Well, I lucked out with the birthday celebrating this year. I got to celebrate early with my dad, stepmom, and Bracken at the Botanical Center. Then I got to celebrate with my family at the beach, followed by a delicious lunch that day on the coast in Yachats. And then I got to celebrate with friends. Family and friends also showered me with sweet birthday messages and such thoughtful gifts. Needless to say, I’ve been feeling very grateful.
When two of my girlfriends asked what I would like to do to celebrate my birthday this year, I asked if they would come with me to get my ears pierced. (Our original plans were to celebrate last week, but just like with the beach, I wanted to wait a week to be able to enjoy the day more.) I had my ears pierced for most of my life, but then I went through a period of time where I had such a sensitivity to metals that any earrings I wore hurt my ears, even gold. At that time I decided to just stop wearing earrings. Fast forward ten years or so and the holes had closed up since going all that time without wearing earrings.
It’s funny that one of the main things we sell for our business is earrings and I haven’t been able to wear them. I can’t tell you how many people have come into our booth and asked me why I wasn’t wearing any of the wooden earrings Jeff makes. Metal allergy. Darnit. I wear the wooden pendants that Jeff makes all the time and I love the way the wood feels so warm against my skin. But I want to wear all those beautiful wooden earrings too!
I made the decision that I wanted to get my ears pierced and try again. Why not? It’s been so long I might as well see how it goes. I knew Jeff wouldn’t want to join me for that, he joked that he would probably faint if he watched. I also didn’t want to go by myself because that didn’t sound like much fun. Having friends come with me made the whole experience so enjoyable. I was being quite the goofball, as you can see from the pictures my friend took, and we were all joking around and being totally silly.
I’m glad we chose Claire’s, at the mall, because it was very family friendly. Going to the mall (Valley River Center) turned out to be a great decision because we had so much fun there. There was a place for kids to play, cars that moved back and forth with a few quarters inserted, and my friend’s idea to visit the escalators- because what kid doesn’t love going up and down the escalators? And then, the most fun of all- Those Animals. Plush motorized animals to ride around the mall?! I could hardly believe such a thing existed. It was so (!) much (!) fun! We had a blast.
We were all trying to get pictures and most of mine turned out blurry. I loved the way that people would light up when we rode past. So much laughter. So many smiles. I used to spend a lot of time at the mall when I was a teenager and I had multiple jobs there (and spent all the money I made there), but hadn’t been to a mall of any kind in forever. Now I have a feeling I will be frequenting the mall more often because Bracken and I both want to go back to ride around the mall again and we have some family members who would love to do that next time they visit.
Then, to top it off, we enjoyed some ice cream at Vanilla Jill’s, along with some Honey Mama’s chocolate. Have you tried their chocolate? It’s amazing. My favorite flavor is the Lavender Red Rose and I must say, it goes mighty well with some vanilla ice cream! Okay, I’ve officially felt spoiled for my birthday. And so far, so good with the earrings, so fingers crossed!
P.S. Oh, and that hat I’m wearing in the pictures? More on that soon.
Dana in Michigan says
Happy Belated Birthday Taryn! What a wonderful time you had! Many blessings on your Solar Return!
Heidi says
Happy Birthday, Taryn!
No wonder we are kindred spirits…. birthdays so close together! (Are you technically a virgo then??)
I loved seeing you all at the Fiber Fest again this year, and hopefully we’ll meet again before next year at the same time….
tarynkae says
Ah, yet another thing we have in common! 🙂 Yes, I’m technically a virgo. I’m right on the cusp and after learning more about libras (Bracken is a libra), I’m sure I have some of those characteristics as well. It was so great to see you and the girls! It was a highlight of our festival for sure. Let me know if you ever get down this way!
Toni LaCentr says
Hi there-
I was sad to miss the Flock and Fiber festival. I am recovering from a complete knee replacement and thought it would be a bit of a strain.
I have wanted to meet you guys for some time. I want to get some of the lovely wooden buttons Jeff makes for a sweater I am knitting. Where and when will you be again? Do u have people to your home site? I love what you do and the way you live. So refreshing.
Gratefully,
Toni LaCentra
tarynkae says
Hello Toni,
Wishing you a quick and easy recovery! Sorry we didn’t get to see you at the festival. We don’t have any more festivals in the Portland area, but you’ll soon be able to find us at the Holiday Market in Eugene. (November and December.) 🙂
Love,
Taryn
Lorna Allen says
I wear stainless steel in my ears (the surgical one), you can buy the hypoallergenic wires more freely than 10 years ago.
tarynkae says
Thanks for mentioning that Lorna, I’ll be checking that out. 🙂
Megan says
People I know with metal allergies often look for earrings made with surgical steel. I had both of my daughters’ ears pierced at Claire’s but have since heard their methods actually cause allergies. Many people now suggest that the best, most hygienic and safest place to go is a tattoo parlour. Who knew? Good luck with the newly pierced ears! Looks like you had a great week. Happy Birthday!
tarynkae says
Interesting. I wonder why? I will be checking out surgical steel. Thanks for the tip!
Grandma Baker says
Can’t you order hypoallergenic earrings for Jeff’s wood ones? They are so easily now that I only buy them. Most people with allergies are allergic to nickel and gold. Sterling silver is usually ok.
tarynkae says
You learn something new every day! I thought gold was the best choice for metal allergies… I’ll be checking out some other options. 🙂 Thanks Grandma. Love you!