Peter Rabbit, And Thoughts On Blog Content

I've never really known where I fit into the world of blogging. I become more excited over the discovery of an amazing children's toy than I do over a pair of shoes (although I do have a weakness for handbags). I love taking pictures of my breakfast but possess no real interest in detailing step-by-step recipes. Beautiful writing sends shivers down my spine, but overt "inspirational talk" makes me roll my eyes and smirk. An impeccable living space will stay on my mind for days, but my brain will completely tune out upon reading a how-to-get-this-look design guide.

I write about what I like and don't bother wasting time with the things I don't. There's no "niche" here. Personally, I don't really think you need one to be a successful blogger. You just need to be interesting. And you do that by being interested.

What's interesting to me is when people share what they like and convey why they like it in a unique way.

I like Peter Rabbit. I am planning a hefty spring unit based around this classic children's story and am so, so excited about it.

I mean, look what you can do with Peter Rabbit and kids! You can plant seeds. You can harvest a vegetable garden. You can visit the farmer's market. You can discuss morality and rule-following. You can bake carrot cake. You can act out dramatizations. You can conduct a scientific rabbit study. And these are just a few ideas I've tossed around in these pre-planning stages.

P.S. Can you imagine the sheer wonder of a Peter Rabbit-themed kid's party? I think a genius business idea would be to start an event-planning company based solely on children's literature. Endless possibilities there.

P.P.S. The new Peter Rabbit for Gap collection is adorable. I was unable to resist the draw of a teeny-tiny white eyelet dress to be tucked away for my someday daughter...which she'll obviously wear while we read Peter Rabbit together in our backyard garden.

Clockwise from top left: Wedgewood Bowl, Mug & Plate Set / Plan Toys Wooden Vegetables / The Tale of Peter Rabbit / Peter Rabbit Cuddly Toy / Vegetable Onesie / Heirloom Seed Packet / Kids Gardening Tools  / Copper Galvanized Watering Can

The End Is Just The Beginning

Legendary and iconic New York-based photographer, Rodney Smith, is one of my greatest creative inspirations. A few days ago, I was feeling all sorts of blah and uninspired, so I made myself a fresh pot of coffee, propped my feet up, and drifted off into his online portfolio. His work takes me to a completely different world and reminds me to honor the hell out of my artistic curiosity and imagination. He is remarkable.

More in his portfolio, blog, interview #1, interview #2, & biography.

I'll leave you with this dazzling image; quite possibly my very favorite of his (for today at least):

*Title quote corresponds to his book.

Just Start

I'm reading this book and it is changing my life. The words she writes and the way she writes them make me want to write all of the things I am afraid to write.

My dad is one of the best and most honest writers I know. He sent me this postcard recently. When it first arrived, I read it over and over and over again while standing in the middle my living room.

I want to be the best version of myself; the version he describes so vividly in two sentences. A better friend, teacher, wife, sister, daughter, writer, listener, giver. A better person.

I want to be better at so many things.

I won't get better at anything if I don't begin with something.

Turning better into best takes time. I just need to start.

*When I was a child, my dad and I used to read Miss Rumphius together before bed. It has always been, and will always be, my favorite book and greatest inspiration on how to live this life.

Bread & Puppet

End of the week inspiration from an old favorite, Bread & Puppet. I was reminded of them when I saw an original copy of the bread poster (above left) tacked up on the wall at my dad's last weekend.

On that note, care to join me in proclaiming a giant Hurrah! for Friday? Two thumbs up, my friends.

Weekend, Wussup!

A dapper pink and yellow balloon-holding French man. Loving Love. Comfy kicks. And there you have it--my random brain today.

Rock on, my little sugarplums. Enjoy yourselves this weekend. I'm feeling feisty.

(illustration by Danille Kroll; text by White Hot Truth; shoes by me)

The True Harvest

 

"The true harvest of my life is intangible--A little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched." -Henry David Thoreau

We're headed out of town for two days...I can't wait. Hope your weekend is beautiful.

P.S. Happy 11.11.11. Woo!

 (image: wish mural by NeSpoon)

Quiet Moments + A Few Great Things

I'm home today (Columbus was good for something), so I'll hold off with posting 'Scenes from the Weekend' until Tuesday. For now, a handful of quiet moments captured with my iPhone (anyone else cry with the passing of Steve Jobs last week?)

Clockwise from top left: My honey watching football; morning light in the kitchen; a truckload of apples ready to be pressed; evening relaxation.

A few great things:
This song.
This thought. 
This collection.
This article. (A must).

Salami

A lesson in creativity: write the first ten words that come to mind. Go.

salami

jump

pillow

flower

nest

crazy

plop

nobody

gallop

sunshine

Now, do something with those words. Write a story. A poem. Draw a picture. Make a rap. A rhyme. Something. Anything.

Except, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with salami.

Please leave your ten words in the comments. I'm curious and a little loopy.

(images: William de Kooning's studio & Watercolor Face by CGalla)

How Do You Stay Creative?

Sometimes, the only thing I want to do is sit on my couch with my laptop, a novel, a glass of wine and a movie.  I very much enjoy these activities and like to indulge them in order to relax and unwind.

Conversely, I also recognize how taking the time to create something--anything--makes my spirit come alive. Whether it's slinging words onto paper, using my hands to knead a loaf of bread, or dragging the paintbrush across a blank canvas, my core perks up.

I want to proactively set aside time for these endeavors in my everyday routines. I'm curious: Do you consider yourself creative? If so, how do you integrate creativity into your daily life in a way that feels natural and inspired?

P.S. This is one of the best articles I've ever read on the subject. Maybe one of the best articles I've ever read on any subject.


