fine art and thrift stores @pbandjesse - Tumblr Blog

Posts

I just finished a marathon reorganization of the studio. Which us why I'm only starting to write this at 950. When really all I want to do is go to bed. My legs hurt! I have been on my feet for hours!

It was overall a good day. My stress was unnecessary in the end. Everything basically worked out. Even with the overall nonsense of yesterday. Today was better.

There was stuff I had to let go today. To just not deal with. But I did my job well and that matters a lot to me.

I slept alright. I woke up at 7 and got dressed. My hair dried really cute. I would of course sweat it all out and it got frizzy later. But it started the day real cute.

Sylvia and me both gasped when we saw eachother. Huge smiles. It's the best way to start the day. She would sit on my lap while I did her hair. And I just felt happy being her mom. I know I'm her mom, but I don't always feel that. I feel almost like her sister? I don't know why that is. But the moments when I feel like mom, like I'm making things special for her, mean and lot to me.

I think it was palpable to me today because I was feeling sad we weren't getting to spend the whole day together. So I soaked in what I could.

James had already packed her bag and loaded up the things I asked in the car. And we would all go together to the museum. It was nice to get that little extra family time.

When we got to the museum we both held Sylvia's hands (after she fell in the parking lot and skinned her perfect little baby knee) and walked together to the print shop.

James and Sylvia would go over to the grocery store so I could make my chase. Which went well, but I am still annoyed that these are getting left until the last second so I have to rush in on a weird day. But I got it done. And when James and Sylvia got back I was finishing, waiting for confirmation from Jules, making a test print, and then James walked us to the car so we could go home for a nap.

Traffic was terrible all day today. But we were home around 845. We had to park on Patterson because of street cleaning. So we walked down the alley and I talked to Sylvia about what things were called and how we look before we cross streets. And I know she's a baby, but I try to just always assume she's absorbing or at least I'm setting up our rules for later on in her childhood.

She went down for a nap super easy. And while she slept I did the dishes and would draw for a little while. I haven't had time to sit and draw on my tablet in forever so this was so nice.

Sylvie slept for about 2 hours. I would start my reorganizing and changing furniture in the studio. Mostly this first half of the day and the project was swapping where the shelves were and starting to label drawers. I dumpd everything on the ground and it was a big mess but it needed to be done to get the space tightened up. There are still things I want to change but the process is going really well.

I went and got Sylvia when I heard her stirring. We had a little lunch. I tried to teach her to jump but it was all her laughing. And soon it was time to get in the car.

We had to walk back down the alley. We held hands and walked and talked. I wasn't in a rush. I was just enjoying the slow stroll with my baby girl.

We would go to the mall to meet Alexi and Louisa. And it was hard to see Sylvia grt very upset when I left. Alexi was able to get my carseat in her car. And I gave her Sylvia's bag. And I had to go to get to camp. I knew she was in good hands. Hands who love her!

Alexi would send pictures throughout the afternoon. Of Sylvia smiling and eating pizza. Playing in their backyard (which is huge and has a playground size play structure). Playing with Lousia and Kenny. It was so nice. Helped me in my missing her feelings.

And I was to busy to really focus on my feelings. 4 back to back classes. Excellent work. Lots of laughs. Lots of silliness. I worked on my sewing. I encouraged. I told stories. I got to sit with friends. The weather was perfect. Having Sylvia there would have been great but it was still a good day.

We did have a scary moment when a young child fell off a hammock and hit her head on a large rock on the ground. And hearing her scream cry sounded like Sylvia. And I went total mom mode. I went and grabbed her off the ground and held her and carried her to a bench so I could check her head. I immediately went into my training and told Jacob to tell the counselor to call the nurse. And checked her head. I gave her a stuffy to hold. And brushed the leaves out of her hair.

When the nurse came I swapped spots with her so she could look. Thankfully no blood. Just a lump. One of the councelors said her head was so strong that she actually broke the rock and grabbed a piece of rock to sell the story. And we all yes anded him. Little girl got an ice pack and she wasn't thrilled obviously, but she would be alright.

The rest of the day was much less exciting. I got my tarot card read and it helped me articulate some feelings I've been having. Being able to talk about the feelings made them feel more reasonable but also let me let go of the hurt.

