a long awaited update + Tour De Pacific Northwest

Friends!

It has been way too long! It's been a crazy couple of weeks. My friend Carolyn  came to Portland to visit me during the last week I was there and then we flew home to Florida together. We figured it would be best to plan it that way because twelve hours of travel is only made worse when you have to do it alone. We had ourselves a classic adventure in the Pacific Northwest and even though it didn't go as smoothly as either of us hoped, we made a lot of memories that I'm sure will last forever. (Along with the bruise on Carolyn's knee from tripping as she got on the bus.) Sorry Carol. 

Traveling home also included eight (!!) bags full to the brim. Roughly 300 pounds. I know, I know, who needs that much stuff? No one. The answer is no one. Nevertheless, eight bags sadly turned into seven when I left one on our first connection from Portland to Oakland. The missing bag held my laptop, camera and art supplies. Needless to say, I was a bit upset when I realized what I had done. Thankfully my bag was delivered to me a few days later by way of FedEx and hefty price tag.

Here are a few photos from the start of our adventure. Anyone that goes to Oregon for the first time will undoubtedly be taken to the Columbia River Gorge without hesitation because it is that beautiful. Remember when I went the first time? Four short months ago.  

Hope you had a happy Christmas!

Emily 

a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.

Hey friends, 

I was walking to work yesterday and I saw a pumpkin laying in the middle of a parking spot on a busy street. Undoubtedly, it was put there by an unruly teenager who was certainly nearby watching with much anticipation for the next car to park and smash it. Kids these days, sheesh. If you know me at all, you know that I love pumpkins and can imagine that seeing this abandoned guy made me a little sad. As I was getting over the sight of the forgotten October mascot I started to think about how quickly things change. 

Just a little while ago the world couldn't have been more excited about fall and pumpkin in its many forms; in muffins, in coffee, in oatmeal, in ice-cream, in pie, in butter, and in mac & cheese (that one was just me). The time came and went just like that and in a few short weeks, the pumpkin frenzy was quickly forgotten and it was all "Christmas is here! Tell your friends." The orange gourds were soon replaced with twinkling lights, decorated trees and sweet songs being sung.  

You see, as much as I love pumpkins and I really, really do, there is something undeniably wonderful about the Christmas season. I wasn't happy to see that pumpkin laying in the road but it reminded me that there is a reason we get excited about giving gifts, decorating our homes, and gathering with our families and he came in the form of a baby. Jesus being born is a pretty big deal. And by pretty big, I mean the biggest. deal. ever. So when we say it's the most wonderful time of the year...really, isn't it? 

Have a great Tuesday! 

Fondly from Portlandia, 

Emily 

super sweater sunday.

Howdy friends! 

As the days creep closer to Christmas, festive gatherings seem to be out in full force. Last week, the church that I have been going to in Portland, Mars Hill, had the brilliant idea to have a Christmas Sweater Sunday. Everyone wore their Christmas best and after the service there were photo booths set up so you could get portraits taken. A grand time was had by all! 

I am so very thankful that in just a few short months I have been able to find a great church, people who were so welcoming, and a community of friends that have been nothing but generous and sincere. Friends aren't always easy to come by so I feel pretty blessed that I have found so many great ones here in the North West. 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

p.s. I'm also getting really excited because THIS GIRL gets here in exactly one week!!! (That sentence really deserved to be in all caps.) It is going to be awesome. 

  

seaside, or.

Hey Friends! 

A windy afternoon was spent at the coastal town of Seaside this weekend. Despite leaving with hands that were too cold to feel, it was a lovely time spent with really great friends. Most people will probably look at you with a question mark face if you tell them you are going to spend the day at the coast in December but don't let their puzzled looks stop you. The Pacific coast is breathtaking and a lot of perspective can be gained from doing some things out of turn. 

Have a great Monday folks!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

 

the holidays, portland edition.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

I went to the tree lighting downtown this weekend. It was rainy, my socks were wet and I was freezing but it was so worth it. Even though it was only the day after Thanksgiving, it felt like the appropriate kick off to the Christmas season. When you live in Florida most of your life, I think it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit because it doesn't necessarily feel like Christmas. You can dream of a white Christmas all you want but the reality is you will probably still wear shorts on the twenty fifth day of December. These are just the facts.

Even though it is still November, the holidays seem to be in full swing around these parts. We sang some Christmas songs in church yesterday and last night I saw a tree strapped to the top of a car that I can only assume was taken home and decorated beautifully. The holiday season is really good at giving me a perpetual warm little feeling in my heart and I welcome it. 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

rivalry weekend.

It's game day y'all!

The Thanksgiving fun continues today with lots of college football. My Alma Mater, the Florida State Seminoles will face off against the Florida Gators this afternoon for what is sure to be a good game. I took that picture two years ago when we played the Gators and won for the first time in six years. It was my senior year and it rocked. Hopefully this year will be a repeat! 

