APPLEGANG

It's kind of a big deal.

2011-09-12T23:05:00.000-04:00

New website is live! It's kind of a big deal. Now you can easily navigate my site to find art and blog posts combined! Soon to arrive: shop! Sadly, this oh so lovely blog will no longer be updated. It has a rather large place in my heart... So if you regularly frequent - just turn your web dial to applegang.com and continue to find arts and crafts galore.

Thank you blogger - for validating my want to express all creative and inspirational outlets.

Sneak Peek!

2011-09-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

New website! Almost ready.

HOW TO: make a mojito to remember

2011-08-03T22:39:00.001-04:00

Easy steps for making the perfect summer beverage:
Muddle
2-4 slices of lime
5-10 leaves of spearmint
(I like lots of flavor - so I use the max of both)
Simple syrup (to taste)
Add ice
Pour 2 oz white rum
Mix, stir, shake (whatever you prefer)
Top with champagne or soda water (champagne is a lovely addition & treat)

Presto! Amazing summer beverly to be enjoyed with friends over sunsets/ tea parties or solo over chick flicks/ poolside.

Everyday Repeat Patterns

2011-07-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

I happen to deeply enjoy repeat patterns. Especially when they pop-up in my day to day routine of wake-work-errands-sleep.

dan & whits, norwich, vt

antique shop, charleston, sc

cedar circle farm, east thetford, vt

a saved roadtrip.

2011-06-15T19:38:00.000-04:00

to thank someone. (thank you)

Free chairs = makeover

2011-06-03T23:56:00.002-04:00

I found these chairs on the side of the road last summer. I've been waiting all year to sand them, reupholster and spray paint! I started the process this past weekend but am headed off on a wonderful road trip adventure. Once I return it'll be time to spray paint! Semi-gloss white with lightly hand-sanded/worn edges. Swoon... Before & after shots to come.

New! From Letterpress, with Love.

2011-05-25T22:44:00.000-04:00

A new logo. A new business card. Letterpress is swoon-worthy. Fingers crossed that open studio extends through summer. I have big ideas.

My Watchful Friend

2011-05-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

New Growth.

2011-05-10T10:58:00.000-04:00

It's about that time.
Time for ferns to unfurl.
Time for blossoms to bloom.
Time for new leaves to grow.
Bicycle rides to pubs.
Poolside drinks.
Extended dog walks.
I've been patient. Oh summer can you hear me? I'm so ready for you.

Spring-Like

2011-04-09T10:08:00.000-04:00

This winter season has been the longest & coldest one that I can remember. I'm super ready for spring and rumor is, today will hit 60 degrees. To celebrate, I'm wearing my over-sized sunglasses and contemplating some celebratory cigar smoking outside the Norwich Inn. Their porch and rocking chairs are lovely. Not to mention their home-brewed beer... That sounds like the perfect way to spend the first real hope of summer.

New Logo!

2011-03-24T14:56:00.000-04:00

New site getting tinkered with now...

Secret text.

2011-03-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

Mmm typefaces and tiny metal letters

2011-03-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

New business card in the works! Open, free-to-the-public letterpress studio at the local college. I'm in heaven. They have a paper vault. A vault. FULL. Of PAPER. Not to mention endless amounts of typefaces and woodblocks. I will sleep there. I will never leave. The room smells lovely. Like vintage stories and antique presses waiting for affection.

Birch trees and who else.

2011-03-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

A texture overload. Birch tree pattern, soft feathers, rough feathers, and a water color branch. I'm into it.

Seastache!

2011-03-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

I made a lovely moustache stamp sometime ago and as I was stamping it on a thank you tag, I realized it needed a little something more. The wave doodler in me went wild. And seastache was born.

It's kind of a known fact.

2011-03-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

Live what you LOVE

2011-02-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

The By & By from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

Hey there.

2011-02-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

Yes, it may be the day after the epic holiday of affection. But it doesn't make this less valid or less important. And isn't fashionably late all the rage? I wanted to say that I love you. I may say it everyday in the morning, in the afternoon, before bed. And every free moment in between. You could say I've really worn the term in. Perhaps to overuse status. But I guess I can't help myself. I love you. I do. You're everything I hoped to find. Getting to share insane geek-out moments, weekend adventures, happy hours, a sweet barn. It really couldn't be better. I love you so.

Wait for it....

2011-02-08T09:28:00.002-05:00

My Winter.

