvbdSd_oV8P-D5jB82N5NmXp4V8A5-T1ftoND17CN5XgUY4nSMYbCdxjN_Vm8q_qZmCc2nRQrQxcuAn8zXquoOVjsgbGJyx9/s1512/IMG_5075.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1512" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKNoIjaPTOyax-SZ3W-GhJ7euoUF3Vc5CONSUw9sVlIVGHvbdSd_oV8P-D5jB82N5NmXp4V8A5-T1ftoND17CN5XgUY4nSMYbCdxjN_Vm8q_qZmCc2nRQrQxcuAn8zXquoOVjsgbGJyx9/w328-h276/IMG_5075.jpg" title="Construction in the time of COVID." width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction in the time of COVID - masked up!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-30006502161950314002020-05-24T22:50:00.001-07:002020-05-24T22:50:30.517-07:00Restless Quarantine <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Hard to believe it's been more than two months since I was in the office. The adjustment of working from home and being in quarantine for this long has been an emotional rollercoaster. I tend to value myself based on productivity/actions, so with nothing but time, I began quarantine frantically trying to get as much done as I could. I think I honestly thought things would go back to normal shortly. I'm now in a more relaxed mood, and finally realizing that things aren't going back to the old routine for quite a while - and that maybe its not a bad thing. I'm getting things done I've been procrastinating for years and going back to old hobbies that are fulfilling me just as much as they did when I was younger. I'm also working harder to stay connected with friends because the skill of socializing is something I gained with practice and its far too easy to go back to my naturally introverted ways.<br />
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I'm also happy to report that my volunteer affiliations have transitioned to some virtual efforts. I was on two panels for NSBE outreach (with more events scheduled in the next few weeks - follow @nspbepropdx), been hosting semi weekly virtual check in meetings with the City African American Network, and completed a shoebox float for Good n' the Hood's participation in the Portland Rose Festival's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/at-home-but-still-a-community/rose-festival-grand-petite-parade/676045799855569/" target="_blank">Grand Petite Parade</a>. There is so much creativity in how folks are staying connected during this time and I'm so impressed with everyone - no matter the situation, we still continue to provide outlets for the community.<br />
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I've completed a slough of projects around the house, crafted a lot, and implemented some changes to my diet / health. Some of my projects included:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Started my garden / had extreme trimming done on my trees</li>
<li>Started running - I can now run 5 miles and have been running a few times a week</li>
<li>Organized my garage / art room </li>
<li>Ramped up online sales with ebay, etsy, etc.</li>
<li>CRAFTING - jewelry with mom, virtual crafternoon with my engineering ladies from work, paint night with my guy, and lots of weaving on my own </li>
<li>Lots of cooking - bulgogi, smothered pork chops, almond flour pizzas, etc.</li>
<li>Started and ended a keto diet - lost most of the quarantine weight I gained in the first month and am now actively watching carb/sugar intake</li>
<li>Removing old carpet / painting my guy's attic room, so he could lay laminate - looks great!</li>
<li>Painted my room and replaced/stained new baseboards/crown molding</li>
<li>Scheduled new windows to be installed next month</li>
<li>Read over 10 books since quarantine began </li>
<li>Intentional connection with friends - Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc. </li>
<li>Finished a puzzle</li>
<li>Reupholstered my mid century dining table chairs</li>
<li>Started playing the piano again - remastering old pieces and am continuing to be amazed with how reliable my muscle memory is</li>
<li>Oh, and my dearest cat Ludwig now has an instagram, ha! @acatnamedludwig</li>
</ul>
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<div>
While I really want to get back to the office and my usual pace with work, I am beginning to appreciate the newfound balance and forced reset in how I spend my time. Goals I hoped to accomplish the year are likely delayed. Travels I planned are definitely delayed. But - all in all, I feel incredibly lucky to work from home and have my family in good health during this time. :) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqgEBFGjs9tmdBOSAzYPWWwT_L06z2rptGR3kYKQ5raf1EZmT6A524qG8lfUBbh90ntKQsgKCeBDsXq5tbx9uGbRO4W0j53CxdPwh71EFDlwz-N5jNSeXk8Viq_gp_WRujn9wSH44e3cK/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqgEBFGjs9tmdBOSAzYPWWwT_L06z2rptGR3kYKQ5raf1EZmT6A524qG8lfUBbh90ntKQsgKCeBDsXq5tbx9uGbRO4W0j53CxdPwh71EFDlwz-N5jNSeXk8Viq_gp_WRujn9wSH44e3cK/s400/IMG_4134.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">My latest woven piece - tried to step outside of my comfort zone with some color!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_Ttwp6BrlIXahKNF7PsXxpPYY2W6mT9MDMunZqJAXTED9oK3DwxL3M7GSN54JVdXLKOaON7GzWuL2XedlD_334ksxLhx0ezqiQ0OfU1ol3g_2RjiFB2qFNiGoqCH7t4UI1Bwx42XXckQ/s1600/IMG_4340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="391" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_Ttwp6BrlIXahKNF7PsXxpPYY2W6mT9MDMunZqJAXTED9oK3DwxL3M7GSN54JVdXLKOaON7GzWuL2XedlD_334ksxLhx0ezqiQ0OfU1ol3g_2RjiFB2qFNiGoqCH7t4UI1Bwx42XXckQ/s400/IMG_4340.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Good n' The Hood shoebox float I worked on with my fellow parade co-chair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUV4o4txerupKoHUGFjzAepJwrDxZQbR8DuPt94eJEo8MFZpws96iReNMy_EYmgO0KOlGUK_cZL8n0p_qee7HfdrFYk3AcW3s3b_WzUdAniKNQmZ9OEh_nPkR-5vI3dxnmIuWj3dI4uGl/s1600/IMG_3922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUV4o4txerupKoHUGFjzAepJwrDxZQbR8DuPt94eJEo8MFZpws96iReNMy_EYmgO0KOlGUK_cZL8n0p_qee7HfdrFYk3AcW3s3b_WzUdAniKNQmZ9OEh_nPkR-5vI3dxnmIuWj3dI4uGl/s320/IMG_3922.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rocky the Cat showing his favorite pose by my puzzle - he gets excited when packages are delivered!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSP9Cz4ImIzRw0E5sF__7gDkxHsb-Wr1iAGEpco4n1ZhVRplTmE3IrfOXmOeutfaBtHLx0SJ-JRCQLRLuTcP33ZKt6uKTzLSmIFmAsGQPiJIEhNuzEC1UONKoPFlXJkeHG3_9UMWh_Em/s1600/IMG_4357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="640" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSP9Cz4ImIzRw0E5sF__7gDkxHsb-Wr1iAGEpco4n1ZhVRplTmE3IrfOXmOeutfaBtHLx0SJ-JRCQLRLuTcP33ZKt6uKTzLSmIFmAsGQPiJIEhNuzEC1UONKoPFlXJkeHG3_9UMWh_Em/s320/IMG_4357.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Some bottle cap collage magnets I made. I used to make these when I was about 11 years old :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOenh6eHGLxZ3HhrPQfSPCyIf5pS97K-Gd-Z38i0W0t4D2_rmb7ZddTQpxHyur0wUfo2RxhXljw1ijxnjtrstFm5PsNfUoSCdkEF9IlI7UyDNhBCGr7YgGhnMezzc2DuwU_kAPBTfA1FnF/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOenh6eHGLxZ3HhrPQfSPCyIf5pS97K-Gd-Z38i0W0t4D2_rmb7ZddTQpxHyur0wUfo2RxhXljw1ijxnjtrstFm5PsNfUoSCdkEF9IlI7UyDNhBCGr7YgGhnMezzc2DuwU_kAPBTfA1FnF/s400/IMG_3931.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Easter/Mother's Day and lots of birthdays via quarantine. This bouquet<br />
shows how well the garden has been blossoming </td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-73754530940290499662020-03-24T21:10:00.002-07:002020-03-25T09:13:22.293-07:00Stayin' Home, Stayin' Busy2020 is surreal. Prior to March, I had finished reading <u>The Stand</u> by Stephen King. Little did I know it was a strange foreshadowing to the string of events related to COVID-19. This new reality continues to shock me. I have waited in line to buy groceries, seen completely empty aisles in stores, seen a fight in grocery stores, and been far too pleased that I had three bottles of hand sanitizer in my car. Also, doing the math on how long my eight rolls of toilet paper will last has been interesting.<br />
<br />
I am now in week two of working from home after my job's building was evacuated. The City of Portland continues to work, but we're all learning to use Microsoft Teams, making due with personal laptops, limited software, and wonky internet. I've even learned that a good chunk of my coworkers don't have wifi. It's a strange time.<br />
<br />
While the impacts of "Stay Home, Save Lives" have been pretty isolating, it's allowed me to get a ton of work done around the house and helped create the balance I was trying to find. Good in the Hood 2020 has been cancelled. My various NSBE and City African American Network events have been postponed. Concerts cancelled. Professional Engineering (PE) exams have been postponed. All of these cancellations have given me the free time to cook healthy meals, garden, cuddle with my cats, study without deadlines, and craft without trying to balance my work and extensive volunteer commitments. At first I struggled with losing my sense of purpose... it is hugely fulfilling to plan events and be a part of my community. But, keeping the community safe so that someday we can be in large groups without infecting one another is also important. I'm proud that all of my organizations value the communities they serve.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in spite of being home, I'm keeping as busy as I can with self care and productive things around the house. :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqriTwu_j37M0FrY2T9FdtqUylOaQwfljx2c8U1R3rSNN_IQBXpoUbBGVxlO6AHZL4JWAoVjrhVolktAxyQQ9OqaTyjl7_P1JKrNPpx7bcORMv0kbm1BeBnxUPR5OJNByquYmKOcr48eo/s1600/IMG_3180+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="640" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqriTwu_j37M0FrY2T9FdtqUylOaQwfljx2c8U1R3rSNN_IQBXpoUbBGVxlO6AHZL4JWAoVjrhVolktAxyQQ9OqaTyjl7_P1JKrNPpx7bcORMv0kbm1BeBnxUPR5OJNByquYmKOcr48eo/s320/IMG_3180+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulched my front yard myself this year! Was happy my perennials came back nice and healthy this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlRozxLNKkvm5S-MGqsHG3PVyCIa-c9j8MrRuVwNyTt9vCVofOLOHdiMNG8NEI9FW9V5tsOk6bTY8XeBvYkRpufZx5Frovd_H0UwH4jh0gcdNPzBP5jnQjfXX8e_z2SjtRvJ4dSkt3rbG/s1600/IMG_3189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlRozxLNKkvm5S-MGqsHG3PVyCIa-c9j8MrRuVwNyTt9vCVofOLOHdiMNG8NEI9FW9V5tsOk6bTY8XeBvYkRpufZx5Frovd_H0UwH4jh0gcdNPzBP5jnQjfXX8e_z2SjtRvJ4dSkt3rbG/s320/IMG_3189.