Another magic moment at The Skyway Bar and Grill

Skyway Bar and Grill, Zig Zag Oregon

The Skyway Bar and Grill in Zig Zag, Oregon, nestled at the bottom of Mt. Hood, has always held magic for us.  We met at the Skyway, that completely random, life changing night of October 10, 2009.  It was at the Skyway on August 9, 2013 that we announced to our families: surprise!  We're getting married.. tomorrow!!  And it was Valentine's Day 2014 that I gifted Rhett a star in the sky, a star named "Skyway's Encounter" in honor of our saying since our chance encounter: "Our stars aligned at the Skyway".  

And it was on January 1, 2016 that we walked into the Skyway to enjoy a New Year's dinner in the eclectic magic of the place that holds so many dear memories for us. 

Let me Rewind.  

Ten years ago I bought Tristen and I gorgeous, sheep wool, handmade Christmas Stockings from a little boutique in Bend, Oregon.  When Rhett entered our lives, I found him a simple red stocking to hang along side ours.  I've always wished I could find one like ours, or something similar for Rhett.  I'd resigned to find something that was at least unique and handmade, but never came across one that 'fit'.  So the red stocking has hung for 6 years now.  

Back to January 1, 2016 .. 

As we entered the restaurant, Tracie, the owner, put us on the table list and Rhett told her we had met there 6 years ago.  She was a doll, and loved to hear our story.  When we were sat - and the place was packed, and has two completely separate dining rooms - we were sat at a little table in a far corner in our favorite area of the restaurant, and hanging on the wall, directly next to our table was the EXACT SAME CHRISTMAS STOCKING that Tristen and I have.  I almost DIED.  I could not believe it.  Without a doubt.  It wasn't just similar - it was the SAME, made by the same person, with the same material, in the same size, with the same red wool accents.  

Rhett found Tracie and asked if we could buy it from her and she told him she would think about it.  At the end of our meal, when they brought the check, Tracie came by our table and told us she was GIVING it to us.  All the cartwheel, heart eyes, explosions, and happy faces!!!  I could not have been more thrilled!  She went on to tell us that a woman right there in ZigZag makes them from sheep wool (I'm like, I knoooooow, I have two!!), and where we could find them if we every need another, or replacements.  

So now, Rhett has the same exact handmade stocking as Tristen and I have; given to him at the same place we met, 6 years later.  Magic.  Pure magic.  And the story continues.  The aligning of our stars that always happens at a magical little place called the Skyway.  

Us.  At the Skyway, January 1, 2016

Thank you, Tracie!!!!!

DIY Mini Edison Bulb + Recycled Wood Light Fixture

This was a super duper easy project.  Took about 30 minutes from start to finish.  I'm mildly obsessed with Edison light bulbs in every single size there is.  And there are a lot of sizes out there currently,  I'm sure Edison himself would be shining bright with pride to know his light bulb is all the rage these days.  

When I saw this string of 10 mini Edison's at our local hardware store (but yes, available everywhere) I swooped them up.  I had a dream to drill holes in wood and push these little suckers through (I'm sure the dream was triggered by something I saw on Pinterest, most of my dreams are) and create myself my very own Mini Edison Bulb + Recycled Wood Light Fixture.  And so I did.  We did.  I couldn't do this stuff without Rhett.

First, we measured our board,

[the board lived in our neighbors garage

 5 minutes prior to the photo you see above]

counted the light bulbs (10)

and did math in our head that took longer than it should have

and made marks where the holes should go

I have no idea what size bit Rhett used.

it was a trial and error thing.

Take the bit in one hand and the bulb base in the other.

Get as close to same size as possible.

Then drill.

Take that little hook on the bulb base and snap it off

push all those bulb bases into the holes in the wood

this is what the backed looked like, 

until we stapled.. 

eeeeeek!  It worked! 

and it was love at first sight.

Rhett's anal and makes sure things are level.

It's wearing off on me, 

but most of the time I am way to anxious to take the time to level

screw the bulbs in,

annnnnd...

bask in the joy of your own work!

super cool, right!

I'm not 100% committed to the placement on the wall, 

but art is pending placement, soo.. we'll see what happens after that!

 | project considerations I hope you figure out for me |

it's too bad the extension cord has to hang off the side of the fixture,

in order to plug it in.  Design change for next time, if there's a next time.

It's coming. It's almost here.

Last night Rhett and I took Tristen to our neighborhood high schools' 8th graders/incoming freshman open house. Talk about an in-your-face-reality-check. High school. Is NEXT YEAR. Next. Year! 

O. 

M. 

G. 

There is so much to consider. Core classes, electives, credits, proof of efficiency tests, AP programs, college prep classes, and much much, MUCH more. All of the sudden the realization that I have just 4 years left to help guide and direct him, while slowly releasing my side of the rope that dictates his choices and decisions, simultaneously balancing my sanity and his opportunity for future life success by giving him all I can to equip him to be a well rounded, strong, confident person ready to take life by the bull horns and run.  Eeeeeeeeek.  Leaves me with a very long run on sentence and an overwhelming sense that this is it. This is the time. Whatever it takes. These next four years are going to be precious. I'm scared to death. 

[this post has been sitting, apparently I forgot to hit publish.  And even though this particular night happened months ago, every single thought is still valid and the truth of my Now]