Having a Rough Day? Here's A Laughing Baby :)

My heart melts every time this baby laughs like this. Too. Much.

IMG 2209[1] from tanya dickinson on Vimeo.

Dinner at the Food Carts

The weather here today was amazing so Wes left work a little early so we could spend the evening walking downtown. I love how beautiful downtown Portland is in the spring. There were tons of people out which was really fun for us, especially Seeley, who hasn't got the whole subtlety aspect of people watching. Today was also perfect for eating at one of the downtown food carts Portland is known for. There is a reason they are well known. The food is beyond delicious. I took a million pictures (I always do; my iphone's camera is awesome) so enjoy a little photo journey :)

A Visit From Family

This weekend flew by! Wes' brother Eric, his girlfriend Jill and his cousin Sam came down from Seattle for the weekend to go see the original Jurassic Park in 3D (jealoooouuus!) and to hang out and catch up. We had them over to our new apartment for a barbeque when they got into town, and of course, Seeley said hello with her bottom lip stuck out and some crocodile tears. She always acts so shy for about five minutes when we're with people. Then it's like a timer goes off and she's climbing on you and giving you books and following you and you're her best friend. And that's exactly what happened; she returned to her friendly, jumping, giggling self. It was really nice to catch up with them and I know Seeley had a blast. It also reminds us that we need to go to Seattle for a weekend!


Family guys.

She's already obsessed with cell phones (eek!)

Playing catch with a giant blue ball and cousin Sam.

Grill helper

Mmmm bbq! veggie dogs and potato salad.

cozying up to uncle Eric and aunt Jill.

Playing catch.

Watching the game :)

After everyone left, Seeley and I snuggled in bed, ate graham crackers and watched The Lion King. Perfect ending to a perfect day.

Spring Reading

Spring is finally here, and with spring comes spring reading! Well, anytime is reading time really. I love books. I cannot remember the last time I wasn't reading at least two books. It's instinctual for me to grab a book and my poetry notebook anytime I have a spare second. Lately my reading has been almost all poetry. Most people I know don't read poetry or really even know of any contemporary poets, but it's a habit I recommend. You have to read poetry slowly, let it sink in. It forces you to figure out which style you like (confessional? modernist? free form? lyrical?) which creates helpful self-reflection. I also think poetry helps one see the world through different perspectives. In my own writing I like to read a wide range of poetry to help me find my own voice and stay motivated. You read a short, seemingly simple, effective poem and think, "how hard can that be?" The answer is, hard!
Doing anything while taking care of a toddler full-time is hard. But doing creative work while taking care of a one-and-a-half year old sometimes seems impossible. I've been writing consistently, which is awesome, but some days my mind is just...gone. The hard thing with creative work is that it's not just a matter of getting it done. It has to reflect the idea you had in your mind, make a statement. It's difficult because you're making something from nothing. I'm complaining but really I'm happy with my progress and trying to give myself a break. Enjoy my spring reading list, and head down to the library and check out some poetry!

One of my favorite confessional poets. Her poems are layered and fiercely moving.

My other favorite poet. The images, word choices and turns of phrase Louise Gluck creates are amazing.

My non-poetry book. Chef Samuelsson is a great writer who's had an amazing life and knows how to talk about food, family and drive.

I'm just discovering George Oppen and so far I love is short, powerful poems (I tend to write shorter poems so it's a great model.)