Introducing: the Nikon D5100.

YESSSSS!!!!!

I have to say that spending this much money does not come easy for me. But after researching for well over month, I knew this brand and model was exactly what I needed.  And for $1, 104.39, you can't really do much better. Handling this beauty, I feel like I was born with it in my hands; and while there is so much to learn and gear up for, this is not yet the steepest learning curve I've tackled in my life. I am so excited to unlock the potential contained in this phenomenal work of genius. The founder of Etsy once said that if he doesn't make something tangible at least once a month, he goes crazy. I know what he's talking about. After dealing with complex intangible realities floating in the sky, then wrestling them onto tangible canvas with tangible paint and turpentine and oils and two five-fingered hands... you don't know who you are. High---alive----but exhausted. But to hold a man-made device, and to learn how that device mathematically and scientifically creates data from reflecting light; to learn how the pieces connect and fit together; to touch and feel them; to take the external 'what we see' and reproduce it as art----this is concrete. Touchable. Miraculous.  *FIST PUMP*

I <3 Costco. Includes: Nikon D5100 body; 18-55 mm lens; 55-300 mm lens; 4 GB memory card; really nice case; instructional materials.

Oh yes. And the thrifting find of my summer: these fabulous, super high-rise, button up Guess shorts. Love the authentic upside-down triangle on the right pocket!

Well. Tonight I am going to buy some liquid protein and a white muslin backdrop on Amazon. (In addition to a giant order for a million camera goodies I places last night!) And enjoy my nightly stretch, anti-inflammatory, ice, and chai session. Hey---I'm a swimmer. We work hard for this pain. 

Alpaca Cape.

Super soft ribbing and fantastic wooden buttons for closure a the neck.

I've been on a no-spending spree for awhile in order to make some serious things happen for the shop. When I went to the county fair this last week, I purposely avoided the beautiful South American booths of handmade wares. This gorgeous alpaca poncho winked at me as I was walking by... what can I say? Forty dollars later: mine. Last summer, down the coast a bit, a thick blue wool crew neck alpaca sweater seduced me. The wool is so super-soft and the illustrations are beautiful. Several days I woke up way too early just so it would be cold enough to wear this baby out.

Pardon the ridiculous light switches in the background. Top on my priority list this week is setting up a backdrop with professional-grade background paper. Tomorrow, I head off to buy the Nikon D5100 from Costco and order a few accessories from Amazon. I should have bought it a week ago, but it takes a lot of courage for me to spend that much money at once! I'm looking forward to cleaning out my Etsy shop and revamping it with an autumn/spring collection. (I'm also building an independent website to make my Etsy shop more three-dimensional and really showcase the new and beautiful pieces I have...) I've been collecting some beautiful menswear, which I am ridiculously excited about. I found two of the most stunning vintage wool sweaters yesterday and laid on my floor admiring them for a very long time last night. The effortless class and versatility of vintage menswear really makes me jealous.

Cobalt Blue.

Lovely new scarf. Makes me so happy!

 Cobalt blue. Can't get enough. Whenever I find this color. Gosh. When I look at it... it makes me thirsty but at the same time I feel like I'm drinking water. It makes me want to paint, and it makes me want to never paint again. It makes me want to draw. And it makes me hate these hands that just can't. It makes me want to look and look until I overdose. And combust.

What's more beautiful? The weave is soft and supple.

 As if that wasn't enough, I finally found a pair of shoes. For months I've been wearing my KSWISS hiking boots (FABULOUS), which my Gram has an identical pair of. Now, the rubber sole is pulling away from the leather upper after such intense use! What I love about hiking boots is you feel like you are wearing shoes. (As opposed to just wearing shoes. I digress.) It changes the way you walk and carry yourself. I don't know if anything can measure up to my KSWISS loves, but these are wonderful and much needed nonetheless.

Finally... shoes. At some point, I should post a picture of my tragic looking Tom Cordones. They have holes in them. These shoes are leather and suede, made by Bass, lace tight for my skinny feet... and cost $3.80.

I really shouldn't have. Autumn 2011 Sneak Peek.

I shouldn't have. But I did.

Gorgeous Ralph Lauren Boyfriend Blazer, constructed from certified Pure New Wool.  

The Velvet Tee... soon to be listed!

This blazer is part of the new Autumn collection I'm gathering slated for release in early September. The collection will be the first for Tandem Northwest, combining handmade, up-cycled, and vintage, with a focus on rich, Northwest colors; unique and adventurous textiles; tailored silhouettes; and feminine details.

I'm working right now on some gorgeous new packaging, as well as launching a new website dedicated to Tandem Northwest. Hopefully in a couple weeks everything will be ready to share! I've just started a clearance section over at the shop: 20 items for 20 dollars or less! There are some great deals... snap them up! 

Were that I'd been there, Darling.

Esprit knapsack.

Esprit knapsack. In store now!

I'm feelin' trousers, knee-high socks, kitten heels, and an oversized sweater...

I flipped a switch when I found this old Esprit knapsack. Goes beautifully with my favorite vintage volumes...

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein unabridged and musty. Flips my universe upside down. 

The Eternal Quest is the story of one young man's journey away from and back to the Christian faith, and while quaint in its 1950s convention, is nevertheless relevant, relatable, and gripping. 

The Encyclopedia volume is for the letter I. I rescued it from the free bin at my local library. The green volume is an archaic guide to floral arrangement 'in color.' Waiting to be gifted with a fresh bouquet.

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? What a brand.

My other major Esprit find was a red denim grunge bra  which sold out from the shop right away. I also owned a favorite purple hoodless sweatshirt that said Esprit when I was little. At the time, I thought it said "Eh-spirit," and was very disenchanted when my mother informed me otherwise. Eh-spirit was much more inspiring, and called to mind glorious scenes from the Dreamworks movie "Spirit." My pronunciation is still off. I say pajamas like "paj-AH-mas." I pronounce neither as "n-I-ther" instead of  "n-EEH-ther." Perhaps my European friends can offer me some confirmation that I am correct... 

Kudos.

Morn.

Lake.

My initials happen to be carved into this step.

Funny Story:

My sister Madi watched me as I expertly propped my camera up and set the self-timer. I then turned around and took off down the stairs super fast in order to make it in time for the shutter. On the last  stap I catapulted into the water. (No identifiable cause.) Landing sideways, I soaked my boots for the second time that day as well as half my body.

My mother heard my laughing like a maniac and intuitively knew I had fallen. (According to her, I do one of three things when I injure myself: throw something, kick something, or laugh.)

This lake is notorious for 'swimmer's itch.' Warning signs are posted around the lake about this seemingly unimpressive danger. Well... after about two minutes my one leg broke out in a rash that felt similar to stinging nettles. My, my.

Right after the fall. My sister was disappointed she didn't catch me in action.

Summit.

I have really sexy tan lines from these socks. (Via Gram from REI. Amazing wicking blend by Columbia).

Geocaching. If you haven't, do.

My beautiful sister. Hopefully soon I'll have a link to post for her photography...

My amazing brother. This camping trip he taught me how to shoot a slingshot. *Fist Pump* We made duct tape ammo pouches to keep on our belts and hung targets. I am a pretty good shot. (He also respects me for, um, peeing in the woods....)  

This little gem sleeps in my bed.

Is it just me, or does this make it sound even more appealing?

Is this my America???

Kudos to anyone who camps. (In a tent.)