I have been struggling with maintaining non work friendships. There just isn't time. And it's not like I have a ton of friends! But I got my feelings hurt and needed to work through those feelings.

Charlotte came up to ask me something and I really do feel like my crazy upset on monday got back to her. Which is reasonable and not unexpected. Everyone at camp are terrible gossips. But if it makes her warmer to me I'll take it.

I was super excited for Sylvia to be back with me. Alexi would drive her to camp at 430. Sylvie had fallen asleep for a half hour but she was excited to see me. Had lots to say. Alexi went above her already going above and beyond and reinstalled the car seat in our car while I took Sylvia on the porch to say hi to Charlotte. Who called Sylvia her baby. Which I loved. I love seeing Sylvia be loved!!!

We needed to go home though. Sylvia was not happy about getting back in the car seat. And traffic was horrible. But we got home around 530.

James was waiting for us. They had made dinner and we would sit together at the island. We decided to keep Sylvia up slightly later. We're going to try and shift her bed time up a half hour. So we can get a little more time with her.

We had cheese cake with sour cherries. Sylvia played with her dolls. Watched some sports with James.

And I went upstairs to work on the tornado I had left in the studio. And I worked for hours. Sylvia and James came and visited. Sylvia liked picking things up to show me. And after a bath she went to bed.

James was downstairs and I was still organzing. I heard her crying so I went in. And I was in a silly mood so I got in the crib with her. And she handed me her stuffiess for hugs and kisses. And she got her own hugs and kisses. Ans after getting out of the crib, one more hug, and one more story, she was asleep.

2 more hours of organzing. And finally I got the room back to a reasonable place.

I finally was able to shower. And showed James all my labeling and organzing. And now I am finally in bed. And so very tired.

I may need one little snack. But I absolutely need to go to sleep soon. I hope you all sleep great. I love you all. Good night!!

Today was stupid dramatic. So much happened it feels like multiple days of camp. I lived many lives. But it wasnt a bad day. Im just tired and I wish the week was over.

I slept alright. I've been waking up at least once every night. But thankfully I have been falling back asleep quickly enough.

I woke up at 720 and got up and went to get dressed. Sylvia and James came to find me and they were so sweet. I loved Sylvia's little shirt. I was less sure about my own shirt. But I would get compliments all day. That helped me feel better about stuff.

James left for work and me and Sylvia read a book. I packed my bag. And we waited for Anne.

Me and Sylvia were looking at Crabcake when Anne came. It was nice to see her. They would have a quiet morning at the house and then went to port discovery. I'm glad they got to spend time together.

I had a nice drive in. Decided to wait in the day camp line. Wrote up my morning message to the group chat. Checked in with Sarah. Who let me know a very large tree branch fell in the pioneer village.

I went up to art and as I was preparing to walk over to see the destruction I saw Mikael. So we walked over together.

And camp was like. Wildly lucky that this branch landed between the buildings. Like yes it pierced the roof and it's a pain, the clean up is going to be annoying, but this could have killed someone. It could have destroyed a building.

We heard the whole story from the kids. But soon we were heading to our programs. It was a busy day.

Overall, good kids and good projects. I feel silly that I got particularly annoyed with a day camper who I felt was very rude. I should not be beefing with a 7 year old. But overall the kids were great. Had great conversations with coworkers. We did have another hammock tear. Disappointing. But it happens. Overall a good day.

I had lots of laughs with Jayden and Kamal and Jeci. Teasing them when Tony came up about their tomfoolery. I had an ssc hanging out with me working on an excellent cardboard sculptures he started last year. Like it's very impressive. And I'm glad he feels comfortable in the art building.

Lunch was fine. I actually had a break. So I was able to go to the office and hang with Heather and Charlotte for a bit. Talked about evening programs. And was able to go and pass some materials to SarahMarie and go and laydown in a hammock for a little while.

The big drama would happen as I was leaving. Alexi and Lousia came to art to offer to watch Sylvia tomorrow. It is nice to feel so supported. Especially after feeling so hurt on Monday. And I was heading out when I saw Elizabeth walking up the path. She didnt stop at art, she continued on.

And then I noticed I had missed calls from staff. And throughout the drive home I was fielding phone calls and finding out that someone was raping at camp again! And this time some kids found it and took pictures with it. Someone got fired. Ugh. So now I have to figure out how to make things work and get coverage. And of course tomorrow is already going to be a crazy balancing act.

