Smith Rock

On our way back from a night in Bend, Luke and I stopped at Smith Rock. Now I was not planning on doing a hike – I just thought we were going to wander and look at the rock in all of its wonder. So when Luke pointed to the top and said lets climb Misery Ridge Trail (yeah…MISERY ridge) I hesitantly replied yes. But we did it. And I loved it. I only had one complaint – we didn’t bring water and I was in desperate need.

Then something happened.

We hiked past a couple emptying out their backpack. By sheer coincidence they asked if we wanted a water bottle because their backpack was too heavy. Uhm...Yes! Let me tell you - water has never tasted better! Thank you to that lovely couple! 

 being a 90's kid and reppin' the 1991 Chicago Bulls

happy things

Portland things that make me happy:

seeing my man  - the ability to wear jean shorts

driving with this view

 homemade ravioli - good beer

Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail

Luke and I decided to go hiking the first full day I was in Portland. We thought hey, we will wake up at 7am, get a hike in before his class, and start my visit off right. What a thought that was! When the alarm went off the next morning we ignored it (naturally) and didn't get to the eagle creek trail until around 2pm. But hey, hiking is wonderful at anytime of the day - right?! I'll let the pictures tell the story of our beautiful afternoon. My goodness how I had missed breathtaking nature. Memphis - I love ya, but you are lacking in that department for sure.

behind a little waterfall

Luke has jumped off the cliff above that waterfall! Its an 80ft jump! He promises it wasn't as roaring (which is good because that is dangerous!) 

picnic spot

tofu wrap my man made me :)

Here is a little bonus story: I had instagrammed a picture of the hike and the Free People store I work at back home asked to repost it. As if that wasn't flattering enough, Free People corporate reposted it to their instagram! It was an I'm blushing and gushing and jumping and hugging Luke kind of moment. Proud mama over here!

Portland, Portland, Portland

Spring break was this past week and I was lucky enough to spend it with this dreamboat...

at this pretty school...

with a children's choir from peru and africa...

and an alpaca wearing a hat...

and sunny weather in Portland - this is mind-blowing for me because it usually rains when I'm there.

I can't wait to tell you all about it in my next few posts :D

sears building

There is a very creepy feeling to the old Sears building in Memphis. The first time I saw it I just thought man...you could have a great haunted house there! The 80 year old building is run down mainly because it has been forgotten about for 20 years. Luckily, a movement called Crosstown Memphis wants to spice up the old building and turn it into an urban village. Sounds cool, right? In order to get people involved with the renovation they are giving tours of the building  Here are a few shots from the tour I took. Although the building is run down it has this really beautiful side to it. I can't wait to see the renovation!

* To learn more about the history and future of the Sears Building check out the Crosstown Memphis website.