Renaissance of Simplicity

Favourite Food Item: Pasadena Salad

2009-03-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

The chefs at Trader Joes are amazing. I secretly want to be them. Now we all know there are a plethora of amazing little delicacies there. The tomato basil hummus, the potstickers, the scones... but I just discovered a new salad they prepare. It's called the Pasadena Salad. Now I'm already addicted to various other salads they have- the southwest and salmon salad- but THIS IS AMAZING. I'm not even going to give you a description. Just buy one and try it. "I know you'll love it"- you've got mail

March 19th.

2009-03-11T09:33:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile. A busy quarter equates to very little free time- but oddly enough in a good way. It makes me realize how I really spend my time outside of class or work or yoga. Suddenly I'm immensely efficient at what I do in school. Hm. Too bad this lesson what learned around the approach of my last quarter.
So I was thinking yesterday whilst booking my last nights of accommodation in Costa Rica for (Can I scarcely believe it?!?) our trip NEXT WEEK! when I realized that last year on the exact same day I was flying to Paris. An absolutely mind boggling fact to me, though probably scarcely interesting to anyone else. I wonder if this should become a tradition? The only problem is that that day is my Da's birthday. It just made me sit and be immensely proud of myself for a moment. Yes this is all a blessing to have traveled to so many places, but most of it is sheer drive and will to go out and do it. I'm very happy to push myself in this regard. Sure, it's intimidating to go to a foreign country, but the rewards far surpass those hestitances, don't you think? It's interesting how it costs relatively little to fly to another country. It's simply a few meals out to eat that can equate to a round trip ticket. And so I'm glad I just go. I'm especially most grateful for the people who have a similar passion for travel and encourage me (or go with me!)

Santa Cruz

2009-02-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

I love this year here. It's been an immense year of growth for me. I've come to truly love this place I live in, and I think it took some pretty immense disorientation to do so. I think I had to come to experience the city in my own right, doing things by myself before embracing its eccentricities. My mum asked me if it is a strange thought that I won't come back after I graduate in June. At first I said yes, absolutely- that it would be weird to never be in this town after living here almost four years. But I think, after some reflection, it won't be altogether odd. I'll miss elements of it (such as the sunsets pictured above on a random walk), but I feel I came to know this city and to grow in it exponentially. I will definitely take a lot away from it, including lifelong friends, but I realize it is not so very different from my life in Lancaster, U.K. which I left for good as well. It feels most like a chapter concluding. The time was just enough. It's okay with me to have these chapters, I think. To fragment my life into places I inhabited where I met certain people. I realize I wouldn't change a thing about the path I had here... and it was a time I'll have grown probably the most in my life, but now I am extremely confident in me, and the path of life I lead.

my plant.

2009-02-18T10:39:00.001-08:00

this little guy is growing very slowly but the colors are starting to change. yay for sunshine. gosh this makes me want to garden.

PS-Lindsay! Why have we not named our plants yet?

Um, these are amazing.

2009-02-12T12:00:00.001-08:00

These are a Dutch wafer cookie called Stroopwafels, but they are filled with caramel. You have NO idea how delicious they are. Or addictive. I warn you now that you may eat a whole bag in two sittings (or less!). You can get them at Trader Joes and they are called Daelmans Caramel Bites. Don't think that it would be better if you never try them... you need these bits of heaven in your life.

Coeur de Pirate

2009-02-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Prague, Czech Republic
I adore this song/artist. She is a very young songstress from Montreal, and she reminds me of a lot of people like Regina Spektor, and Ingrid Michaelson (lots of piano), but with a more delicate sound... and in French.

Also, this song evokes a lot of memories from my travels- here are some of pictures:

Berlin, Germany

Kildare County, Ireland

Warwick, United Kingdom

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

2009-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

I realize thus far in February, I've unconsciously been making posts only about things and people that I love... so we're just going to be continuing that for the duration of this month.

I know it's a week into the month already, but I love people immensely. I think it's tremendously easy to be disappointed with humans when we look at the news and occurrences in our life... but on the whole think how blessed we have been. Think how many smiles you have had, how many stomach-cramping laughs. Think of the love you've given and received. Suddenly it is incredibly contradictory to lose hope in humanity. So while I know it's a week into a short month, (and also that it's tremendously overused as a month of love, but why not celebrate the people that make us happy?) happy February.

for a friend

2009-02-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

You know those people who just bring a smile to your face? I have to say I love them. There are many of those people in my life that without fail bestow joy. They've come into my life at various stages, often unexpected, but ironically enough at those points most needed. Whatever is to befall us in this life, I hope that I never lose a single one of those friendships, but that they continue to blossom in the ways that they have.

