zmena transformations...

(...i know, this statement is redundant)

I am in a bit of a transition with this blog and I've been checking out tumblr too. I think what I'll end up doing is playing on tumblr and referring to this blog for any longer posts (you all know how I can get a bit long-winded). I've considered leaving this blog behind, as I started it upon leaving for my big crazy life adventure...but quickly realized my big crazy life adventure continues with each new day. So, here I am...attempting to make updates to this space in order to make it more apt to me in my current state of adventure. That said, I've updated the header image for now and will be applying more updates as time passes. I'm actually very, very excited to unveil this header image, as it hails from the beautiful Ashley Barlow of Ashley Barlow Art.

The story of how I met Ashley is - in and of itself - one of those special stories of the power of our networks. While I was in Prague I was blessed with the opportunity to work with amateur artists - young and old alike. My great friend Lo mentioned on several occasions a woman named Ashley who did mixed media artwork back in Minneapolis and that I should meet her. So when I moved back to Minneapolis last summer, I finally met Ashley and instantly liked her and was drawn to her style and her art. I am a big fan of mixed media artwork, particularly as a result of the incredible textures created. So when I started thinking about documenting the less-than-conventional story of how Tom and I met, I knew where to go. I created a creative brief of sorts and let Ashley interpret it how she saw best. I rounded up all of the love letters Tom and I had written throughout our journey, as well as the engagement love letters and our vows, per Ashley's request. The end product was just perfect. When I saw it tears came to my eyes...this is the depiction of lovers who connected by chance and strengthened their connection from thousands of miles away through love letters and adventures galore. So without further ado, I'll unveil our very first piece of commissioned artwork as a couple. The artwork is done on four pieces of pine and can be hung as one piece, but also was designed such that each of the four pieces could live alone just as well.

our story

The first piece depicts the distance between us as I pursued my dream living and working overseas in Prague, and incorporates actual pieces of love letters we wrote back and forth to each other before and during my experience. She also incorporates vintage magazine clippings -Tom is on the bottom left of the piece writing to me and I am on the bottom-middle right of the piece reading this love letters.

This piece portrays our chance meeting at a mutual friends birthday party...Tom is on the top left in a blue suit looking at me, on the top right with the red dress. What is special about this one is that amidst all of the party chaos, Tom and I are the only ones truly looking at each other. Of course we know this isn't actually what happened, but I adore this depiction and the thought Ashley put into this piece.

This piece portrays the first few weeks of our 'relationship' as we got to know each other through messages written back and forth, sharing our dreams and passions for important life pleasures including - but certainly not limited to - red bull (light blue can for me, dark blue for him), coloured socks, pico ballas and more). The detail on this piece is outstanding, as Ashley actually wrote some of these things on the 'Note' I am holding in my hand. Lovely! The basketball hoop depicts our first date, when we actually formally met each other for the first time, playing basketball at Tom's gym and then eating tator tots at Bulldog NE.

The final of the four pieces is probably my favourite and the most special for its bright, bold hues, reflection of our wedding (superhero) theme, our wedding invite, some more love letters, including the wonderwoman love letter Tom sent me while in Prague (my favourite one, which may look vaguely familiar to you as it was formerly featured on a special blog post a while back), some of the 'love letters' Tom used to engage to me (bottom right) and our vows, which are located under the vintage magazine clipping Tom and Megan characters to the right of the piece. Wow. So incredibly special.

All of this said, a gigantic THANK YOU to Ashley Barlow...and of course to my dear friend Lo for introducing us, which has also lead to another friendship with a beautiful artist named Erin Kate who owns the most beautiful little boutique called the ekate designs & the Orchard Art House in Excelsior (which I found out about from Ashley, as her artwork is sold here). Erin's little shop is a gorgeous shop is the result of a gorgeous vision for local art, in which she doesn't charge a commission for items sold. I love this. You can also find her on etsy.

Thank the Lord for great connections and for beautiful artwork! Such a blessing!

Love,

Me

P.S. Enjoy the new look and keep an eye out for updates in the future. In the meantime, check me out on tumblr.

transitions aplenty

Yes, well, 'transition' seems to be the word of the year for me. In June I left Prague and moved back to Minneapolis to prepare for the wedding, while continuing to work as a freelance strategist for Bohemian Hostels. My gig was extended and I was hired to manage multiple projects for the group, including the official grand opening party for our investors and partners (which went very, very well). I apartment-hunted and job-searched in the midst of it all (while Tom wrote his 160-page research proposal and kicked booty in his oral exam)...and then moved into our new place one week before the wedding. We were blessed with the most beautiful weather on our big day (9 October) and we had SO much fun surrounded by all of our closest family and friends. Then, we took a quick honeymoon break to Galena, Illinois, where we had a wonderful time tasting wine at our friends' vineyard (Galena Cellars) and staying at our amazing Aunt and Uncle's cosy cabin. Not long after that I jumped on a plane and travelled back to Prague for the opening festivities, where I was (void of the new hubby) for two weeks as I wrapped up some work for them. In the meantime, I accepted a position with OLSONdenali. I returned to cold, wet (snowy and rainy) Minneapolis 1.5 weeks ago and tomorrow I will embark on a new journey, when I start my new gig. Phew.

I haven't had much time to reflect on any of these massive life changes, but I am grateful for each and every one of them. We have already been tested in so many ways, and I know there is a reason for this. As my mother so wisely stated during her speech at our wedding, if we can make it through 1.5 years of long distance, we can make it through anything. So, transition seems to be the word that defines our relationship thus far. I can honestly say I am looking forward to a bit of rest and relaxation and thankful the winter is upon us and will hopefully provide some much-needed nesting for us newlyweds. However, as I embark on this very large career transition in my life I am feeling a little anxiety...anxiety because change is never easy, but it is most often a good thing. I am excited for so many reasons. I am ready to learn, be challenged and experience a new work environment. Along with this excitement comes a little bit of sadness, though, as I say a more solid 'goodbye' to Prague, the group there and my experience...something I had been seeking out for such a large part of my life. It's done. But it's okay. Because I'll have more challenges, more excitement and more adventure with each new opportunity that comes my way. When I hung my pack up today (see picture) I surprised myself by shedding a few tears.

Thank you to all of you who followed my journey...though there are so many stories I have yet to tell on this blog, in a book, or in person. I'd love to share them with you someday. A very MASSIVE thank you to my amazing hubby, whose patience and support made it possible...along with my incredibly generous and loving parents. And, of course, all of my peeps in Prague and friends in Minneapolis too. What an experience. As you all know very well, I can go on and on and on about it, so I will stop myself now. But stay tuned for more stories and adventures...whether old or new. Who knows...perhaps a book will even make its way to shelves someday. Only time will tell.

Usmevy a slunce,

MEgan