ToTaLLy RaNDoM

On the topic of being President
Me: What kinds of qualities in a person make a good President?
Max: Someone who eats their healthy food without their mommy telling them to...Someone who picks up after themselves without being asked to...someone who shares
Beck: Someone who listens...A Farmer...A Soldier

In the car, on the way home from wherever
Max: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah
Me: What book should we read tonight?
Max: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah
[pause]
Beck: Mummy, mummy--I think, hmmm this is Beck...I think I want to read
Max: HEY! I WASN'T FINISHED TALKING...BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Beck: Mummy...This is Beck...tonight I want to read Harriet and the Rollercoaster.
Max: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah

"This is Beck" ? Yes, I know it is you, you are sitting right behind me love...

Inspired Entryway

My entryway needs a major overhaul. These pictures (via Domino r.i.p., and Martha Stewart Living) are a little jump start to my process. The thing is, I have an entryway and a FOYER. No complaints, it just means that I have room for beauty AND function AND two rowdy 5-year olds.

I'm way into the wire baskets, and would love to be ambitious enough to take on wall paper. Otherwise, I admire the eclectic and homey nature of these vignettes, the bold use of color, and the personal art/artifacts in the heart of an organized hub.

Poladroid

I may be a member of the "Save the Polaroids" group on FaceBook, but I'm pretty sure it is not coming back. Sigh. That's why I'm SO TOTALLY THRILLED that I found Poladroid, a free application that turns your images into Polaroid looking lovelies. I may be behind the curve on this one, but I'm loving every minute of the drag, drop and virtual slow develop process which comes complete with sound effects.

I Heart the Oscars

I heart the Oscars...mostly because movies are a wonderful part of our culture and provide a visual and emotional escape like nothing else. Well, that, and the red carpet (OBVIOUSLY!) Following are some of my 2009 Oscar thoughts. Unfortunately, I see way fewer movies now than I did pre-kids. Aargh.



Slumdog Millionaire
I really loved this movie. And to think, at first I wasn't going to see it because I heard it was (at times) "really hard to watch." Then I learned that my Grandma had seen it, and was up for it again. Okay, right. If my 80-something year old Grandma can hack it, I sure as hell can. Not to mention that the soundtrack kicks some big booty as well...

Kate Winslet (The Reader, Revolutionary Road)
Total. Girl. Crush. While I didn't see either one of these movies, if I could pick someone to play me in my life story, it would be Kate. Hands down.
Wall•E
Wall•E stole my heart. I loved his complete devotion to Eve and his menagerie of artifacts...

The Dark Knight
Unbelievable performance by the late Heath Ledger. Christian Bale is an outstanding Batman, and I'm quite smitten with Maggie Gyllenhaal

Random Honorable Mention Goes to:
Quantum of Solace and Daniel Craig's White Pants

P.S. Wish I'd seen Milk
P.S.S. Why didn't Bruce Springsteen's The Wrestler get nominated?

Which Print to Pick?

Yay! I'm signed up for the silk screen course through Visual Asylum's Studioworks. My biggest challenge now is figuring out which design to print. I'm a total novice, so I didn't try anything too complex. Would love insight and feedback!

The Case of the Missing Waffle Fry

I took the day off today. I was going to workout, clean my office, create, hang out with my mom on her last day in San Diego, drink coffee and surprise my children with an early pick up after their big field trip to SeaWorld. Today was going to be a glorious day. I did get to hang with my mom and I drank coffee. However, at pick up, I learned that B was {again} not well behaved at school. Uggh. Gone were my dreams of special treats and Superfriends. I spent the afternoon saying no, giving time outs, and being whacked and popped by {one of} my 5 year olds. More Uggh. That was my LOW.

My HIGH follows:

Scene: Our Dining Room
Menu: Pulled pork sandwiches/tacos, apples & clementines, waffle fries, red cabbage & carrot slaw.

6:33 PM
Max: I'm going to take 3 waffle fries. That's enough for me. Papa, you can have more because you're the biggest.

6:45 PM
Jarrod: Max--What is that outside? [Jarrod reaches over and nabs one of three untouched waffle fries.]

Max: I don't see anything. What is it?

Jarrod: Hmm, I don't know, must have been my own reflection.

7:00 PM
Max: I have to go potty. I mean, excuse me, I'll be right back. [Max leaves the table.]

7:15 PM [Max returns to the table, all are STILL seated]
Max: Hey! Where is my waffle fry that I haven't even eaten yet? I had three. There are only two here!

[Silence from all at table, while Max frantically looks on the floor, under his plate...]
Max: Have you seen it? It looks like a pick axe.

[At this point in time, I completely lose it and bust out laughing, shaking with tears. "It looks like a pick axe?" This only angers Max further, and inspires me to say...]

