to the sea...

A large perk of running two businesses this summer has been the proximity of the ocean to our second location.


I'm a big fan of the ocean, and so having easy access to the sea has done a great deal to ease the stress of always running around from place to place.


These photos are from about a week ago, when I convinced Twin to spend a little extra time hanging around after work.


It was lovely, despite the fact that the sun didn't really make an appearance.


Spending any time at the ocean reminds me how small I am, and how very large my God is. And if He is so big - big enough to have created the sea, and I am so small compared to Him, of course He can take care of me...

let's have a picnic

Aren't these lovely photos?




I'm thinking a picnic in the middle of a summer field sounds perfect today...


*images via This is Glamorous

glamorous

Today was gorgeous - sunshine and hot. (Dare I say it? It was almost like...summer!)


On days like this, I long to be more glamorous. I should be clear - not fussy and frilly glam - but that simple, easy glamorous that some women just seem so good at.


Basically, I want to be like one of these girls.

Thanks Garance, for sharing. You inspire me.

some light for this rainy day

With all of this rain lately, I find myself drawn to images of rooms that are super light-filled. It's like my little brain is trying to make up sunshine for itself.

For instance, this airy little beauty - flooded with light and cheerfulness. And all that blue - so summery and wonderful! I can almost feel the breeze blowing through the windows.

Image via Restyled Home

And how about this one - sunshine to the rescue! I love the yellow and white together and how crisp it makes the room feel. And don't even get me started on the fabulous combo of columns and pretty storage all in an entryway - what a welcome home at the end of the day.

Image via The Remodeling Guy

Or this one - I love the equal ratio of windows to walls happening here. And think how cozy you could make this space feel just be drawing those glorious curtains and snuggling down on the couch. I could see myself watching endless movies in here or sitting down to enjoy a good book.

I wish I could remember where this is from...

I think this bedroom is quite lovely. It's light and airy, but somehow not too fussy. I really like the architectural detail as a headboard - it's substantial and delicate all at the same time. Very cool.

Ditto - I've had this on file forever...

And finally, a room full of globes and maps! Not only is it full of natural light, it has a dedicated shelf for cool globes. I think this is fabulous - globes are pretty and such an interesting shape and could definitely be used more in homes. Plus, they make me want to explore the world.

And another one - wow this is bad...

Hope you see some sunshine today, where ever you are. As for me, I think I'll take along my umbrella - just in case.

*top image via Desire to Inspire

these are my people

This is where I come from


We're giving this life everything we've got and then some


It ain't always pretty



But it's real


It's the way we were made



Wouldn't have it any other way


These are my people.

homeward bound

with Daddy

I'm heading home to my folks for the weekend. As soon as the workday is over, Twin and I will be making the trek together, with a stop along the way to pick up Sister. Then, as my Mom said last night - "All my girls will be home again."

(That totally made me melt. Hurray for being loved!)

Grampy & Grammy

The reason for this trip isn't totally cheerful though - tomorrow we are having a memorial service for my Grammy, who passed away in February. While I'm thrilled to be celebrating this wonderful woman who loved me fiercely and influenced my life in so many ways, I'm not looking forward to this.

Being removed from the entire family during the grieving process has essentially meant that I haven't done all my grieving - how real can the loss of someone be when you wouldn't be seeing them anyway? I'm afraid that by going home, I'll be confronting it all at once, which won't be very pretty. But ready or not, off we go.

I'm going to comfort myself with the fact that since this whole shindig will be outside, at least I'll get some sun in the process. I might have red, puffy eyes, but my skin will be sunkissed and perhaps a few more freckles will pop out. There really is a silver lining to every situation, isn't there?

my refuge

When my world feels like it's spinning a little too fast, and I'm losing steam to handle it all, I have to step back and remember that I have a savior God who longs to take my burdens. On days like this, I cling to this verse, and praise Him that I don't have to do it all on my own.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:1 & 2



And on days like this, I soak up the powerful lyrics and soft melodies of so many of Kari Jobe's songs. Today is was this portion of My Beloved that really stood out above the rest.

