Red

Interesting Island. I'm not a red person, but I love the use of color.

via just imagine

Nut Pendant Lamp - Ray Power

Lately I have found myself feeling attracted to items that feel fluid. This pendant seems to fit in that category.

Ron Mann Design

I have decided that I am not very skilled at finding things online. After scouring the internet for images of Ron Mann's work, specifically furniture, I just gave up and scanned this delightful chair that was part of a feature in May's Garden Design Magazine. It is a good excuse to showcase this amazing setting. The fountain is genius.

Ron Mann Design (.com) is under construction, but there is a brief write up on him here. I can't wait to be able to see more of his creative projects.

For Mandi

This tennis court setting makes me want to stop being the only person in my family that doesn't play tennis. It also makes me want to live on an ancient English Manor, so I don't know if I should go with the feelings the image evokes.

scanned via Garden Design

Fire Pit

I think this is the most ideal fire pit setting I have ever seen.

scanned via May's Garden Design

Spring Blossoms

I accidentally clicked on a folder of blossom photos and found myself liking this first one. Out yard has an abundance of Spring blossoms and it is hard to describe how truly magical it looks, and I sure couldn't figure out a way to capture it on camera, so this was a fairly pleasant surprise. If only the thick branch wasn't there.

Snack Rules

I was reading in a kiddo magazine about a Mom's rule that if the kids want a snack while watching TV or a movie it has to be vegetables. Not such a bad idea considering how mindlessly we all eat when something is on. I might have to try it out, but allow veggies and fruit.

Lovely Rocking Chair

I am so excited about this chair. A friend was getting rid of it and I was lucky enough to grab it. It is gorgeous, perfectly sized for little kids, and absolutely ancient which just adds to the appeal. I have had my eye on one from Roebuck Studio, so this was and will be very appreciated.

I couldn't resist snapping a random shot as I was heading upstairs with my camera, and fortunately it led to some funny pictures of the munchkins who have spent most of the day gravitating toward the rocker and rocking. Hooray for great timing and great finds!

Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

-Franklin Jones

Jerome Lagarrigue

"Carwash" by Jerome Lagarrigue.

I really admire his street scenes. He brings a real beauty to the simplest everyday scenes and locations. It's not quite my typical style, and this isn't my favorite piece, but it was the only image I could find. M would love this . . .

I found Jerome Lagarrigue through his illustrations for Maya Angelou's edition of Poetry for Young People. M and I happened to focus on the illustration on the back flap (?), and it was amazing to watch Max interpret the art for himself. There was a light house and a stormy sky/sea, and Max found himself a shipwreck within the sea and that was just the beginning of his exploration and interpretation of the piece. It was a neat moment and I'd like to remember it.

Cape Cod Exterior + Lovely Light

This blog has been a fun way for me to start figuring out what design styles I really like. My version of the folder full of design/project ideas I guess, but without the ripped paper pile. Over the years T and I have really been drawn to Cape Cod exteriors, and this home is particularly delightful.

Interiors of the home saved mostly because of how well the design of this home allows for amazing amounts of natural light.

I truly love this back splash.

scanned via Spring '08 Renovation Style

Martha Stewart's Veggie Garden

It is that time of year again, and I am attempting another garden even thought the rabbits and deer ate a good chunk of it last year. Martha Stewart's amazing garden with the unbelievably protective fence looks like what I should really be aspiring to, but until I have more hired help than fingers I'll stick with my current plans.

Here are the details. Amazing.

scanned via March's MS Living

Multitasking

I have been reading that studies(?) are finding that multitasking is not as effective as focusing on something until it is done. I don't know if this is really a change in thought for me, but I am definitely feeling like this makes a lot of sense. I usually feel like a chicken running with it's head cut off, but lately I am feeling about as useful as one, and I think ineffective multitasking is to blame.

Multitasking is a way of life for me as a Mother, but between all the interruptions that life and kids provide, it is just too hard to lose my place or forget where I am at in the midst of the chaos. I think that by laying out individual tasks and not moving on until they are done I will be able to accomplish more and minimize the ever present procrastination tendency. I am actually starting to think that this might even give me more free time to just enjoy life and the munchkins.

The kids are in bed and I am ready to start. Here's to a more organized and enjoyable life!

Benoit Dhennin

I just discovered Benoit Dhennin, and I must confess to being quite intrigued!

This print is available here, hmmm.

Propeller Trivet - Jakob Wagner

This nifty little Propeller turns into a convenient, yet decent looking table mat to keep your hot pots from ruining your table. I might need one or two.

via babyccino

They keep me on my toes . . .

I love being a Mom.

Specifically, I love being a Mom to my children.

My dear sweet, crazy children that do their best to explore and discover and make me question my sanity on a daily basis.

Thanks for choosing me.

Border Hedge

One of our landscape designs includes a small hedge as a border. I love this visual.

via Black Eiffel

Discovery

I really, really like sharing new experiences with my kids. It is such a privilege to introduce them to something completely new, then watch their faces light up with the joy of discovery. It is strangely fascinating to realize how much they don't yet know, and scary to realize that it is up to me to teach and show them.

I frequently catch myself saying something I just expect them to understand, and then realize that there is no way that that could make sense to them/they would know the background. Stepping back to give what is a simple and basic explanation to me makes me think, and makes me realize that it isn't always easy to go back to the basics and clarify daily "moments," sayings, or experiences that are taken for granted and just understood for what they are. I don't know if what I just wrote makes sense, but I assume I could compare it to saying/teaching slang to someone that speaks a different language. There isn't always a logical explanation, but it just makes sense when you get it.

