DIY Holiday Sparkle

There is no stopping it - The holiday season is in full swing. 

I am not a big holiday person, however a little sparkle and shine always helps me to get into the festive sprit. 

These hair pins are easy to make, and would would make a great gift to brighten any girls holiday.

All you need is:

I am a collector of vintage rhinestone jewelry. While I love wearing bracelets and necklaces I never seem to wear bold earrings. This is how I put those cool earrings to good use.

First...

Then carefully....

Voila! 

Give these hair pins away to your friends and family, or wear them to brighten your day.

Back To Regularly Scheduled Programming

This week life is starting to take shape into something that resembles "Normality". Moving to a new state requires quite a lot of adjustment. There are still pictures to hang and a few items that need to find an established place in the new country side home, But I am happy to report everything is coming together.
This new location offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. As a native Oregon resident I am quite comfortable in the woods. I have missed the connection with nature while living so close to D.C. This aspect has me thinking about the quote above by the amazing John Muir. I hope it inspires you to think about what recharges your imagination.

Getting Settled In

 I am currently working tirelessly to get everything into place in the new country home.  Meanwhile, you
can continue to enjoy a mockumentary of my escapades by watching episode two of Green Acres, and
 "Don't worry, I will fix it". 

2013 Will Be Green

Okay, yes. I am in the middle of moving. I am currently sitting in a bare room that is filled with boxes ready to be loaded on to a truck and driven to my new location. 

However, the color of 2013 has been announced by Pantone, and I have been so excited I can't even pretend to control myself. While I have noticed most of you are focused on the holiday countdown. I am on the year end countdown, and a peek of  what is to come has presented itself in the form of "Emerald Green".

I have never been one for the color orange so I was a bit disappointed to see "Tango Tangerine" as the color of the year for 2012. That might be another reason as to why I am SO excited to see 2013 will be in green -

 "Emerald Green" to be exact. 

I am must return to the moving game. I hope this new year color preview gives you some excitement for your weekend. I can't wait to report from my new location next week!

Goodbye City Life...

The time has come.
This week I am moving all my worldly possessions and way of life to a new state.
 I will be unpacking in a country side location close to a lovely river.
 East coast city life has been fun, but I think I am ready to leave it to the rats in the rat race. 

While I am busy moving, I found something for you to watch that seems almost too fitting.
 Please enjoy the fabulous Eva Gabor in the first episode of the classic 1965 American T.V.
show Green Acres.
(P.S. Check out that leopard print couch! 19:04)

Inside Story

Truth be known, I have a thing for bones. 

I am forever fascinated by hidden structures that create an armature for what we see on the outside.

When I saw the "Inside Story" exhibit in the small mammal house at the National Zoo I was instantly captivated.

The exhibit not only shows actual skulls of some fascinating creatures, they also displayed x-rays of the animals. 

It might be a strange connection but the idea of taking a closer look at the underlaying structure of a living creature seems to be a poignant reminder at this point and time. There is always more than what meets the eye.

I hope this inspires you to look closer at what lays beneath the surface this weekend.

On The Move

Okay, I have yet to find someone who actually enjoys the moving process. 

However it can be made less painful with a little organization and planning. 

Moving offers an opportunity to simplify and pare down. Donate those infrequently utilized items that have collected in your home. My rule is if the item has not been used in eight or more months, it will not be missed. 

Color code each room, and mark boxes with coordinating stickers. This will provide identification and help to easily organize your items once in the new space.

Be mindful to pack delicate items with care and extra wrapping. Keep in mind boxes are often rattled and sometimes dropped in the moving process.

Take time to pre-pack a box of household and personal necessities for the first day in the new space. Include a shower curtain, towels, toilet paper, sleeping bags, pillows, paper towels, snacks, coffee, coffeepot, as well as toiletries, and any medications. A small tool kit, and some basic cleaning supplies will also come in handy. 

With these tips in mind I will be getting back to the moving game. 

Moving or not, I hope you have a wonderful and well organized day! 

New Week, New Locations, New Experiences

Changes in life bring new experiences. New experiences help to teach us more about ourselves, and the world around us. Change is not always easy, but without it life would become boring and stagnant. 

 I am keeping all this in mind this week as I pack up, and get ready for a big location change. 

I hope the quote above inspires you to go out and find something new to experience this week. 

Starving In A Land Of Plenty

Thanksgiving is a time of plenty in many households in America. We gather as friends and family in celebration to give thanks for all that we have. However, it seems to be more than apparent that there are a growing number of people that are going without. Now is a time to give what you can to local community food banks. You can donate your time, if you have some to spare, non perishable food, and monetary donations are also helpful contributions.  Giving back to others in our communities is a easy way to spread a little joy this holiday season. 

To take action and locate a food bank near you visit Feeding America 

 http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx# 

A World To Its Own

The underwater world is one that is continually fascinating to me. 

