whitney arlene / blog »

First, an acknowledgement: I abandoned this blog for most of 2012, and I would not like to do that in 2013. Consider this my promise to update with personal posts and whitney arlene photography content more often.

Second: hello, February.

I don’t want to admit how many times some version of the phrase, “Can you believe it’s ____ already?” passes through my lips. Often, too often. I have started pinning garden-related photos to my various Pinterest boards, and dreaming about weeknight picnics at Woodlawn beach after work. Warm weather months are now my desire when just recently I was sick of wearing sandals and tank tops, and wanted to hide inside of big sweaters and mud boots. This year’s summer longing has hit me much earlier, much harder than previous winters. I’m trying hard to conjure patience with the season and to focus on “winter fun.”

So far, here’s what is helping me deal:

Training for a 5K. Last year I decided I wanted to run a 5K before my 30th birthday, which happens to be about five months away. My sister-in-law and I signed up for a color run on April 10th, and I am just starting my training. I know 5Ks are considered easy-peasy to most folks but for an on/off runner like me, it is a great challenge.

Sewing. I stopped being afraid of my sewing machine, and now I’m in love with it. I have developed a healthy obsession with fabric too, as predicted by my friend Samantha, and am constantly thinking of projects to start (must only include straight lines, no clothes for now). Thus far I’ve made bunting for a baby nursery,  curtains for a guest room, and delightfully simple pillow covers. I think my greatest discovery of Winter 2012-2013 may end up being the following: Sewing + Podcasts + Coffee = Best Sunday activity.

Wanderlusting. Actually, this might make winter harder. Regardless, I have been throwing myself into future/dream travel. Dear friends of ours are living in Guatemala right now and when doing research for a potential trip to see them (!!!) I discovered Lake Atitlan (spoiler: it features VOLCANOS). I’m pretty sure it is out of a fairy tale. If we can’t swing it this trip, I am determined to rent this insane house at some point in my life.

In March, Sean and I put in an offer on a house and then went to Puerto Rico for a week on a long-planned vacation. We came back, did the inspection, and signed the contract. We should close in about three weeks. I am still keeping (i.e. not selling) my current house for now, and manage it as a rental property along with my friend and co-owner Stephen. The past several weeks have been all about painting, packing, and purging. In May, our new nephew was born and he is a tiny, adorable doll. I love him so much and I’ve only known him for about three weeks! On Saturday night he fell asleep on my legs and made the funniest faces.

Seasons keep changing and the first of the month keeps arriving, always a shock. Until things settle down here, my posts will continue to be intermittent. You can always check out my latest photos at THIS IS BFLO.