Come on, sing along: 

You got to fight, fight, fight for FSU! 

You got to scalp 'em Seminoles! 

You got to win, win, win, win this game and 

Roll on down to make those goals! 

For FSU is on the warpath now, 

and at the battle's end she's great. 

So fight, fight, fight for victory, 

the Seminoles of Florida State! 

F-L-O-R-I-D-A......S-T-A-T-E 

FLORIDA STATE!! FLORIDA STATE!! FLORIDA STATE!! 

Woooooooooooooooo!!!!

Fondly from Portland, 
Emily 

heart of gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving friends, 

As the years go by and I get older, it becomes more and more clear to me how truly thankful I am to have so much. I think that at the core of who we are, the thing that we crave the most is to be loved. (Hang with me, this won't be super emotional...promise.) Truly, the feeling of being loved is unlike any other. It has the power to heal, to conquer and to encourage. It allows you to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who are mourning. It allows us to step outside of ourselves and carry the heart of someone else. 

Being 3,000 miles from home on a holiday that is so focused on family is incredibly hard. (I dropped a friend off at the airport this morning and may have teared up just a little.) So today, I am thankful that love is not limited or measured by space or geographical location. I am thankful that loving and being loved transcends physical distance. 

Today, I will be having Thanksgiving dinner with a family that is not my own, a family that just a few short months ago, I didn't even know. That's how good the love of God is! The way he continues to care for his children fills my heart with so much joy. Ultimately, today, I am most thankful for that unconditional love. It makes all the other love in my life possible and gives me so, so much to be thankful for. 

So friends, I hope that you enjoy this thanksgiving with people that you care about and people that care about you. Remember that love is not limited and looks really different for everybody. Sadly, there are some people in the world today who don't feel loved by anyone so if you have a little extra to give, go find someone who needs it. I bet we won't have to look to far. 

With a full heart from Portland, 

Emily 

it is well.

Hey friends! 

Don't you just love pretty letters and fonts? I would say I have a passion for doodling. In fact, I can remember being in middle school and my brothers finding pieces of scratch paper that I had been writing my name in different fonts on. They would tease my by saying "Emily, gosh, you must really be in love your name!" It wasn't that I particularly loved my name (it's a great name though, mom, thank you) but it is simply the word I was most familiar writing. So naturally all the fonts that I was trying to come up with looked best in my name. Makes sense, right?

...Or maybe I am partial, who knows. I do know that doodling is fun and sometimes it turns out pretty. 

I made this little doodle and put it on a picture that I took in the Columbia River Gorge. I love hymns and 'It Is Well with My Soul' has always been on of my favorites. Knowing the story behind the the hymn is so powerful and makes it hard not to sing every line with a heart that is exploding with gratitude. 

Have an excellent Wednesday my friends! (It's almost Thanksgiving!!) 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

weekends are the best.

Hey there!

This weekend kicked off in downtown Portland to see the new 007 movie, Skyfall. Downtown is really pretty at night but as we walked through the city, my Florida blood was so thankful that it wasn't any colder. I've pretty much come to terms with wearing a heavy coat from this point forward. The rest of this weekend is going to be pretty awesome too. I am headed out to a DIY fair, a Pie Social and hopefully watching the Noles take down some turtles. It's going to be major.

 I hope your weekend is full of fun things and good friends. 

Also, you should come to Portland & eat some pie. Just do it.

Fondly from Portland,
Emily

thankful thursday: cuppa joe.

It's thankful Thursday, y'all!

Raise your hand if you are thankful for you morning cup of coffee! Both of my hands were just up in the air and I only brought them down so I could continue typing. I know that coffee isn't necessarily the most awesome thing to put into your body everyday but we are just going to put that aside for a quick minute and think of how lovely it is. For me, it is more than just the coffee though; is is the moment in the morning when all is still and quiet, the moment where I get to think a few dreamy thoughts about life and say little prayers for the day ahead. It's a time that is cherished. 

There is much to be thankful for, my friends. I hope you find yourself quietly sipping away on a cup of joe (or tea, or water) with a full heart today. 

Fondly from Portland,
Emily

wonders of this world.

Hello dear friends, 

Many of you might remember that when I began to plan my temporary stay in Portland, it did not involve driving my little blue bug across the United States of America. Instead, I decided to dive in head first and really make this thing an adventure. It's also possible that I had two free flights from Southwest Airlines for opening up a credit card and figured this might be the optimal time to put them to use. But hey, adventure was still going to be a part of the equation, no matter what the motive was. 