I love that we each take our own paths in life. I see my friends grow as their passions become apparent and they fixate on their dreams. I love watching that transitional phase, when they await the greatness they work toward when I already see it.
Our friends give us so much perspective. And perspective is undoubtedly what we need most in this life. I think it takes many forms not only in love but in anger as well. It shows us we are lovely and it shows us when we are headstrong in stubbornness. But it, too, is the thing that gives us a revelation, where we feel we've learned something and grown. I have that perspective today. And I think that it comes from one of those people who brings that imminent joy. That person today is Kayla.

my plant ♥

2009-02-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

I was given a bulb from my boyfriend's parents over Christmas, and I've been growing it ever since... I should have documented it more because it grew so fast! I really enjoy nurturing plants, its so rewarding to watch something grow and notice the difference when you forget to water it or put it in the sun. Anyway, it should be blossoming very soon ♥

getting me through this week.

2009-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Sandra McCracken's album, Red Balloon.

PS-Now I am craving mango.

yum.

2009-02-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

My latest obsession:
Mango.
No, not the clothing line, although I do love that as well. Just cut up mangoes. And mixed with some blueberries in yogurt? The ultimate. Mango popsicles? delicious. Mango smoothie? to die for. I love it all : )

Bikram Yoga

2009-02-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, but I've developed a passion for this very specific type of yoga.
The studio I go to chose to up the par, so instead of sitting in a 105 degree room, we sit in a 110 degree room. Sure, it seems as though that 5 degree change makes little difference once you're in that kind of heat, but say that again at the end of a 90 minute session. Torturous? Perhaps, but I assure you I have never felt more cleansed in my life. well, after I run home and shower that is, since you sweat BUCKETLOADS of water. Normally I don't sweat much when I play sports or run, but this is a whole new playing field. It's not really explainable actually. I just took my housemates to a session and then they understood how strenuous it can be. Practicing it properly, your heart rate will rocket just like running, but you are also finding calamity at the same time.
oh, it's brilliant; I promise. : )

Postcards from far away

2009-01-31T23:23:00.000-08:00

"Paris is always a good idea" -Audrey Hepburn

In conjunction with this, I am loving this Coldplay song off the Prospekt's March EP! As soon as I find the time at some point in March but maybe next quarter, I am going to labor over learning it. : )

try this.

2009-01-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to share this for a while. i am a fan of this beverage (found at costco). HAPPY FRIDAY!

Un avant-goût de la france

2009-01-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

I went to Champagne bakery this morning for breakfast. It reminded me of France so much! The food is all really delicious but my goodness, the pastry case is so beautiful! And they do scones right! I think my obsession is finding all the locations in any vaccinity that make scones correctly (by my definition). Thus far for San Diego we have:

The Pannikin, Encinitas
The Rancho Bernardo Winery
Champagne Bakery
Coffee bean and tea leaf

Mmmmm my goal this spring (when I have more time) is to learn how to make scones ♥♥♥♥

breakfast.

2009-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

made some muffins to make the mornings go a bit smoother...faster...or just to allow me to sleep ten more minutes. also, i had never smashed bananas before, it was kind of fun.

Beatific.

2009-01-21T20:40:00.001-08:00

This is just how I feel today.
The rain seems to throw into sharp relief that there is so much that I cherish in my life.

I certainly hope that today you take the time to tell just one meaningful person in as many words as it takes a way you appreciate them that you've never told them about before.

Today...

2009-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

I love french music.

I wish I could spend the whole day reading.

I want to paint.

I want so badly to see another country.

I will tell my mom that I love her.

I should catch up on my homework.

I kind of want to ride my bike.

I am resisting purchasing this. AHH.

I wish I could sit at the winery with Lindsay.

I want to hug more people.

I will wear my blue scarf.

I want to start studying spanish again.

I thought this video was great.

An old acquaintance I'm making into my friend.

2009-01-20T21:50:00.001-08:00

I know, I know I'm a terrible blogger.
but I just thought I'd share in this brief moment that I've reconnected with something. A while ago, (gosh, a few years now actually!) a very dear friend (Stacy) gave me a little black book that was meant to be my creative outlet of thoughts, drawings, plans, wishes, inspirations, intentions... anything and everything. Well, as sometimes happens, this was a very honourable intention that went to waste on my part. It found a spot in every closet of every place I've lived in over the last few years... but it's out on a desk now, its time at long last here.

