/// ONE YEAR

I'm a week late on this, but when aren't I behind on life? The important bit is that I've made it a whole year in Phoenix! I'm not sure where that year went but I do know a whole shitload has changed. Phoenix isn't my ideal place to call home, but it sure has been a nice catalyst for where I'm headed. Here's hoping the next year is just as weird/productive/ridiculous.

/// photo taken on my first day in Phoenix last summer, reprinted last week by my sissy

/// ACCIDENTAL HIATUS

Deepest apologies, but it seems I (accidentally) took a mini-vacation. . . and it will be lasting through the weekend. I finish my first summer semester on Friday & then I will be taking a few days to recover before the next one starts. Plus, it's hotter than hell in Phoenix, which has melted my brain, so I need a second.

I am looking forward to:

+ working on my website (!!!) (or rather having Cameron Scott do all the work.)

+ DIY projects galore

+ overhauling my bedroom & bathroom

+ purging my belongings (online yard sale?)

+ setting lofty, but achievable, goals for the rest of the year

+ and drinking whiskey with friends // play time at the lake // seeing lots of live music.

Hold that thought. July is going to be good.

/// RESURRECTION

I am just a few days -- and several exams -- before I can call this semester a wrap. I have no idea where the last four months went but OKAY. Slowly reintroducing myself to my life.

/// TIME

I feel as if I've been racing against, using too much, wasting time these last couple weeks. It's been quite an adjustment being back in school, but a positive one nonetheless. Hang tight -- there will be more to come... sometime.

/// OH LOOK, IT'S 2012 + INSTAWEEK

How did I spend New Year? I had my own sassy countdown at 8.30pm, took a shot of NyQuil, and passed out an hour later. But you know what? I'm totally cool with that. No, I don't want to be sick, but it was nice not to deal with the jackassery the beginning of a new year brings out in people.

I am, however, looking forward to a few days off to recuperate & prepare for the start of the semester. (Holy shit! I'm a student again!) There also may be some things in the works for my internet dumping ground.

To start the new year off -- and abuse my Instagram capabilities -- here is the recap of my week. (Inspired by La Vie C'est YéYé. She is divine, so go check her out. Now.)

{Cookies; Phoenix Public Market; creepy dolls in a shop window; stencil outside the Bikini Lounge.}

{Birthday babette; Christmas kitty; Mum + sissy + creepy elf; Home Alone + cat snuggles.}

{Gifts from sissy wrapped in paper she made; witch sisters; Phoenix Christmas; early morning Mill Ave.}

{Little sister; new coffee mug from the mamma; ferris wheel outside the shop; back to school supplies.}

Happy 2012!

/// AROUND & ABOUT

Between my return home a couple weeks ago and now, my life sort of ... took a turn -- for the better! Sure it's been really stressful, but I'm very happy with how things are progressing. To recap:

1. I GOT AN IPHONEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! (Yes, this is super materialistic of me, but I don't care. I love it so much and I only got it yesterday. Hello and welcome to the future.)

2. I bought a car. (Grown up alert.)

3. I was re-admitted to university. (I will get a degree -- or I will die trying.)

4. I am still employed. (Just throwing that out there.)

I still have a lot more to tackle before the year's end, but ladies & gentlemen, I am feeling good. But this is my warning if things are a wee bit quiet over here for the next week or so. I do plan on adding more features and content come 2012, but for now, I will tuck in, organize, & plan away.

New year, new woman.

(Also, obviously the first app I downloaded was Instagram, so feel free to keep up with my day to day shit at "thesearedarkmatters"!)

/// BUILDING A MYSTERY

Now that the weather in Phoenix is cooling down -- and I'm not being so lazy -- I was able to work in the garage this weekend to set up a makeshift studio. . . for some secret projects I've been working on. Here's a sneak peek!

/// BEFORE

/// AFTER

It doesn't look like much, but I'll be working diligently over the next week to make the space cozy. Plus. I need to get my butt in gear if I plan on unveiling some big things in the not-so distant future. . .

/// Yes, I made a Sarah McLachlan reference in the title. Deal with it.

/// LDR

For those of you who have been in long distance relationships, you know how much it totally sucks. I'm counting down the days until I can see my dude again. Luckily, he's worth it.

Here's a little Ministry to pick us all up.

/// GETTING BY WITH SOME HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

When you pick up everything you own & move it clear across the country, it's no easy task. The moving of belongings is difficult enough; the saying goodbye to those you love is the worst. Sure, everyone says they'll keep in touch, but it never really happens -- or keeps up for that matter. Luckily, my friends are the most awesome people alive and double as my family, so while I've lost a few friends in several moves, I've become closer with many more.

That said, over the weekend, I got a lovely little package in the snail mail from Dianna, the beauty behind Aesthetic Love Story. (If you're not reading her blog, start TODAY. There is so much pretty over there, it makes me want to barf rainbows.) I still get so tickled to receive things via snail mail, so I was even more excited. Snail mail + package from Dianna? Heaven!

A big internet THANK YOU to this gorgeous lady for making my day!

/// Ps. That's some velvet art there that I cannot wait to create! It's apparently "mistake proof." Obviously, it's never come across my path. . .

/// MISC.

This is how I feel about packing/moving/my life:

#FAIL