You're beautiful to me
So beautiful to me

I sing over you my song of peace
Cast all your cares down at my feet

Come and find your rest in me
I'll breathe my life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of my strength
I'll take you to my quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in me and be made whole


*images via Flickr

a lovely library

It's cold and rainy in these parts, and this morning as I prepare for another busy day, I can't help but think how much I'd rather spend the day curled up in my pjs than traipse off to work.

I saw images of this library a while ago (it's in one of Diane Keaton's houses) and am longing to go lounge around there today. I could pour a second cup of coffee, pick something fabulous off the shelves (preferably using the cool ladder), and be content to just be quiet all day.


I love the use of the quotation around the edge of the ceiling - I think that detail totally makes this space. And although it's not quite as cool as the library from Beauty & the Beast, which I irrationally compare all libraries to, I would totally go knocking at Diane's door this morning if I happened to live in the neighborhood.

Maybe she would let me in if I brought along something yummy to share...monkey bread anyone?

*images via Hooked on Houses

perhaps we could extend the weekend?

I think we should all just pretend that today isn't actually Monday and go find a spot like this one. I'll bring the margaritas and the music if the rest of you just show up. See you there?




*super relaxing image via Desire to Inspire

i think a deep breath is in order...

"By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach." - Winston Churchill

I think I need to remember this today.

I'm feeling increasingly frustrated with a situation that's been building for a while, and as I prepare to confront speak calmly with the party involved, I don't want to say anything I'll regret.

But boy, wouldn't I like to....

*image via Flickr by appelk

some etsy favorites

cow art print by RozArt

I trust that you already know about Etsy - the online marketplace for all things handmade. (If you don't, please take a deep breath and prepare to kill a few hundred hours staring at your computer screen. Trust me, it will suck you in.)

batter bowl by hardypottery

As much as I love Target and other large chains for the convenience and affordability they bring to my life, I much prefer the idea of buying locally, supporting small businesses, and cheering on those who choose to make something for a living. I think this, plus my love of all things art and craft, has solidified Etsy as one of my favorite places to shop.

tealight cover by Hannahnunn

(A small disclaimer - my "love of all things art and craft" does not mean that I actually love all pieces of art or craft. As anyone who knows me well will attest to, I am really an aesthetic snob. Although I like to think of it as refined taste, rather than snobbery. It sounds nicer, doesn't it?)

flower print by LeaSeguin

I don't know about you, but after browsing through the featured items on the main page, I have a few categories I always check. For me, it's always jewelry (particularly the earrings), ceramics & pottery, and art (particularly paintings and hand-pulled prints). What are your must-see items?

earrings by jcjewelrydesign

Since I am rarely an impulse buyer (good for my wallet, they tell me), I have a well thought out list of favorited items on my account. Some items can be arguably thought of as practical, but others are decidedly less so. Although another art print can't really hurt, right?

broadside by lizardpress

And really, a faux guinnea pig could be considered neccesary. Right?

stuffed animal by Zygopsyche

Not even with that sweet little face?

Ok, sorry, back to reality.

clutch by KailoChic

I love giving etsy items as gifts, as I think handmade things can be so personal and quirky and lovely. And to be honest, I'm also pretty fond of buying etsy items for myself. (My apartment is proof of this.)

necklace by lillyella

So next time you're looking for something fabulous, think handmade! And make someone's day by buying something that they put thought and effort into. I promise you won't regret it.

a musical snack

I've been woefully absent these days - this running two businesses with the staff of only one business is getting a bit crazy. But it's Friday, so no complaining allowed!


A couple of my favorite blogs have featured lovely music videos in the last week or so, and so to celebrate the beauty of Friday, I would like to share them with you!

see the original post at rockstar diaries

(I found her fab blog via A Cup of Jo and have been reading faithfully ever since! I dare you to start perusing and not get hooked!)

see the original post at this is reverb

(I found his awesome blog via The Pioneer Woman and totally enjoy the grounded and fun approach to cooking and life.)

Happy weekend to all!

*top image of our new gallery location - this is what I see outside!! Lovely, no?