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden boxes ready for seeding when this week of rain is over.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZq3fQAiwF7VoEi7pSn2G2ucTeFX0St4yC6iKq8Hx6AK6PCVPx7ZIo3QGEw7kDZsZw1qetqNTv46nW2vdbdsjYXtMrGF4g6rPjGWGExVRNo2Kq_weye_eQutBU1Bo8qB1UvbXiRUjqMtK/s1600/IMG_3205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZq3fQAiwF7VoEi7pSn2G2ucTeFX0St4yC6iKq8Hx6AK6PCVPx7ZIo3QGEw7kDZsZw1qetqNTv46nW2vdbdsjYXtMrGF4g6rPjGWGExVRNo2Kq_weye_eQutBU1Bo8qB1UvbXiRUjqMtK/s320/IMG_3205.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining chairs freshly reupholstered and our newest cat family member, Rocky, approves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZICIlkvBHFKYQQTFfgOLxMW7r2rdhmDndkqLGy1MJn7ZeY-HbR_9Fk3njDmvIKahs7IiFkk_TFpDfqnxZvI90Avlvg2wG9sx9o9CjvmyfncuHqdT-dQMZ0gKMo4LDYGAuzRyhXwikAutS/s400/IMG_2880.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the things I'm also taking a break from is thrifting and Found on Fremont in general. The shop is temporarily closed until the virus is over, which saves me some more time and is actually a nice break from tagging and making little displays. Its likely this Easter display wont get much love though, ha! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZICIlkvBHFKYQQTFfgOLxMW7r2rdhmDndkqLGy1MJn7ZeY-HbR_9Fk3njDmvIKahs7IiFkk_TFpDfqnxZvI90Avlvg2wG9sx9o9CjvmyfncuHqdT-dQMZ0gKMo4LDYGAuzRyhXwikAutS/s1600/IMG_2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-46215335518256594672020-02-09T23:59:00.000-08:002020-02-10T21:28:31.035-08:00Balance and Inspiring CreativityHard to believe we're in 2020. I did about my usual with four posts last year and I always hope I'll do better. Things have been busy, but not in the way that I usually am. This year I am focusing on authenticity, balance and focusing on my long term goals. I do a lot of volunteer work and I get a lot of joy out it, but I don't want to lose sight of my personal goals whilst being busy, so I'm hoping this year to get a better balance on my time.<br />
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That being said, last month and the latter portion of last year were spent on NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). We now have an active board, executive advisors, and are planning to attend our first National Conference next month. We put on several events that had a consistent turnout every time. I've made a really awesome network of black engineers and that is something I didn't know was possible given the lack of diversity I see in Portland and within my career field. I'm so proud of our board members and that my super sleuthing/networking/pestering to start a chapter paid off. Check our our new <a href="https://www.nsbepropdx.org/" target="_blank">website!</a> And, give us a follow on instagram @nsbepropdx<br />
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This last month up until February was busy with work volunteering as well, since the City African American Network (CAAN) always works hard to put on events for city staff in honor of Black History Month. CAAN started out as a small group of individuals and has grown significantly. It is so nice to be a part of a larger group now and take a small step back to see what others can do. My main task at our City Hall proclamation this year was to coordinate an art display for the month. I chose two artists to showcase, <a href="https://www.sadebeasley.com/" target="_blank">Sade Beasley</a> and <a href="https://www.citytroll.com/" target="_blank">Hobbs Waters</a>. I don't usually highlight other artist's work on my blog, but these two really inspired me to think about my original roots as an artist. I have been so focused on being an engineer, that I kind of neglected my creative side. I always craft - making jewelry typically, but it has been over 5 years since I made a piece of visual art. Organizing the art display made me think about my old portfolio and the type of work I want to put forth later. I hope after a certain engineering license exam is passed that I'll be able to focus on my creativity. Thank you to Sade/Hobbs for inspiring me! :) The proclamation event itself was lovely too - the national theme on 'African Americans and the Vote' allowed for some great programming. We still have a couple other events planned, so be sure to follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pdxcaan/" target="_blank">CAAN on facebook</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ2kJauUTJ6fA3JxS505-KABtyLzde2v00vqMGw-sfsmy9d-rio9Q1TgN2bS5KNbub8HsRHWxeWLKvLdWYGsSYZtajOH47KMTBgUo5YPLfpieXr2KvX9nyPm2KlvJHB4Y7hilC3YlZKlx/s1600/0001+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ2kJauUTJ6fA3JxS505-KABtyLzde2v00vqMGw-sfsmy9d-rio9Q1TgN2bS5KNbub8HsRHWxeWLKvLdWYGsSYZtajOH47KMTBgUo5YPLfpieXr2KvX9nyPm2KlvJHB4Y7hilC3YlZKlx/s400/0001+2.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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Outside of volunteering, work, and still managing my little vendor space at Found on Fremont, I've been enjoying travel and FUN. I went to Peru for my birthday in November and took a mini weekend in San Francisco in January to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Taking breaks for a fancy tiki cocktail, retro arcades, and weekends to coast are things I value so much lately. Finding time for a gym run, keto cooking, and journaling are also part of the balance of self care I'm incorporating to the week. It takes a lot of organization to juggle things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX30E15MFJgfKIGavHD7GplkCAaYeIBqnopiJuNM4rH-Zq3cOFMMEDpi2WFXwvNUV-XYnlieOjwmS26h3VZef3BcwLcuR4fkwIDK_GU8AUjoCXd1gD08_fpJcBKeot5BH8mxrFj66SvYd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-09+at+11.53.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="570" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX30E15MFJgfKIGavHD7GplkCAaYeIBqnopiJuNM4rH-Zq3cOFMMEDpi2WFXwvNUV-XYnlieOjwmS26h3VZef3BcwLcuR4fkwIDK_GU8AUjoCXd1gD08_fpJcBKeot5BH8mxrFj66SvYd/s200/Screen+Shot+2020-02-09+at+11.53.58+PM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie in Machu Picchu, Peru! </td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-83543510692669597572019-10-04T22:54:00.002-07:002019-10-04T22:54:37.277-07:00Summer Recap and Positive ChangesPer usual, I haven't blogged in a while. Things have been pleasantly busy, but also very focused on studying for my upcoming Professional Engineering license. I am hoping these hours of studying end up paying off! My kitties have become so used to studying with me. See below :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always giving me stern professor look - in cat form!<br />
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This last couple months, I've also started being more focused on health/fitness. I completed a very strict 28-day keto diet challenge, and joined a salad club at work with some of my coworkers. The weight loss has been a nice perk, but the stress relief and balance while studying has been the ultimate reward. It's also gotten me to spend more time in my kitchen and learn to cook - something I've been woefully bad at for years!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnJGndToYQSvcj1bIADyNDMjZtF1ZYI_yOc5VS2aU3QG2NWdldDkT_qDdl7q5sD5kqlLBnkvJ18ks3CVLpKWlq-z31cKQE3G04Sh7oF4yW5tZ-yaWxVLzQfaih0hyG3WuvUnMjlQVavY7/s1600/A7A927D6-4340-4B2E-9284-A0A612A909B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1553" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnJGndToYQSvcj1bIADyNDMjZtF1ZYI_yOc5VS2aU3QG2NWdldDkT_qDdl7q5sD5kqlLBnkvJ18ks3CVLpKWlq-z31cKQE3G04Sh7oF4yW5tZ-yaWxVLzQfaih0hyG3WuvUnMjlQVavY7/s320/A7A927D6-4340-4B2E-9284-A0A612A909B1.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad club mason jars - prepared the night before my assigned day of the week! Sometimes they're pretty :)</td></tr>
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While I didn't craft or do much by way of creativity, I did get some gardening done this summer. Lots of beans and I became the heirloom tomato queen for a few months - ended up being perfect for salad club preparation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes and green (and yellow) beans for days! </td></tr>
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In other big changes - my vendor partner, Blind Cat Vintage, left Found on Fremont to strictly sell online, so the space and all its abundance changed. We have future plans in the mix, so it's not goodbye for good as a duo, but for now I've switched managing the vending space solo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was finally able to put some larger pieces in with my newfound space.</td></tr>
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I think the most significant change to my life over the summer is that I left the clean water bureau and transferred back to the sewer bureau. Very early on I realized it wasn't a great fit and I'm so grateful that my former bureau welcomed me back with new opportunities - good people and strides towards efficiency are so important in a workplace. I'm working within the design group - no longer a construction manager officially (though, I'm still finishing some projects for my former bureau), but I'm so excited that I'm learning new skills as an engineer. Being well rounded is something I think will benefit my career long term. This past summer, I've been managing the construction on Mt. Tabor Reservoirs historical preservation, which has been a unique project to manage and one I'm lucky enough to finish while transferring bureaus. I love being able to say I have a part in such a well known Portland landmark! Summer site visits here have been fantastic.<br />