I got home and James had news too. About the director of the museum retiring. So lots of shake ups. I was thrilled to get a hug from Syliva. I love that she's learned to hug. It's fantastic.

The neighbor kids came to chat and play with baby. But soon we went inside. James did the dishes. Changed Sylvia. And then we headed back out to go to see if we could get hammock at five below (no luck). And then to Rita's and we sat on the playground. We shared our flavors. Sylvie was a cutie and it was fun sharing with her. She's so dramatic in her asking but was never mean. Just a sweetie who loves sweets.

We went home after that. Passed some baby stuff to a neighbor. Met their new senior dog. And soon we were heading inside for Sylvia bed time.

After Sylvie went to bed James made us pasta. And we hung out on the couch.

Eventually I came upstairs to take a shower. Washed my hair. And now we're hanging in bed watching a video. I am looking forward to sleep.

Tomorrow me and James and Sylvia will go to the museum first thing so I can make a chase. Then home for her nap. And then we'll go meet with Alexi and Lousia and then I'll go to camp. I hope the day is easier then I am worried about. Fingers crossed.

Sleep well everyone. Be safe.

I joked a lot today about crying yesterday. Told people I was fine and I just needed to be dramatic about it. And I did feel fine today. I just have to push forward.

I wanted to stay home. It was a fine temperature but it was also very humid. I was dripping and gross many times today. But I tried to not focus on that. And focus on my job.

And I think over all I did a great job.

We started the day with helping Mikael. We came up with projects and we went hard on organzing and cleaning. It was sweaty work but I has an excellent time sorting and making things nicer. And I had an absolutely lovely time talking to Mikael. I have really felt lucky to see them grow over the years. I cant wait to see how they continue to change.

And I had great groups. Tipis was first and they were great. I had both crucibles going. We had some fails but they were such good sports that they just kept trucking and fixed the problems. And I didnt electrocute myself!

There were 3 girls who were super interested in the process and let me ramble on about the lost wax process. They were great.

And its interesting to see these girls that I would consider preppy girls, and how they are in our most rustic cabins and enthusiastic lyrics learning about metalsmithing. It made me really happy that they can just be themselves.

Lunch was hot dogs and the veggie one was very good. And I would go to the chickee to chat with Mikael. Who was having fun reading stories to the kids. And we talked about individualism vs individuality. But soon I walked up to the art shed to lay in my hammock for a bit.

The afternoon was good. My 2 day camps were sweet but struggled to listen. One counselor was afraid of the hot glue gun and I showed him how to use it and he became an expert. And I helped the kids cut their pieces. And helped another senior staff fix someone's glasses. It felt good. I felt happy.

But still sweaty. The humidity was crazy. And a storm would roll in during my 230 program. There was a storm coming through. So we had the boys clean up and I let all the specialty peeps know. I felt bad that the kids who were into the project didn't finish. So I sent them with glue to finish them in the cabin.

I cleaned up and put stuff away. Made it look nice for tomorrow. And once Heather made the call that 330 programs were canceled. So I got to go home early.

And the storm was mostly a burst. Its still thundering now, hours later. But it hasnt rained crazy yet. I still think it will but I'm grateful it wasn't during my drive back.

When I got home the kids were running to me yelling my name. And I was able to pass them some art supplies we can't use at camp and they said I was the best neighbor. Aw.

Sylvia and James were cooking and making cheesecakes. Sylvia had much to tell me. And I was happy to hear her and James tell me about their day.

We had dinner. Me and Sylvia played in the backyard. We had silly times. James finished baking and eventually it was bed time for Sylvia.

Me and James hung out on the couch. I love my husband. Eventually I came upstairs to organize my outfits and took a shower. And now I'm chilling in our bedroom. I just trimmed my bangs. And now I just want to curl up and go to sleep.

Tomorrow Anne is coming to watch Sylvia. And while it's going to be warmer, I think it will be a great day still. I am chosing to beleive that.

Sleep well everyone. Be safe in the storm!!

unichrome

I’m slowly beginning to accept the reality that 2007 was not last year but in fact almost four years ago

petaltexturedskies

I feel entirely dehumanized by the sun now and wish for fog, snow, rain and humanity.

