For the Love of {Owls}- Part 2

While Part 1 of For the Love of {Owls} consisted of photos and a painting that were realistic representations of the nocturnal creatures, Part 2 features illustrations with portrayals of owls that are either animated, slightly lifelike, or some combination of the two.

Diana Sudyka

Badbird

Kareena Zerefos via ffffound!

Shell

Poor Dog Farm

Ola Design

Owl from "The Owl & the Pussy-cat" Diptych- Mok Duk by Anne Benjamin

Decoylab

There are more owls to come tomorrow along with an exciting announcement I can't wait to share!!

For the Love of {Owls}

I know that a lot of people are "over" owls, as happens with any trend, but, perhaps since I am such a night owl myself, I still find some owl-inspired pieces irresistible!

Each of these pieces of art captured my eye; I love the life-like quality of Cara Enteles' painting, and I adore each of the three photographs, by Sharon Montrose, Allie Arts 4 Children, and D.S. Brennan Photography, as well.

Eye of the Predator- Cara Enteles

Allie Art 4 Children

Sharon Montrose

D.S. Brennan Photography

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Christmas shopping

Talking to my father the other night and I asked what The Fruitcake (my mother) was up to.
'Oh, she's on the Internet looking at where she's wanting to travel to next.'
'Where's she looking?'
'Uzbekistan.'

So I know it's technically not the correct '-istan', but guess whose getting Borat for Christmas?

MEMO

FROM: GOD

TO:EARTH

RE: EPIC FAIL

______________________________________________

Dear Earth,

For crying out loud, would you lot please stop fighting and just start to get along ?

Yes, I am looking at you India, but I am also looking at you Thailand, please don't think you can hide behind India. And don't think I don't know what the rest of you are up to - I'm God, remember?

Honestly, you lot drive me to distraction, I create you a lovely place to live in with a wonderful climate (admittedly the Ice Age was a little dull, but I'd been drinking) and what do you all do?

You immediately set about killing each other and systematically destroying the planet! And you've been doing it for centuries. I could have tolerated a couple of hundred years of bad behaviour, but this is ridiculous.

Have any of you lot heard of the word gratitude?

You're all behaving like a bunch of thoroughly spoilt little upstarts, and I've had enough of it.

If you lot do not get your shit together you will force me to instigate a solar system war, nothing like a little intergalactic warfare to make you work together as a team.

You have been warned.

Love,

God.
I am God, do not fuck with me.

P.S Do you like my tag line? Catchy, isn't it? J. Walter Thompson doesn't sit round doing nothing in heaven, you know.

To Give Thanks

This is the first Thanksgiving I won't spend at home with my family, as with the big move approaching, E & I decided traveling just didn't make sense. I will miss the rituals of our day, and most of all, I will miss being with my family, including the extended family and friends who are always part of the celebration.

While my Thanksgiving table won't be quite this full this year, I am certainly ready to give thanks.

James Carriere Photography

I am thankful that E and I will be spending this holiday together, as last year he was on the other side of the globe for Thanksgiving. I am also thankful that we will be celebrating with one of my brothers, for whom a trip to our house was closer and easier to make.

The past year of my life has been filled with great joy, as well as great frustration and stress. Since January, life has been a roller coaster ride, but along every dip and peak my family and friends have been there, providing support, encouragement and love. For them, as always, I am extremely thankful.

Mikkel Vang

I am also thankful for my blog as it has brought me into contact with incredible people from around the world, people with whom otherwise I may have never connected. The blogs I read inspire me with their creativity and talent, as I mentioned on Monday, yet the thoughtfulness and warmth of many of the people behind those blogs inspires me even more.

Last, but certainly not least, I am extremely thankful for you, the readers of my blog. Whether you are a frequent commenter or someone who hasn't yet spoken up, I am so thankful you make the time to come here and read my words.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating. May your day be filled with love and, of course, lots of delicious food!

A compliment.

The other morning I was walking to work and a woman, who was coming in the opposite direction (and definitely on a mission to get somewhere), said hello and complimented me on my dress.

Now this dress is a floral summer number, made out of the type material that my brother Sunshine would remark, 'Been flogging Great Aunt Beryl's cushions again, then?' It's retro design, made in France and possibly makes me look like I'm off to church in the fifties. And I absolutely love it, one of those dresses that puts a wee spring in my step.

Anyway, I thanked the woman for her compliment and continued on my walk to work.

But here's the thing.

She was wearing boots that were a little shinier and a little longer than these.

She had teamed them with teensy tiny wee shorts. I can't remember what top she was wearing, but her makeup had seen better days and she looked in desperate need of sleep and the cigarette she was smoking.

But it was kind of like the obese guy saying, 'Can I have four burgers, six scoops of chips and a diet coke?' Bad analogy, I know - but you get the picture ( I am poorly attempting to draw).

Regardless, I 've never had a compliment from a hooker before. I'm taking that and running with it.