I know that they will eventually figure things out on their own, but I like being part of the discovery, and I like that I can exert my influence at this early age. I want them to look and think outside of their little world and realize the potential in everything around them. I really just want them to think and discover for themselves, to be a little braver, a little more intuitive, a little more aware.

Today, M requested lettuce with his dinner, and happily ate a few leaves. He even ate an onion that had been caramelized in butter and honey (How could you not?). While these are very rare occurrences, they thrill me. Maybe he is becoming a bit braver, a bit more adventurous, a little more aware.

Treku Bookcase

The Treku Shelving System from DWR. Absolutely Delightful.

See more at Remodelista.

I want . . .

. . .to feel like I am at a spa every single day.

via just imagine

eighty8 words

I've never been a jewelry person, but I've been finding things that make me want to change that. eighty8 Words is my current favorite spot.

I would be very won over if hubby got me "smitten" or "adored."

I only wish I rated "reckless!"

Love it

Isn't this painting amazing?

{Photograph by Keith Scott Morton}

via desire to inspire

Window Shelf

Lots of scans lately . . .

I have seen this "shelf on window" approach a few places. Not only is it practical, but it looks pretty cool.

It would give me another excuse to expand my dish collection. . .

scanned via Spring Renovation Style

Wall of Windows

Lots of windows and lots of light are a must. Interesting windows are even better.

My initial instinct would have been to just have solid glass to have as much view as possible, but the simple complexity (?) of this wall is just so visually appealing.

scanned via Spring Renovation Style?

Bathroom Vanity

This bathroom vanity/back splash idea would work beautifully in our master bathroom and might be just the solution we are looking for.

scanned via Renovation Style winter 2007 issue

Discarding/Spring Cleaning . . .

"I have learned that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to unclutter one's life by starting at the top of the pile with the idea that the solution is to just get things sorted and better organized. It is nice to get better organized, but that is not enough. Much has to be discarded. We must actually get rid of it."

William R. Bradford

I have been telling myself that I just need to get things sorted and better organized. I have been working hard at it too. Bummer.

Scheduling future posts?

I just discovered Blogger's new option of "scheduling posts," and I think that it is quite simply the greatest thing ever. What a great way to save things all at once without having to go into publish overload!

No one likes checking a blog that isn't updated frequently. Even though this blog is solely for me, I still understand and respect the no update frustration, so here is the answer!

And oh how helpful this will be for tutus & turtles . . .

For My Dad

Because no one would have enjoyed this more than you. Too bad we live across the country.

(You would be proud, there is only one tiny piece left! No 3-month old Haagen Daz this time.)

Capiz Garland

I definitely have a soft spot for anything involving Capiz Shells, and this garland is no exception. The possibilities are endless . . .

via hostess with the mostess

Intriguing Bathroom

I find this bathroom really appealing.

scanned via a local house trends magazine

The Present

Passion kept one fully in the present,

so that time became a series of mutually exclusive 'nows.'

-Sue Halpern

I find myself struggling to stay in the present. My mind is always focusing on something else, something that is coming, something that needs to be done, something that happened in the past. Yet I feel like some of my favorite moments have been those fleeting "mutually exclusive nows."

I know that feeling like I am on top of what I need to have done helps me to keep my focus on the now, but I also feel like I am never ever going to be caught up, and never ever completely living in the present. If I stay this way I will soon be longing for the past, longing for the moments that I just wasn't completely there, moments that my children and I missed out on. This time I have with them is so short, I don't want to wake up one morning and see an adult and wonder where I was, asking myself where has the time gone and what have I done with it? And once again, the problem would come back to not living in the present.

I don't have answers, but it really helps to put my thoughts down somewhere.

Secret Gardens

These green garden spots feel so magical, like a secret hideaway.

Maybe we should move to Oregon.

scanned via renovation style early Spring '08 issue

Shell Art

I have been casually collecting shells my entire life, but I had no idea that art like this even existed.

Just found the link to more!

via May MS Living mag

Outside "Bridge"

I love that they have set up this window as a minimalist "bridge to the outdoors."

Does that even make sense?

scanned via renovation style early Spring '08 issue

Jeffers Design Group

This room by Jeffers Design Group is fantastic, but I specifically love everything about the fireplace.

Fabulous chandelier, even more fabulous windows.

via just imagine

Warren Smith

This photograph {Warren Smith} is incredible

via desire to inspire

Textured Walls

I really like textured/fabric-y walls if they are done right. They can look so classy. This room is particularly fun.

scanned from May MS Living

hmmm . . .

Read this somewhere recently:

Make sure that everyone you encounter feels better about themselves/happier for having been around you.

I really need to take this to heart. Too frequently I am caught up in my own exhaustion or issues, or simply too caught up in me and forget to focus on the "you."

Also, I think the initial reaction is to think about this with people outside of my home, but what about my family? I think we reach such a high level of comfort that we tend to forget basic manners and good behavior because we know that those close to us will love us regardless of what we do or say. It is always good for me to be reminded that complaining or using a mean voice simply because I can is not a good thing. Bad moods are infectious. Fortunately, so are good moods. It always amazes me how quickly we can bring each other up or down, and I hope to spend more time on the "up" side of things.