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-19943304004854237792019-06-24T22:43:00.000-07:002019-06-24T22:50:35.410-07:00Italy, Parades, and NSBE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Since getting out of college, one of my favorite ways to 'treat myself' is to travel. As a kid, I didn't get to travel much, in exception of the coast. It still kind of wows me every time I step off the plane and am in a different place - and I love bringing pieces of my journey back to my family (aka - I'm a souvenir fiend). I love international travel, but I also love that there are so many cities in the States that I've yet to visit. Every year I take a mini vacation on my birthday - Toronto, San Francisco, New York, and Maui have been my last four birthdays. I'm still figuring out where I'll go this November... </span></div>
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Last month, I was so lucky to be invited on a ladies trip to Italy - where I visited Venice and Florence. Most of my trips are solo, so it was a nice change to have a group of ladies to meander with. I did eventually detour to Vienna, Austria on my own to see one of my oldest friends, who now lives there with her new hubby. Again, I'm always so tickled to be in new places - seeing, eating, and enjoying new things / experiences. Gondolas, pasta, wine, and way too much shopping. We also visited Burano and Murano, islands outside of Venice and they were my favorite part of the trip, because they were so picturesque. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical Burano - the painted buildings and whimsical lace making in this town were like a fairy tale. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical "street view" in Venice - our streets ain't got nothing on this.</td></tr>
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Upon getting back from Italy, I had one of the busiest months in a while. I joined the Good in the Hood (GITH) Planning committee a few months ago, so this June was my first GITH event. As the Parade Co-Chair, I was responsible for parade planning. I've been in a few parades as I was formerly a Rose Festival Princess, but <i><b>planning</b></i> a parade is a whole different animal. Everything that I planned in various maps, layouts, and spreadsheets to organize over 60 organizations (and what ended up being 1200 participants in the parade) was different in action - something as an construction engineer I should have known - I mean, how many times have designs had to change when it was completely different on site? Anyway, GITH was the biggest volunteer gigs I've ever been a part of - all of the hours were well worth it, and it was wonderful to give back to the neighborhood I grew up in. I'm already looking forward to next year going off without a hitch.<br />
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<a href="https://www.koin.com/news/local/multnomah-county/photos-good-in-the-hood-multicultural-festival/2093110317" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out some photos from our parade that KOIN 6 captured.<br />
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I have also had the pleasure of bringing back the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NSBEProPDX/" target="_blank">Portland Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)</a> with a small group of Intel engineers. We had our first kickoff event at a black owned business last weekend, and had a huge turnout. As someone who is usually the only woman, and only person of color in my line of work, it was refreshing to be around so much 'black excellence.' I've learned that it is SO important and necessary to create spaces for yourself where you can be inspired, motivated, and have a sense of community. Portland's NSBE has big plans and I'm excited live by our motto, <i>"to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community."</i><br />
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<br />J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-33907859294595326982019-05-18T09:21:00.000-07:002019-05-18T09:22:37.103-07:00Cosplay Craftin' - Project InuYashaIt has been such a busy last few months. I'm currently in the Brussels airport where I get to enjoy a five hour layover on my way to Vienna... at least the wifi is strong! Figured I'd share the "craft" project I focused on last month.<br />
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I went to Sakura-Con for the first time last month, which is Seattle's anime con! All of my middle/high school years, I watched anime and read a lot of manga, so it's a bit nostalgic even though I'm not up on the recent world of anime/manga. Since it was a nostalgic comicon for me, I decided to go with my all time favorite character - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuyasha" target="_blank">Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi</a>, which was the very first manga I read too. A lovable, but grumpy dog demon from feudal Japan!<br />
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I'm not very skilled with the sewing machine and this literal red robe took me HOURS, and I finally realized how helpful having a dress form is. I made this kimono top (hardest part was the armpits and slits in the top shoulders) without a pattern... so I learned that next time I'm going to seek out a pattern to give me reference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4KYMK1ajbFDtDAIdysDqTVdPBtPaDHqzW_dDodxovfvCXFW-VeF3FUVWLUvIgOcc3B3OfaRFIyWWd_PgoaUTBtBJv9VjYmEoKA4kCBKKd9XQ5_rZLfd49QT51mq5Oya54opNP8oBDsl9/s1600/IMG_7561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4KYMK1ajbFDtDAIdysDqTVdPBtPaDHqzW_dDodxovfvCXFW-VeF3FUVWLUvIgOcc3B3OfaRFIyWWd_PgoaUTBtBJv9VjYmEoKA4kCBKKd9XQ5_rZLfd49QT51mq5Oya54opNP8oBDsl9/s320/IMG_7561.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double layered cotton - kimono robe top! </td></tr>
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Outside of the sewing of the robe, I made the necklace with polymer clay, modified a layered wig with a cheap amazon wig, 12 extensions and some clip on bangs, and wore inch long press on claw nails! (And, picked up some ears / kids samurai sword / red harem pants to complete the look). Not as in depth as a lot of cosplay and comicon fanatics, but it was my first full costume. Got a lot of pictures taken of me and a lot of "SIT BOY!" references from the show, so I was happy! :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcUxIjwMmk6O1NuMFA6IgG8KfTDrxE06OXezyRRf9x6ygClMmtzr57ZpEY8eBno8YdNgch6bgyQojaNsXpIJEiJY7GMLp68VqqcM6TBsbzTH4h_iGhwbT1L5TlgYm2j9HEUyTkwdYm0OO/s1600/IMG_5269.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcUxIjwMmk6O1NuMFA6IgG8KfTDrxE06OXezyRRf9x6ygClMmtzr57ZpEY8eBno8YdNgch6bgyQojaNsXpIJEiJY7GMLp68VqqcM6TBsbzTH4h_iGhwbT1L5TlgYm2j9HEUyTkwdYm0OO/s320/IMG_5269.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS9of0ZkbnBoqY3B2j64Xo1_3Dki-P8bWFY_WnjBm0V4ImyAjbF3tGqWmslW6Vtpq14F1DC7EKAn0Ec9LN01r99ej8dNMkmLSg4APdc4dgwvMHveCLWC5weywANGQah4d6uLQnD9rsIb-/s1600/IMG_7876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS9of0ZkbnBoqY3B2j64Xo1_3Dki-P8bWFY_WnjBm0V4ImyAjbF3tGqWmslW6Vtpq14F1DC7EKAn0Ec9LN01r99ej8dNMkmLSg4APdc4dgwvMHveCLWC5weywANGQah4d6uLQnD9rsIb-/s320/IMG_7876.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Below are a couple of shots of all three of my cosplays: Catwoman, Alana from Saga, and Inuyasha - all compiled by me with minimal sewing until Inuyasha. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbuGnfsTa9kqMtIoZ0LBNF9rS6cIy9v4NaS0I5J-CsoTgDkS_2di8tb_HUR2WJ3LyqF1lXj28uh8KyidtmLbeOVd0_pjKoUzuQghIZQdfQENOUkREL5hSys9HznMS06zbkWR09kTKNNoi/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbuGnfsTa9kqMtIoZ0LBNF9rS6cIy9v4NaS0I5J-CsoTgDkS_2di8tb_HUR2WJ3LyqF1lXj28uh8KyidtmLbeOVd0_pjKoUzuQghIZQdfQENOUkREL5hSys9HznMS06zbkWR09kTKNNoi/s200/IMG_2347.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JZc7Hs_FejFNUj4EvJ66f4bdkIBv9xEpAmSQH0m0cgfhewpEbUWLdnWqR7GUn8HEzvTD2nedPU6bqliHkbb0RKgdMAWuiw_S3BKXIhnafNO4epM6eDmrnVxIDoNA-oXI5QqTl5VwjYdh/s1600/37849449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JZc7Hs_FejFNUj4EvJ66f4bdkIBv9xEpAmSQH0m0cgfhewpEbUWLdnWqR7GUn8HEzvTD2nedPU6bqliHkbb0RKgdMAWuiw_S3BKXIhnafNO4epM6eDmrnVxIDoNA-oXI5QqTl5VwjYdh/s200/37849449.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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I call Catwoman my closet cosplay, because I had everything except the whip and cat mask in my closet already, so it was my perfect first cosplay. Little did I know, that day I would meet Stan Lee and I was wearing a DC cosplay... Shame. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGaYe0LwqVh7GXiYbs7_j_32aOlFLK5udLIXDAiqBB9djxyDg7dtYobMFlc7FKZQgdR8xTfgCKDEZwmaUuniheQWnrTli8Wj9k6sX8BsiyXYcURXlNEZG9xHuoiIAH_zKlnYWHSJs0AhZ/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="916" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGaYe0LwqVh7GXiYbs7_j_32aOlFLK5udLIXDAiqBB9djxyDg7dtYobMFlc7FKZQgdR8xTfgCKDEZwmaUuniheQWnrTli8Wj9k6sX8BsiyXYcURXlNEZG9xHuoiIAH_zKlnYWHSJs0AhZ/s200/IMG_2015.JPG" width="160" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp29KDSwPRQ/XOAtWy4XZUI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Xjk7SiI4g2AJjlvIX7wDCX2MnA2f91KYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="905" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp29KDSwPRQ/XOAtWy4XZUI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Xjk7SiI4g2AJjlvIX7wDCX2MnA2f91KYgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1992.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
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This was my second cosplay from my favorite recent graphic novel, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_(comics)" target="_blank">Saga by Brian K. Vaughan</a>. My first sewing project ever was the cape!</div>
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And, finally - Inuyasha :) I think I captured his signature guard pose pretty well!</div>
