He's here! Little Finn Blakely was born and he is even more amazing than I could have possibly imagined. I already can't imagine life without him. He is wonderful and full of life. Delivery was painful, but uncomplicated. Dallyn might have run out the room if it weren't for his devotion to me and little … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.9 / Welcome, Baby Finn!

So, we're here...third trimester! I think Hazelnut can sense how close we are to the due date. She has been sticking close to me lately. Maybe she knows that she has to get all the attention that she can before our little baby boy gets here, ha! She's getting up in age herself, now--maybe she … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.8 / Getting Real

Finally, the worst of the weather has subsided. The rain has stopped, and the sun has come out. The pregnancy is coming along. The fatigue is real, and I have to pee all the time. It's making keeping up with the garden hard, but I'm managing! Of course, I'm still working too, so it has … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.7 / Cultivating Gratitude

The rain has been unrelenting lately. Surprising, given last fall was absolutely beautiful, crisp and sunny. So, there's been a lot of soggy garden days. On days that I am just not up for braving the soggy mess, or when the thunderstorms are too bad to be out there unprotected, I go to the greenhouse. … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.6 / Life. But, together.

Things have been incredible lately. Dallyn followed through on his offer and helped me with the house renovations, which saved me a ton of money. I was able to get a lot done. I now have new, improved windows (and lots of them!), a renovated bathroom with a bathtub, a new dishwasher, and a relocated … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.5 / Something New Blossoms

Happy Winterfest!!! Today was wonderful. It was the best day I've had since moving to Newcrest, without a doubt. Dallyn was happy to join me for a holiday again (apparently, he likes my cooking). Katie's fiance is out of town with his family, so she was happy to have some company that aren't her cats, … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.4 / Winterfest Wonder

My writing is becoming more and more spread apart, and for good reason! I have finally put down some roots and made some friends in this new area. The artist that I was talking about in my last entry? Her name is Katie Poindexter, and she's actually really cool. I was afraid that she would … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.3 / A New Friend

I woke up feeling lonelier than ever today. It's Harvest Fest. I knew it would be hard, but I think the general feeling of isolation I've had lately made it a lot worse. I decided that I would make a nice meal, and follow the normal traditions. I put the garden gnomes in the kitchen … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.2 / Guests for Harvest Fest

I can't sleep. I've been struggling to sleep off and on lately. I've been here for a little while now. I've made some really great gains. I've managed to get a promotion, I've upgraded some furniture (bye, airbed!) and have plans to expand my living space. I don't know if I'd call myself 'settled in', … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.1 / Some sleepless nights end up okay.

I guess this is where it all begins...This is awkward. Do I introduce myself to my own journal? At the risk of being awkward, my name is Quinn Blakely. Niceties aside...I just moved to Newcrest today. I knew I had to get a change of scenery. Willow Creek is full of yuppies, Oasis Springs is … Continue reading Build Newcrest / 1.0 / Newcrest! I’m here! …hello?