Roll Top Back Packs

Lately, we've been spending most weekend days outdoors. Even on early work days I find myself hurrying to City Park or Central Park to snatch up those last moments of light before the sun sneaks away for its slumber. I suppose now, my Colorado intuition is starting to set in and I know that warm sunny days are necessary to catch and enjoy before the winter arrives; besides, let's be honest, the California in me needs all that it can for good measure. (Although, even a winter day in Denver can be bright and cheery--more sunny days than San Diego they say!) We recently hiked over at Red Rocks, and all the while after our half day of hiking, I couldn't help but want to sew a hiking backpack. I do love the convenience of REI, but now that I have a large workspace, and almost functioning sewing machine, and a few skills to call my own, I really want to make a day pack (that could also double as my pack for summer biking, trips to new cities, overnights, etc etc.). These are a few of my backpack inspirations, sticking to mainly roll-top styles as what I could see myself making:

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Also, how simple and darling is this leather pouch DIY (Hobby Lobby has some great leather options) and this rope tote (doesn't this remind you of the Project Runway unconventional challenge?). And just in case you want a roll top backpack, but have no desire to sew your own, Barnacle Bags has a great Etsy shop that I have loved browsing for inspiration.

To the Hills

Wide open space. This was in our top five reasons for why we must move to Colorado. Days like this are the ones I hold onto when the city gets to be too much. When to-do lists and chores try to become my focus, and when its easy to forget this, this beauty, that I was created to find solace in. There is a longing in my heart, and I think in all of us deep down, for wide open space. A space to feel so little, so vulnerable, so out of control as the world around feels so big, sky so high, while wandering at the will of the rising and setting sun. I like to imagine what it must have been like to discover this place. This western wide open space. What did they say? What did they see? Truly, where the buffalo roam, to the hills and through the valleys is what I hold onto. I hold onto it and keep it tied up in a leather bag that I open whenever I need a reminder. A reminder that this, this beauty, is what I was created to find joy in.

These photos were taken just outside of Morrison, Colorado.

Linking up with Annapolis & Company.