 After spending some time revisiting this world under the sea I was reminded why.

While the colorful fish are amusing to swim with, I am drawn to the 

invertebrates, corals, and sponges that thrive in warm salty sea water.

I find the the textures and colors to be unlike anything else found on land.

I was mesmerized by anemones and the way they gracefully dance in the current.

 I could spend all day watching life in the underwater universe. 

I hope these photos inspire you to discover a new world this weekend.

Time May Change Me, But I Can't Change Time...

Tis the season for change. The days are growing shorter. The weather is cooling. The trees are transitioning from colorful splendor, to barren bark. All this change signals to me that the year is coming to a close. This shift has me thinking about progression, goals, and what the future may hold. While I do not have a crystal ball, I am hopeful that the changes ahead will usher in a bright, and prosperous future. I hope this optimistic view point helps you to embrace the changes that may be unfolding around you.

Take Me Away

Bitten by the travel bug - yet again. 
While the east coast was busy with Sandy and her wrath, I was off to find 
warm turquoise waters. 
This trip was one that was LONG overdue.

After arriving on Curaçao we pick up our adventure mobile 

 a classic 1960's Citroen 2CV convertible, AKA The Duck. 

It was like a car that a villain in a James Bond movie would drive.

It was a bit rustic of a ride 

(no air conditioning, no power anything, and it had a colony of ants living in it)

however it really added to the island adventure. 

With our island car gassed up are ready to go, we hit the road.

 Beautiful beaches at every turn, snorkeling with colorful Caribbean fish

filled the long sunny days.

In the evenings atop a coral and limestone cliff in the company of iguanas we would watch as the day faded away. 

One side faced the ocean, while the other side offered views of the lush jungle like flora. 

It was wonderful to get away from everyday life, and be reminded 

of how many amazing places there are in this world.

 Life it too short to sit in one place. 

I hope these photos inspire you to go out and explore someplace new.

Voice Your Choice

I was up before the sun again today. After a hot cup of coffee I was out the door and in line at a neighborhood elementary school to cast my vote. The idea of standing in line on a chilly morning was not totally appealing, but the importance of voicing my choice by vote is worth any mild discomfort. Being from Oregon this was my first time having to stand in line to cast my vote. It was also my first time using a computer touch screen voting machine. Oregon offers voters the opportunity to cast their votes by mail in ballot. 

While I prefer the mail in ballot - standing in line did give me a little feeling of civic pride.  

Go out and make your voice heard today. Cast Your VOTE! 

Home

I have returned back in the states from my travels and adventures. Still jet lagged and tired my thoughts are caught up in all that I saw and experienced on my adventures. The above quote by Ernest Hemingway seems to sum up my current feeling nicely. I hope you have a wonderful start to your week, and remember to voice your choice and 

Vote Tomorrow!

Limited Technology Adventure

I am preparing to hop on a plane and take to the air on an adventure. 

This adventure is one that my computer is not invited on. Honestly, the idea of traveling without a laptop has me feeling a bit fearful. That fact has me thinking a lot about my reliance on technology. Because of my computer love there are things I have neglected to do that I once did regularly like drawing with an actual pencil on paper, writing letters, making Mix Tapes... The tangible seems to have given way to the digital. While I am not going to give up my computer forever, I am starting to think some time away from the screen will give way to new perspectives. 

I will be back at the computer to share my experience soon, in the meantime enjoy some Travel Tunes.

Star Bunny Studio Travel Tunes from StarBunnyStudio on 8tracks Radio.

The Buzz

New friends have moved into the backyard, and they  seem to really like marigolds. These carpenter bees have captured my attention for the last few weeks. I am inspired by their work ethic. Never distracted, and always on task.  

There is a lot to learn from these little guys!

Thoughts Of Motivation

A new week is underway with a long list of things to accomplish. Attempting to bring order to chaos can be overwhelming to say the least. The quote above is a reminder that adventure is what feeds inspiration. With this in mind I have found it is a bit easer to complete tasks when I look at them as a game or adventure. 
I hope this idea helps you as well.

Take Flight

Flight is something that has me forever fascinated. 
I find myself almost envious of creature naturally capable of this feat.
 Short of getting on an airplane, another way to enjoy the act of gliding through 
the air is flying a kite. I have not flown a kite in years, but when I was given a 
kite to play with - I knew just where to go. 

Being in a city, it can be hard to find open space to fly a kite safely.
 That is unless that city you are in is D.C. ! 
The open lawns around the Washington Monument offer great opportunities 
for kite flying while taking in the views of our nations landmarks.

I hope this inspires your weekend to take flight.

A Case Of Lost Focus

It could be the weather, or not enough caffeine, maybe it is one of the thousand things swimming in my head...
 Whatever "IT" is, I seem to have lost my mental focus today. 