So now, at least once a week, I will try to create. Something. Anything that will help realize this creative surge I have been feeling lately. So stifled in my regimen, I feel that my creativity hibernates. And then I begin to be hopelessly and unrelentingly judgmental about what gets translated to the pages. And so I'm hoping that I begin anew what I so ambitiously intended, however long it may take me to fill its pages, I happily say that I am willing to try. And also to try to accept that I may love but one page in it when I finish. But that's one creative thought I'll bring to life.

and yes. I did just call a book my new friend. hmm.

QT with Nik is moving!

2009-01-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note: QT with Nik is moving to its very own home. Hope everyone has a wonderfully productive Monday...I plan to!

tea time w/ cheryl.

2009-01-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

Beautiful & Encouraging.

2009-01-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

2009-01-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

(Today's theme was "look as ridiculous as possible while shooting." The first: lying on my stomach in the driveway. The second: this stark tree was too tall. So I stood on my tiptoes and just pointed my camera towards the sky while crossing my fingers).

flip flop weather.

2009-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

It is a glorious day here in La Jolla. I am wearing flip flops for the first time in months! BUT, I couldn't help but notice these on sale at J.Crew. Every year I tell myself I will buy rain boots. Hmm are these the ones? I might go for the Navy Blue ones though...they would only whisper "look at me...." as opposed to "HEY! WARNING. Look at me!" In the meantime, I will embrace the sunshine and warm my little toes! Happy Wednesday!

PS-the yellow is kind of growing on me...

2009-01-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

QT with Nik.

2009-01-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

Oh man, is this going to be a New Year's Resolution post...?....? Yep i think it will be. Aside from the fact that we are now 12 days into the new year, I am hoping to spend a lot more quality time with Nik(on) in 2009. In fact, i am hoping to click this camera daily. So, we will see how this goes, we could just end up with a lot of terrible images of still objects around the house (taken at 11:58 pm). Happy Monday.

Cool art

2009-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

I took a trip to San Fransisco yesterday and went to the Deyoung and the Asian Art museum. Two things took me by complete surprise. The first being the fact that the DeYoung museum was doing what they claimed was the FIRST Asian-American Art museum exhibit. This is 2009 and we're finally recognizing these pieces as art because finally it's understood that the two cultures can fuse in artwork? crazy. We got to hear about how laborious it was to rediscover artworks that had been lost as a result of the internment camps. Really cool story.

The second is this artist Al Farrow. He did a series about War and Religion, creating models of churches... while they were brilliant, it was the materials that made the piece. He used thousands of rounds and batteries and disassembled guns to construct the churches. It was amazing. So here are some photos.
http://www.alfarrow.com/pages/Trigger_Finger_and_two_Ribs_of_Santo_Guerro119.php?project_id=119

http://www.alfarrow.com/pages/Synagogue_1114.php?project_id=114

survivor.

2009-01-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Our fruit tree that has made it through the harsh, harsh (no srsly) SD winter.

some leftovers from 2008.

2009-01-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

I am loving the colors that San Diego has to offer these days. And I think, that if I make more of an effort to carry a camera with me, I may begin to notice even more (and therefore share with our devoted readers...all two of you). Also, Happy New Year!

fresh pine.

2008-12-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

i found some time tonight to just slow down and sit. listening to christmas music and drinking tea, i found myself longing for a tree. i hadn't realized how much i miss the smell and the space that it takes up in our living room. i miss walking into our house and it just feeling like christmas. Any way, i will go on don't you worry. i'll just make some more tea and sit really close to our little artificial tree that is trying oh so hard to give off that glow that i am longing for.

Sister Winter.

2008-12-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Star Light, Start Bright Series - Sister Winter from FloodSanDiego on Vimeo.

Favourite Christmas item of the day:

2008-12-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

Knowing that the holiday break entails no homework whatsoever has never been more welcome.

afterthought: I just finished my last fall quarter of school and I realize I feel no sadness in its wake which I guess is a legitimate reason to have bought that adorable celebratory holiday tulle dress this afternoon!!!

Crisp.

2008-12-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Came across this beautiful image today while browsing. I love this photographer's creativity when it comes to editing. She gives her works a fairy- tale feeling, which is perfect for this time of year. Almost romantic. I cannot wait to wear my red coat again and stroll in the crisp, pseudo-winter night air.

this made me smile today.

