It seems like I'm good about updating my DeviantART journal once every year or so, but I have not uploaded any actual art in such a long time. Without my high school teachers giving me constant guidance, I find that I am not motivated to draw something of my own creation. This has been weighing on me a lot lately, and I would actually like to get back in touch with my artistic side. I created a "25 Before 26" list - a list of 25 goals that I would like to complete before I turn 26 - and one my goals is to draw a self-portrait. I do not have a desk or designated creative space in my current apartment, but I am hoping that we can find a two-bedroom apartment when we move specifically so that I can have an art/crafting room. Beyond that, I'm also considering taking some art classes at Portland Community College, just to get back into the swing of things. Art is often a creative outlet for me, and I really do miss it.

By the way, if you're curious, you can follow my progress with my "25 Before 26" list at [link]

Rick and I have been living in Portland since June 2011, and we absolutely LOVE it here! The summer was beyond amazing, it was 70 degrees and sunny for three whole months. I never knew it was possible to enjoy being outside during the summer. We are nestled in between the Oregon coast and the Columbia River Gorge, two of the most beautiful and scenic areas I have EVER seen. We can't get enough of the ocean, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and natural beauty that the Pacific northwest has to offer. Portland definitely earns its nickname as the Rose City; during the Spring and Summer, this city is covered in flowers. Right now, all of the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and it's truly magical. Portland is also a really fun, young city with a great public transportation system. Overall, I absolutely love it here, and I honestly don't know if we'll ever move out of the area. I suppose anything's possible though, right?