It can happen to the best of us. I have been fighting it - however I am about to wave the white flag, and surrender. My lack of focus may have gotten the better of me today. Tomorrow will bring a new day, with new opportunities to regain focus. The rest of today will be spent taking a little time out. I know that a walk in the cool air admiring the changing color of the trees will do me some good, and hopefully help me to find some of the focus I seem to have lost. In the meantime, if you happen to see my lost focus running around would you please send it back my way?

A New Week

A new week is upon us, after surviving a weekend of unwanted surprises I am almost happy to see Monday arrive. This weekend has reminded me of the fact that it is how we choose to deal with the unexpected events in life that shows true character, and gives us strength. 
No one can plan for the unexpected, but everyone has a choice on how to handle the cards that are dealt.

Outdoor Adventure

I find one of the best ways to recharge is to get outside. This is one of my favorite times of the year to enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and get away from it all. My idea of camping involves a backpack, and a few miles of trail. 

I am always amazed at how beautiful the gifts of nature are. 

I hope you take some time to go outdoors and enjoy the natural world around you.

Falling For Autumn

It has finally happened - Autumn has arrived! It seems to have taken a bit longer to really feel like fall here in the mid atlantic region of the United States. The cooler weather has started to turn the trees from green to orange and yellow. Mums and pumpkins are making colorful appearances in almost every store. All this has reminded me how much I enjoy the transition from summer into winter. Autumn will not last long, go out on a walk and enjoy the change while it is happening around you.

Monday Motivation

Monday is here with a new week in tow.  The quote featured above by the ever inspiring Helen Keller serves as a reminder and a theme for this week. Try something new, you might be surprised at the results.

The Power Of Texture

Truth be known, I am a huge fan of color. It is a great tool to add interest and direct attention. However there is another great tool used to help convey a message that is sometimes overlooked, that tool is texture. 

Texture gives visual interest and can help to convey feeling into a design. The textures above are detail shots I have taken of a variety of different subjects both natural, and man-made. I have taken out the color of these objects to reinforce the texture. Notice how some textures look soft, while other are rough, some seem to have a flow, others are static, 

they all offer a distinct feeling. 

I hope this inspires you to notice the unique textures around you, and helps to add a little variety to your day.

First Things First

Today is a day of firsts. It is the first day of October. It is the first day of the week. It is also my nephews first birthday! 

All this has me thinking about the excitement and anticipation that comes with first time experiences. 

This thought has given me inspiration for the week.  I hope it helps to inspire you too.

Color Shift

With the shifting season comes a new pallet of colors. I am continually reviewing Pantone color reports. 

The fall color pallet for this year is one that inspires a lot of fun color combinations.

Tango Tangerine the official color of 2012 has so much energy on it's own, but when paired with Pink Flambé it is almost electric. The energy of Tango Tangerine is slightly subdued when paired with the gorgeous Ultramarine Green. 

Pink Flambé sings with joy when paired with Honey Gold. These energetic fall pallets give a bright fun punch.

For a calming feel I love Ultramarine Green paired with Olympian Blue.

 If a bit more energy is needed Honey Gold ascents the tranquility of Olympian Blue.

 I also like the pairing of Ultramarine Green with the warmth of Honey Gold.

Titanium Gray adds a timeless chic grounding to any pallet. The powdery Rose Smoke is amazing in combination with Titanium. The undertones found in Rhapsody Purple are magnified when paired with Titanium Gray. 
While coolness collides when Olympian Blue meets steely Titanium.

My personal choice combinations for fall 2012 are Titanium Gray with Ultramarine Green,
Rich French Roast Brown paired with deep Rhubarb, and I also love Olympian Blue teamed with inky black. 

I hope these color pallets help you to start thinking about shifting into fall color.

First Of Fall

Welcome to the Last week of September, and first week of fall. I really love the transition of fall. The longer nights, the cooler air, and the magic of leaves turning color, are just a few reasons why. As the seasons make a gradual transition I am reminded of the quote above by Samuel Johnson. It serves as a reminder that dreams are goals worth chasing.

Last Of Summer

This is the last official week of summer. The change of season is underway. The weather is becoming cooler, and the nights are growing longer. I welcome the transition, as summer comes to a close and autumn arrives. I find excitement in the change, and the new possibilities that the future holds.

This Must Be Underwater Love

Sea creatures are fascinating.
The colors and movement of life forms under the sea give inspiration to all
who take time for a closer look.

This sun-star with a brilliant orange center and multiple legs almost seems extraterrestrial.

Here a colorful sea-star and sun-star cling to a live rock wall. 

The sea anemone have great texture. They seem to dance in the water current.

The electric blue tips of this sea anemone are absolutely amazing. 

I hope these photos inspire you to take a closer look at the creatures that call the sea home.

Just A Reminder...

This week the priority is to think happy thoughts. We do not have control over every aspect of life, things do not always end up as we would like. However, we do have control of our own thoughts.

Make the most of the best, and the least of the worst.