Virginia Woolf, in a letter to Edward Sackville-West, written c. September 1926, from The Letters of Virginia Woolf: Vol. III, 1923-1928

crashdavis

asked my students if they wanted to share stories about what they did over spring break and this kid goes "you know the field behind costco?" and we all nod and he says "I got lost in the field behind costco."

rabbits-of-negative-euphoria

if they're gonna remake The Princess Bride, it should open with a kid sick in bed scrolling on his phone. his grandpa arrives with a gift--it's a DVD player with a disc already inside. grandpa hooks it up to the TV and presses play. and we all just watch the original 1987 film again.

I have a horrible head ache right now. Today was a bit of a mess. And I cried a bunch. And I am just really excited to go to sleep.

I slept alright last night. I woke up a few times but it was fine. I got up for real at 7 and got dressed. Sylvia wasn't awake yet. James came up to get her and we would all head downstairs.

James made us pancakes. And soon I was off.

I got to camp at 8. And things were already off the rails for me. I had asked a coworker to bring my materials inside on Friday before the storm. And I apparently wasn't clear because only the paint got taken inside. So all my bins and boxes got left out and were full of water and were ruined. That was frustrating and a little disappointing.

But things were okay enough. I went to the office to print some stuff. Met the new camp director. Alexi has officially taken on the role of the executive director of the entirety of camp. And so we have a new day to day person from the Y. She seems great.

But this lead to the next problem. During my first program I was surprised informed that Sylvia can't come to camp. And I felt blindsided and also the way it was said, with no apology or helping with a plan or anything, and I felt so disregulated that I almost quit in that moment. But I held my tongue until the person left. And started crying. I tried not to but I fell apart.

My coworker Mariana was there and she hugged me and let me over explain why I was upset. I had 3 more conversations where I broke down crying before I was alright. Specifically talking to Heather helped. She wants to help me with Sylvia and is brainstorming with me.

I tried to still be a very good teacher. We were making quilt squares today. It was fun to show off my bug quilts. And see what the kids were inspired by. It was a good day for art.

There was more drama when Nico and SarahMarie let me know that handicraft and camp cooking were destroyed. Fake blood and clay and all the firewood and fire started used. Were talking like 100 fire starters. I went to explain the issue to Becky and wanted her to understand that this is an ongoing issue of people not cleaning up after themselves and careing about the spaces. It's very frustrating. I hope its something she can help with. A change in the culture.

If my feels are going to be hurt and I can't have Sylvia with me at camp, then it has to be worth something. And I want the cost to be fixing the systemic issues camp has had.

The afternoon was more positive. Good art. Good conversations. I felt happier. I continued to get peoples names wrong. Sorry everyone. But we had fun and I was feeling less miserable.

I had some lovely chats with Mariana, Blanche, and Katerina throughout the day. Told stories about my favorite flowers and showed pictures of my goth phase. Like sure I'm alternative now but I was very goth when I was 12! And we showed our favorite childhood toys. I know I can be a lot to some people but the people at camp make me feel very seen. And I appreciate them for listening to me ramble.

I was starting to get a head ache. And was glad when my last group left early. So I could leave early. And was thrilled to go home.

I got back at 5. With a head ache. I was happy to see the neighbor kids but one of them was having a bad day and crying so we had a hug. Sweetie pie. Also she's almost as tall as me now.

I was happy to see James and Sylvia. And James made pizza! While it was cooking me and Syliva went outside and hung out with the kids. We chilled all outside. James told me about their day at the aquarium. Which looked so fun and Im glad they had a good time.

I'm only a little jealous.

We went inside for dinner. Sat together as a family at the island. Sylvia was being a cutie. We enjoyed our pizza. And laid on the couch. Sylvia played and showed us things. Her and James were rocking on their rocking chairs. And soon it was bedtime.

James had a game tonight. And I would lay down and chilled snd tried to will away the head ache. But no luck. And now my allergies were bothering me and my eyes are watery. I have taken some meds. And I'm going to go and take a shower before bed.

I hope tomorrow I can feel better. And have a productive day. Fingers crossed.

Be safe everyone. Until next time.

It really was nice to be back home. We had such a nice little trip, despite the heat. But I really love our home.

I wish I had a more restful sleep. I woke up and felt very bad. James came to let me know they were leaving for swim class. And I wished them both luck and went back to sleep.

