Feather heart!

Less than two weeks ago marked the passing of my Uncle Harry last year.

I wasn't particularly close with him but it's still sad to think he's gone. Hardest hit was my Aunt Nancy (my youngest aunt and his wife).

Due to work, I wouldn't be able to see her during the anniversary of his death, so I sent this Mail Art instead…

Feathers on archival backing board - roughly 5" x 5" (NFS)

It's similar in concept to the one I made for my Aunt Diane after my Uncle Bill passed.

I cut backing board (used for comic book storage) into the shape of a heart. Colorful feathers were hot-glued to the front with sparkly fringe lining the edge. 

I think the softness of the material loses the heart-shape a bit but it's still clearly defined on the backside…

The address-side! 

The back was lined with origami paper because I prefer the address-side to have a pattern so it's not so plain-looking.

And since the concept of Mail Art is the artwork itself is the actual mail, once the stamps were placed on, this heart was sent as-is in the mailbox.

My mom did question if it was safe to send the piece like that. That it may get damaged or lost. 

"That's the whole point of Mail Art," I replied. Arriving there is part of the process!

Thankfully my aunt let me know the heart arrived that week safe and sound.

Love was delivered to my Auntie Nancy!!

Four years already.

All of these anniversary posts are becoming redundant but I wanted to note that today marks my fourth year working at my university job!

It continues to be a safe-haven and a place of comfort for me--very much like a second home.

And my coworkers...especially my student workers, keep amazing me.

Behind the front desk.

I feel like I've grown so much there and it's led to my second part time job with the university. I'm truly grateful for all of it.

Happy Anniversary, university job!!

Someplace of my own.

There was this mix of trepidation and excitement in me.

I didn't know how to feel but I knew I finally made it.

I moved into my studio apartment over the weekend!

My time was mostly spent buying the necessities:  groceries, dishes, pots, pans, towels, etc.. I made several trips to the grocery store, went to Target twice, and even made a quick pick-up downtown.

Thankfully I was able to buy some of the previous tenant's furniture so that helped the place not feel so bare.

And I keep telling myself I just moved in and that it's okay if it takes a while to get settled.

For right now I'm just enjoying getting to pee with the bathroom door open--how liberating!

And the location and the independence…and finally having someplace of my own.

The view from my window--the lake to the right. Sigh.