One Rare Bird

New Tattoo

I'm still in the process of sorting and editing the pictures I took in Seattle this past weekend, but I couldn't wait to share one of the best parts: my new tattoo!

It took nearly 2.5 hours to complete this beauty and I couldn't be happier with the results. Chani, the artist, worked rigorously to get the lines perfectly perfect, and in the process inspired several more thoughts as to what I'll be having done next.

And here are just a few of the meanings my new circles represent: Inclusion, wholeness, mobility, unity, nurturing, cycles, initiation, everything, womb, centering, revolution, completion...

"The whole universe is based on rhythms. Everything happens in circles, in spirals." ~John Hartford

Crush of the Week: Rachel Austin

I've been seeing the artwork of Rachel Austin all over the Portland area for several years now and I just now had the opportunity to meet and talk with her at our local art fair last month. Rachel quit her day job a few years ago so she could become an artist full-time, and boy am I glad she did! Her paintings are multi-layered and have the feel of encaustic "without the mess", and they find the perfect balance of city and nature combined with modernism and warmth. And to top things off Rachel is a genuinely sweet person with a down-to-earth-let's-have-coffee-together kind of friendliness. This is one crush I definitley see lasting a lifetime.

Thank you Rachel for being my Crush of the Week. I'm dying to get my hands on one of your new "Poppies" oil paintings. They're lovely, just like you. xo

Rachel's booth at the Salem Art Fair, July 2011

Dear Adele

Your amazing voice, strong lyrics, and body-moving rhythms all have my family singing and dancing around the house as we get ready in the mornings, so Music Monday is dedicated to you, for helping us start the day off right. Happy Monday!

Rolling in the Deep by Adele 

P.S. I also love this quote!

Happy (much-needed) Weekend!

I'm in Seattle this weekend visiting my good friend Bekah. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday...

Defining Moment

Nan Lawson

Prompt 29: Defining Moment _{^{{via Reverb 10}}}

"Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year." (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)

Several years ago John and I started deconstructing a lot in our lives, ourselves, our beliefs, and histories, and the result has been many years of rebuilding. It can be horribly difficult at times, but there are moments - very defining moments - in which I realize we are building something really beautiful and worthwhile. Moments when I realize how far we've come and I look forward to our future (which isn't always the case in my darker moments.) Moments when the love of our youth, with all it's passion and sparkle, looks small and wane. Maybe it's just that we are growing and learning to accept ourselves as well as our partner with all the grittiness, imperfection, and obvious humanity that comes with life and partnership; and I hope for many more defining moments that cause me to appreciate what we've built - what we are building. 

The Only Thing Left to Polish Off Now is the Gun

If only I didn't relate maybe I wouldn't have so much latent anger and a drinking problem. But then again, it could be worse...

{images & sarcasm brought to you by Anne Taintor}

Crush of the Week: Marcia Hindman

Marcia Hindman is another artist I met at the Salem Art Fair a few weeks ago. I was immediately drawn in by her colorful and heavily-textured acrylic paintings, and even more so by her inviting and energetic spirit. Marcia talked with John and me for a long time about her work and I couldn't help but feel excited by her passion for painting. She even invited our opinion on a few pieces she was still in the process of completing. Marcia is also one of the most adorable and talented people I've ever met, and she didn't even consider herself a "real" artist until just a few years ago! Now all I need is one of these crush-worthy paintings for myself and life will be complete.

Thank you Marcia for being my Crush of the Week. You, and you're work, are truly delightful! xo

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

Today is dedicted to one of my new favorite songs. It's not only catchy, but the lyrics are oh-so-good and the video is fun to watch. Happy Monday!

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah and the Wale

And that's not the only song by Noah and the Wale I'm loving right now...

Blue Skies by Noah and the Wale

5 Years Time by Noah and the Wale