It turns out that there are some pretty rad folks in Portland though. Four awesome people have let me borrow their cars while I have been here which has made my car-less adventure to the pacific northwest a little more convenient. It is actually one of the most humbling things I have experienced as well. Often times, I am quick to cling to my worldly possessions because I "value" them but I am continuing to learn that although they are worth something monetarily speaking, they are worth pennies in comparison to the joy that comes from being able to share them with others. 

Having a car for the past couple of weeks has been such a blessing and I really couldn't be more thankful. When I started to think about it though, I realized that walking places has been too. You see a lot more of the world when you're among it. Here are just a few things I've seen on my walking adventure that reminded me of all the beautiful things that surround us everyday.

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

the late little bagel.

Hey y'all! 

I wanted to share a funny story with you this afternoon. Well I shouldn't assume that you will think it is funny but here it goes: 

When I stepped foot in Orlando International airport to come out to Portland exactly two months ago, I was really excited, really nervous and really hungry. Of all three, hunger was definitely in the lead so I decided to get something to eat as soon as I got into the terminal. After I chose the only place that looked even somewhat appealing and trans fat free, I realized that everyone else had done the same thing and I was now standing in a very long line. After about ten minutes, I started to get a little worried that I had made a huge error in my assessment of the length of the line versus the amount of time I had to board my plane. As I (im)patiently waited in line, hunger and nervousness felt like they were doing the tango in my stomach. 

I finally ordered my food and made it over to stand with the group of people who were still waiting,  but this time with their receipts out for their order number to be called. It was like we were all about to win the lottery. It seemed like a hundred people had been called so I knew I had to be up soon and all of the sudden DING! DONG! DING! A peppy, louud voice comes on the intercom: "Emily Pullen! Where are you? We don't want you to miss your plane to Portland." 

OH NO. Nervousness had now manifested itself into sweating as I paced back and forth waiting for number 224 to be called. Finally! I grabbed the brown paper bag and frantically shoved the ridiculously overpriced bagel sandwich in my backpack without taking even ONE bite. Using my best mall power walking skills, I scurried to the Southwest check in desk. Completely out of breath from carrying two (arguably larger than allowed) carry on bags, I approached the desk, "I'm here. I'm Emily."

The most cheerful woman on the planet looked at me and said, "Oh good. I'm so glad that you're here. It's going to be a great day because Emily is here." I smiled back at her and tried to make it less obvious that I was out of breath, sweating and on the brink of tears. 

I had made it just in time to be the last person to board the plane which consequently meant sitting in the last row in a middle seat. Still out of breath, I wiggled my way between a very kind flight attendant named Charlotte and a man who was suffering from severe sleep apnea and was also taking up 1/4 of my already tiny seat. My leg became his armrest as he nodded on and off between sips of orange soda. I sat completely still for a few minutes when I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to reach my bagel sandwich let alone have enough room to eat it. My only hope was in a tiny bag of airplane peanuts and four ounces of tomato juice. The first leg of this trip ended two hours later and this hungry Florida girl finally enjoyed the almost-missed-my-plane bagel sandwich in the windy city of Chicago. 

A few morals to this little story: One, don't buy overpriced airport food, pack a snack. Two, always try and be early, there is a lot less sweating involved when you're early. And three, don't pack all of your heaviest items in your carry on bag, your shoulder will eventually feel like it is falling off. You should however make a semi-spontaneous decision to go on a trip because you will have great airport stories to tell at a later, less sensitive date. 

Have a great weekend friends!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

light gives heat.

Hey you guys!

I have something cool to share with you guys today. Working at Sseko has opened me up to a whole new world of cause based brands and non-profits that are doing some really cool things around the world. With the holidays swiftly approaching, I thought it would be a neat to share some of them with you! You know, before you set out on a crazy mall shopping marathon looking for all the right gifts. There isn't a better gift I can think of than one that continues to give. It is the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer...all over the globe. 

Light gives Heat is a company that is committed to creating world changing opportunities in Africa and America. They partner with local artisans in Uganda to provide them with a consistent income. Through these partnerships, they are also able to provide consumers with beautiful handmade products. Light gives Heat features a wide variety of lovely things in their store. Check out their collection of jewelry, totes and home goods.  

My personal favorite is the Prisca Necklace and this is how I would style it: 

Light gives Heat also challenges consumers to look outside of themselves, to see beauty in the risk and to pursue big, beautiful, crazy dreams. And I think that pretty much rocks. 

If you want, you can read more about their story here!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

g-sales & floating homes.

Hey friends and happy election day! 

On Saturday, we had high hopes of checking out Portland's largest indoor garage sale but our attempts were squashed when we found out they were charging $12.00 to get in. To get into a warehouse to buy junk you most likely didn't need in the first place. Admittedly, that is exactly the junk that I would have bought. So really, I should be thanking the expo center for charging movie theatre prices because they probably saved me much more that $12.00. 

