I went to visit Ryan again last weekend. It was so fabulous to see him and since it was President's Day Weekend, I could spend an extra day there. We walked through most of Central Park this time.
 This is how I think of it.
 We also went to Coney Island and Brighton Beach. Two of my favorite areas. I look forward to traveling again. Work may have me there next month and I'd love to see Ryan again.
 This past weekend, we had another winter storm roll through and I planned to stay indoors and work on crafts and shop orders. Above features one of the custom shop orders. I need to practice a bit more with my embroidery technique, but so far it is pretty fun.
I started making my own wood stain this weekend too. Vinegar and a copper scouring pad. Once I remembered that copper needs to oxygenate to turn colors, it got a whole lot more interesting. What will I do with this wood stain? Well, I intend to make a few embroidery hoop projects and I want to use the stain to color the wooden hoops. Looking forward to the experiment!


I also photographed an upcycled circle scarf for the shop. You can find it available here.

What did you do with your weekend?

 Look how proud those turtles are!








 Tater would have been so scared!

 Dumpling time!
 Peering
 Enjoying the last few bars of vacation before getting on the bus.

One of the things I love about NYC is that I could almost walk anywhere and grab some vegan grub. Of course, at times I would look up places to purposefully go to as well. I was seriously craving a good veggie burger (seemingly an oxymoron) and found one. So good. Also got some rosemary homefries.
 One of the infamous people of the area, pigeon man.

 We spent some more time on the subway to go to Central Park. I love me some public transit.



Did I mention I love public transit? What's your favorite way to travel?

 This past weekend I was able to spend a long weekend with Ryan. It was soo great to see him again and spend some time where he lives. After taking the subway to his place and settling in, we went out for dinner at a middle eastern place down the street. Mmmm...falafel!
 Washington Park is just a few blocks away and it was one of our favorite spots. There is a fountain in part of it and a dog run in another. It was fun to see the cute little dogs run around and chase each other.
 This is one of the views from the terrace at Ryan's place. It was so beautiful.
 I was also struck by how much nature tries to push its way into the urban jungle.

How was your weekend?

I have to admit that my favorite blog day is Monday. There's something about the weekend where everyone relaxes and slows down the blog posting and then when it's Monday-BAM-an onslaught of posts. And not just any posts...interesting DIY posts and weekend adventure posts. I love it!! As soon as I get home from work, I enjoy sitting back on our couch and reading through them all.

I've had a heavy heart this past week. I would be lying if I said I didn't. Even when I called people at work, they could somehow hear it in my voice. I helped Ryan move in to his campus apartment in NYC on Wednesday. It was nice to see where he will be and meet his roommate, but I won't lie when I say it will be tough. We have done long distance before, though, so at least we're prepared.

I was intrigued that moonshine is now sold in stores and I bought some.

It definitely makes me cough after I take a sip.

The Mamiya on one of the bookshelves in Ryan's apartment.

Developing equipment and scanner...eventually books will go here?

Listening to his roommate.

Washington Square Park

Heading to get a student ID.

When I got home, I went to a farmer's market in a neighboring town.

Lino blocks and tool.

Since returning back home, I have spent my time cleaning the apartment and working on various craft projects. One will be hemming a curtain for work. I also ordered some linoleum blocks and carving tool--I'm going to try my hand at block printing. Tater Tot has been my constant companion and I have been enjoying her company. My new co-worker watched her for me when we went to NYC and she is invited back anytime I leave. It is so nice to have people to care for my dog when I'm gone and I don't have to worry about her.

We were assigned our partners for the scarf exchange and I am so excited! I have been thinking about what to send my partner all weekend.