Descend on Bend Dos

We returned again this year to the middle of nowhere in Eastern Oregon to gather with a bunch of van-loving, on-the-road-living, adventure-seeking weirdos for the second annual Descend on Bend.  This event was mostly created through the magic of Instagram and last year when we arrived we didn't know a soul.  Many of those people have since become our friends and we've spent many a weekend out camping and exploring together.  Although most who come are serious van enthusiasts, in the end it's not about the vans themselves: It's about a group of like minded folk getting together to sit around campfires, cookstoves and under van awnings, becoming friends and a community.  There was such kindness shown by everyone, and it's pretty amazing to get 250+ people together and have no issues or negativity.  Kids ran around freely, watched over by everyone, and I could see that so many of these people who have created alternative, adventurous lives for themselves and their families are really doing something right.  We're honored to be a part of such a magical thing and are already looking forward to next year (and the winter camping trips to come soon!)

North Fork 53

I had the opportunity to shoot a few photos with Maya Dooley of the newly renovated North Fork 53 Farm Stay/Airbnb this past weekend.  Ginger and Brigham, with the support of the community, have renovated this old farm house so beautifully, and soon you'll be able to come stay here!  Farm fresh breakfasts, permaculture, canning and cooking classes (among others), a year round farm stand, events, and more will be happening on this land.  

I'm so impressed with their vision, passion and follow through, and grateful to have them in our community, making awesome things happen.  Check out their website for more info (and pretty soon to book a stay in this magical place!)

End of a Season

It's been awhile since I've checked in here, and for that I apologize.  I haven't had the urge to pull my camera out much lately, or to write, but hopefully that will change soon.

Late summer/early fall has been spent close to home putting down roots, making this place our own.  Justin's been traveling a lot for work (and I'm so proud of him and the work he's doing!), but for me the last few months have been smaller and quieter, my world shrinking down to mostly our house, our yard, this little valley we've chosen to call home.  Taking the time to heal my body, attempting to slow down (a speed that doesn't come easily to me), and turning inwards.

 I won't lie, feelings of wanderlust have been tugging at me recently though, the urge to pack up the van and drive somewhere I've never been.  And while there are trips on the books, and travels to look forward to, I want to enjoy these smaller moments; the familiarity and comfort of home, time spent alone, and all the little daily routines that make up my life.

Here are a few shots from the last couple of months. // I'm also in the midst of freshening up my Etsy shop and getting ready to make some changes to my business, so stay tuned for more Roots & Wings news in the future!

Making a Home

My sweetheart and I bought a house recently, something I have dreamed of for a long time.  Having our own little plot of land to grow food, create and make our own is such a dream come true.  It's a sweet old home (100 years to be exact!) in a quiet little community on the coast that we love.  There's a big, sunny yard, and plenty space to create a studio, veggie garden, and whatever else we can imagine.  It feels good to be putting down roots in this place that I love, with someone I love even more.  

We've been working on lots of projects on the house, and I can't wait for all of the different phases as we continue to make it into a home.  Here's a few shots of the space so far, and of our process. 

Happy (almost weekend) everyone!

Summer Eats

One of my favorite things about living in the Northwest is the bounty of good food available.  Fresh fish and seafood, garden veggies, farmers markets, mussels, clams, mushrooms and wild berries to be foraged and picked.  Sitting down with friends and family over a meal prepared from local ingredients that we've caught, grown or foraged is such a great feeling (and delicious as well).  Here's to summertime and her endless fruits.