Moments {of Laughter} Part 2

Last Wednesday was the first installment of "Moments," and as I mentioned then, there are many moments of laughter I'd like to share with you.

In these photos, each photographer captured beautiful expressions of joy, expressions that make me smile without even knowing the background to the story. I hope they'll make you smile too.

Sarah & David- Mindy Myers via Style Me Pretty

W. Scott Chester Photography

Sophia & Matt- Ben Chrisman

Naomi & Larry- Ryan Phillips Photography

Maggie & James- Carrie Patterson

Stacey & Tony- Michele M Waite

W. Scott Chester Photography

Stacey & Mike- Photogen Inc.

I love how the laughter in these photos expresses different emotions; some show shock, some excitement, some possibly even disbelief, and yet they all undoubtedly show happiness in their laughter too.

While I love the classic and timeless quality of black and white photos, there will be "Moments" in color ahead on coming Wedding Wednesdays.

A simple solution.

I was watching breakfast news yesterday and one of the presenters was announcing one of those stories that you always hear at the this time of year (along with 'how to not put on forty kilos at Christmas time), 'And coming up we have tips how to survive the office Christmas party.'

Call me crazy, but I thought it was quite simple, 'Don't get banjaxed and make a twat of yourself.'


Or, 'Don't get banjaxed if a jolly good banjaxing is likely to make you make a twat of yourself.'

The Photographic Dictionary

When I came across The Photographic Dictionary, I immediately went through the entire website. I am enamored with the idea of the project, which "is dedicated to defining words through the literal, figurative, and personal meanings found in each photograph."

click images to enlarge

Breath- Robert S. Johnson

Calm- Matthew Genitempo

Sea- Vanessa Cornacchia

Photographer- Julia Galdo

Citroen- Valerie Enriquez

I loved a lot of the entries, but some of my other favorites are here, here, here, here, and here.

And the silly shirt award goes to....

So John Key has had his first outing as PM at APEC in Lima Peru. So APEC, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an annual get together of the heads of 21 Pacific Rim countries and over the course of a couple of days they natter about the state of the world, how they'd like to redecorate and all those pressing global issues.

Each year it's hosted by a different country and when it's your country's turn there is a whole lot of brouhaha involved. It's a bit like having the flashest relies over, the house gets tidied to within an inch of it's life and all the mess is hidden away in bottom drawers and jammed into wardrobes.

But being the shallow ditz that I am, I reckon that the most outstanding thing about APEC is when, on the final day, the country's traditional costumes are handed out for all the leaders to wear. Here's a wee sample.

This is what Chile pulled out in 2004.

The Australians dressed the leaders in drizabones and Akubra hats. Here are they sans hat. And I read a caption that accompanied this photo, 'APEC leaders get expensive raincoats while Asia Pacific people get screwed by climate change.'

And here is a shot of George in Vietnam looking like he's wondering why he's wearing Laura's dressing gown.

And I am particularly fond of men in bows, as was Korea's choice of costume in 2005.This year Peru gave out tan ponchos. Apparently, according to Kevin Rudd, they are very good at hiding guns.
And this is just so you can see just how fetching John Key looked in his poncho.

I have no idea why he is already talking about selling it off for charity.

I'm It...

Phil Poynter

Tina, whose blog Luphia Loves I adore, tagged me last week to share six quirky, yet boring facts about myself. I always enjoy learning more about people through these, so, of course, I agreed to play along.

The Quirky, Boring Facts-
1.) I have a problem touching dry cotton balls. Not cotton pads or Q-tips. Not sure if this extends to cotton blooms from the bush (of which I am a fan as is evident here, here, and here.) As far as I know, it's just cotton balls. If they are wet (say with nail polish remover,) no problem. But dry? Makes me shudder just thinking about it.

2.) The touching problem extends to certain wet blankets. Not all wet blankets bother me, but there are some that elicit the exact same reaction as dry cotton balls (yet those same blankets are fine to touch when they are dry!) Weird issues, I know!

Some cotton I certainly wouldn't mind "touching." Stunning lucite paperweight with natural cotton pod available from Black Tulip Antiques in Denver via Bond & Bowery.

3.) I don't like Coke (or pop... or soda... or whatever you may call a carbonated, sweet fizzy beverage) When I was younger, I told my mom I didn't like how "spritey" it was, meaning how fizzy it was, and that is the best I can come up with still.

4.) When I was 10 years old, my two neighborhood friends and I started our own dance group, called "Primary Colors"... um, yep, because there were three of us. Quite original. We practiced in our backyards, but, as far as I remember, we never performed in front of anyone (even our parents, although, surely they witnessed our practices!)

Phil Poynter

5.) Along the lines of dancing, I, sometimes, have dance parties by myself (and when my youngest brother and I are both home at our parents' house, we sometimes throw them together.) It always puts me in a fabulous mood (oh, endorphins!) I also find it much easier to clean when I have music blaring and can shimmy around to the beat.