(Photo by Jules Falk Hunter)

Emotional Rollercoaster + Weekend Blinks

Dream house, anyone? (Photo by loicmoreau via Frolic)

A gold bicycle. I want one. (photo by Isabelle Bertolini as seen on Wit + Delight)

These color gradient necklaces from A Merry Mishap are calling my name in a big way

Chocolate chip cookies in a skillet. Need I say more? (photo by Jen Causey)

Painterly floral inspiration from Once Wed and the always fabulous Michelle Armas

Reminders. (found via Mary Swensen)

Fifty (free!) things to love about life. (from Tiny Buddha)

The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary via The New York Times

Happy Friday, chickadees! The past few days left me feeling off-centered as I confront the reality of the school year winding down. I anticipate a complete roller coaster of emotion next week (Thursday is our last day). Over the weekend, I plan to relax and carve out time for stillness and reflection. I'm also going to hunker down and get stuff done. Oh and then I want to bake something. Most likely bread, and maybe a cake, too. Have I mentioned that my sister is living with us for the summer? She arrived on Tuesday and we are thrilled to have her. Consequently, my wardrobe just doubled in size, which is fantastical.

Hope your weekend is first rate. xo.

Graduation + A Few Blinks

Hooray for this beautiful image (Oh May, Oh My!) by Majlee, via A Diary of Little Things & Curiosities 

Because witnessing two alpacas kissing should happen every week, right? (photo by Joseph Rescinito, via Besotted blog)

Excited to visit the Chance Co. temporary pop up shop in Soho (211 Elizabeth Street, NYC, Thurs-Sun, 12-7pm for the months of May & June)

Wishing I was in the market for a new bag, because the Guadeloupe Flower Tote is adorable. (discovered on Eat Drink Chic)

Fifty creative questions to create the life you really want. Worth a read.

In love with the newest Shana Murray wall decal (and the words contained within)

 What your American Girl Doll says about the rest of your life. A hoot, and quite accurate (at least for me)

Summer on a string! ($48, by Andrea Jenkins)

So glad to have recently discovered Mint Peach, a lovely and inspiring blog about modern simple living. (How amazing is that art above the bed?)

  Saveur posted an article all about strawberry recipes. I'm in heaven over here.

Happy Weekend, lovely ones! Thank you for taking the time to read my banana this week: I love having you.We are off to Ithaca for the graduation festivities of my darling sister. I am very excited to celebrate her awesomeness.

Until next time, a joyous weekend to you.

What's Your Amazing?

This sentiment probably stirs up something different in each of us and I am curious to know what it means for you. Where do you wander in your daydreams? What sort of adventures do you seek? Are you a game-changer? A traveler? A helping hand? What is your "something amazing?" Does it change or remain consistent?

Mine ebbs and flows, and for today, is characterized by simplicity. It is having the luxury to remain under the covers for an extra few hours (thanks to mother nature blowing in a winter storm); to linger over my cup of coffee at the kitchen table and watch the snowflakes pirouette outside; to inhale the scent of brownies baking and admire the velvety petals of yellow roses opening on my desk; to organize household oddities and leaf through the pages of a crisp magazine; to realize that "something amazing" can often be found in the tiniest moments.


(image)

Snow Day + Going to the Chapel + Blinks

A few things I've seen and loved recently...

Another of Rachel's gorgeous creations is on my mind. (I have yet to take off my pretty ring since receiving it two months ago)

One of the most visually stunning posts I've ever come across (seen on The Vamoose)

So in love with this free printable calendar created by Ez. Can't wait to hang it!

Library heaven. (via Hither & Thither)

 Still completely enamored with Masha's calligraphy

 A conservatory garden apartment in NYC? When can I move in? (spotted on Frolic)

  I love everything about this wedding. And the bride's name is Kayla! (via Style Me Pretty)

Received a call at 5:15 AM informing me that school is closed due to the impending snowstorm later this afternoon. I didn't even wear my pajamas inside out last night! (ever hear of that superstition?). I performed a series of cartwheels on the rug before crawling back into bed for a few hours.

Crossing my fingers and toes hoping that the snow doesn't mess with our flight tonight, though. We're off to Buffalo for the wedding of a dear friend (my college roommate). She's one of the first of my peers to get married and I couldn't be more excited for a weekend of love and celebration.

Hugs & smooches.

Weekend Blinks + Nana

How about kicking off your weekend with a few blinks (blog links)?

I just started collecting porcelain teacups from antique shops and flea markets. I'd start collecting pots too, if I had the space to put them (this adorable collection spotted on Blue Pool Road)

Spiced poached pears & warm chocolate sauce? This recipe by Tartelette just moved to our "must try immediately" pile

 Why does the French language make even the simplest things sound (and look) cuter? via Design is Mine

I kinda want this coloring book (discovered on Design Mom)

Yeah, that baby is delicious, but it's the plush guy to his right that warrants this mention. Is it strange that I want one for my guest room? via Babble

Pretty flowers and even prettier light, as seen on A Merry Mishap

Admiring this simple but beautiful screen print spotted on Tea For Joy
(Maybe it has something to do with my hummingbird obsession?)

Can I just copy all of the details from this wedding on Green Wedding Shoes?


Spread it. (via Bippity Boppity Boo)

I am SO excited about the opening of Alkeemi, the new online print shop of one of my best blogging pals, artist Kimia Kline. Also, if you don't already follow her lovely blog of the same name, get on that stat. She's pretty phenomenal.

Happy happy happy weekend wishes to you, my lovely ones. We're heading upstate tomorrow to celebrate my Nana's birthday with the whole maternal side of my family. I can't wait to spend some quality time with the people I love. What are you looking forward to?

Wherever you are, wishing you a blissful couple of days.