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<br />J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-22696074883180026722019-03-11T18:59:00.000-07:002019-04-17T20:17:07.706-07:00Much Ado About BusyI often offend more distant friends when I say I've been busy... I don't intend to leave a text unread for over two weeks or... a month. I've found that my most true friends are just as busy as me and no matter how much time has passed, our connection is the same. Once reunited, there's just so much more to talk about. I've also been lucky to have have a great circle of like minded women from work. The engineering field and all the amazing people who support the engineering group in the City have made my professional network a personal one as well. For the friends who make an effort to pester me, thank you for knowing who you're dealing with. I appreciate you. <3<br />
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2019 has been a BUSY year so far. I started a new job as a Construction Manager for drinking water, which was big change from working in sewer construction since I've been out of school. As someone who is incredibly process oriented, it's been difficult to adjust to the idea that 'there's a million ways to skin a cat - and - there's a million ways to manage a project.'<br />
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I've also been getting a lot of publicity for work I did with my old bureau, which was showcased on <a href="https://www.nbclearn.com/engineering/cuecard/117612" target="_blank">NBC,</a> <a href="https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/engineering-world/?fbclid=IwAR0J1koCZ__yofzAzOubNyUlDl4gceOAdXVHQrux8mcL9jAookg_Si8Y63I" target="_blank">Time for Kids</a>, and my <a href="https://www.up.edu/news/2019/02/public-servant-rising-star.html" target="_blank">alma mater</a>. As an introvert (<i>trained/</i><i>performing</i> extrovert due to necessity), these commitments to talk for even an hour, often drain me. The way I self care is crafting alone with my fur kids, shopping a far out estate sale, or SLEEPING a lot... However, a personal goal of mine is to get more women and communities of color in science and engineering, which is why I often talk about my career in public settings. My newest project is working on a book, meant to be the WOC's version of <a href="https://leanin.org/book" target="_blank">Lean In</a> - after finding out that there are practically no books on being a female minority working in STEM.<br />
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Outside of career outreach, 2019 has been keeping my weekends busy with volunteer work:<br />
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<li>City African American Network (CAAN) - we put on some amazing public / city oriented events for Black History Month </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodnthehood.org/" target="_blank">Good in the Hood</a> Planning Committee - please help and sign up to volunteer for a shift this summer (June 21 - 23)</li>
<li>Judging Scholarship essays for the Al Forthan Scholarships by Volunteers for America</li>
<li>Continued work on STEM outreach / curriculum creation for kids.</li>
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And, I'm trying to reignite the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in Oregon, which has got me networking at various events around the Portland/outer metro areas. </div>
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This last month, I started a ceramics class with a good friend, and it has been amazing to learn a new medium. I am terrible at throwing pots, but I am having so much fun. Painted my first piece last week and am hoping it survives the kiln this week. Kudos to instagram pottery accounts for providing SO much inspiration. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-sW1jfnz-Iv7UCASXZyP3ePxbGqL6iBfLipYVRDSCYj-YSVB_Tg9UMysT1S4WKLTDm6elVfyOse5bxlHO2IF7mbqThnARHtmwKebrrgEu4poRVXT_vD-Udi-WlC_Fw_O8DB4HULdcj_7/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-sW1jfnz-Iv7UCASXZyP3ePxbGqL6iBfLipYVRDSCYj-YSVB_Tg9UMysT1S4WKLTDm6elVfyOse5bxlHO2IF7mbqThnARHtmwKebrrgEu4poRVXT_vD-Udi-WlC_Fw_O8DB4HULdcj_7/s200/IMG_7242.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe_mFe-BleOmfjCrCoD6YqCGsBFuS-hTbHNf41PTiASuL04A0_lPsrZomR679k-iorPNKNwgMnFWKSonzq-G8alWYcNp50WrDLIoLdJesXRTca6u8ybUEzsPADnJW9kMYV58EglmWT_aL/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe_mFe-BleOmfjCrCoD6YqCGsBFuS-hTbHNf41PTiASuL04A0_lPsrZomR679k-iorPNKNwgMnFWKSonzq-G8alWYcNp50WrDLIoLdJesXRTca6u8ybUEzsPADnJW9kMYV58EglmWT_aL/s200/IMG_7315.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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I'm still running two spaces at <b>Found on Fremont</b> - Blind Cat Vintage is still kicking and our cat themed shelf is routinely stocked. Come get your cat themed kitschy goodness at <b>4743 NE Fremont, Portland, OR. </b></div>
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A quick craft/upcyle of vintage items that have been doing really well in the space have been my curating of vintage illustrations. I love framing 1960's illustrations from old books / collage materials. They are the perfect accent to the items in the shop. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXAeYAIBMP-l1j3msQ0I4PJcnRvuZWhTAwJLNZ_ZvooPX1R9ywfI5fmD5DsaiLmDtxIGaf3-Qx9EaOv6hDDYL7hbqIntyBaKsTRVoJdPvFVENBqbyccuAA0pwYzC7XKIbcEll0yxdtHSd/s1600/IMG_7356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="965" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXAeYAIBMP-l1j3msQ0I4PJcnRvuZWhTAwJLNZ_ZvooPX1R9ywfI5fmD5DsaiLmDtxIGaf3-Qx9EaOv6hDDYL7hbqIntyBaKsTRVoJdPvFVENBqbyccuAA0pwYzC7XKIbcEll0yxdtHSd/s400/IMG_7356.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that most of the illustrations I'm drawn to are cats... </td></tr>
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In order to clean out my art room, I've also started refurbishing furniture again and a few pieces are in the shop now. Latest project is my dining table - a mid century gem I drove an hour to McMinville to get. Pictures will be posted if it survives a minor staining, gloss varnish, and reupholstering. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Cm5atOgh7b5aFS_m8qlKaZnDhrur7dmHtN6gKtMzgbURjr2z70TSV_wfiLVav6bcwg0xky2NJ-atZ0P5Mp2nUdRVQW8f1XKsqzzTe6wEVh1mrHIFmpVmH4f5df6ux-wWsXSbmRw6MEVe/s1600/IMG_6968+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Cm5atOgh7b5aFS_m8qlKaZnDhrur7dmHtN6gKtMzgbURjr2z70TSV_wfiLVav6bcwg0xky2NJ-atZ0P5Mp2nUdRVQW8f1XKsqzzTe6wEVh1mrHIFmpVmH4f5df6ux-wWsXSbmRw6MEVe/s320/IMG_6968+2.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not going to share more pieces, because I was a little obsessed with this cloth and it was used on way too many items...</td></tr>
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I've also gotten really into beading / making jewelry again. I've even started buying strands of beads, which I never used to do. Usually just inherited beads my mom was tired of looking at. Brass tones and natural materials are still my jam though. I've ended up keeping most of my earrings for my personal collection too - which is a first! Fellow jewelry makers know that we often don't wear our craft! Jewelry is a fun instant satisfaction craft and doesn't take as much muscle as my furniture projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOLiRtIb8D0LUtQfQ-ZL-Y2o7N4e-F_uSAVgLJUWhHKAA9J3rmU7EDwyz4-dltKJrcveOZrWoKishq1x8Fg9J6MT-f4vEUUru-eFgEc1YQyDGmp8Gf2uZxjmBbK9G8Qk9lnOZjGPQrBhc/s1600/IMG_7018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOLiRtIb8D0LUtQfQ-ZL-Y2o7N4e-F_uSAVgLJUWhHKAA9J3rmU7EDwyz4-dltKJrcveOZrWoKishq1x8Fg9J6MT-f4vEUUru-eFgEc1YQyDGmp8Gf2uZxjmBbK9G8Qk9lnOZjGPQrBhc/s200/IMG_7018.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Cd1nRW6DwbIoljZex0YS22qqZBbcS3snaw1boKmDW7LNRcYUv9JiMkF02nFgH0mctSKzHV7I2RgDOMM351QfPLbGc4BRhFOXg36en9ppX2Un8YNK7Pb2usKOC2HG7lMWSs1eRUGXTek/s1600/IMG_7384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Cd1nRW6DwbIoljZex0YS22qqZBbcS3snaw1boKmDW7LNRcYUv9JiMkF02nFgH0mctSKzHV7I2RgDOMM351QfPLbGc4BRhFOXg36en9ppX2Un8YNK7Pb2usKOC2HG7lMWSs1eRUGXTek/s200/IMG_7384.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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SO - this is probably the longest post I've done in a while and I still haven't covered the hours I've spent planning the next months ahead. Trips abroad, comicon, classes, and big exams are to be had and I'm both excited and tired already. :) </div>
J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-34877069056338471622018-12-18T22:40:00.001-08:002018-12-18T22:40:10.599-08:00T'was a Decent DecemberFigured I'd try to get one more blog post in for 2018. Per usual, I haven't been crafting or making anything new outside of jewelry... but life has been busy. I aged another year and spent it in Hawaii! Such a beautiful place! It was my first trip that I didn't want to come home from. Truly paradise and I'm already plotting my return.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVfof-SqmhA-0bGWjdjKT_t1dJSEv2RctBx9lYPwSWz_mWVr7Yw2y2Qjl5k1RkHSwtdvlrlbDQdWW1yGQ-q_NusSWo4H_Xx64jPnt9JdMvMHvTPdWuhk8ER1GrDWBmX1gQQ7pd1hJgzb/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDVfof-SqmhA-0bGWjdjKT_t1dJSEv2RctBx9lYPwSWz_mWVr7Yw2y2Qjl5k1RkHSwtdvlrlbDQdWW1yGQ-q_NusSWo4H_Xx64jPnt9JdMvMHvTPdWuhk8ER1GrDWBmX1gQQ7pd1hJgzb/s400/IMG_6213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Hawaii - where I got my first sunburn in DECEMBER!</td></tr>
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I never really used to get excited about Christmas because I'm more of a Hallow-queen, but my space partner and I really went all out this year. We dedicated an entire space to it this year and I loved how it turned out. I even ended up decorating my house with more than just a Christmas tree! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBMI5PxLB3_vQK0oXCMw3KCgPjVygn0HkhajfBJ936dTDRMKItbRYFjtiAWvkWB4qSt8-pgyWWkt1FK84twIp3X9Fa6aYCNuNABJMdqlMrvMtUYePlcBvL6QdVOxIj_ZstldIUlYL5i-E/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBMI5PxLB3_vQK0oXCMw3KCgPjVygn0HkhajfBJ936dTDRMKItbRYFjtiAWvkWB4qSt8-pgyWWkt1FK84twIp3X9Fa6aYCNuNABJMdqlMrvMtUYePlcBvL6QdVOxIj_ZstldIUlYL5i-E/s400/IMG_5828.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red & Green Bonanza (plus white because I'm a magpie for milkglass) </td></tr>