I felt heavy and tired and no good when I woke up again. I was like, oh I cannot leave this bed. And it stayed that way for a while. I was just. Exhusted and so sore.

But eventually I would got up. And made the bed. And got washed and dressed. And felt super cute. I think some of it was I wasn't dehydrated and sweating anymore. And my soreness wasn't to bad once I was moving.

I would do some cleaning around the house. Made Sylvia outfits. And started going through my clothes to pass on to Kaitlyn. I had a vague goal to pair down enough to get all my extra and off season dresses, shirts, pants, and jumpsuits in the 2 moving bags I have and move my clothes back to the big side of the wardrobe. And that is exactly what I did.

When James and Sylvia got back I was working on my sorting. James tried to lay Sylvia down but she was crying and they had a phone interview and I didn't want them to be disturbed. So I got her ans she hung out with me in the studio. I was able to fill 2 duffles and a small bag plus a small box with clothes. And it felt good. Some stuff I'm not getting rid of is very seasonal and so I don't want to get rid of my warm and layering pieces just because it's so hot, like it will eventually be cold again!!

Sylvia escaped the studio (I didn't do anything to stop her) and went downstairs. But James was still on the call so me and her went outback and she tore leaves and splashed in a puddle and we played with a rubber ducky. And eventually James came outside to join us. But we would go back to the ac. And they would get ready to go to the grocery store.

While they did that I went upstairs to finish. My clothes sorting and closet work. I would work on some organzing in the basement. And put together the bags of stuff and other things were getting rid of.

I finally felt like I could stop moving. I went upstairs to lay down and cooled off in the ac.

When James and Sylvia got back she would actually nap. And I would come downstairs to have cereal and chat with my husband. I put the laundry away and worked on a few small things. Mostly I chilled. And when Sylvia woke up we had a snack and read some books before James took her on a bikeride to the park.

While they were gone I went upstairs and painted my nails. When my family came home I was laying in bed again. We would have dinner. And played with baby. But she was a little fussy and tired. So bath and bed for baby.

James and me have been downstairs since. Hanging out. Eating dinner. We're watching tour de France highlights. It's good to be together.

I think I'm going to take a bath. And think about going to bed early. I am exhusted.

I am looking forward to camp this week. Not as hot, a little rainy, a solid project. I hope the kids like it.

I hope the smoke has calmed in your area. It was much easier to breathe today but I do have a little cough again. Sleep well my friends.

It is so nice to be back in my own bed in my own room in my own house. I like sleeping in hotels and novel places, but there is an emptiness to it, and my room and home feels so full because of the way I decorate. Its like it makes eveything feel softer, rounder. I am not sure that is the best way to describe it but it is nice to be back for many reasons.

It was a long day. The witch trial last night was so fun. We got to be the justices, and I sat on the right of the judge. I struggled with the seat itself because my legs don't reach the ground and stretching made my lower back hurt. So I had to keep rearranging my bones. And then I kept getting in trouble because me and the judge were having to much fun. He would whisper things and I would play into the bit. Then we would get shushed. And I got to ask the witnesses a few questions. It was a lot of fun and I'm really really glad we did that activity. Me and Jess decided she was for sure a witch, but was not guilty of the things she was accused of.

We made the longer walk back to the hotel. And it felt so long. We were both stiff and tired and it was still heavy out, even if it wasn't as hot now that the sun was down.

We would talk about nothing and everything. We talked about things we saw people discuss online. Like how you towel of after a shower and your routines for cleaning and skincare. I love when friendships are so open and comfortably that you get to the point of wanting to know if you dry your legs or ams first.

When we got back Sylvia was asleep, but James was still awake. They would struggle to sleep. I stayed up scrolling for a bit but would eventually sleep. Im glad I brought my fan, it for sure helped me sleep.

Sylvia woke up in the morning and James was getting dressed so I got her and brought her to the bed and she actually cuddle with me!! It was so fantastic.

She would eventually go cuddle with Jess. And me and James laid in bed for a while. But eventually we got ourselves together. And picked up the room. I was really proud of us with how streamlined we were with our packing. The only clothing item I brought and didn't use was my one pair of socks I brought for the hotel in case my toes got cold. I love when eveything was brought with purpose.

