Life

Life is a crazy and beautiful thing. It seems absolutely insane right now, but I've had a lot of moments recently (including 4 straight days of moments) that have reminded me that it is also so, so beautiful. I remember when, looking ahead, something could seem like forever - an intangible future that I didn't have to think about for years and years. Well, it's here now, and looking back everything has become an instant. I was faced with choices, and the choice I made means change and goodbyes. I was scared that opening this new door would forever close the one behind me. However, dear, dear friends have reminded me that this will be a new chapter, not a new book, and the previous chapters will always be with me, always a part of me, and I can return to them, even if it won't be exactly the same. They reminded me that as I go forward it will be with their love and support. I am scared, but I am excited, I am sad, but I am hopeful, and I am always, always grateful to know such amazing people and to be a part of their lives. 
These words ring very true right now...

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. 

We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand--and melting like a snowflake...”

- Francis Bacon

Wildness

Chocolate-covered Raspberry Coconut Treats

I made these little treats as Valentine's gifts for my family. I like how they turned out, so I thought I'd share some pics and the recipe. Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Ingredients (makes about a dozen)

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1/4 cup raspberries, mashed
• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
• chocolate (I used 2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate + 1/2 cup of bittersweet chocolate chips)
• sea salt (optional)

Mix all ingredients except for the chocolate and form into balls. Freeze the coconut balls until the chocolate is ready to help them set. Melt the chocolate, and dip the balls in it, rolling them around until coated. Place the chocolate-covered balls on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with pink sea salt if desired. Put the treats in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is set, and then keep refrigerated until you are ready to eat them. Enjoy :)

----These are grain-free, dairy-free, processed sugar-free, and primal/paleo friendly---

Courage

"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; 

it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow."

- Alice Mackenzie Swaim

Mushrooms

We took a hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park yesterday with some friends and found amazing mushrooms everywhere! I love how interesting and unique they all are. I don't know what types they are, so if you know please comment :)

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
- John Muir

DIY Christmas Presents

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
This year, as usual, I made all of my Christmas presents. Here are some photos of what I made for my family, as well as links to the great tutorials I found. This year my youngest brother also made his gifts. He made bookmarks for the whole family - I thought that was very sweet :)

I made a copper and brass pendant for my mom, using an ammonia and salt patina on the pieces. Here's how to do the patina: http://art.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Resources/Reference/2010/11/Jewelers%20Recipe%20Try%20an%20Ammonia-and-Salt%20Patina.aspx It's pretty simple, and uses ingredients that most people have in their home.

I made this sketchbook for my dad. I took a map, cut it into thin pieces, wove the pieces into a "fabric", then stuck it to a moleskine sketchbook with double-sided tape. I based it off of these instructions: http://www.rubymurraysmusings.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ways-with-vintage-maps-woven-notebook.html The only thing I did differently was cover it with contact paper to protect it.

I made these socks for my uncle. These were the first socks I ever knit - yay! The pattern is from Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/toe-up-socks-with-a-difference

I made this paracord bracelet for my brother. Here are the instructions I used: http://www.instructables.com/id/Paracord-bracelet-with-a-side-release-buckle/?ALLSTEPS

I made this pencil holder for my other brother. I love the way it looks, and it was also totally free. I used a small log I found in our yard, sawed off a piece, sanded and oiled it, and then my dad helped me drill holes for the pencil. I found inspiration here: http://strawberry-chic.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-tuesday-rustic-pencil-holder.html


Hope that you find these interesting, and maybe try making some of them yourself :) Enjoy the rest of your holidays!