Scenes From The Weekend (iPhone Edition)

 (the sunrise that took my breath away while waiting for the train)

 (stone pig outside of a local shop. I saunter by him every day and felt he deserved a photo op)

 (the scent of hyacinths is intoxicating)

 (trying to be mindful about healthy snacking)

(inspiration)

Still feeling a little helter-skelter over here. Things are easing up: I'm mostly trying to find my footing with the end-of-term work load. Suffice it to say, photo-taking hasn't exactly found a place at the top of my priorities list.

The weekend was full. I took a big state teaching exam Saturday morning (the final series of four, spread out over the past three years). I would say the highlight of the whole weekend was meeting up with my blog/twitter friend, Cailin, who was visiting NYC with her hubby: we grabbed coffee and chatted in central park. I also saw the new Clive Owen film Trust (whoa!) and bought a few goodies from the bookstore, which I proceeded to leave behind under my chair in Starbucks (total bummer). Come Saturday night, I passed out on the couch before 10:00pm. Sunday = work work work.

I have some exciting job-related news to share. It's part of the reason I've been so busy lately. When I find my wits, I'll update you more thoroughly, I promise.

For now, have a wonderful start to your week. It's supposed to reach the mid 70's here, which is enough to really send my spirits soaring. Can't wait to play on the roof with my kiddos wearing nothing but jeans and a tee.

P.S. I've been receiving several curious email inquiries lately. I updated my Q&A page if you'd like to take a peek.

Reflections on Childhood Dreams

I sometimes think about my earliest memories--the circumstances, the people, the sensorial aspects--essentially, those little details that remain in your brain forever. Aside from peering over the edge of my sister's bassinet a month shy of my third birthday, several of my most vivid memories involve a tap dancing Shirley Temple. I remember watching her films on the tiny television in our den over and over and over again. The Little Princess was my favorite. I sensed her magnetism; her ability to sparkle and shine and completely steal your heart.

I wanted to be Shirley Temple. She was brilliant and hilarious and cute as a button. A true performer in every sense of the word. I no longer have the desire to achieve stage fame like I once did (and boy, did I desire it badly), but I often think fondly about the little girl who ignited those childhood dreams in the first place.

Feel like a pick me up? Watch this clip of America's original sweetheart singing Animal Crackers in My Soup. Or, print out that top image and hang it next to your desk like I did. I smile every time I see it.


(image 1- Rides A Bike; images 2 & 3 via official website)

Scenes From (A Thanksgiving) Weekend

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive; to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." -Marcus Aurelius

I am so lucky to have a roof over my head, food in my fridge, thoughts in my brain, clothes on my back, books on my shelf, and loved ones to share it with. This time of the year is special and spiritual for me (and for many of you, I'm sure). I always think of Thanksgiving as the initiation of the magical season.

This weekend's magic:
(corresponding to the images above)

-Rediscovering my favorite red knit hat and sporting it during a Black Friday afternoon outing (mostly walking and laughing and window-shopping)

-Yellow freesia on my nightstand. That scent!

-Morning coffee in my Finnflower china

-Homemade dessert: blueberry pie, chocolate swirl cheesecake, mini pumpkin pies

-Family preparing the meal in my kitchen

-My simple blue & white Thanksgiving table scape

-Table filled with home-cooked Thanksgiving dishes: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls. (Not pictured: baked brie and stuffed mushroom appetizers)

-Winning three rounds of bananagrams during the obligatory rest period following Thanksgiving dinner

-Ten pound turkey (purchased from a local organic poultry farm)

-Spending all day Saturday at my uncle & aunt's beautiful home with my young cousins and having 3-year-old Nell cradle my face in her little hands and say "I really really love you." (The equally as sweet six-year-old Tess is pictured)

Not captured: going on two runs (a 3-miler and a 4-miler), seeing the surprisingly touching film Love & Other Drugs, drinking wine while writing a graduate paper, and sleeping in past nine every morning.

So tell me, how did your magic unfold?

Scenes From The Weekend

Okay, so this is mostly "scenes from the apple orchard on Sunday," but it will have to do. How was your weekend? I had an equal parts relaxing and seasonally festive couple of days complete with seeing two movies at the theater (The Social Network and The Town, both great in my opinion); walking instead of driving to the grocery store and selecting only fruits, veggies and three kinds of cheese for our basket; and enjoying a beautiful afternoon at a private orchard/farm where we went apple picking, pressed our own apple cider using those freshly plucked apples and mingled with friends over an enormous potluck meal and plenty of cold beer.

And that, my friends, is that. And a very long run-on sentence.

Technically, it's still the weekend for me, but I'm trying to get a head start on a bit of work since Tiho doesn't have today off and I have the house to myself. Whether you're also indulging a 3-day weekend or welcoming the start to a new work week, I hope you experience some serenity today.

P.S. Those pink flower arrangements (1st photo) are making me so happy. I don't know why carnations get such a bad rap. I love how they look tightly bunched in small vessels, not to mention their super low price tag. I think those other two bouquets complement them nicely. Gotta get my pink fix somewhere.

Scenes From The Weekend

Well hello, Monday. You're not so bad after an enjoyable weekend.

Friday evening found us wandering through an antique car show in our town center and sharing a late Thai dinner. (I'll post photos from the car show later today). We slept in on Saturday, and spent the afternoon in town, running some errands and soaking up the beautiful weather. T bought the new iPhone 4 (of which I've also been enjoying for the fun apps and higher quality camera lens).

On Saturday night, we headed into Manhattan for a date night, where I happily strolled in my oldest pair of cowboy boots (I love boots) and broke in my shiny new bling (the watch was a birthday gift from T). We had dinner at Max Brenner, one of our favorite restaurants, and then caught a viewing of The Romantics. Imagine our surprise when we took our seats in the movie theater and found ourselves face to face with both the director of the movie and Katie Holmes! They were there to personally introduce the film and answer a few questions, since it was a limited release opening. (We saw it at Union Square Cinemas, the only NYC theater where it was playing). I couldn't get any decent photos of her (too dark), but both Miss Holmes and the film were quite charming. It was a fun surprise and once again, reminded me how much I adore this city.

Sunday was cool and rainy, which set the scene for football watching and buffalo-wing eating. (Well, I caught up on blog-reading and ate whatever yumminess T kept bringing in from the kitchen). 

All in all, another one for the books. How was your weekend? Any other surprise celebrity encounters out there?

Amelie

 Last night, I watched the movie Amelie for the first time and well, wow.

I know I know, I'm only what, like 9 years late in experiencing this gem? I've been wanting to see it for years and I must say, it was well-worth the wait. Such a sparkle of a film.

Tiho was funny when I announced (rather abruptly, mind you) that "I just want to watch Amelie tonight." He couldn't believe I hadn't seen it, considering how I "love all things french and vintage" (his words). He's been a fan of the film for years...a fact which makes me love him especially so right now. My adorable, romantic European boyfriend loves Amelie. Just call me Audrey Tautou today, folks. I've got my head in the clouds...

An Education

Saw "An Education" on Saturday.

Was thoroughly blown away.

Can't wait to see if Carey Mulligan snags the Oscar!

"Babies" Trailer

I couldn't wait to post this.

I just returned from seeing "Nine" (very good), BUT the point of this midnight posting is to direct you to a movie trailer I saw in the previews tonight.

Has anyone heard of the Focus Features documentary "Babies??" I don't know if I've ever been more excited to see a movie...!