Sunday, June 26, 2011

Hello from the road

Bishop, California

We decided to take a trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains this weekend...It was such a lovely getaway! We stopped in the little town of Bishop. Of course, I made a b-line for the bookstore, called Spellbinder. I picked up a copy of "Reading My Father," a memoir written by William Styron's daughter, Alexandra. Ms. Styron profiles her life with her famous father, who struggled with writing, depression and, at times, his will to stay alive. (Have you read William Styron's "Darkness Visible"? It's brilliant.)

I'm completely absorbed in this book. We're back home now. With a few hours left of daylight, I'm heading out to the backyard to finish reading in the hammock under our giant magnolia tree.

Anyone out there read anything interesting this weekend? I'm updating my summer reading list!


(Photo by Cubs Fan Tootie.)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

One of those days...

Macarons

All I really want is a macaron. Pink please!

Maybe it's time to plan a trip to Paris!?

(Photo by Alice Red Coat)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Summer Hours



Maybe you've noticed -- or not..:) I've been away a lot from this blog...Suddenly I have lots of obligations and much less free time...But I'm planning to be back to blogging on a regular basis here very soon!...

So please don't hit the unsubscribe button! :)

(Photo by Miya Wichawa.)

Monday, June 6, 2011

What are you reading?




I'm just finishing "A Three Dog Life" by Abigail Thomas. It's a memoir about Thomas' effort to build a new life after a devastating tragedy. I so admire her bravery (and beautiful prose.) She finds tremendous comfort from the company of her three dogs, hence the title.

I've also been going through stacks of decor books. Still trying to arrange our little house...

What are you reading??

Photo by Andrew @ Cuba Gallery.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Caitlin McGauley's Watercolor World

This New York City artist has become the house illustrator for Lonny Magazine, with her charming watercolors:





She's also painted for Kate Spade and Hermes. Her work reminds me so much of Maira Kalman's -- whimsical and smart.

More here!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

One Year Ago

Candles, Candles Burning Bright
My father died one year ago today. I have missed him every day since. Some hurts never heal.

(My tribute from last year.)

Photo by Realyn 1.

Monday, May 9, 2011

30-pound cat



Ok, maybe he doesn't weight quite 30 pounds, but Shoes is now officially as wide as he is tall. I think he's responding to the stress of the move by eating. (I am too.)

We're still working our way through stacks of boxes on the porch. And my husband and I are having an intense debate: He says we should go to Best Buy to get a new stove; I say we should buy a Wedgewood on Craigs List. Vintage stoves are so charming.

Until we get this settled, we're all living on take out!


(Pictures of Shoes when he only weighed 12 pounds.)
I'm dreading the lecture I'm going to get from the vet...


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Dear Deer



I took this picture tonight on my way home from work. This young deer was out for a stroll a couple blocks away from our house. (It's a little blurry on my iPhone!)

We moved to a community on the edge of the Angeles National Forest. It's pretty common here to see deer, coyotes and black bears (!) walking down the street. A few years back, the town had to form a special squad to deal with all the bears coming down from the mountain late at night to swim in backyard pools and eat oranges and avocados.

Our neighbors warned us to keep our pets in after dark. I feel like I'm living in the wilderness!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Matchbook Magazine, May Issue



The new issue of Matchbook Magazine is out today. As you guys know I LOVE this magazine...but I'm especially excited this month because I'm included as one of the featured bloggers. We were asked: What would you bring to a potluck?
Visit the magazine here!

PS: We're finally done moving...Now comes the hard part: unpacking the boxes.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Almost....



We're almost finished moving -- now putting favorite things in suitcases instead of boxes. I wish I remembered where I packed my handcream!!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

xo

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Victorian Die Cuts

die cuts
I love Victorian die cuts, of course. But these are just so good....Look at the guy in the wild hat!! Wow...

This little collection was put together by Ginny Branch Stelling, of the blog My Favorite Color is Shiny.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Gracia & Louise

The collage creations of Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison...






The two artists from Melbourne are the publishers of zines and books,
spotlighting their compositions of curious and colorful things.
Their art is the visual equivalent of marzipan.

LOVE!!!

(Even more on Gracia & Louise's Flickr page.)

What I'm reading....



I just started "The Man Who Invented the Computer," by Jane Smiley (yes, that Jane!).
It's fascinating so far.

I'm such a computer geek. Of all the profiles I've written, one of my favorites is about Michael Heilemann, who created WordPress' Kubrick theme. I love the backstory of the Internet.


What are you reading this week?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Wuthering Heights -- A Family Tree...

wuthering heights- family tree

Although I know from previous comments that some you absolutely hated Wuthering Heights, I wanted to post this illustration by Lizzy Stewart. I think it's so charming and I love how Catherine is in sepia.

Have a lovely Monday, everyone!