It's a Christmas miracle!

For the past month or so, I've been certain I would be spending Christmas alone, with my tripod tree (glorious as it is) and cat. This past Friday, I was graced with Ashley and Joel Selby's presence in my humble abode for the day to celebrate their newly proclaimed holiday...Chelsmas. Their gift to me was both unexpected and delightful...it was a series of many gifts, which consisted of different increments of money, with little notes stating things like, "What could you do with $5?...Get Loulou some treats!"


(Ashley and I in front of my tripod tree and stocking as we celebrate Chelsmas.)

The last in the line of presents was still more money, with the statement, "What could you do with $60?...Come to Parkersburg for Christmas!!!!!"

I'm pretty sure I teared up a bit when I read that. I was absolutely resigned to not being able to make it out there this year, but after this incredible bid towards my presence, I had to at least put forth a valiant effort.

I timidly approach my employer about getting some time off in order to make the trip, ready with tears in waiting just in case I needed the big guns. Luckily, no waterworks were needed and I was rewarded with four glorious days of time off to go spend my Christmas in Parkersburg.

So, after I open the coffee shop bright and early tomorrow (which is actually today at this point, and only four and half hours away...I need to stop this night-owl thing), I will be running around to finish a few thing before I hit the road in the afternoon.

(This is one of my favorite photos I took last year in Parkersburg during Christmas. It's through the sunroof on my car...)


So, a very Merry Christmas to everyone...and safe travels to all of you who aren't sticking at home this year. I'm vowing to start updating my blog more than once a month, so here's hoping I'll stick to it!

ah, winter.

Well, I'd say it's about time for another update.

The city is getting to be extremely cold. I was warned about this, and I shrugged off all the warnings, stating I would be fine. In fact, I said I liked the cold...was looking forward to it even.

I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Leg warmers have become my best friend, as have hot drinks and my new coat, but despite all that, I'm still astonished at how numbingly cold it is here. Luckily, there have been some warmer days in the past week, which have given me a much needed break from the constant chill that has seemed to set into my bones.

I haven't turned my heat on yet. Part of that is due to the fact that it's gas and will cost me a lot of money I don't want to spend, and the other part of it is that I'm just stubborn like that. I vowed I'd live through the winter on my space heater and blankets alone, and by golly, I plan on it. I guess we'll see how it goes when February rolls around.

In an effort to keep myself occupied during the cold, since I don't want to leave my apartment unless I have to, I've been doing a lot of arts and crafts lately. I learned how to knit last week, which has come in quite handy during the slow hours at the cafe, and I've been painting a lot more as well. I don't always have the motivation to do artsy things, but it's gotten to the point that I've run out of options, so unless I want to lay in bed all day doing nothing, (you know, aside from working), I find the motivation.

I posted a new album of photos on Facebook from my last photo expedition in the city (since it's gotten too cold for me), but I'll add a few on here for all you (probably down to one or two people now since I hardly ever update) who check out my blog.

I'm in love with the doors in this city...



And the uneven stone streets...



I got my prints (the old ones from my photo show in May of 2007) back from Stone Soup Bistro (they've been hanging up there since I moved) and was finally able to fill my living room wall up and make my apartment feel a bit more lived in. That, paired with my tripod tree (can't afford to get an actual one) and stocking, and it's just downright cozy.