Design is Sexy*

George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia,
Charles Eames and Jens Risom
*Playboy Magazine, July 1961.

via The Selvedge Yard

Dreams of Summer

Despite the sunburn I earned last weekend, which is now flaking off my back, I am still loving the sunshine. I have tried to stay out of it this week as not to aggravate my already bright pink skin, but I've been like a dog wagging at the door to go outside. I had to put together this little collage of summery fantasy to appease myself.

The east dawning sun has been waking us up early, and leaving the window open for a little air, we also get quite a bit of morning traffic noise. Whereas I might find this particularly annoying, I'm just too pleased by the season. Besides, in the afternoons a lot of people have loud music playing from their cars....A little Lady Gaga, some dance beats, a bass heavy Rap...It's like a mini dance party for 20 seconds or so. Ah, summer. :)

hot jams, puppies, cold sodas, sandals...let's make it happen.

A Little Bit Country

Alright, so I can admit that although NLW and I are not planning nuptials any time soon (and have been quick to make sure everyone knows!), I enjoy frequenting the many wedding style blogs out there. They have some inspirational design and style ideas that could apply just about anywhere. And let's face it--I'm such a terribly slow and picky decision-maker, I should probably start the brainstorming and image gathering in much advance. This photoshoot by photog Tec Petaja (spotted today on Green Wedding Shoes) is definitely one of the best I've seen!

I think my heart melted a little bit upon seeing that first photo with the colorful quilt. I wasn't raised a country girl, but I love the natural beauty of these outdoor spaces. Who needs heaps of organza and cut flowers to prettify a space when you have warm natural sunlight and lush greenery? And hello--Horses roaming around behind the altar? I think I called that one back in first grade! :) As for truly applicable ideas, I'll keep in mind the family wedding photos hung around the trees...what a lovely way to honor your family and remember the love that's brought you to where you are.

Anyone else swooning over this one, or not your taste?

The Weekly Cute

*zzz*

*YAWN*

KP2, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, enjoying a nap on the beach. He was successfully introduced to the wild after being raised by TMMC. photos via the TMMC blog.

Last night Nathan and I caught part of a great NOVA about The Marine Mammal Center, which has inspired this week's cute. I was particularly looking for a seal pup with awesome facial markings named Duchamp. At the end of the show, Duchamp and some buddies were released back into the ocean. :) You know, a bittersweet tale because their habitat is endangered and some of the animals do not make it, but it's always so inspiring to see these people that are saving all they can. You can watch the whole show here!

Now That's What I Call

The most beautiful house....

Spotted on Apartment Therapy, the Palmtag Muzzio Bowen Mansion outside Santa Cruz, California, was built in 1872. It is located on 4 acres of organic farms and looks out over the ocean. In the Italianate Victorian style, 13' tall ceilings, classical moldings (that picture rail, swoon!), marble fireplaces and countertops, original 1915 gas stove in the kitchen, and that green dining room--oh my, that green dining room!

The house is currently up for sale by Sotheby's. I almost wish it would be landmarked and made open to the public so I could visit. But this, this is a house, and someone should live here, let children run around the gardens, host family holidays in that dining room, grow old looking out at the ocean...I just hope they don't change a thing.

Mom+Dad

Yesterday my parents celebrated what I believe is their 32nd Anniversary.
Love lives on. I'm so proud and happy for them.
Happy Anniversary!

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.
- Audrey Hepburn

O' McFamily Travels

images: nationalgeographic, the visual record, utexas library

My parents embarked for Ireland on Monday, and I can only assume that's where they are and that they're enjoying themselves. I haven't heard any news yet, but I hope it's lovely. Pop will be working for several days upfront, and Mom is hopefully luxuriating in the nice hotel where the intensive is held. Then they will be galavanting around the West coast seeing what there is to see.

Ma and Pa, I hope you have a very lovely vacation together (I think it's about darn time!) and come home with stories about driving the rental car on the left side of the road, eating really amazing and/or strange food, Ireland's 'potent potables,' and lots of other exciting happenings. Not to mention, lots of photos...and maybe a treat for me. ;)

*I'm sorry for this title...you can tell I don't know very much about Ireland...though I did listen to this audiobook and it was great!

The Weekly Cute

Ralphie
Neonard (St. Bernard + Neapolitan Mastiff)

Spike

Russenji (Jack Russell + Basenji)


Savannah
Spanieletter (Spaniel+Setter)

Dogs from the book, A Breed Apart: A Celebration of the New American Mutt, compiled by photographer Amanda Jones (Spike is my favorite)
via Martha Stewart

Happy Friday!

It's a beautiful day outside so my mood's already up, but this really made me smile.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm looking forward to more sunshine and long walks. Feeling glad!

REM + muppets, spotted at lovely blog even*cleveland
ps... all of the muppet clips on youtube are awesome.
check out andrea bocelli singing Elmo to sleep!