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I've been continuing to fill/merchandise two spaces at Found on Fremont, manage two etsy shops, and a clothing resale storefront on Poshmark. The 'side hussle' is real. I remember starting these side businesses while I was in college as a way to pay my way through. It's funny that it's become such a <u>FUN</u> hobby nowadays. It's also a perk that it brings in a little income too. I love hitting the flea market and checking out thrift stores in obscure locations. I literally drove twenty minutes in Hawaii just to find their Goodwill in hopes of finding some unique vintage loot. </div>
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Obviously, I enjoy my 'side hussle' vintage resale, crafty goodness, etc., but it's also been a busy month for my 9-5 career too. Last week I started a new job with the Water Bureau, doing more of the same with construction management . It's exciting to move onto clean water after spending my first years out of college with wastewater. Going to have to get some new 'dad jokes' for clean water at some point... help? ;)<br />
<br />J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-68317219637170641682018-09-10T23:42:00.003-07:002018-10-14T18:51:26.061-07:00Texas Visit and Awaiting Fall (Basically just Halloween)Took some time to visit family in Texas over the Labor Day weekend. I hadn't been in almost ten years and it was long overdue. My dad's family - going back to my great-great-great grandma is from Daingerfield, Texas. A small town about 2.5 hours driving from Dallas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-03_KAxWdLhnmOWCVQKGxWGSyscujzBHEs4KP-SfnZDo_rPjctxMrRf-0wBGaGHXIQRCi3loCRZWbxLjY5gbNWDf6Hl_BmCOQIx9UBzOTZCL8KAZdsDZiFAVTSt_L5t5WU4v-0LyThLwK/s1600/IMG_5367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-03_KAxWdLhnmOWCVQKGxWGSyscujzBHEs4KP-SfnZDo_rPjctxMrRf-0wBGaGHXIQRCi3loCRZWbxLjY5gbNWDf6Hl_BmCOQIx9UBzOTZCL8KAZdsDZiFAVTSt_L5t5WU4v-0LyThLwK/s320/IMG_5367.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that I didn't spell the town wrong. :) </td></tr>
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I thought I was going to spend a lot of time studying for my upcoming Professional Engineering (PE) exam, given that there is hardly any phone service/wifi connection out in remote parts of Texas. Instead, found myself spending most of the trip talking and learning about my family's history, which is truly fascinating. No crafting, no studying, no thrifting for vintage goods - just good old family history and bonding. Couldn't be happier.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DFVLmCzC-CySOhCB-MWfz2MbI-RxEZMIQVDqXvr2i5i112WnFANfFCarDaMzuQVvzdDWBTOwY-YCab7dWtrnlbGiq8uCFu0_EaXNuCwDuPZmBJEu8QIylkr_9pu-llMkksn7RyJqdN4V/s1600/Family+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DFVLmCzC-CySOhCB-MWfz2MbI-RxEZMIQVDqXvr2i5i112WnFANfFCarDaMzuQVvzdDWBTOwY-YCab7dWtrnlbGiq8uCFu0_EaXNuCwDuPZmBJEu8QIylkr_9pu-llMkksn7RyJqdN4V/s320/Family+church.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also - going to share this picture of my family's church. Out in Daingerfield, there's a small, but active community that still meets here. Church built and originated by my family on their farm.</td></tr>
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I have to give kudos to sweet Texas for the Southern charm. Everyone was SO nice. </div>
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Upon returning home, I was glad to see that the weather in Portland has returned to a lovely 70 degrees with some chances of rain. Fall is coming and I'm excited for my favorite season. Actually, more excited for my favorite holiday. My halloween decorations are already up around my house and I was stoked to see my vending partner at Found on Fremont is just as ready for Halloween as I am. Came back to restock and saw this lovely display of spooky vintage goodness!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20jgjd1sbDYwnhDfjUe7sb4Ex2Kxn1RvqMHp9HOrSsEMZOw6Kle4e-7fKYpx3910y-WKvRQDLczgfUROcWW8WXlSDymEfgqWdEIOAUhC8EKMnmkblhbx10BuquuEiR5Aw6Ym99JIx6yj0/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20jgjd1sbDYwnhDfjUe7sb4Ex2Kxn1RvqMHp9HOrSsEMZOw6Kle4e-7fKYpx3910y-WKvRQDLczgfUROcWW8WXlSDymEfgqWdEIOAUhC8EKMnmkblhbx10BuquuEiR5Aw6Ym99JIx6yj0/s400/IMG_5353.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rats, owls, apothecary bottles, doll parts and Stephen King. Halloween spread is on point this year. </td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-72102964085892473702018-07-29T14:56:00.002-07:002018-07-29T15:00:41.593-07:00Summer Thriftin' and Life UpdatesOh look, it's been about 6 months since my last blog post.<br />
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Life has been busy. I've been actively working on my 2018 goals. I know - most people's new year's resolutions fall short by about now, but at least the only one I've completely failed at is blogging more. I've been going to the gym routinely, eating gluten free, traveling, and have began the arduous journey towards getting my P.E (Professional Engineering) license. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDjz4XfXm8-fwbnhdeznkilJjhEAp3edeOhqycslNc807Vz8xJLQwn3hQT9rglkkVHmnAe4YZBMR3W2-PXJm5z-8bXXXiYgafUoPZ3J1x78PYcMUQngkt7F4n59XT_RPXPBuhf2CQi9Tg/s1600/IMG_4109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDjz4XfXm8-fwbnhdeznkilJjhEAp3edeOhqycslNc807Vz8xJLQwn3hQT9rglkkVHmnAe4YZBMR3W2-PXJm5z-8bXXXiYgafUoPZ3J1x78PYcMUQngkt7F4n59XT_RPXPBuhf2CQi9Tg/s320/IMG_4109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I visited Philly to visit the Mutter Museum, but couldn't take pictures inside, so here's Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, which showcase local artist, Isaiah Zagar's mosaic work. Beautiful!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've been spending a lot of time thrifting and enjoying estate sale season. I even went to my first traveling antique show, which was more for personal shopping than for business. Was great to see so many true antiques and talk to some of the vendors. I could definitely see my retirement hobby as being a traveling antique vendor. Reminds me a lot of the jewelry vending I used to do when I was a teenager. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzFZtMS3h72iPo9uhCdT5jgfOzwv4tYZqnNXWYX69D2abieZB8ey1mjy9R1-sq-e1hG_GNnUBo_1bX8vq9wYmeM18mdWnELKnbaRB-FZKvfilp2PqGsuGrHJzytAEiDtQpZGlRdLneKjg/s1600/IMG_5034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzFZtMS3h72iPo9uhCdT5jgfOzwv4tYZqnNXWYX69D2abieZB8ey1mjy9R1-sq-e1hG_GNnUBo_1bX8vq9wYmeM18mdWnELKnbaRB-FZKvfilp2PqGsuGrHJzytAEiDtQpZGlRdLneKjg/s320/IMG_5034.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHw5mGPazjHivtFqvVnm8eXjO10AAWLx4ZKzfQt4uVlPKTxmmWVTH77sPorGYLGBRp9waWg45f17KNd7cj5dO4JzDW7MWqoakJLWfXXP0jVQkHgfiAvHS58UQ5gjBe9MA3oXFoInV55s7/s1600/IMG_5016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHw5mGPazjHivtFqvVnm8eXjO10AAWLx4ZKzfQt4uVlPKTxmmWVTH77sPorGYLGBRp9waWg45f17KNd7cj5dO4JzDW7MWqoakJLWfXXP0jVQkHgfiAvHS58UQ5gjBe9MA3oXFoInV55s7/s200/IMG_5016.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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In regards to the vintage business - my space partner and I have expanded and now have two spaces at Found on Fremont. We've added a separate shelf that we've jam packed with goods. Helps spread things out from our main space and has proved to be a good investment! </div>
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Outside of thrifting and restocking Found every weekend, I've been crafting a bit more. Hosted my first "Crafternoon" with work friends and now I think we may have a semi-monthly rotation planned. Did I mention how lucky I am to have such a creative bunch of women engineers at my job? :) </div>
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There's still a small niche market in my bug jewelry and now that it's summer I've been gifted lots of ethically found bugs for my jewelry. I haven't delved into any new projects lately, but last weekend I picked up some fun furniture finds - given the space they take up, I'm hoping I'll be motivated to start painting/reupholstering soon. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supply shot - jars of bug love for my projects. </td></tr>
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That's all for now - fingers crossed I'll post again soon! </div>
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I still have garden and construction work things to share later. :) </div>
J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-49254823111775045592018-01-08T23:44:00.003-08:002018-01-08T23:46:21.067-08:00New Years: Leather Earrings and my Inner SpiderOne of my new years resolutions is to create more, and hopefully in creating more, I'll also blog more. I spent a lot of time last year working on keeping my vintage space in Found on Fremont well stocked. My space partner and I have a pretty distinct style in how we merchandise, and after next month - it will have been 2 years together in our space! Hard to believe so much time has passed. I'm planning to focus more on my creativity this year, since it's always been my favorite form of self care.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Christmas display - retro blues/groovy oranges</td></tr>
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One of the constantly restocked handmade items that I routinely sell at Found are my leather earrings. After the Christmas rush, I was pleasantly surprised to find out almost half of my sales were entirely from my handmade jewelry! Recycled leather earrings in simple, rustic and leafy designs seem to be quite popular and it amazes me that I've been working with same leather scraps/colors for over 5 years now.<br />
