i have just returned from a lovely and much-needed four-day vacation. it was my little sister's 9th birthday, and we went ice skating. besides many near misses, and a few actual tumbles, i think i mostly have my pride intact. we also made hamentaschen, which are 3-sided cookies with jelly or chocolate centers {yummm!} and my sisters and i saw the new 'alice in wonderland,' which was thoroughly enjoyable and extremely beautiful. i really needed this trip. i feel like my brain is re-calibrated and i can finally focus on what needs to happen for me in the next few months.

my parents live in bellingham, which is a very long train ride, so lots of time to think and lots of time to read. i also experimented a bit with the camera on my new phone. i shot some film as well and i can't wait to see how it turns out!

[caption id="attachment_277" align="alignnone" width="510" caption="choo choo"][/caption]

today is the last day of our first auction - we've raised 836 so far, which is fantastic. i'm still hoping for some last minute bids to get our total up to 1000! so bid away! you've got till 11:59 pm tonight.

i've begun receiving submissions for the second auction which begins tomorrow. i am blown away by the work, once again, and am so grateful to all of you for helping me get this project going. you are all amazing!