6.) I sometimes use hand-gestures when I'm describing things; these are often just random motions, although some things have designated signals such as crawfish, lobster, and catfish (these probably aren't too hard to imagine.) My husband always says, "Wait. How does that go?" and makes me repeat the motions. Then, he'll ask, "One more time?" He definitely gets a kick out of it.

Maura McEvoy

This is the part of the game where I'm suppose to tag 5 others, and I normally pass. I decided this time, however, to go for the tags. I'd love to hear these bloggers "facts," if they feel like playing along!

Jane at Ill Seen, Ill Said
Stephanie at Even*Cleveland
Erin at apartment #34
Alissa at Grace's Birdcage Wedding
Emma at White & Wander
Rebecca at Oh So RB

The rules are:

* Mention the rules on your blog.

* Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.

* Tag six other bloggers

* Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they are tagged.


Also, last week, Amy of ABCD Design, gifted me with the Uber Amazing Blog Award. I was extremely flattered to receive this award from her as the invitation suite she created for her wedding provided some of the first images I saved as inspiration for my own. While our styles were different, her creativity and execution completely inspired me when I was creating my invitations.


I am now suppose to gift this to five or more bloggers who inspire me, who make me smile and laugh, or who share amazing information. I have thought long on this, and, while it might feel like a cop out, the truth is, I really love all the blogs I read.

All of the blogs listed in my blog roll inspire me in some way- some make me smile at their words, some make me laugh out loud, some make me gasp for the sheer beauty of what they post, and many leave me wishing for a bigger bank account! As different as they all are, each blogger inspires me in her own way.

So, I am passing this onto all the blogs in my blogroll; if you are listed there, please know that I think the world of you for inspiring me, encouraging me, and for putting yourselves out into the world.

Things you really shouldn't do....

....forget that your bench is actually a bench when you are standing on it cleaning fly shit off the wall.

Excess luggage

Air New Zealand have recently brought in new luggage regulations; first bag is free (we are talking up to twenty-five kg), second bag is $15, third is $ 50, forth and fifth are $150. Which means if you travel with a lot of gear - you are going to be FULLY SCREWED by excess luggage charges.

I am sure this won't really make the slightest bit of difference to those who regularly travel with five suitcases jammed full of designer outfits. However for those poor clods like me who (for work) travel with, oh, about a pajillion different pieces of luggage, budgets are going to be seriously slammed by these charges.

Gone are the days when the nice Air New Zealand lady would assign your excess luggage kilos to other passengers who had already checked in.

I have always advocated that they should make the travellers jump on the scales along with their luggage and just allocate an overall amount of kilos your person and your luggage combined can be. (Obviously I only say this because I am a short arse and know where I could be saving myself some money).

And then I read here that the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada.

Which raised a lot of questions in my tiny brain. They included:

So if you're a fattie you can fly for free but if you're a workie, you can't?Could someone please explain the logic?

Would it be possible to hide excess luggage under an enormous frock and then waddle on board?

If obese people get two seats, do they get the extra meal?

What are the wider ramifications of this ruling? I.e does that mean alcoholics get an extra crack at the bar service?

Has this ruling just opened a whole can of whoopass?

Heavy Metal

We've looked at industrial interiors (here and here) and furnishings, but we haven't yet looked at how this style manifests itself in fashion, specifically in jewelry.

While some of these pieces of are harder-edged than others, they all have an industrial look, drawn, it appears, from the chains of machinery. These chains are undoubtedly prettier and more delicate in their final presentation, however, than those on which they were modeled.

Twinkle Living

Alexis Bittar

Forever 21

Forever 21

Forever 21

Hello Betty

Finally, fall

It's is finally feeling like fall around here. As I type, it is 48 degrees outside and the high is expected to only reach 55!!! This is what I love....bring on the sweaters, jackets and boots! To go with our fall-like weather, we have some fall cookies! I made two versions of acorns and leaves...dotty and with GOLD sparkling sugar. I was in desperate need to update my acorns. You can see here...years ago, the first and only time I made them (with apples)...blah. I think my cookies turn out better if I try not to be so literal with them. Know what I mean? The dots make them fun...to me at least. Here's more info on applying dots. This gold sparkling sugar is so pretty. I found it online at sugarcraft.com. It comes in silver, too. I bought it for Christmas cookies, but couldn't wait to dig into it. I think these would be pretty with a monogram on the leaves for a fall wedding.Our dining room table was half covered in cookies (I have a hard time making one batch of cookies). A box went to our contest winner, a box to my nephew, 4 boxes with my husband for customers and one to the volunteers at the food pantry where my son & I work every Thursday. Someday, I'd like to do this. Lydia at The Perfect Pantry is the woman behind this wonderful idea!

Happy fall, everyone! I'm off to enjoy this weather while it lasts!