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<span id="goog_454441576"></span>Along with making more jewelry lately, I've started weaving again. I learned to weave when I was 9 years old and I was at one time the youngest member of the Portland Handweaver's Guild. It's something I've been considering joining again if only I wasn't so bitter about the trendiness of weaving these days... (Yes, over/under on a frame loom is technically "weaving" - but it's also the same technique I taught kindergarteners and there are MANY weaving methods/looms in existence). I taught weaving for about 7 years to children at an elementary school, which always kept me weaving in my spare time. During college, I started weaving less and less, mostly because it is incredibly time consuming. My inner spider (nature's weaver) has been motivated to weave again, particularly while Netflix binging. :) It's only January and I've already finished two new pieces!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsqcVfQgZZXHLI2RcDWPi-FIruXo3r_iiqdnpoxseKrEo06zLhntMRKrV-t30fX284rh_2z8m7-msNqruTFwZEWRTKDlF4ScyF3ewGuJ_rfbY4E_XMVr3jXEd9utc5v48O6ywcsoApzOJ/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsqcVfQgZZXHLI2RcDWPi-FIruXo3r_iiqdnpoxseKrEo06zLhntMRKrV-t30fX284rh_2z8m7-msNqruTFwZEWRTKDlF4ScyF3ewGuJ_rfbY4E_XMVr3jXEd9utc5v48O6ywcsoApzOJ/s200/IMG_2946.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrQq7a1LFX7pG8Fxkkbpbyja4wyuVWyTS9hCiw1_8-2f-E-iEckmItfU659xRwiF1648u3-H7SnpaHm2-6gt1EW4rkN11STmObF2tDp5mMz9rglstllwlh5MJMIOo8V1I-ohP5aCIukTs/s1600/IMG_3083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrQq7a1LFX7pG8Fxkkbpbyja4wyuVWyTS9hCiw1_8-2f-E-iEckmItfU659xRwiF1648u3-H7SnpaHm2-6gt1EW4rkN11STmObF2tDp5mMz9rglstllwlh5MJMIOo8V1I-ohP5aCIukTs/s200/IMG_3083.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Outside of my crafting endeavors, my job takes a lot of my time. Between the commute, meetings, post work networking events, and studying for licensure exams - the weekends never seem to be long enough! Crafting and my vintage resale hobby definitely make for a good way to decompress after long weeks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old things and wastewater engineering. Sometimes my job is perfectly in tune to my interests.<br />
Portland's 1920's Ankeny Pump Station. I'm looking forward to managing the ventilation upgrade soon.</td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-76572154983229433932017-11-27T22:47:00.002-08:002017-11-27T22:49:53.956-08:00A Year Passed and Seasons were 'Found'Not going to apologize for almost a year of not blogging...<br />
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During this lapse of internet presence, I have been to San Fran to visit the <a href="https://www.keane-eyes.com/" target="_blank">Keane museum</a> (eventually I'll post about this fabulous place and all that it means to me), traveled to England/Ireland/Scotland, am officially an Engineer-in-Training, been promoted to a Construction Manager, and have actively engaged in an alternative institution, called the <a href="https://theflyinguniversityproject.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flying University</a>, with some amazing colleagues of mine.<br />
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Crafting landmarks have included - teaching myself to use my sewing machine, completing two cosplays (Catwoman / Alana from Saga), purchasing my first dress form, and falling back in love with making jewelry! I have a lot to learn with sewing and I'm hoping to break out some vintage patterns soon, but I am so excited to have a new craft.<br />
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All the while, I've been running a small vintage business with my fellow vending partner - Blind Cat Vintage. Lots of etsy listings, long weekends thrifting, and constant redecorating has left our space looking pretty snazzy through the seasons. Thought I'd share our booth's seasons at 'Found on Fremont'... Check us out on instagram: @blindcatvintage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YaJpTOsrhJg9SPI7WjIyTSLMVIOJNpFUT85EqhEc1RqH3ZInPt6k9DJgtctno591E0fhZEHRYjt6xICMXbUC4QwN-SlPE2Iz2TLe7-Rs3UW0VkOprcmv2VKy91FD-4sRXDDeBs2Fo0P4/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7JJYxRWurIyo6NxrrFZn7cLfBypMQmLcul4cI2iLnnZovm6VCBUTB_4lsz8IqNxZc0e1fzz7pbWp_MZc0MBcgEK6p2UC2SsVj_Z6H7Klr9FzF2d5ICBnv5gL423FTCUpnNf4FrePmH1r/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7JJYxRWurIyo6NxrrFZn7cLfBypMQmLcul4cI2iLnnZovm6VCBUTB_4lsz8IqNxZc0e1fzz7pbWp_MZc0MBcgEK6p2UC2SsVj_Z6H7Klr9FzF2d5ICBnv5gL423FTCUpnNf4FrePmH1r/s320/unnamed-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Halloween is our thing - this display was out at the beginning of September and lasted until nearly Thanksgiving. Creepy clown dolls, kitschy halloween books, and jack-o-lantern anything is super fun to shop for. This display would have been better if I hadn't hoarded the goods to decorate my own house.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Thanksgiving, or Turkey Day - We agreed 70's power colors and any bird seemed festive enough for this holiday. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtYFxrOCugZtFpzRWAL6NPomUIyHw5gHY9jtqwh_9bAFZMgLPoQQhUMtR_my040yZnBuL-cmwW-NwKSlzCBcTBsQW_3_KhtawFFdoccsD66SICE-n121IA54f3HABBNm7hvXYD4QnKMd_/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtYFxrOCugZtFpzRWAL6NPomUIyHw5gHY9jtqwh_9bAFZMgLPoQQhUMtR_my040yZnBuL-cmwW-NwKSlzCBcTBsQW_3_KhtawFFdoccsD66SICE-n121IA54f3HABBNm7hvXYD4QnKMd_/s400/unnamed-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I've been told our space looks like Christmas "threw up" on it, but I like to take that as an endearing compliment. For two grinches, my space partner and I, really went all out for Christmas. Shop local this season!</span></td></tr>
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<br />J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-87136870435344911882017-01-11T11:50:00.004-08:002017-01-11T11:50:58.866-08:00I missed Christmas tooYep, I'm blogging about Christmas in January, because December flew by and I never took the time to share anything here... But, I have to post about the holidays because we had a cute Christmas display at Found on Fremont and I had my first Christmas in my house - where I discovered I LOVE shopping for ornaments. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFKICXPLmpZNvUAkDJWOKL831MuMjwOxwvBnPeN6wFnFPIlqweS7sMp6wNYNiO3cuC7o0rT_5NrZFKytZM1eDzFEvIcQDg3TvwWUlcrbmlQu3_ATlOH9PY-h4-vsBRjCgnnrB01yl-BgY/s1600/IMG_8806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFKICXPLmpZNvUAkDJWOKL831MuMjwOxwvBnPeN6wFnFPIlqweS7sMp6wNYNiO3cuC7o0rT_5NrZFKytZM1eDzFEvIcQDg3TvwWUlcrbmlQu3_ATlOH9PY-h4-vsBRjCgnnrB01yl-BgY/s400/IMG_8806.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence of Christmas display at Found On Fremont - featuring tinsel tree, matador, and Santa mice :D </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohdIJ8O8EnzaE6IeBEk_3gGWIzEuBAwUhWXoQ8o23sfXXa-gFQQF422c_gqy1FAiNPMMFm1oEzam2yRcZkc-igNendUVU6g_68sBljtY2frpRADe2rx5bumJkCrAOkrFWYtInb7pKBV3B/s1600/christmas+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohdIJ8O8EnzaE6IeBEk_3gGWIzEuBAwUhWXoQ8o23sfXXa-gFQQF422c_gqy1FAiNPMMFm1oEzam2yRcZkc-igNendUVU6g_68sBljtY2frpRADe2rx5bumJkCrAOkrFWYtInb7pKBV3B/s400/christmas+tree.JPG" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence of my first Christmas tree. Not shown are the approx. 20 more ornaments I managed to cram on this mini tree. Next year's tree will be BIGGER.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For the new year, my vending partner and I revamped the space a tad. I got rid of a ton of items to make room for the new wave of vintage finds and I'll be posting new items on etsy soon. Not a lot of updates on the crafting front... jewelry has been made and looms have been warped (but, pictures have not been taken, so alas - you see nothing).</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAYnLuhw2CTnRHSwZp_OD78-xyz23rY2pj8YEl9vorwIiWhdL-N3lL8hSurU2LYWgpVugGAet3D98Uhjmx1_7wiZraqRj5ALgH-UyMfEkPaild_ooZYPyCTGLTRjR2wuvZwDMozOAyGgK/s1600/IMG_9461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAYnLuhw2CTnRHSwZp_OD78-xyz23rY2pj8YEl9vorwIiWhdL-N3lL8hSurU2LYWgpVugGAet3D98Uhjmx1_7wiZraqRj5ALgH-UyMfEkPaild_ooZYPyCTGLTRjR2wuvZwDMozOAyGgK/s320/IMG_9461.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Post Christmas display - Thinkin' pink</td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-2161034367698665732016-11-19T20:11:00.001-08:002016-11-19T20:11:55.063-08:00Year Round HalloweenSomehow I missed blogging all through October, which is my favorite month because I can be shamelessly festive in spooky decor without people asking why. Since I missed October, I'm just going to post one picture of the display my vending partner and I had for Halloween. I was so stoked to know I had met another "Hallow-queen" to work with :) We've only met in person once to put our space together and yet somehow our items mesh together soooo well. Decorating via text? Yep, it works. We're definitely kindred shoppers! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF7St3A06cfQbeD31epaImYbooavdTqxC5ALkOpp9py2IQeITrGySPB_vQhVXj9Z3DVnSTtzLthKNkC3NqjInGzDqGXZmrTuLEcuIoftlK8-d4xOPNRAcU5WiM8cLXAMi0wxIhPp-hsM9/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF7St3A06cfQbeD31epaImYbooavdTqxC5ALkOpp9py2IQeITrGySPB_vQhVXj9Z3DVnSTtzLthKNkC3NqjInGzDqGXZmrTuLEcuIoftlK8-d4xOPNRAcU5WiM8cLXAMi0wxIhPp-hsM9/s400/IMG_8490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured - spider webs / skeletons draped over everything. Also, best item featured is that "Don't Drown Yourself in Funeral Expenses" book. More evidence that vintage books are AMAZING.</td></tr>
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I haven't been crafting as much as I want, but I have been on the hunt for the shop! Christmas prepping flea market finds from last week made for a great haul picture! I have to say it's not as much fun to shop for as Halloween, but I'm really digging vintage Crackerbox ornaments - handmade with about a hundred pins/sequence to create orb like kitsch treasures. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkl0GzShNmUxlNjtywT_A6-fvfdzD2ZPAa5-Izam8qVHxTB4m8q1GXCwz4PQpxRcikOtGOCMpjH7SibCXfNf9h9dG01ncwSsWvaEgiyg1k2VoONCBsgBGmHKVa2CEGyyfqrvo_zdnj14P/s1600/IMG_8704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkl0GzShNmUxlNjtywT_A6-fvfdzD2ZPAa5-Izam8qVHxTB4m8q1GXCwz4PQpxRcikOtGOCMpjH7SibCXfNf9h9dG01ncwSsWvaEgiyg1k2VoONCBsgBGmHKVa2CEGyyfqrvo_zdnj14P/s320/IMG_8704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's Abby Cadabby - couldn't resist that. </td></tr>
