We Like to Party

It seems that things hit you all at once, right? I've had some great opportunities fall into my lap lately, and I'm really excited to get the creative juices flowing again. But goodness, I'm not used to having a busy schedule! (I've kind of been on a break since college...)

I am watching my boss' dog while she is on vacation, and I have also volunteered to prepare her daughter's birthday party before she gets back tomorrow. She is having a Hollywood theme, which I have the good fortune to have had myself as a kid. Here's an inspiration board I pulled together for ideas.

I have been running around trying to collect supplies, comparison shop, and create a plan. So far, so fun! Also, a little intimidating and hectic....but I'm still excited. :) Wait for more photos!

Nathan had a career day at school last week, which seemed to have gone pretty well. This being the first week of April, the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to show! That means deadlines and lots to do. I can't wait for Nathan to graduate and to celebrate with everyone!

New Camera!

My new camera is here!
I have just charged it and barely tried it out, and boy am I excited.
Here is a photo of my ol' camera taken with the brand spankin' new one.
(plant for size reference).

And here is the new one. So small and sleek, so sharp and handy.
I think there is some clarity improvement...can you tell?

I had to take the Panasonic to the cat rescue for a test run this morning. With delight, I discovered there is actually a 'Pets' setting...I think this is the beginning of a solid camera/photographer relationship.
A little cute for your Wednesday.... one of my favorite MEOW kitties, Autumn.
Just look at that round face. What a sweetie.

More photos to come! Yippee!

First Day of Spring!

Let me say that again....
FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!

To those of you who are not experiencing our revelatory Springy weather, perhaps begrudging recent snows, I apologize for the gloating. But I just can't help it. :) Happy.

Mail Art #1

I'm so excited for more mail art. I'm not sure if I'll continue to do the illustrations, but it is good incentive to draw. When I read this WCW poem I will always imagine Tyler reading it. :)

*Update: I checked the tracking on my new camera, and as of yesterday it was scanned to depart New Jersey...Camera's on the move!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Grey Gardens, via Abbey's Daily Dose of Green

This St. Patrick's Day I am seeing lots of green--on people and outside!
What a refreshing change from the gray and hazy norm. Since it is almost Spring--but not quite yet--let's meditate on this soothing bit of green this St. Patty's.

And for good measure, some green of our own to appreciate and look forward to; I'm enjoying watching the change on the tree outside our window.

Yesterday and today. I am going to keep a record of its blooming to keep Spring close.

***

And since the news is out by now, it's time to blog-announce and congratulate Nathan on getting an internship with Airtight Games in Redmond! :) I'm so proud of you.

Sunny Side Up

So far my 24th year has had its ups and downs, but mostly ups. Not a month since that nasty cold departed, it came back again--boo. But this time I recognized it and was better prepared. Last week in its early stage I took a day off work to rest, and I think it made a big difference! I've never been great at taking care of myself and knowing my health, as they say, but this time I get an A+.

N and I spent another weekend with Paddington while Naomi was with family. Pretty low key--hanging around, nursing my cold, watching movies (finally saw The Hurt Locker--so good! go watch it!) and enjoying lovely Queen Anne. On Saturday morning we walked to Top Pot for doughnuts. I know Naomi thinks we're doing her a favor, but I really like hanging out on QA...I can see us living there with our own pup someday. :) Perhaps this one?

This is my dream puppy...Nathan has found him.

This week is off to a good start. Are you enjoying your extra hour of sunshine? :) I am! And we've been getting a lot of it lately (except today, spring rains). Yesterday was warm and breezy, and the rest of the day followed suit. I made a trip to the craft store for a couple items and came home with a couple more. I found alphabet stamps for $1.50! I think it's a worthy buck-fifty investment. :)

(we sell these for $18 at PS.....shhh!)

My niece got her braces off this week, so I put together a little congratulatory confectionery package to send her. Lucky girl, Yum! When I got home I opened up the windows and spent the day drawing, something I am trying to get back into the habit of doing. I am participating in a mail art exchange with friends from PS, which has me really excited. I will share some of it--the first batch went out today, so I'll wait to post until Thursday, just in case someone sneaks a peek here! ;) In the meantime, here's what I got from Becky! She rocks.

One last little note....I have finally selected and ordered my new camera! I can't wait to get it, hopefully by the weekend. Get ready for more pictures!
That's it for now...more to post later!

A Little Older

wishing, wishing, wishing

Ladies and gents, I have successfully turned 24!
(Sorry, no baby Callie photos available.)
Thank you for sending your best wishes and love. I think birthdays can be a little overwhelming, no matter what age, but this one was very joyful!
(A friend said she always felt a tad disappointed the streets weren't filled with balloons on her bday, which I thought was a great sentiment!)

I had a very relaxing day at home by myself and then N came home in the afternoon and helped me with my taxes (which sounds awful, but--I get a refund! woo!) Friday night we got dressed up and went out for delicious Indian food....garlic naan, I love you. Afterward we drove into Seattle for a date at the symphony! We heard Handel, Mercadante, and Bach (you can listen here). It was so beautiful, and I left feeling very peaceful. And of course back at home there was cake and ice cream, so then I felt full and happy.

Here are a couple photos of my handsome date. :)
(can't wait to get my new, improved camera and take better pics!)

Thank you all for making me feel so special. The riches of my life are those I love. You're all the best.

Spring Dreaming

These warm, sunny days have me feeling girlish and giddy. :)
Is Spring a feminine season? It seems that way to me...all the flowers maybe?
I am imagining long walks (I walked to the library yesterday, first time this year!), farmers' markets, picnics, and of course, a perfectly springy ensemble.

cardigan, dress, bracelet: anthropologie
*shoes: pink studio

Also daydreaming of light, fresh and airy spaces.***

I could take a breezy afternoon nap in either of these...

**springtime duvet, cabbage rose quilt:
urban outfitters

Loving the bright pastels in Domino editor Rita Konig's home...

photo: desiretoinspire

...just a few more weeks!
I don't know--maybe daydreaming is just as nice as the real thing...

- - - - - - -

*can someone please make this into a vegan shoe? I struggle to find well-made (not plastic), well-priced (unlike most) and cute non-leather shoes. Bah. For you leather lovers, this company has awesome spring shoes!
**spotted at masterfully tasteful blog, OhJoy!
***A recent post at coco+kelley was spot on about encouraging girls to girl up their spaces while they can! Sometimes I'd love to feminize our space, use florals--even pink--but I can't do that to Nathan. However, I think it's N that brings out the little lady in occasional modernist me--oh irony!

Welcome March, and Almost Spring!

I'll tell you what...sunlight makes me a better me.
(so does coffee, but that's something else.)

This may sound like an incredible statement, but it's true;
I feel fortunate everyday to be living in the Northwest, but especially on days like this:

"on a clear day you can see forever"

March is here, and the last few days leading in have been gorgeous.
Ready to be jealous? Yesterday it was 60°.
60°!!! :)

Due to an unfortunate family circumstance, my friend had to leave for the weekend, so I was on dog duty. Pdog, Nathan and I had a lovely time together. Yesterday I took him out for a long walk, no coat required. We enjoyed the beauty of early Spring on Queen Anne. Here's my little compatriot.

When I was a kid, Spring was my favorite season. Now I know that Spring entails too much mud, rain, and possible late snows to be my fave, but it certainly puts up a good fight. When the sun finally comes out and casts a warm touch on your face, the crocuses start to bloom, the air feels fresh and smells like cherry blossoms, it feels like you've never been so hopeful. It makes me absolutely giddy.

Welcome, welcome March!
(and, I am almost 24!)