The weekend is upon us...

Holy Guacamole! Its Friday.

What are you up to this weekend? 

There is more house painting on my agenda this Saturday.

But Sunday it is off to enjoy an indulgently long lunch with one of my favorite ladies (and I can't wait)

Have a festive weekend... {xox}

Original watercolor from Etsy

Today

Grieving the loss of my grandfather has been a difficult process. It began in July with a difficult surgery and has tugged at my heart strings and the lump in my throat ever since. One thinks eventually you will grow numb to the incessant sting of missing someone but, after five months of missing him, I know I can only miss him more as the days go by.

  

He was a really wonderful grandfather, better than the kind that teach you how to change a tire. The lessons he left behind were not tangible. But I know, they will come to me on a rainy day and fill my heart like a grenade. Everyday he proved that waking up was our biggest blessing and most extraordinary accomplishment. And with a few words he would remind us that anything beyond that, good or bad, was just icing on the cake. "How are you today PawPaw?" "I woke up today didn't I?"

Perhaps it was surviving a German Prison camp {that was never as grusomely described by him as it was in the red cross reports} that forced him into his sunny perspective. For my grandfather every day he got to spend sharing his bowl of frosted flakes with a new morning made him a lucky man. 

In an effort to preserve the life they once had, I have collected as much of their possessions as my family will allow. In this collection, is a book of poems. It sends the familiar scent of their house into the air as I open it to offer this poem.

This poem is written by an unknown author, it is the lesson he taught us... 

TODAY

And if tomorrow shall be sad

Or never come at all, I've had

At least today!

This little strip of light

'Twixt night and night

Let me keep bright

Today!

And let no shadows of tomorrow

Nor sorrow from the dead yesterday,

Gainsay my happiness today!

And if tomorrow shall be sad

Or never come at all, I've had

At least today!

Say hello to my little friend.

I have become totally obsessed with Etsy and I am constantly amazed at the cool items I find there.

Recently there has been a big trend in printing on vintage book pages...

I have particularly enjoyed the contrast in these using black and red... what do you think? 

For more prints like this check out Black Baroque on Etsy.

And for some really cool finds from all over Etsy check this out.

Sailboat dress...oh yes

drooling over this topshop dress for the summer

Have you been to topshop? Its a dream. When I was in London I discovered the two story department store dedicated to great inexpensive style and I was dizzy with excitement. If you haven't had the pleasure of going, their online store is FILLED with great items!

Announcing Meant for a Moment Watercolors

Meant for a Moment announces the arrival of our new watercolor prints!

Each charming print began as a hand painted piece. 

Each measure 22 x 17 and is printed on crisp white archival watercolor paper and is signed by me, the artist. Each print will celebrate a simplistic look and childlike perspective.

For more prints and purchase opportunities visit our etsy site

Do you see what I see?

I am really loving these vintage frames. 

Do you wear glasses? I have two pair that I wear off and on but they don't have the amount of character these have. Don't you just love the cat like curl on the sides? Etsy is full of great vintage finds.

I found these frames at Peace Love Eyeglasses's crazy shop that sells only vintage eyewear. I love it!

Where is the Sunshine?

Well, its official. I have spring fever and some body better ice me down quick because it snowed last night after a week of sixty degree sunshine. I have spent my morning huddled by the fire with my coffee and I can't help but wonder what happened to our sunny skies...?

These prints by Gabrielle Kai are helping to ease the pain a bit.

I feel like running to the grocery store to pick up a nice fresh basket of berries to devour. So I can close my eyes and pretend, for a moment, that my deprived skin is soaking up the sun somewhere warm.

My vivid imagination will be my greatest gift today. {xox}

Hoping toy find some sunshine today. 

Welcome, Friday.

Happy Friday. Its supposed to be 60 degrees here today 

and I am swooning over the idea of spending some time outside this afternoon. 

(and I so wish I had a dog to walk today)

 Does anyone else have spring fever yet? 

What are you up to this weekend? Dave and I will be doing some house painting (clam chowder yellow) and than heading into Annapolis to have a long over due dinner with some good friends. 

Enjoy the Weather (where ever you are) and have a great weekend. {xox}

PS: What do you think of these adorable prints by lucy snowe photography? 

I think the cutie at the top is extremely charming 

but theres something about a curly haired dog has me intrigued, I've gotta touch it.

Painting? Yes, But...

Artist Alexa Meade created these amazing paintings by literally painting her subjects. 

Doesn't it look like an actual painting? Now look at the hair...its natural and not painted. 

She places them in still life scenes at exhibitions even painting the furniture they sit on. 

...amazing...

Good Ideas...I couldn't keep to myself

Urban Outfitters

Martha Stewart

here

I am always amazed at the clever things people come up with that just make so much sense.

Like those lace cookies for example... brilliant right? Why didn't I think of that?

Today it is 60 degrees outside here in Maryland and with the boost of energy that brings I thought I would share some of the creative findings I have run into over the web to boost your creative center... 

 Man, I just love that idea of organizing your drawers with pretty bowls. 

I am currently using a collection of pudgy little teapots to hold all of my drawing supplies, I think I may add some colorful vintage bowls to the mix and spice it up.

What ideas have you seen that are too good to keep to yourself? I would love to hear about them.

The 50 and 50 project

So excited about this project I stumbled upon today called the '50 AND 50' 

Its a collective project where fifty designers are invited to represent their state by illustrating its motto.

They post a new piece every week, these were my favorites... 

I can't wait to see Maryland's

I love NY's Motto... isn't it lovely and understated?

Check out more at 50 and 50

The fantastic Mr. Fox

Most Adorable...

 I just had to share these adorable coats for kids by Little Goodall

My heart is melting over that fox outfit... xox

And the red liner in the blue coat = too cute

Five reasons why hearts are cool...

I love this Valentine's Day shoot from Style me Pretty I just want to see hearts everywhere now!

Happy Valentines Day... xox

Its Valentine's Day {!}

Today is the day where we get to celebrate love, loving and being loved. 

Probably the best day of the year, because we get to focus on hearts, candy and warm and fuzzies. 

I hope that you can find love to spread today. 

And give yourself some extra love and share some with someone else. 

And if you are lucky enough to have someone, I hope they make you feel special. 

Because its a Special Day. 

Happy Valentine's Day. 

I love this day. 

And Dave, my Valentine, I love you... {xox}

cute prints right? find more here

Had to share some Dadu

Loving the plucky style of Dadu Shin.