Happy!

(last of the Chuck Jones cards from the Bowers Museum)

WHETHER IT'S THE BEST OF TIMES

OR THE WORST OF TIMES,

IT'S THE ONLY TIME WE'VE GOT.

Art Buchwald

SO BE HAPPY!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. xo

Whale of a blouse.

I'm loving my new blouse from Target! With pink and white whales. 

(I tried to find it online for a link, but no luck. 

I bought mine in the Anaheim store last week while in Southern California.)

Style & Simplicity by Ted Kennedy Watson

I picked up a signed copy of Ted Kennedy Watson's new book, Style & Simplicity at his First Avenue store before I left on my trip, but just had a chance to sit down and look at it. It's fabulous! Like his blog and his stores, just fabulous. He puts together the most wonderful little vignettes so you can feel and taste what is coming off each page.

I'm so inspired!

(photos are from TKW blog)

Also at the Bowers...

There was a wonderfully curated show, "The Lure of Chinatown: Painting California's Chinese Communities." Here are just a few of the pieces I liked…

 "Last Days of the Dragon's Den" by Ralph W. Hulett 1951

 "Chinese New Year Celebration" by Jake Lee 1965

 "Chinese Bazaar" by Jade Fon Woo 1955

 "Chinatown Market" by Jack Laycox 1955

 "Children Setting Off Firecrackers" by Robert Frederick Blum 1890

"Suey Chong Company" by Ken Potter 1972

My photos do not do these paintings justice. I couldn't use a flash and it was kinda dark in there. You really should see them in person. The show is up at the Bowers Museum until August 31st if you happen to be in Southern California. I recommend it!

Love.

I went to the wedding of my son's best friend in Idaho this weekend. There were so many wonderful things about it…from the venue, the weather, the food, the dessert!, the dancing, spending time with my son who was a groomsman, all the great people, families, but mostly this couple. This couple is one of those couples that were meant to be together for a very long time. And it felt very special to witness and celebrate that. xo

Chuck Jones.

While in Orange County I went to the Bowers Museum to see the Chuck Jones exhibit. What a talented man! The show was mostly of his doodles, with phone numbers, grocery and to do lists included. Above are a few cards that I bought in the store. I love his interpretations of these classics! The card sales benefit his non-profit, Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

Change of scenery.

I'm heading home after four days in California, visiting my dad and helping him with a few things. Of course I've enjoyed the 80-degree temps, swimming a couple of evenings, walking every morning, but what I've really enjoyed is the change of scenery. There's nothing like getting away from home to be able to gain a new perspective. I'm going from here to a wedding in Idaho, but I'll be home Sunday afternoon and I'm looking forward to getting back to work and my creative life with fresh eyes! 

What I'm reading...

Although I'm only 125 pages into it, I'm thoroughly enjoying our book club selection this month! 

Feeling like a tourist!

Found myself in Seattle without rain gear and of course it started coming down...a little too heavy to keep going like I normally would. So I did what any smart tourist would do, I bought a $6 umbrella!

Three-day weekend!

Greetings from Puget Sound! Looks like it's going to be a nice one here.

Hope everyone has a safe, fun weekend.

Prayers for the military lives lost and blessings for those left behind. xo

In my garden...

I take these same pictures every year. They are just too beautiful to resist.

And they do not last long enough!

I'm off to work today. 

Back to blogging!

Good morning! It's been over six months since I've blogged, reading or writing. I have been in quite a life transition. It's thrown me for a loop, but I'm making my way back and happy to be here. I've missed it and it's been wonderful to hear from a few of you that you've missed me. So here's to getting life back on track, learning to roll with the punches, and being grateful everyday! xo

A new month.

"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”

- Brené Brown

Wednesday words.

Stole this off of Facebook this morning....no credit given. 

It's a good one!

Low tide.

I'm dog/cat/house-sitting for two neighbors this week. So I was out early walking and watering. Got everything done before 9:00 a.m.
Working on some creative stuff in between shifts.

Happy Sunday! Hope it's sunny wherever you are.

Wednesday words.

Saw this quote on morningcoach.com! It was too cute not to share.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

U-pick blueberries.

Feeling blessed to have this u-pick blueberry farm on our little island.

I went on Friday after work and picked for myself and a friend. 

I need to go back this week to pick for the freezer!

Wednesday words.

Look within yourself.

Trust your own heart, your instincts, and your intuition

to help you embrace your authentic self,

your soul's purpose and true nature.

~Chinh Pham

SF Modern.

Wow, I'm loving this house in the new issue of Dwell. I don't know if I could live with that much exposure, especially in the city, but it's gorgeous! When was the last time you were impressed, or even noticed, a garage door...this one is amazing. And how about those porthole windows, set in glass! Read the whole article here. Thanks Dwell.

Washington State Pie!

Oh my, I just stumbled upon this site....The Corbé Company is making plates for every state! How clever! You can bake in them or just use them as serving dishes.