2011-02-02T18:39:00.000-05:00

Looked like this. No, it's not over. We just got snowed in with another wicked storm. But I'm hopeful. And by hopeful, I mean I'm shopping for spring party dresses on ModCloth. mmmm

{ antique shops }

{ 45 minute drives for amazing breakfast sandwiches }

{ cocktails in rustic lodges }

{ sled dog adventures }

{ art partners in art attics }

I need owl.

2011-01-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

I did not copy the cat.

2011-01-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

I ffffound(.com) this cat photo and suddenly noticed its frighteningly similar demeanor to my photo. MY photo. The photo I took months ago. Before this adorable kitten had its cameo. Mrrreeeoooowwwwwng.

It's going to be good.

2011-01-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

One week later, I'm reflecting back on 2010. I think if I had to sum up the year in one, simple sentence it would be: "You never know until you try." And it is so incredibly important to try. Okay, enough cheese ball from me. Happy New Year! I hope you had an epic celebration to welcome 2011. I know I did.

DIY Overdose & Happy Holidays!

2010-12-21T12:31:00.000-05:00

Hand felted, wool stars. So easy to make and are great for ornaments or gift embellishments. You need felting wool, felting needles, and a cookie cutter of your choice. The felting supplies can be found at your local yarn shop.

Handmade wreath made from recycled magazines. There's a great how-to on Design Sponge. I just replaced the paper they suggested with an old Anthropologie catalogue.

Great, super easy gift idea. I made these out of an old fabric swatch. I used light weight rivets that you can find at any craft shop.

Not quite finished with this one. A necklace for my sister using leftover fabric from another project. I cut out flower-like shapes and strung them onto the necklace, sewing the petals together at the base to give that semi-closed look. It frays as its worn, but that's the beauty of it! Also going to add a monogrammed gold tag to help weigh down the center of the piece.


PomPom ornaments made with tissue paper! They look adorable on a tree or tied to a gift.

MOUSTACHE!

2010-11-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

My boyfriend got me possibly the coolest present of all time from my favorite paper shop in Portsmouth, Gus & Ruby. I'm a nerd about MANY things, but my true geek-out moments frequently take place around: typography, patterns, and sweet sweet moustaches. He managed to find me something that contains all three. How is this possible?? He definitely earned an overly animated hi-5-hug&smooch. Can't wait to frame and hang this sweet piece of art.

A little thing called homemade

2010-10-26T23:13:00.000-04:00

I've been rather head over heels about stencil-style numbers and raw-edged linen recently. So while on a craft binge, I combined the two together and made a few napkins. They came out just lovely and were simple to make! Now the tricky part is actually using them...

The last of its kind?

2010-10-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

I'm joining Charmingwall Gallery for their final 6x6 art show. So exciting! Only minor detail: they reside in a large city known as Le Grande Pomme, and I reside in a tini-tiny town often referred to as Junc City. There is approx 6 hours between us, along with a state or two. I don't know how I will make it, but I'm dreaming up road trips that will lead me to their door...

An old friend.

2010-10-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

Suddenly, Fall.

2010-10-11T09:40:00.000-04:00

A new loft in an old barn has yielded high ceilings, magic art corners, and ridiculous mountain views. A girl really can't complain about waking up to bluebird skies and trees revealing every sort of red, orange, and green shade possible. We got lucky. Real lucky.

{Happy Autumn.}

Water side leisure (the last bits of summer).

2010-09-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

Summer is apparently ending soon. Although, you wouldn't know it with the humid 90-degree days. The sun hasn't stopped shining, even with threats of hurricanes making their way up the coast.

Ode to the warm weather months: We love you. We do. We treat you as we wish to be treated and we do it whole-heartedly with abandon. We swim in your oceans. We play in your rivers. We jump off your bridges and swing on your ropeswings. We sip cocktails while your suns set and roast marshmallows while your evenings offer shooting stars. We respect you, summer. We do. Please remember us when you make your fall exit and do ask winter to be gentle. Yours always.

All of the above.

2010-08-10T14:41:00.001-04:00

Escape plans? New adventures? Secret notes scrolled in cement on lonely streets?

Secret Gardens and Unexpected Patterns

2010-08-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

In Flight...

2010-06-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Face Lift! And overuse of the word NEW.

2010-06-15T21:01:00.002-04:00

I'm leaving for Savannah tomorrow. And with a new adventure comes new scenery. And with new scenery comes new inspiration. And with new inspiration comes new art. I'm very much looking forward to it!