We went to check out breakfast. The continental breakfast was kind of a mess. There was a crazy line. Nothing was particularly good. Me and Jess got a variety of food for all 4 of us. And we found a table outside. We ate and talked and went over the general itinerary of the day I made while I was chilling in bed last night.

The visitor center wouldn't open for an hour. So we went to load the bags in the car. Checked out. And took advantage of their mini golf course.

It was to humid though and made it difficult to enjoy our game. Plus there was a guy who was more serious about the game behind us so I felt a little rushed. He was sweet and wanted to tell is about his last game and narrated the shots we were taking and didn't seem to mind waiting for Sylvia. We let her run around on the green while we putted as a fun oppstical. I got one hole in one. Which made me feel great. We played 9 holes and called it good. We were to sweaty.

We spent the next half hour in the lobby chilling on the couches. We ended up sitting with 2 women with American girl dolls, who worked with Anne at Port Discovery! What a small world! We had fun talking to them and discussing our babies. Sylvia was chatty and silly and such a good girl.

We went to the visitor center right as they opened. We would go and watch the Patriot film they show throughout the day. It was very. Of its time. But I enjoyed it. Even just focusing on how full the town was and seeing how people would utilize the objects we saw. It was great.

We went to the gift shop next. I got a silver spoon and a goose in a tricorner hat, to share with Sylvia. And Jess got a magnet.

We paid and decided we would drive to the art museum. So we wouldn't have to backtrack on our way out. And the art museum was fun. I mostly wanted to go to see and specific exhibit they had at the folk museum about toys. And it was absolutely perfect and I loved it. We perfectly honestly blown away by the curration. The whole space was so nice and the signage was great. We made a point to sing their praises to the nice woman at the info desk.

We checked out the gift shop there but while it was beautiful, it was very expensive. So we weren't there long.

When we got back to the car we were all tired and hungry. Sylvia would fall asleep almost immediately. We made the decision to get quick food and not go to a sit down place. I quickly picked a seemingly local chain called Freddy's. I got a veggie burger bowl with cheese fries. Jess had a burger and tots. James had fries. And Sylvia would have a variety of leftovers later on. We all had milkshakes. Which were great. And we drove to our next stop.

We had a 2 hour drive. And after eating I fell asleep for a little. And we arrived in Fredericksburg.

I liked it there. It reminded me of HDG. With all the differnt antique stores and cafe and shops. And I would absolutely go back someday. We would go to a cafe for drinks and a pastry. Used their bathroom. And then went to the antique mall. James was in charge of Sylvia. Who was tired and fussy but was still mostly good. Me and Jess looked in all the booths and we found some treasures. I was very excited about the cut paper art and the hand cart. I also was thrilled with my sugar cannister that looked like the ones they had in the apothecary yesterday.

We paid and went back to the Cafe for machas for the road. I got a muffin that was such a lovely texture. It was almost a milkbread. Perfect road snack.

There was some traffic but the original 4 hour drive was back to 2.5. So still slow, but it was all good. James was a fantastic driver. Jess and Sylvia dozed in the back. I watched videos. And finally. Finally! We were home little after 630.

We got Sylvia inside. And all our stuff. Sylvia gave hugs and went to bed. Which included a snack. Me and Jess sat on the couch recovering. But to soon she had to go home.

James walked her to her car. I had cereal and put things away. And after James got back I took a shower and washed my hair and got in bed to write this. Tired. Still hungry. But happy. I had a fantastic time, even when weather was ideal. I am so lucky to have a husband and best friend that want to all hang together.

Now I am going to go and have a snack before going to be. Hopefully ASAP.

Sleep well everyone. Goodnight!!

ahmed-motaz

Two years ago, the occupation destroyed our home, turning our dreams, memories, and everything we owned into piles of rubble and ash, as seen in this picture.

dorothylarouge

Me and Jess are sitting outside the governor's mansion as the sun sets. It's hazy from the wildfires but it hasn't been to bad for us. Camp had to close really early because the air quality was so bad. So I have been in the specialty group chat a ton today. But I also tried to be very present in the moment. Because we are on our vacation. And for the most part. Today has been a fantastic day. It was just very very hot.

I struggled to fall asleep last night. And I woke up from that. But when my alarm went off I was alright. I got dressed. Tried to not be miserable. And faked it til I made it.