2008-12-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite things that really have nothing to do with Christmas. Please excuse the interruption, I couldn't resist. OH wait! She is in Elf. There.

Candlelight.

2008-12-08T09:30:00.001-08:00

Candles make this time of year so much more magical and enjoyable. Last night as I studied for finals I surrounded myself with as many as possible, while listening to Christmas music. Lovely.

Favourite Christmas item of the day: dressing up for Holiday Parties

2008-12-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

I love holiday parties. I love them. There's something about fancy dress at this time of year that makes it like no other. I had a work party last night and it was so much fun getting to know people that I never get the chance to work with. And the holiday spirit makes everyone so jolly! : )

Favourite Christmas item of the day: Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Favourite Christmas item of the day: christmas lights

2008-12-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

I'm going to go ahead and take one of the best Christmas items. Because I cannot wait any more days to say how much I love Christmas lights. I can't truly feel the Christmas spirit until they are up and my housemates and I just hung a string of Christmas lights inside our house around a window. Its so wonderful to turn them on at night and have that be the only light in the room. That's maybe my favourite part of Christmas. Think of how many moments you gather with different people for the sake of those twinkling lights.
Some really special ones:

1. hanging the exterior lights with my pappy and my siblings
2. decorating the tree with my mum
3. driving and walking down avenues with my best friends looking at them
4. photographing the aura they provide- because really, you can't capture all that much of what it feels like at Christmas. but lights make me feel I can.
5. those one on one present exchanges with only the tree lights on, a cup of cocoa and the fire going

I love Christmas.

Favourite Christmas item of the day: The Grinch

2008-12-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

"Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas?"

There's something about that bloated and hairy green man that makes me feel all "toasty inside". Maybe it's because of the time I watched it simultaneously with Stacy on the phone. Maybe it's because it reminds me that avarice is amusing. maybe it's because I secretly want Cindy Lou who's outfit. or maybe its the clever one liners paired with the stance and dynamite expression of Jim Carey which makes for the greatest impressions and voicemails. whatever way you spin it, it's one of those childhood movies that you are intrinsically connected to because you watched it so many times when you were a child.
hm. It came out in 2000, which would have made me... not so very young in actuality.

Project Bandaloop

2008-12-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

This is my T.a.'s dance company... I thought it was an incredibly entrancing and unique! Watch the beginning and then skip to around 6:00 if you don't want to watch the whole thing, but it's really cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGlUKRKTwY

Month 12.

2008-12-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, it is December.

Something Fierce.

2008-11-28T11:47:00.001-08:00

This is a photo of my mother on her honeymoon. It sits in a tattered paper frame (within a larger glass frame now) on my father's dresser next to his watch and cologne. She was twenty-two years old. I love her long hair and want the shoes. For many years now there has been a deep longing to understand my mother. Some days it looks different. "What was your favorite book when you were growing up?" "What was it about dad that caught your eye?" "Why don't you like talking about Grandma?" I am a collector. I love facts (snapple and useful). I love getting to know a woman's story. And what astounds me is that I really have no idea what makes my mum happy. She is this fierce, strong-willed, activator who loves to be in the mountains. She reads all the time. Mexican food makes her really happy. She pretty much dreads any time she has to spend in the kitchen and she hates when I leave lights on. But beyond all of these things I know, there is a depth that I want to understand. Thanks for journeying with me this morning. I am feeling a lot of emotions today (and maybe the aftermath of turkey). I feel like I am bursting with gratitude for so many things. Also, I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that my mother is the same age as I am this year, in this photo...

A foggy night in Santa Cruz

2008-11-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

It's always interesting to me when you just cannot capture what you see. I have a love hate relationship with that, because really I just aggravate myself over trying and yet it is really special to me that I can only ever see certain things once. I suppose it just frustrates me when I can't share exactly what I saw with anyone. Because these pictures give you an idea, but so little of the fog showed through that it's really not accurate whatsoever. oh well!

new project.

2008-11-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

I am attempting a little project. I'm sure it will be a slow process because it turns out I still have to make time for things like work and school. (Also, I am not really 100% sure where I am going with this concept).

This was my grandmother's jewelry box. I love the funky design and colors. More to come soon...

(Picture of my boyfriend looking all dapper).

Autumn Leaves

2008-11-10T23:09:00.001-08:00

It felt like fall for the first time on Thursday morning. It's strange to be living in a place where the colours seem to burn the leaves from the branches and yet not feel engulfed in Autumn. It's strange it is so necessary for me to be so encapsulated by the feeling of a season before I feel I can revel in it.

