Happy Summer Solstice!

To celebrate the longest day of the year, I kicked off my Bike Commute Challenge: to see how long I can cycle to work without resorting to other transportation. I've covered my car - it's in Tyvek now - and while I won't be heartbroken if I take the bus, it's going to fun to see how long the streak will be! 

Part 1, Day 1: Success!

It was even a great ride. The Bike Gods must have been smiling upon me! Everyone passed me well on the outside of the 3 feet distance they're legally required to give me, and I even had both sets of doors opened for me when I arrived at work. It might have been to avoid my sweaty tomato-face, but I'm sure it was really just that good ol' Southern hospitality.....Right?!

Enjoying time with family

I don't often get to see my younger brother and his family; time with toddlers is awesome :)

{ DailyDIY } 04.17.12 Beaded Button Down Shirt.

This is a little late for some, but here in Arkansas it's chilly enough in the mornings to appreciate a longer sleeve that can be rolled up in the heat of the day! Or rolled down when you have to be in some absurdly over air conditioned building =)

 
The Beaded Button Down Inspiration

They suggest "any button down shirt" but I would qualify that:

1. It will need a sturdier material to support the weight of the beads without flumping over unattractively. A medium weight Egyptian cotton would be wonderful.
2. It should be tailored to your body shape. Make sure you like the fit of your clothing before you embellish it, else you're wasting your time. Or "practicing" your technique, I suppose...
3. This would be really cute on half-placket shirts, and can be done to any shirt at all! Don't stop here if you like the idea :)
4. Laura comments that it is now hand-wash only. I don't have time for that; if you don't either, I recommend tying a double knot every 1-2 beads, depending on the weight of the beads. Then wash on delicate cycle with your delicates!

Reasons Why I Like Arkansas, Vol. I

Stately Trees

Gorgeous

Sunsets

Everyday

Roses and Birds

The Dichotomy of Nature

Simplicity

Travelling Rose Bushes!

I've been a'travelin..

To Shreveport, LA for New Year's, as you may recall, and recently to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (though I actually missed the Fat Tuesday finale :( ) I took approximately 2 billion pictures in Shreveport and I'll have those posted on my Flickr soon - but here's a taste:

Downtown, New and Old

Macro of the Nation's Largest Public Arts Mural

One of the many murals throughout Shreveport

As for New Orleans, I decided to keep my camera at home for two reasons: 1) didn't want to have to worry about it all the time and 2) miss things because I was busy taking pictures and not taking in the scenery. This doesn't mean there won't be pictures and blog posts coming, however - all the throws (and memories) deserve their own blog post.

On a more somber note, my sympathies to the families affected in the shooting Tuesday. How tragic.

How deep is your love, how deep is your love...?

I just thought I'd share what's been stuck in my head for the last 24 hours at least.



I never would have listened to any of the BeeGees stuff if it hadn't have been for this man. Thanks, John Frusciante...I think.

This is why the mockingbirds hate my cat.

While I was taking photographs this afternoon, I glance up and catch this view - Bobby's in the bird bath, casually taking a drink and scoping out the scenery. I used to wonder why I never saw any birds actually use that thing and now I know!


Bobby's never very far when I'm taking pictures - he seems to think that if I'm not taking them of him, then I need his supervision. His very strict attention, as you can see.

I feel like I've been in front of the computer all day, but I've actually been very productive today - hooray! I've got new jewelry shots (and some cool photos in general), found some more generous souls who will mail out my business cards, added to my Facebook page so all my friends can see my work, and I've got a Facebook fan page now too!

Edit: Facebook ate my fan page :*( I'll post when I get it back!

Once upon a time...

I was strictly a meat-and-potatoes gal. Heaven, to me, was a 4-oz filet mignon with a loaded baked potato. Nowadays however, this is my manna:
I love roadside stands! One kind gentleman gave me all those mini bell peppers cause they were going soft...think of all the stirfrys and soup I'll be making! I'm drooling now.

So on that note, do your town and yourself a favor, and shop local produce while you still can!

eeee!

I mean, who isn't excited about Michael Phelps yet?! Competing in 8 events is grueling enough, but gold in all eight is simply phenomenal. I can't help but admire with his hunger for a challenge, from when he was 8 (is it fate? haha) and the breast stroke wasn't his natural or easiest stroke so he chose to pursue that and master that. Not only that, he's a very intelligent strategist: holding back in a prelim to power through a relay is obvious at first glance, but think about it. Olympic pools are *huge* - you can't see everyone and where they are. How does he know when to swim a bit faster or slower? Or deciding nearly instinctively to chop and not glide to beat Cavic? (and as a former athlete, I'd argue they are decisions, just very very streamlined ;) ) After all this, and he's still a momma's boy: after winning his 8th, he says "I kinda just want to see my mom". Awww! Phelps truly embodies what the Olympics is all about: true competition, smarts and willpower. Big bravo to Mr. Phelps.