James and Jessy and Sylvia were up and doing things downstairs to get us ready. The plan had been to lwave at 630 but it was closer to 7, getting everyone together, loading the car. Moving Jess's car to a safer spot. And then to wawa for breakfast.

After we got our food we were on our way. The plan was to swap anytime we stopped but James drove us straight through. And all the girls slept most of the drive. We woke up for most of the last hour and talked and watched the smoke.

We arrived at 11 and we're very confused about where to park and drove in circles for a bit. I'll say one positive to coming in this hot ass weather, the place is basically empty. No one wants to be outside. So we got to check in early. And we're allowed to park in the lot early. And it's been so quiet here it'd wonderful. I love not having cars and stop lights. Its peaceful.

But it was hot. And heavy from the smoke. And so we struggled with our exploration a bit. But we did go in some nest historic places. Like the blacksmith, the tinsmith, and the silversmith. We also went in the apothecary and the toy maker, and the hat and clothing makers. We got to learn stuff and see tools and if we were do hot we would have stayed in them longer Im sure.

Sylvia mostly stayed in her stroller. She didn't want to walk much in the heat. I don't blame her. We all tried very hard to be hydrated. We had lunch when we first arrived, at one of the other hotels. And the food was good. The staff was. Lackluster and forgot about us when we were trying to pay. But we got to have interesting house sodas. The strawberry ginger was the best one in my opinion.

We were all melting down by 3. But we made it back to the hotel. We had a nice walk with beautiful creeks and trees. But then Sylvia almost fell out of the stroller and me and Jess caught her but she was terrified. But I held her and made sure she was safe again.

We got changed for the pool. And would have so much fun in the splash pad. Except when she tried to dive and landed face down in the water. I grabbed her up but my poor baby.

We went to the big pool for a bit. Practiced kicks. It was a lot of fun even if she kept trying to jump into the water. This why swim classes so important.

We would head back to the room around 430. Went back to the room to get changed and then rested a half hour before we would head to the American girl fashion retrospective.

It was really informative and I really enjoyed hearing about the construction. And it was so sweet seeing all the little girls being so excited. And Sylvia would do such a good job sitting quietly the whole time.

We left there and got info from the desk of where to get food. There was a small food hall and arcade 5 minutes away. So that was what we did.

The wait at the one sit down was almost an hour. So I took us to the arcade and james would get a burger and me and Jess got crunchwraps from the taco place. And while the place was to loud, the food was very good.

James food took forever. So they would get theirs to go and we would walk back towards the hotel.

James and Sylvia headed back to the room. And me and Jess headed back to the capital for the witch trial.

And we have been hanging outside waiting. It starts soon and I am really excited. We're first in line so we get to be part of the jury and I am thrilled.

Tomorrow we have more fun. Museums and shopping. And its going to be a great time!!! And hopefully not as hot.

Be safe everyone. Take care of your lungs!!

corvidcall

to anyone in the areas impacted by the wildfire smoke, my #1 biggest piece of advice as someone whos been dealing with wildfire smoke in the NW united states for years, is build yourself a Corsi-Rosenthal Cube

they perform as well as expensive HEPA air cleaners, and are comparatively VERY inexpensive. all you need is a box fan, 4 air filters, a piece of cardboard, and some duct tape!!!!

i think it took us maybe a half hour to put ours together, if that, and we replace the filters every 3 months. it's really made a HUGE difference, both when the air quality is bad, but also with our allergies

o0fyuu0o

Saw these easy to read instructions on Twitter. Stay safe 💚

sarahthecoat

where i am, a box fan and the filters run about $20 each, so if $100 is too much of a stretch at the moment, get the fan and one filter. tape the filter to the intake side of the fan, all the way around. this is also good if your space is small and a 20" cube won't fit.

It is so nice to be in my house with all my things. But also with all my favorite people!! Because Jess is here!! Because we are going to Colonial Williamsburg tomorrow! I'm excited for our little trip.

Today was long and hot and I was not at my best. I wasn't thrilled best teacher or senior staff. I tried! But Jesus the heat was oppressive. Some of the issue was the air felt heavy. Not like humidity. This was dry and heavy because of the wild fire smoke coming down from Canada. It wasn't as orange as it was in 2023 but it was for sure orange toned. Like the dappled sunlight on the ground was orange. The sky was vaguely hazey. And we are at doing the best from the map of where the smoke it reaching. It's truly insane some of the pictures of how dark orange the sky is. It's scary! And it made me not amazing at my job.