Me: Well what was it wearing?

7:20 PM
[After 5 minutes of speculation on real magic, invisible dogs, and potato eating tulips, Beck comes clean...]

Beck: I think Papa sneaked it, ate it and is really just lying. He's lying and he ate it.

Max believes that The Case of the Missing Waffle Fry remains unsolved...

The Book of Love

Over time I've become more fascinated with the fine art of silkscreening. For one, there is a graphic quality to the final product that thrills my heart. Two, I love the idea of creating works of art en masse (albeit by hand), making the final product available to a larger audience at an affordable price point. And finally three: paper, ink, color. It's as close to traditional print journalism as a word loving artist can get.

This love was intensified when I received an email from Visual Asylum's "Studio Works" introducing upcoming Silkscreen Workshops. I hope to attend the Fine Art Prints Workshop next Saturday. Next step...work up a two color design. Happy V-Day.

Artist: Robert Indiana

Title: The Book of Love 1
Year: 1996
Medium: Serigraph, Signed and numbered in pencil
Edition: 200, PP 3/10
Paper Size: 24 x 20 inches

Valentine Making

Thank you to all the cool ladies that joined creative forces and produced beautiful, quirky, heartfelt valentines. "RUSH me to the {hotel} room" "Will you be my monkey?" and "Tickle Tim the Talking Pickle" were some of the fine sentiments shared. Now I'm working with the boys on valentines for their classroom party. They are supposed to be left without names, no "for" only "from". But Max has one gal in mind...Maeve. He wants her to get the one with "kissy lips" and hot lava. MEOW. I heart young love...

I C U ! DO U C ME?

These super rad sunglasses came courtesy of the eye doctor, in their first visit, which lasted a record 2 h. 20 min. in an afternoon without a nap. Oh yeah, and they had their eyes dilated. I have bruises on my shins from Beck's massive physical resistance to the drops. The visit was a referrel from their physical last spring. Yes, I put it off that long...sorry? I didn't really want to deal with the possibility of glasses during summer and new school. I know that's lame, but whatev. So finally we went. And. They have crazy awesome perfect little healthy eyeballs. Pray it keeps, because my vision sucks!

Final Gem: When the Dr. asked Beck if he goes by any other name or would like to be called something else, he took a great pause, and said "Bumblebee".

What I Didn't Buy Today

I don't believe I've mentioned Simply Lovely, a gem of a site that I discovered in some of my blog wandering. Again, on the theme of consumption, author/hostess Joslyn has this little thing going called "The Spending Hiatus." I've joined the support group, so now I can post things like "What I Didn't Buy" which will still serve my consumption drive (in a virtual sense) and inspire me to spend some time reflecting on all the things I'm doing, instead of buying. Like experiencing the WiiFit while my whole family sits there and watches me...doing a tree pose...getting soccer balls and shoes thrown at me...crashing on a ski slope. Yeah, that's quality family time baby. Welcome to unprecedented times.

But dammit, Paper Voodoo would have come in really handy today...

Obsessive Consumption

On the fabulous blog called What Did You Buy Today? I found this charming drawing. Yes, I've already mentioned this site on See Sarah Spin, but really, it's worth another mention. Not only for the love of cheese (we have a kinship!) but for her simple notebook drawings that I find myself drawn to time and again. They are comic-y, graphic, and heartfelt.

Overheard

I mentioned to someone recently that I have an uncanny ability to overhear odd conversations (usually one-sided) in public places. I'm beginning to document these gems...

“No, seriously, I totally slipped on a hot dog, and I nearly died!” (TARGET: Electronics)

"I use it to wash my butt, vagina and pits." (TARGET: Health & Beauty Aids)

"Well, it hasn't really healed. It's just an open, gaping, wound." (Henry's: Cereal Aisle)

Disneyland

Let me begin by saying I've never been a real Disney fan. Walt Disney as a concept...no. It's not the amusement park thing, I love rolllercoasters. It's the "Disney" thing. Especially after a Women's Studies major at UW-Madison where my senior video project was an "intervention" on a campus screening of Snow White & the Seven Dwarves. Truth be told, I did visit Disney World at age 7 or 8, and distinctly remember Space Mountain. I recall NOTHING else. Really, nothing. Except that I was deathly ill on that trip to FL and received a big pill in the rear in a doctor's office late at night. Such a VIVID memory. Seriously.

So, having lived in SoCal now for more than 8 years, and having kids above age 5, it does marvel people that I still have not been to Disneyland. At times I'm actually irritated by the level of mirth and wonder it generates in adults who plan trips there WITHOUT children.