The Weekly Cute

Dragging today (overnight headache, lack of sleep) so I'm going straight to the source. Thanks, cuteoverload.

Sunday Afternoons

A shared lunch and a sunny outside day. As though on repeat, we again find ourselves at the dog park on Sunday. But it's OK, it hasn't gotten old yet. We rather like it.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mama's Day!
To all the moms out there, and especially to my mama and to Nathan's mama.
(Mamas and Mamas-in-Law-to-be!)
We love you!

PS- if you missed SNL last night, JT and Andy Samberg honor Mother's Day... :D

Song for the Weekend

Nathan and I like this little tune, and it's been stuck in my head all day. A dreamy, beachy, summer sound to set us out into the weekend....all I want anymore is sun. :) Wishing some your way.

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Uploaded by jasonmrazworld

The Weekly Cute

Some might think it rather ridiculous that one's better years could be spent with a dog were it not so often the case. I realize that I do not have any photos of my dog. Perhaps this is a good thing as I might occasionally slip into that proud-papa syndrome and start showing off puppy photos to anyone who will look. Still, I need to make a point of scanning some childhood photos on one of my next visits home (I have kept this in mind for years and always forget). It was hard to find an image that seems close enough to what our Essie looked like, though that second one comes close. She was an especially spotty brown dalmation with exceptional marking. Her ears were solidly colored and she had large spots around her eyes like a mask. She was grumpy and self-righteous most of the time, but she was too cute when her lips would curl up in a funny doggy smile. She'd smile and her tail would wag her whole body when she was excited to see us. Oh, I miss that dog.

Often in moments left unto myself, riding on the back of some meandering thought, I think about people (or dogs) from my past and then I miss them terribly. Sometimes they are people who were very important for a while, like good friends who parted ways...people I can still find on the internet, whose current friends I sometimes envy when I remember how much fun we had. I find it best not to contact them as I might rehash the past and launch into some melodramatic escapade. Sometimes they are just figures I wish I would have better acknowledged at the time...a stranger that shared a story, someone who wished me well or offered help. I wonder how they are doing and wish I could thank them for whatever moment we shared, though often they wouldn't remember me. And really, I have to suppress that stalking tendency because it's rarely seen in a positive light. They have restraining orders for that kind of thing. It seems better to ignore the thought of them than to miss them so much, but sometimes it's kind of nice to really miss someone.

Moment narrowly avoided. Here's to the midweek and to puppies!

Happy May + Shelene's Visit!

May is such a lovely month. We are still getting a lot of rain out here, but the flowers have come up! This is the tree outside our bedroom window. :) (If anyone knows what kind of tree that is, please let me know!) So far the month is starting out well, as Shelene was here visiting from Thursday until Monday. Of course I forgot to take photos, so I'll try to steal a few of hers later to share the fun.

Not as much fun without photos, but here's a run-down of our busy visit:
Thursday- We picked up Shelene at the airport, Nathan made a pancakes lunch, and then we did our version of the Kirkland walking tour. It was a sunny day, so we walked to the lake and all around downtown. We had the epic Burgermaster for dinner, which as always means passing out at home. In a really good way. :)
Friday- We visited Nathan's school and the Microsoft campus, where we stumbled around for a good 10 minutes before finding the visitors center (there are a lot of buildings). To make the most of the beautiful 70 degree day we headed into Seattle via bus to visit Pike Place Market. We may have grey most of the year, but it's hard not to love Seattle on those sunny days (a summer preview I hope!) At home Nathan cooked up steak (Shelene brought from Iowa!) and awesome baked potatoes for dinner. mmm...I think I'll put Nathan on dinner duty more often.
Saturday- I woke up a little earlier than usual, and since Shelene is used to the early mornings (ehem, Christopher!) we got out for a nice morning walk and chat. We had grey skies and drizzle most of Saturday, but we still made it over to the first Redmond Farmers Market of the year! Can't wait to make it the weekly ritual for the summer. Shelene was needing some attire for her sweet new job as Directer of Youth Ministries at her church--and I love a shopping buddy!--so we checked out a couple stores where she got cute clothes. That evening, we indulged in Chinese buffet and saw Slumdog Millionaire at the discount theater. A totally great day!
Sunday- Relaxation, and some more surprising sunshine. We packed a picnic lunch (cold peanutty noodles+salad) and headed to the park. Afterward we walked around the huge off-leash dog park to watch the pooches romping around. (This may well be my happy place!) Our evening in at home included dinner (vegetable+jiffy pot pie=comfort food), a screening of Best In Show, and a few rounds of Yahtzee!
Monday- Only enough time for a little breakfast before Nathan took Shelene to the airport. Back to the everyday. le sigh.

Shelene, we loved having you here! I hope it was a nice mini break that gave you some much needed time for yourself. Plus, having visitors prompts us to get out and see more of our locale, so it's a bit like a vacation for us too! Come back again soon! :) xo