With the anticipation of new creative juice, I've given my website (and blog) a little makeover. I didn't change very much, but gave it a much needed facelift. Bright colors, new patterns, and anticipation for a new destination.

APPLEGANG.COM

Happy summer!

Time for POPPIES.

2010-06-04T23:45:00.000-04:00

And other pictures for the new, BRIGHT year ahead.

Happy Weddings in Seattle:

2010-05-31T16:41:00.000-04:00

My lovely friends, Niki & Shawn, tied the knot last month! It was a warm, sunny day in Seattle and we were all happily surprised. Congrats you two! It was a truly beautiful ceremony with a ridiculously fun after party (complete with a hot dog stand, photo booth, and wild dancing).

I was lucky enough to design their invites and had a blast mirroring the theme to the venue: The Georgetown Ballroom. It had a lot of exposed brick, set in an industrial area, with bright colored lanterns and vintage signs.

Their dog, Rogue, was the flower girl. She is like a person in a dog-suit most of the time, and I couldn't resist making a cameo like Stella's.

Animals Rule.

2010-05-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Paris Inspired:

2010-03-23T23:59:00.000-04:00

I've recently become quite smitten with the idea that France would be a lovely destination for my next international excursion. This daydream occupies my thoughts to ridiculous proportions. So much so that, not only did I purchase a party dress and a pair of red high heels with (unrealistic) anticipation, but I also purchased several books on Paris and France antique markets and boutiques. These books lead to some serious page perusing where I discovered the most fabulous handmade lights made out of jam jars. My crafty side had to replicate the artwork I found.

So I went to my local coop and found a lovely France-made jam in an equally lovely glass jar. But one can't let such $$ jam go to waste. I baked delicious jam-filled cupcakes and used every last drop of french goodness, cleaned the jar, cut a hole in the top (with a few smaller holes for heat ventilation), found a tini light bulb, cord kit, and PRESTO. My own French inspired light. It's adorableness hangs over my bed and is a romantic reading lamp. One that allows me to fall further into dreams of French countryside, Paris outdoor markets, and black party dresses with dramatic ruffles and very, very red heels.

Cut It Up.

2010-02-26T00:23:00.001-05:00

Scissors on the brain.
Bright red on the brain.
Head cold.
Snow hurricane.

Stella the Bella: A dog cameo

2010-02-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

the hopeless romantic in me

2010-02-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

Just can't stop:

happy hearts.

2010-02-03T00:12:00.004-05:00

I love Valentine's Day. Whether I have a relationship to snuggle or am flyin solo. The crafts and inspiration that come from this day of love-honoring are truly fun! This design is inspired by two pairs of antique scissors I recently acquired. The real things are old and rusty, but have so much charm. There is something to be said about tools made out of metal. None of this plastic disposable business... Antiques tell stories that I can't resist. So secretive and mysterious, leaving most to the imagination. My favorite.

yeehaw!

2010-01-23T13:59:00.002-05:00

With three jobs it's hard for me to visit my favorite site as much as I'd like: Design Sponge. But yesterday I took time out of my day to peruse through posts from the weeks I've missed. This wee little collage is inspired by what I found.

Winter Blues

2010-01-10T17:16:00.002-05:00

Nouvelle Annee

2009-12-26T18:31:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! May your daydreams lead you to new adventures.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-13T15:00:00.004-05:00

It's difficult to believe another holiday season is approaching! It's finally snowing in Vermont and the unseasonably warm weather has turned to -10 degree wind chill. It's nice to see it looking like winter. Another storm has hit as I type, with predictions of up to a foot of snow. Mmm bring on the winter wonderland. I can handle it.

Here is a holiday card I did for my close friends. They just brought a wee little one into the world -- how cute is she?! I'm pretty proud of how this greeting came out and had to share.

Happy Holidays!!

I'm Sorry...

2009-12-04T19:27:00.002-05:00

There is no better way to apologize for a very embarrassing moment than with a homemade card.

Yes PLEEEZ

2009-11-04T17:50:00.004-05:00

It's always fun to shop! It's even more fun to shop online... creating wishlists, adding to your cart but never hitting 'checkout'... grabbing inspirational items and holding them as long as you'd like. Mmmm... Some dream-dreamy items I've recently been yearning for:

Collaging with inspirational items is my favorite form of creative thinking. I recommend it :)

The Before. The After.