Today, on the eve of my 37th birthday, I'm setting all of this aside. I accepted an invitation from my very dear friend to celebrate this occasion with Mickey and the gang. WITHOUT children. Oy! It's time to break out of my bubble and have some old fashioned fun. I'm also doing reconaissance for a trip there with the boys...come on, they DO have a Jedi Training Academy! I hope to have some fantastic photos, great girl time, and an amazing roller coaster ride. I do love rollercoasters...

I Heart Tulips

It's a Beautiful Day...

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

-Emily Dickinson

Kitchen Inspiration

I'm in a SLOW process of updating our awesome 80s tract home kitchen. Starting with the creation of a breakfast nook. There is an awkward open space just calling for a cozy corner, and my dad and husband are graciously taking this project on. It's just the tip of the iceberg, though as I can't stand the dated and flaking tile countertops and wood cabinets. The kitchen is the darkest room in the house and has the lowest ceilings. It needs a light injection. I discovered a host of kitchen shots that feature bright white floors, which would solve the dark issue. Uugh. My floors are wood, but a bit over done. A little on the orange side I would say...Do I counteract that with white cabinets or go bold and paint everything dark? Oh, and I HAVE to have that red Brady lovin' phone.

{All images courtesy: Domino and Country Living}

Being Nice is Lots of Fun

So I received an e-mail from my gal pal mom Michelle Obama the other day {she and I are tight!}. Essentially, it was a call to service (on behalf of P.E.B.O.), encouraging me|us|citizens to volunteer for our community. Embedded in the e-mail was a link to USA Service, a website for inspiring us all to change our world, starting in our community. In response to this, Starbucks launched the "Take Five" initiative, asking java heads to pledge 5 volunteer hours to create more than 1.000.000 hours of community service. Free Tall brewed coffee!

I've been pretty passive on my own volunteerism since moving to San Diego, and it's not something I'm proud of. Since I work at a non-profit, I sometimes feel like I AM volunteering {I realize this is selfish}. In SD I've been on the twins club board and served for the PTA, but before we moved I volunteered at the Parental Stress Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Their mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect. I worked with children of families in transition and stress and I miss that experience. It taught me a great deal and was personally rewarding. I obviously have less free time now, but would like to give back again, and this time include the boys or the whole family. For now, we are going to drop off toys and books at the Children for Change event in Scripps Ranch on Monday. I found this event via USA Service and it seems a good first step.

To support this personal initiative I've found THE ACME SHARING COMPANY. In their words, Acme "is a place where parents can find activities for spending family time with meaning. Exposing our children to cause-based adventures is a wonderful way to make giving a part of their lives now and for the future." I love this. There are blog tags for finding activities for certain age groups {4+}, ideas on teaching gratitude, and book recommendations. Hurrah!

Last but not least, I discovered Operation Nice. The founder is a graphic designer and crafter. Of course! She created a blog about 7 months ago dedicated to acts of kindness. I've always said, it's about the little things--being thoughtful and courteous is not reserved for special occasions. From founder, Melissa Morris Ivone, "If everyone was a little bit nicer to the folks they encountered each day, perhaps the world would be a more pleasant place. Operation NICE was initiated to remind you that a little NICE goes a long way." Yes, indeed it does.

What Did You Buy Today?

I heart my SIGG water bottle too. Illustrator Kate Bingaman-Burt has the most fabulous and eccentric project going on. She has created Obsessive Consumption. Bingaman-Burt began to document all of her purchases in 2002 and subsequently created a brand around the related illustrations and images. She is hand drawing all of her credit card statements until they are paid off, and illustrates a purchase a day which is displayed tenderly on her blog, aptly named What Did You Buy Today?. Totally quirky, a bit psychotic, and a truly original take on consumerism. Love, love, love.

Craftifesto

Okay, I must get tuned into handmadeNATION, and buy the book I have been eye-ing and believe is available at the Museum Store for my employee discount price of less 30%. Rockin. This poster, available on Etsy, is illustrated by this fascinating artist/designer I found by perusing the 20x200 site. Her name is Kate Bingaman-Burt and she has a kick ass blog called What Did You Buy Today?. More about THIS content on See Sarah Spin. In the meantime, her illustrations complete this rad book by Faythe Levine which explores the DIY explosion and the "new wave of art, craft and design."

el baño

Hurrah! Short of some new accessories (that I hope to scrounge up from my own thrift collection) and some art, this little loo is complete. I did end up getting a Marimekko curtain, fresh off the truck from Crate & Barrel. It has a funky wood block inspired print in a really golden yellow hue. What a Happy Finnish Design! The towel hooks are from Cost Plus, a nice folk art woodsy piece made in India. The towels are cushy Egyptian cotton in a natural unbleached color, a steal of a set from Marshalls. I just cannot spend big bucks on things I know I can find cheap. High-Low. A lovely combo...