This reminds me of runaway bride:

this reflection is astounding:

the ever lovely Hyde Park in London:

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night's decay
Ushers in a drearier day.

Emily Jane Brontë

Brilliant.

2008-11-07T16:50:00.001-08:00

This wallpaper is awesome (also I can't really figure out how I ended up shopping for wallpaper...but I guess that is what a lazy friday afternoon will do to you!) But srsly, how cool is this!? Can't you just imagine taping up loads of cut-outs, drawings, and photos! I think it would make anyone and everyone feel creative!

"Orange" you glad it is fall?

2008-11-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

these shoes.

this tea.

this view

this sweater.

this collection.

Blissful Images.

2008-11-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

I love this artist that I discovered on Etsy. I ordered a wonderful black and white print from her of an owl and it makes me really happy. (Side-note: for the past three nights I have heard an owl outside my window...i think it wants to be friends). Any way, during my "studying" tonight I was perusing her shop and blog and pretty much drooling. Not only do I have to leave my wallet in my car when I go into Target...but now I have to keep it in my closet or car when I browse online. It was difficult to move on after seeing her new Fall shots. Beautiful.

Dear Lindsay

2008-10-27T19:53:00.001-07:00

So sorry we couldn't celebrate with you today...something about fences and climate. Happy Birthday from your friends here in San Diego. LOVE YOU.

baby!!

2008-10-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

my little nephew, Talon Lucas.
I love babies. Because more than being fantastically adorable, they make people have a growth spurt. Suddenly the father holds life in his hands, responsible for defending it at all costs. Suddenly the mother must sustain the most beautiful gift she has seen. A gift she created in her own body. Whether your own blood or an adopted child, the monumentality of promise you hold in your hands is enough to make you feel as though everything led to that point, everything endured was worthwhile so that you could grow into who you were meant to be in your child's life.

2008-10-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

From now until January is when I start watching You've Got Mail every weekend so that I can imagine what Fall is really like (in New York). This tree did made me smile though the other day. Enough. Enough for now. <3

couldn't resist.

2008-10-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

My little purchase from a local craft fair. Kind of obsessed with it...like it was with me in the kitchen for dinner tonight...on the coffee table next to me now...and will probably make it to the dresser in my room later. The flowers are from my Autumn Sage outside. *Sigh* I just realized...I planted that bush two years ago this month with the hopes of a garden, and I am sad to report back folks that there are no other joys outside my window. Unless you count the annoying crows, the less glamorous lawn mower, or our trash cans. Feist's song, Mushaboom comes to mind right now. <3

2008-10-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

"I only regret, in my chilled age, certain occasions and possibilities I didn't embrace." Henry James

I cannot imagine being there, in that moment, to regret all that I did not do because of judgment or fear or a myriad of other reasons. I hope we embrace all that life has to offer. I hope it is not a whimsical side swept decision when we falter in our experiences. And in all that must be done in day to day life, I would surely hope that we resist the temptation to continually defer what we truly want to be doing.

So book that ticket, paint that painting. Learn to play that instrument. Find that thing that brings you infinite joy in the most trying circumstances. Do what you cannot imagine actually doing just for the sake of trying.

2008-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

song of the moment:
"Could we" by catpower. If you have not heard her yet, LISTEN TO HER. She reminds me of Feist, who is one of my favourites!

Warwick, Warwickshire, UK

Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK

Warwick, Warwickshire, UK

Malaga, Espana

Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK

Kildare County, Ireland

2008-10-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

So this is a flower from Spain. Apparently, it's called a passion flower. I think they're simply wonderful!!! Anyway, I began slipping into one of my withdrawal modes, getting restless without having to pack my suitcase every other weekend to flit away to an unfamiliar world blossoming with adventures and entrancing languages. I was walking to work the other day and I passed right by a fence covered in them. ah, complete placidity. It's strange how much the qualms dissolve into the comfort of a familiar image or face. it's a flower! and yet, it instills this hope. It reiterates that innate knowledge that I will travel all my life, because I know my heart dreads the stagnancy of not bursting with absorption.

Bienvenudo a mi casa!

2008-10-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my new house because a certain someone made the request ages ago, and I've finally gotten around to making the time!

home :)

Our kitchen, and the view out the window

My dining room table, getting into the mood of fall

Dining room

Our front door, which leads to a front porch and the front yard.

Hooray.

2008-10-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

I bought myself a new camera (thank you summer job)!

PS. I owe my friend Scott a shout out because he more or less gave me the encouragement that I needed to make a bold move. Thank you friend.

