Thankful

There is much to be grateful for this year. Looking back and considering just the past 11 months, it's very easy to feel appreciative for the many wonderful things that I've experienced and the incredible people I have in my life. 

I am very lucky.

Through life's many complex and unexpected challenges, I'm lucky to have many people to call, talk to, and confide in. And a sassy tabby who recently discovered her reflection in our bathroom mirror and can't get enough of herself. 

To new friends and old, to my family, and especially my very supportive husband--thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Exhibition Reception

Last Saturday, August 6, was my exhibition opening Made Manifest at the Oak Park Public Library. The weather was good, not too hot, and setting up for it was very easy. Several friends, co-workers, and family members showed up to take a look at my pieces on view. My sister Heidi and her husband Jeff came in from Arlington, VA, and my good friends Ryan and Xuan, completely surprised me and also came from Virginia. My new neighbors Paul and Deon came, as well as my in-laws Roger and Ann, who came down from Wisconsin.

I would like to thank everyone who was able to come and support me, as well as all the people who sent me messages and words on encouragement with my exhibition. I consider myself very lucky and I am thrilled to be so supported and encouraged.

The exhibition is on view now until the end of August. Below are photos from the opening taken by friends, family, and myself.

100!

I'm proud to say that this blog is my one hundredth blog for my website! I used to run my site through a different platform (pff--Apple), which was discontinued, and now I'm happy to present my 'fancy' discoveries and adventures through Wix.com.

I haven't really mentioned it, but I am modestly proud of my explorations and recordings of the past couples of years present here on my blog. It's been great to be able to share my experiences with my husband, friends, family, and with you (whoever reads this). And there will be plenty more fancy things to come. I'm getting ready for a couple of trips, I will be writing about some interesting films about art and artists, and many more happenings and places about Portland and Oregon. 

Please stay tuned! Thank you!

Back to Manhattan

Long avenues and tall buildings are only a couple of things that make me love and miss New York. Almost a year after John and I moved to Portland, Oregon I figured it would be good to 'check-in' with the city that will always be close to my heart. It was also my friend Angela's birthday. We like to celebrate together, because we're proud Leos. I also caught up with some good friends as we walked through Greenwich Village and the Highline. Below are some pictures of some of my favorite places in the city. In the coming weeks I'll add more photos of specific places I went to including the new Ladurée store in SoHo and Coney Island. Please stay tuned! 

Jessica, Andrew, and Sami

Thank You

This week's blog is devoted to the fanciest thing of all--love.  I've been fortunate enough to have found the love of my life, and by this time next week I shall be a happily married man.  As many people who personally know me, this year has been an unconventional year of highs and lows, but my fiance, John, has been there to support and encourage me through everything.  But I also wouldn't be where I am intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, without the extraordinary help of some very special friends with whom I've have had the honor to meet and be acquainted with.

Going forward in the next couple of weeks, there will be many great personal changes.  I'll be married of course, but I'll also be a year older, with hopefully a new job on the horizon.  I hope to refocus on my art, after getting settled into a new city.  Upon reflecting on this sometimes surreal moment of my life the constant really is the love from the people encouraging me to move forward.  It is time to move ahead.  Not that I believe in predestination, but something is indeed telling me to change things up and to press on.  This sadly does not mean staying in New York.  But I've learned a lot and really feel that I've discover some of New York's greatest assets.  And that's something I'll always treasure.

So from Fancy Things this week I'd like to give a big thank-you to the very special people who continue to believe in me.  Marrying John couldn't make me anymore happier, which makes me the luckiest. 

 8-16-2013