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The most recent little collection of brass tones I grouped together in the shop, discretely featuring my bug jewelry. Really enjoying grouping like colors in the space lately. :)<br /><br />
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I don't have much to show for the lack of posts. I have been super busy planning trips, working and studying. I decided to slowly go back to school (to start a graduate program in engineering) while working full time still and it's been quite the time suck. I did manage to create a separate etsy shop for my vintage finds. I now have two etsy shops - one for handmade and one vintage (both featured in the sidebar of the blog). It's been slow start because etsy is so over saturated these days, but it's nice to rotate my back stock for the space and post a few things on etsy too. </div>
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Going to finish this post with Ludwig and the $5 landscape that will eventually feature a ridiculous word/font in homage to <a href="http://waynewhiteart.com/" target="_blank">Wayne White's artwork</a>. Until then, it's this little cat's favorite backdrop. </div>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-37071808585039555632016-09-03T17:30:00.003-07:002016-09-03T17:30:35.269-07:00It's almost OCTOBERSweater and boot weather is nearly upon us. Also, Halloween and fall festivities. I'll finally have a reason to blog because fall is for craftiness!<br />
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I don't have too much to post because I've been spending a lot of time thrifting and finding cool old stuff for my space at Found on Fremont. All summer has been the time for estate, garage, and yard sales, which makes great pickings for Found (and a lot of house decor for my aspiring mid century modern house). The space is so packed now that both my vendor partner and I have started using our etsy shops again to list items outside of the shop. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side of the shop - clothing, jewelry, books, linens, etc. etc. etc. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've got such a great collection of old books and vinyl for sale! Such fun to shop for. :)</td></tr>
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I haven't been crafting as much as I'd like, but I started making my "Buggy Bauble" jewelry again, which is just in time for the Halloween - the only holiday that appreciates dead things. It's become common knowledge that I collect <b>ethically</b> harvested dead bugs, so I have been getting a lot of jarred specimens from friends with the statement, "Please don't give me back the jar." Basically, bugs in your window seal? I'll take 'em. ;) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charmy "buggy baubles" of goodness handmade by yours truly. </td></tr>
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Per usual my job takes up most of my time. Committees, leadership programs, numerous pump station projects, and a little bit of my own project management. Having a blast being a part of the 'City that Works.'</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demo Day at a pump station or a doorway to wonderland?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite day is Demo Day. Honestly could watch the crew do this all day...</td></tr>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-982134288182131682016-07-03T00:21:00.002-07:002016-07-03T00:25:09.817-07:00Momentary Update: house, Found, cats & scaffoldingI'm always amazed by how much time flies before I decide to blog, but it looks like several months have passed again... No excuses except that "adulting" has been taking precedence. Seems like naps have been my real hobby lately - well, that and overwhelming myself with the never ending projects I want to start on my house. I was lucky my house wasn't a "fixer upper," but I definitely have a vision of how I want it to look. Realizing that it's going to take a few years before it gets to that vision has been my latest reality. I have to take pride in my little projects, such as conquering the ferns in my front lawn to make a cute littler flower/herb bed instead.<br />
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I've also started working on my interior and trying to bring it back to it's late 1950's-60's era by decorating mid century modern. As a vintage vendor and thrifter I thought I'd have no problem finding pieces, but it's proving to be a long winded project. For now - rotating knick knacks in my mod built-in shelves and my record player are the key elements. Still in desperate need of more stuff on the walls since I'm not much of a minimalist...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLhJn4k04Yb47HiLq7miw_YaOZFTrbFN4eqZ3EpTERZ9s9c5nERyXHQ3L7XRCgoGUaAChEwunkQtJ-TRbb1RTl11MVl1t4ZTvPeshte-I8ofjHgNjyK-K-MoPOnFVI2mQ_3a4F1GFIoVK/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLhJn4k04Yb47HiLq7miw_YaOZFTrbFN4eqZ3EpTERZ9s9c5nERyXHQ3L7XRCgoGUaAChEwunkQtJ-TRbb1RTl11MVl1t4ZTvPeshte-I8ofjHgNjyK-K-MoPOnFVI2mQ_3a4F1GFIoVK/s320/IMG_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Outside of my house projects, I've also been spending a lot of time sprucing up my space at Found on Fremont. I started a shared space with another vendor and our vintage/handmade tastes have meshed really well. I've finally had a chance to work on being more selective on what I bring to the store because it's very well stocked and always changing!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy63zGx3UprAxZ4a8eoG-9HGRd9h7o0O9v7JhyphenhyphenUilcywUNvK-eNh2gtTA9627IWrpM2RCAp92PXVRZ4O2JmZyVvMG_NrN3qpzjf1zZV1mCKm2BWKjbqLP2-Oo2-6ZGUpS6m_88BazJIHqg/s1600/IMG_6487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy63zGx3UprAxZ4a8eoG-9HGRd9h7o0O9v7JhyphenhyphenUilcywUNvK-eNh2gtTA9627IWrpM2RCAp92PXVRZ4O2JmZyVvMG_NrN3qpzjf1zZV1mCKm2BWKjbqLP2-Oo2-6ZGUpS6m_88BazJIHqg/s320/IMG_6487.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My co-vendor and I love vintage books. Our space is filled with such a fun collection!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P9_bQSEe_f723uIk2TYHcZeT7w-MXdVMEzK_jKx7VAWeQ4wbo4JZVLoqRYIz3dR_ASvcqnD3Uy7s0CbMxbgWknN92e5_EpGz8aRPlauoKPcuTlvgE8pcri10tpGkDL_uit7SxbN45A1r/s1600/IMG_6488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P9_bQSEe_f723uIk2TYHcZeT7w-MXdVMEzK_jKx7VAWeQ4wbo4JZVLoqRYIz3dR_ASvcqnD3Uy7s0CbMxbgWknN92e5_EpGz8aRPlauoKPcuTlvgE8pcri10tpGkDL_uit7SxbN45A1r/s320/IMG_6488.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Outside of Found on Fremont and my homemaking endeavors, I've also welcomed two new family members into my life. Ludwig (van Beethoven) and Wolfgang ("Wolfie" Amadeus Mozart). These fur babies have stolen my heart as well as much of my time. A kitten and "catten" have made for a lot of messes, a lot of cuddles, and a lot of smiles. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lhIJg_FOKpq9-hYFT18c04MJCLRxwrZxcw0EP5ZQSF8TfF-4FgjibH0HaMeJxWCFV3eEuPTYGz5lWGi1eEYlc5ZbrApFCmZRxxTWaougfVAFLatcJm7kqBP8mWUwhagx9ApLM8v43w3j/s1600/IMG_6476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lhIJg_FOKpq9-hYFT18c04MJCLRxwrZxcw0EP5ZQSF8TfF-4FgjibH0HaMeJxWCFV3eEuPTYGz5lWGi1eEYlc5ZbrApFCmZRxxTWaougfVAFLatcJm7kqBP8mWUwhagx9ApLM8v43w3j/s320/IMG_6476.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute natural poses like this everyday - I'm a happy cat-mom :) </td></tr>
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And, to tie in my 9-5, here's some fancy scaffolding used to repair a 30'' force main over the Columbia slough. I'm really excited for this project to head back into construction after a three month redesign! :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzz6agqEIuzSWftSSdHlZ7-We24PrIxFkTbmnlfJhXxAcGz60G6eK4yAMD365tp6C9F8ctaMGnf7jbHFwL8ivtudTLfaKho8JaKk6ze3-mbLy3xgtsPznhGdBCXwF5FWKpY42r-EbWOO/s1600/Screen+shot+2016-07-02+at+12.22.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzz6agqEIuzSWftSSdHlZ7-We24PrIxFkTbmnlfJhXxAcGz60G6eK4yAMD365tp6C9F8ctaMGnf7jbHFwL8ivtudTLfaKho8JaKk6ze3-mbLy3xgtsPznhGdBCXwF5FWKpY42r-EbWOO/s320/Screen+shot+2016-07-02+at+12.22.03+AM.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-12951051169165646892016-02-28T23:25:00.001-08:002016-02-28T23:25:24.798-08:00Mostly my Life and not much ArtLong time no post. I suppose that's nothing new though. I'm a slow blogger, particularly when trying to "adult." The big news is that I bought a HOUSE! A lovely 1955 Ranch style house with all the retro accents still in tact. I had a fantastic real estate agent - Greg Washington - with Living Room Realty. He's been with my family for three generations of home ownership and helped me find my literal dream first house. :) I'm so happy.<br />
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See his sweet blog post here:<br />
<a href="http://www.livingroomre.com/2016/01/08/three-generations-of-brannons/">http://www.livingroomre.com/2016/01/08/three-generations-of-brannons/</a><br />
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Decorating has definitely been the highlight! I'll start sharing more of that as I finish certain areas of the house. Just started working on my art room - the shrunken version of my old art studio. Mom and I used to share, but we've started the process of de-arting the studio. My old room is now going to be mom's art space. *insert Ch-ch-changes song*<br />