Love it.

2008-10-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have these visions (extremely well thought out ones) where I will spend my Saturday mornings going around to garage sales and finding old vintage things and making them beautiful. I imagine that these visions are somewhat influenced by Anthropologie. So I am giving credit, where credit is due.

Craving.

2008-09-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

So today as I was walking from class to my car I wanted CPK's BBQ chicken salad terribly. But I am on a starving-college-student kick and therefore eating at home as often as possible. When I got home I was pretty excited to find that I had all of the fixings to try and mock the Kitchen. Although lacking tortilla chips I had to add some almonds for crunch and the chicken fingers (breaded of course) may have defeated the purpose of eating a healthy salad for lunch.

I would give it a 6 on a scale from 1-10. But it was free...so maybe a 7.

Change.

2008-09-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

Transitions have always been pretty difficult for me, but the changing of the seasons is something that I always look forward to. I love this beautiful bundle of flowers. It is a combination of two wonderful gifts from a new friend and an old friend. And when I placed them both together in a vase I realized how symbolic these flowers were since the colors and even the types of floral arrangements are changing right now as I type this. While summer and its bliss have been wonderful, I embrace this new season. The new colors. The weather. The traditions. In other words (which was recently stated with tremendous joy by one of my dearest friends), HAPPY FALL.

Photographing my first wedding <3

2008-08-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Plenty more to come...

hometown.

2008-07-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

Transpire

2008-07-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Paris, je t'aime

2008-07-27T11:31:00.001-07:00

Today, go on youtube, search Lisa Hannigan 'Lille' and listen to it while you browse the photos. She sings with Damien Rice who is brilliant. These are photos from various parts of the beloved city of Paris in the latter half of March 2008.

Arc de Triumph:

The Eiffel at Night during its glittering spectacle:

Notre Dame during a service:

the Halls of the Louvre:

Paris, je t'aime

2008-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dusk:

A cottage in the middle of a park:

The Seine at sunset:

Paris, je t'aime

2008-07-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Taken from The Louvre:

In the district of Montmartre, looking towards Sacrecoeur (the sacred heart)

A cemetery in Montmartre:

Notre Dame:

2008-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

So Amanda (Jayne) entered into Del Mar Fair recently, and recieved a first prize for this photo. As a proud older sister, I felt it incumbent to post what she probably wouldn't modest as she is! I came home from England to find her talent had blossomed into some astounding creativity and felt she deserved a little recognition : )

Atonement

2008-07-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Bits of Spanish countryside

2008-07-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

a Spanish fountain for my dear friend Stacy

2008-07-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Valencia, Spain

Dance.

2008-07-25T23:16:00.001-07:00

Oh Shan.

next steps

2008-06-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

I spent some time walking this weekend. I forget how much I enjoy walking... with or without a purpose. I drank lemonade, I watched the sky change all sorts of colors that pretty much took my breath away, and I spent some time just sitting on a boulder (where I counted 11 lizards) and tried to figure out why I feel so unlike myself lately. Any way, I think that this simple image captures a lot of what I wrote about on the pages of my journal.

A foggy day in London town...

2008-05-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Because I know you would have done the same thing.

Heather & Erick.

2008-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

sneak peek.

2008-05-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

I'm working on pulling together some of my favorites from shooting engagement (pre-wedding?) pictures with Heather and my future brother-in-law! Stay tuned.

That was cheesy. Stay tuned? Yah, sorry.

A pleasant surprise.

2008-05-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

These popped up on my doorstep this week from a pretty awesome guy:) And with the amazing lighting going on outside I just couldn't resist taking a few snaps.

Cheers to the Journey.

2008-03-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have to remind myself gently that we both are on completely different continents. I still cannot believe that my dearest friend is fulfilling one of her deepest desires. Each time I get an email from her I am astounded at how much joy one can receive from the architecture of a building or a foreign accent. And yet, that is what I love about Lindsay. She has the ability to take something simple, something mundane and make it into a daily dosage of nothing less than extravagant. I miss her tremendously and while this has been a trying experience for the both of us, I would have it no other way. I love that friendship is a journey. It is this beautiful combination of two people constantly growing and changing. To think where life has brought us both in the last few years. And although we have gotten very good at not being in the same place I cherish the memories and the lessons we have both learned together. I long for her to be back (but not before she has graced the rest of Europe with her presence). To sit next to each other and drink endless amounts of tea and debrief our days with one another. Missing you my friend.