I did have some good conversations and some great work was made. But I was less hands on, and my teaching style is already pretty Reggio, but I was more checked out then I want to ever be.

But we made it through the day.

The day started with Sylvia bursting in the room and showing me a rock. I acknowledged the rock. She then proceeded to smooch the rock and hand it to me. She filled it with love for me!! I put it on my dresser. She's the best.

I got ready for the day. Dressed to be flowy and cool as possible. And James sent me to work with kisses.

I had a quiet morning. Organzing and cleaning. The ssc kids came and made cute spoons. We teased Brayden about his big sad brown eyes. And we had really good discussions about the racism from some campers and their families and what we feel camp should say. The apologies that should be made. The good we could do if we were activly anti racist and not just passive. I explained the concept that if you have a punk bar and a guy comes in with a swastika patch, and he's chill and nice beyond that, you still kick him out. Because if you let him stay you now have a nazi bar. You made a safe space for nazis, which makes it unsafe for everyone else. Its important to remember.

Lunch was fine. Boring. I collected some cleaning stuff for specialty areas. Did some walks around to see how the spaces were. And sent some videos to staff to give some constructive feedback.

I would pass a counselor who was talking shit. Saying thag specialty staff and life guards have 4 hours of breaks a day and we don't do anything. He was particularly upset about lifeguards gojng to royal farms. And I was just like. Dude. You have no idea what we do all day if you think we have 4 hours of breaks. Like do the lifeguards go to rofo all the time? Yes but they also have a really important job that they are all very qualified for and have a ton of pressure on them. Plus I hate when counselors do that, like my guy you signed up for the job you have!! If we thought you would thrive with the unstructured time to make our programs great, you'd be there. Its very frustrating.

I had 4 solid hours of programs in the afternoon. And the kids were great. We did have some accidents. With hot glue. When a kid tripped on a root and smashed his head into the art building. General tomfoolery. But overall excellent kids. I just wish I was more present for them.

I would have fun though. With Jayden wearing butterfly wings. Checking on the turtles. Researching ways we can improve our skills. Telling stories. I would talk about when I worked for the insurance restoration company. How much I loved and hated that job. Which lead to me showing Xavier and Kaitlyn's house that was destroyed in the storm last week. And I would text Kaitlyn to talk about it. How they lost literally everything. Its crazy. And I offered a bunch of my clothes. And it's a win win because I can get rid of while knowing it's helping someone so it takes the weird sting out I have around getting rid of.

I was absolutely thrilled to go home. To not be in the heat. Ac on the drive home. Some of the tipis kids fist bumped me before I left. Makes me feel liked. When I'm driving out and everyone is waving goodbye to me. I love camp. For all it's flaws. I love it and I want to make it better.

I got home at 5. And Sylvia heard me come in and gave me hugs. I was thrilled to see my husband. And we chatted for a little before they would take the car to go get gas and pick up dinner before Jess got in.

While they were gone I tidied the house. Sylvie watched sesame street. Ran the roomba. I even swept and did all the counters.

James got back. Sylvia and them played. And soon Jess was here!!

We had pizza and fries and broccoli. Sylvia got a bath and went to bed. . And we talked about Jess's first dates. And work and nonsense and politics. Lots of laughing and silliness. It was fun. Like, the best of times fun. Like I love the little life we've made in the middle of the end of the world.

We hung out on the couch and talked and James played a video game. I scrolled. Jess worked on her cross stitch. We had fantastic jokes and chats and stories. With periodic comfortable silence. It has been a great night.

And there is more stuff to do!! More time to spend together!! Tomorrow we will leave here early to get on the road for Colonial Williamsburg. And I am very much looking forward to it. Jess brought the Felicity mini book for me to read aloud in the car. We've decided to swap drivers every time we stop, for variety. And so everyone gets to sit with Sylvia for a while. And we have much to see and do and I'm very excited. I hope its as fun as I imagine!!

It will start with a good night's rest tonight. Jess and James and Sylvia are all asleep already. I took a shower and now I'm also in bed. I have a little nervous energy but I'm going to try and stay in bed and sip water and go to sleep.

I hope you all have fun tomorrow to. Try to stay cool, and safe. Goodnight!!