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Here's a bit of what I've started on my house so far:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14sjm2MtpKZlIjif8vrBHTHud0q2teor4GTTGI3xwtStbMBMS9slrn5b3NikCNyh-tQOA_yLUp738_jvkt03mqsXgAeMcRu8NXxGyAgmeFoNI91UclHpHcBPPzehVqVq-KvJwQ5veCSgt/s1600/IMG_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14sjm2MtpKZlIjif8vrBHTHud0q2teor4GTTGI3xwtStbMBMS9slrn5b3NikCNyh-tQOA_yLUp738_jvkt03mqsXgAeMcRu8NXxGyAgmeFoNI91UclHpHcBPPzehVqVq-KvJwQ5veCSgt/s320/IMG_5426.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Art room progress, one corner at a time - my wall of inspiration.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vbLbd5Na0lyKJukdHaXBZAbdi52uvrVT72tgCWf2k6e_UEytSDEfi9kFGiiV2h93BTl59UAiYmZE6pstPth05wVtF_UoOGLOVgjOQ8ixZJZd5r7FHEi05VowaAUPV3jOUJsxhey_6m7G/s1600/IMG_5427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vbLbd5Na0lyKJukdHaXBZAbdi52uvrVT72tgCWf2k6e_UEytSDEfi9kFGiiV2h93BTl59UAiYmZE6pstPth05wVtF_UoOGLOVgjOQ8ixZJZd5r7FHEi05VowaAUPV3jOUJsxhey_6m7G/s320/IMG_5427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Rather than hanging up individual pictures, I found these neat wall mount shelves that I can just stack my art on. This is a collection of comicon, gifted, and random art. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my personal art. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhqUXpIB9I0xhlQ_c17Bn-x1LQfKvbYncWKsL1rcckqkauPRX_F0k5lFVSAf45lnja9vKEb66QHDcg14Hez8OpmRiQpFHgNgGk-B1c_QgdT5WXTlBOf-2vcInkJoSQq4lp3uH2GqyFp_J/s1600/IMG_5461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhqUXpIB9I0xhlQ_c17Bn-x1LQfKvbYncWKsL1rcckqkauPRX_F0k5lFVSAf45lnja9vKEb66QHDcg14Hez8OpmRiQpFHgNgGk-B1c_QgdT5WXTlBOf-2vcInkJoSQq4lp3uH2GqyFp_J/s400/IMG_5461.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Piano has successfully been moved into a new home. I finally get to put up my "Big Eyes" art. :)</span></td></tr>
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Outside of house decorating, I've been trying to find time to craft on the side. Latest project is trying to utilize my collection of collage papers... Something to confess - I'm a paper hoarder. I save pictures and cut outs for "special" projects. However, special projects aren't planned, so the papers just sit as mine have done for the last three years. So, finally - took some scissors and started collaging my papers on the most un-special craft ever: Votive candles. Not very creative and not very unique, but it's helping me use my supplies and candles like this will be coming to Found on Fremont soon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr9zWb5_ESR4oIFi1zpSh_PS1mXT6h6hrdQfEcGV9kqL20roP6y9w_TI8dQDMNn-jnf1PJYjpAya2iugR30dSBai5GSev9VrSe5ojBGU6IH1sTukWD3ApkJq9qfOZlPge0aklezsO8BZg/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr9zWb5_ESR4oIFi1zpSh_PS1mXT6h6hrdQfEcGV9kqL20roP6y9w_TI8dQDMNn-jnf1PJYjpAya2iugR30dSBai5GSev9VrSe5ojBGU6IH1sTukWD3ApkJq9qfOZlPge0aklezsO8BZg/s320/IMG_5353.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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Speaking of Found on Fremont, I've still been restocking and working on my vintage/craft space from time to time. It hasn't taken any drastic changes lately, but next month - I'll be moving into yet another new space! This time, with a fellow crafter and vintage lover.<br />
See her blog here: <a href="http://nicknameinhighschool.blogspot.com/">http://nicknameinhighschool.blogspot.com/</a><br />
I'm looking forward to collaborating vintage curiosities and crafty goodness. :D<br />
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So, for the last time (just estimating that I probably won't blog for another month) my current space at Found before it becomes a combined effort. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZN0pRIZIJ8NA0-K-v4rXdJJ0w0anb1kGOrvlxmv9eKEeiQQefNQvah0X39t-fZVUE9fG_OoayRTkHO-k1y3Y7s9jYsuMCeh99z04nVsuJ3hkUwpJ2fal9d8o8bv9EurqIq0QmrSNaNMb/s1600/IMG_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZN0pRIZIJ8NA0-K-v4rXdJJ0w0anb1kGOrvlxmv9eKEeiQQefNQvah0X39t-fZVUE9fG_OoayRTkHO-k1y3Y7s9jYsuMCeh99z04nVsuJ3hkUwpJ2fal9d8o8bv9EurqIq0QmrSNaNMb/s320/IMG_5376.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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To finish off this post and fill y'all in on what I do on a daily 9-5 basis. Here's one of my construction projects in action off in N. Portland. Storm water vault installation at your service - curtesy of the City of Portland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZYy-QPRsO2HpXZiWfU5A5QV2UBueW_FEYRzgezkdB8E2jL09NapDVt8WLZTzxJcnzvnVNTNlMn5x49GDzF6hwjqVuh_JRKYSD_krco0PGXMdGPDO3Mj_JXDAHsdi4yftBhyp8yTx0KQG/s1600/IMG_4341.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZYy-QPRsO2HpXZiWfU5A5QV2UBueW_FEYRzgezkdB8E2jL09NapDVt8WLZTzxJcnzvnVNTNlMn5x49GDzF6hwjqVuh_JRKYSD_krco0PGXMdGPDO3Mj_JXDAHsdi4yftBhyp8yTx0KQG/s400/IMG_4341.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4675047630189146765.post-36221075949611889302015-09-01T23:40:00.003-07:002015-09-02T00:10:39.612-07:00Found Updates, Gardens, and Pump Stations<div style="text-align: center;">
"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing" </div>
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~Thomas Edison~</div>
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Going to try and blog more frequently. Adding it to my list of things to keep my busy while going through a long distance marriage. I've been crafting more, keeping my mind and hands active, so there should be more to blog. </div>
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To start with, I have had a happy stomach full of figs all week - yay for September!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmR1XDC4z5gTInojdlZKyeZSc0mYGudqsIIfU59CWr3IIKvQmRVgJLB6EW5raAmLdZBZYBGFEbxC7EY8iB6THA8JUBim_gxf2fsgF18kH4-pGk0JGwWUUfxJtf2ovBAKtbhBIzdy5mnh3/s1600/figs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmR1XDC4z5gTInojdlZKyeZSc0mYGudqsIIfU59CWr3IIKvQmRVgJLB6EW5raAmLdZBZYBGFEbxC7EY8iB6THA8JUBim_gxf2fsgF18kH4-pGk0JGwWUUfxJtf2ovBAKtbhBIzdy5mnh3/s200/figs.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the lovely purple figs I picked from our tree this week.</td></tr>
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I have also started preparing for fall at Found on Fremont, by decorating for my favorite holiday... Halloween. I usually make a lot of macabre art, so it's nice for it to finally fit a theme and serve a purpose in decorating in my space at Found. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9SQLKshj9v9pxj-ciuC19nXCAilb9sej4j3NsJLcloeqstXV0b0O7a5MKACK3UjG4Cet2nFRYdw0JPoSLyK3B6yscsiheUf1XwuJYBLObFyFvOwNSF6I92BNSjo3DOluAKDywIrww-_i/s1600/halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9SQLKshj9v9pxj-ciuC19nXCAilb9sej4j3NsJLcloeqstXV0b0O7a5MKACK3UjG4Cet2nFRYdw0JPoSLyK3B6yscsiheUf1XwuJYBLObFyFvOwNSF6I92BNSjo3DOluAKDywIrww-_i/s320/halloween.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have been collecting old toy violin cases (this one happens to be a music box) and I thought this one would be the perfect halloween card display. </div>
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Added some of my usual plastic bug accents as well. I also turned one of my sister's beheaded-barbies into a skeletal being - nearly a year ago, but she fits right in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvefLYK7ETDnJxFdA7-JOzDJUy6AT9vRTvZuDsGQT1f6cB8CyJaf40dOBtx4dUp2iUqm9pb_IDP35dwLFggixJHl6GPuJ7v95T0hLPrbgj6dhf-HdKbKT07Ef-XiTa8OcF8dUI3u5ZOYc/s1600/jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvefLYK7ETDnJxFdA7-JOzDJUy6AT9vRTvZuDsGQT1f6cB8CyJaf40dOBtx4dUp2iUqm9pb_IDP35dwLFggixJHl6GPuJ7v95T0hLPrbgj6dhf-HdKbKT07Ef-XiTa8OcF8dUI3u5ZOYc/s320/jewelry.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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I also created a new jewelry display using one of my old easels, burlap from my wedding table mats, and an old cushion. I wanted to find a rustic background for some of my new jewelry pieces - some of which are literally 'creepy and crawly.' Friends of mine have known I'm a bit of a bug collector (note: no bugs were harmed in the making of this jewelry - all found as is) and I've repurposed them into some unique curio necklaces. I'm probably a little too happy with them, but I have hopes someone with a buggy heart will love them. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaElPJrAzw5MfTCjhiNqjZHOBMjmTSjxmmTPSOZUJ-CnKMrGqH6vg47Guq-o6iuot2IbTwGDX3VgHT7gMpZgc7MlNaiHx_Rt_-3hIBBVg6ZbVV5RkU2RUJ1F9fCSNqF6U6NqVXY1jCfNY7/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaElPJrAzw5MfTCjhiNqjZHOBMjmTSjxmmTPSOZUJ-CnKMrGqH6vg47Guq-o6iuot2IbTwGDX3VgHT7gMpZgc7MlNaiHx_Rt_-3hIBBVg6ZbVV5RkU2RUJ1F9fCSNqF6U6NqVXY1jCfNY7/s320/IMG_3765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also did a bit of redecorating and cleaned out some old items. I'm still a cluttered little space of vintage/handmade items, but rearranging always brings a fresh new face to things. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH0JIp5FHx2txHmERgzTYLmTnTsaeL7EWRMxHUPg_fSd1NxrqiPKVDWKRmA2Zmiw3kPgBbw-eeI0Zk9yFpJdJ9RhK8g5BngdajQfeAQciOlUEJ7CEHgO3mpWD68mZnwL9gP-kGEsrIzcl/s1600/space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH0JIp5FHx2txHmERgzTYLmTnTsaeL7EWRMxHUPg_fSd1NxrqiPKVDWKRmA2Zmiw3kPgBbw-eeI0Zk9yFpJdJ9RhK8g5BngdajQfeAQciOlUEJ7CEHgO3mpWD68mZnwL9gP-kGEsrIzcl/s320/space.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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The space from afar with all my pastel cutesy items nicely separated by some vintage clothing I'm finally parting with. Working as an engineer since graduating college has severely depressed my fashion sense. Cubicle life calls for comfortable practicability - aka - I only get to dress up on days off unless I want to be a construction hazard...</div>
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Speaking of construction, jobs, engineering, and the like. </div>
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Here is an example of one of the many pump stations I have visited while working. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhechT1Hpvi4BjlTeGRjQld8xmDzXxt_wX8z2SHIq4f8UHpsiTGuA8kJX_QPsHvLjPrj56SRlwEpeqr6a8y00aL7KhPBd_aKzHIIjQ96RRlAbhXwiYVDaKMeOCuS5SZnKhuZ3wWV-0xZ4L0/s1600/IMG_3775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhechT1Hpvi4BjlTeGRjQld8xmDzXxt_wX8z2SHIq4f8UHpsiTGuA8kJX_QPsHvLjPrj56SRlwEpeqr6a8y00aL7KhPBd_aKzHIIjQ96RRlAbhXwiYVDaKMeOCuS5SZnKhuZ3wWV-0xZ4L0/s320/IMG_3775.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pump stations. Remember where you flush - they are actually quite fascinating places. This particular pump station is very close to a local brewery, it didn't have a sewage smell to it - more hoppy than anything. :) </div>
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J'reyeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10551335164731232417noreply@blogger.com0