Another great thing that came out of not going to the G-Sale was some spontaneous exploring on the river. These floating abodes were pretty awesome, and even though it was overcast, the backdrop of the changing leaves made for a lovely view. 

I hope you all had a great weekend and maybe found yourself discovering something pretty as well. 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

thankful thursday.

Friends!!

Let's welcome November with open arms and full hearts. The truth is, there is so much in the world to be thankful for. All around us are opportunities to be grateful for the small things, the big things, the expected and the unexpected. So let's do just that. Every Thursday I will post a little something that is currently filling my heart with joy. 

Today, I am so thankful for the comforts of home in a new place. You've Got Mail is the only movie I brought with me to Portland and I'm so glad I did. There is something about hearing the opening song chime in that will always be familiar to me. "Dreams are nothing more than wishes, and a wish is just a dream." I am also incredibly grateful for the United States Postal Service and their ability to transport sweet little packages from my lovely friends and family over 3,000 miles.

Yes, you're right, these things are not big but they are worth celebrating. 

What are you thankful for this week? I would love to know. Enjoy this first day of November!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

happy halloween.

Hey everybody!

Who is ready to eat their body weight in fun size candy bars? Ready or not, today is the LAST day of the month of October. I can hardly believe it. Last weekend I participated in a trio costume in which I acted as a piece of notebook paper. It was a tad difficult to maneuver in and I was legitimately concerned about giving the people around me a life threatening paper cut. Danger aside, it was a really fun evening.

Today I will be breaking out a costume again but it won't be to trick or treat but rather to score a burrito at Chipotle for $2.00. (You can do it too, head that way after 4:00 PM!) If you are heading out for an evening of trick or treating, please feel free to send any and all unwanted Almond Joys or Dove dark chocolates to Portland, Oregon. Thanks. You rock. 

Happy Halloween friends!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

every sandal has a story.

Hey Friends! 

I wanted to share this Sseko video with you. It is a great little two minute glimpse into their story. Sseko is committed to an improvement of the overall economy in Uganda and believes that this will come, in part, from the education of bright women. Between high school and university, these hard working women help produce the beautiful products that Sseko sells. Behind every woman working at Sseko is an inspiring story that is only just beginning. You see, these women will not make sandals forever, they will go on to be doctors, teachers, lawyers, political leaders and so much more! Pretty great, right?

The Sseko headquarters are also rad and I am truly so thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of this company and get to work with such talented, awesome people everyday.

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

bob's red mill.

Howdy, howdy!

Have y'all ever used any of Bob's Red Mill products? They are delicious! My friend Carolyn introduced me to them a while back. We found out at a later date that the gluten free shortbread cookies with Nutella on top are basically gold. Seriously, you need them in your life. 

When I got to Portland, I found out that the mill headquarters are here and thought it would be fun to stop in for a little touristy outing and possibly a tasty treat. The place was a zoo but I did score a few fun items and even a free orange cranberry cookie! It was a successful Saturday adventure and a yummy one to boot. 

Hope you have a terrific Monday my friends!

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily

ps. How is it the end of October? Carly Rae Jepsen was so right...this is crazy. 

time is on a bike.

Hello Monday and hello friends, 

I hope you all found lots of things that made you appreciate the fall season this weekend! Can you believe it is almost the end of October? I feel like time is riding a bike downhill! Pretty soon pilgrims, turkeys and stretchy pants are going to be coming our way and then we'll blink our eyes and have pear trees...with partridges in them!!! My oh my, the holidays are indeed approaching. Swiftly. 

Ok, ok, ok, I'm getting ahead of myself. In an attempt to appreciate the here and now, lets just continue to think of the joyous October season we find ourselves in and let these little orange babies brighten our day. 

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily

ps. If you think all the hype about pumpkins is overrated, I think you are mistaken but you might want to check out this hysterical article about a man who decides that he is going to eat all of the pumpkin things Trader Joe's has to offer...in one day. He is less than impressed. And to think, I suggested doing something like this! 

corn nostalgia.

Hey there! 

How do you take your corn? I'm an off the cob kind of lady. Somehow the added commitment of picking kernels out of your teeth for hours just doesn't seem worth it. Cutting it off the cob though, sign me up. When we were younger my family lived in Guatemala and I remember days when we would walk down to the market. The local people would be grilling corn on the cob and it always looked so delicious. They would squeeze lime and a dash of salt over the corn, put it back in the husk and then throw it on the grill until it was nice and toasty. Ahh, I can almost smell it now. So good. 

Last weekend I went to a corn maze and while I enjoyed walking through maze and figuring out the life size puzzle, I also was taken back by the beauty of the tall green stalks. Who knew corn could be so lovely?

Fondly from Portland, 

Emily 

p.s. If I have a farm someday, it might be called 'Call me crazy, Call me corny'. Ok, that is all.