2009-11-03T00:43:00.005-05:00

I'm in love with Stray Dog Designs. Have you heard of them? Their stuff is inspirational/phenomenal/jealousy-inducing/ultra pricey. So when I found a rather boring lamp for $5 at a local shop, I saw potential. I saw a $400 coveted design underneath that dark, dull exterior. And so I purchased it, with the intent to turn it into a Stray Dog inspired masterpiece... Of course having no experience in the art of paper mache, the road towards the finished product was a rocky one. But it was worth it. The end result is lovely.

(please excuse the poor photos. only have the camera on my phone at the moment.)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I know it!

2009-09-02T13:42:00.006-04:00

It's been too long. Really, it has. Updates may be in order? This summer started later but has ended with a bang. Beautiful weather, tea parties, flooded wedding dance floors, bridge jumping, possibly too much drinking (oh sweet summer cocktails), long walks, new tattoos, sister birthday celebrations, a visit to Savannah, and painting painting painting. Yep. Pretty awesome. As fall approaches, here are some of my fave shots from the summer. Enjoy :)

Spacecraft Gallery Show

2009-06-01T22:24:00.006-04:00

This is really cool. Although I couldn't make it to the party, Spacecraft threw an awesome event in Seattle. I had the opportunity to submit artwork for their annual sticker sheet, which is composed of great art by super talented artists. They printed the artwork onto small canvases and auctioned them off with the proceeds going to the Bali School Fund. Check out photos from the event. Looks like it was a blast and a huge success. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.

The Past Few Weeks...

2009-05-17T15:31:00.003-04:00

It's already the end of May. I'm not sure how time is moving so fast, but I am happy to see that spring has arrived to Vermont. It's beautiful. Every thing is in bloom and the trees are bright green. After almost 7 months of cold weather, I need to seriously absorb this warm sunshine before it goes away again! Some pics I've taken over the past few weeks:

Climbing apple trees :)

Love this. A suitcase in a window display at a local shop.

Stella loves it when the window is open. She can watch the world go by.

Found some old family photos... REALLY old. Combined with my vintage typewriter and presto! Clever notes/tags.

DIY: A fun way to revamp an old bureau and recycle your leftover paint.

2009-04-17T16:14:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday I did this super fun project and blogged about it on my work website.

It was an all-day event, with a good amount of trial and error, but I love the way it came together. This is such a great way to give an old piece of furniture a face-lift.

I am a Seattle Visitor

2009-03-13T18:50:00.007-04:00

Every time I visit Seattle I begin to enjoy it more and more. I enjoy the art scene, textiles, colors, window displays, logos, shopping, nitch coffee shops... and the ocean. I find something new with each visit, and make sure to frequent the places I have come to love.

Must-visit locations for me include: Velouria, Cupcake Royale, Agua Verde, Cafe Fiore, Oaxaca, Ballard Locks, Fremont Farmers Market, Pho Brothers, Uwajimaya, Upper Playground, Gas Works, Lucca, Golden Gardens, Burnt Sugar, Show Pony... and so many more wonderful places.

We got to take our friends dog for walks, enjoy warm days in the city and powdery snow conditions in the mountains, shopping galore for me :), enjoyed lots of delicious food, and stayed at the best bed and breakfast: Greenlake Guest House. Our room had large windows looking out over the lake and a large jetted tub. Also gourmet breakfast every morning, and great owners, I definitely recommend to anyone wishing to experience Seattle as a home away from home.

Valentine Cards Available!

2009-02-02T21:51:00.007-05:00

Valentine Cards are available on the BicycleBicycle etsy site. Check them out! We had a blast putting these designs together. Free shipping! Shop on etsy and show your support for the handmade :)

Unexpected Gifts and New Year's Patterns

2009-01-05T20:34:00.003-05:00

So, I received the best note in my inbox today from a talented gal that spied my artwork at the TipTop Cafe in WRJ. Thank you for writing about me on your blog, Melissa! Melissa has an awesome BLOG and ETSY site. Check them out!

And while I have had the worst cold ever, couch ridden = pattern making, and I made these two fun patterns to kick off the New Year.

Happy Birthday, Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T11:53:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, Seth! The big 2-9!! Take a deep breath :)
I love you so much.

BicycleBicycle!

2008-11-29T19:04:00.005-05:00

It's official! BicycleBicycle is online and on etsy: www.bicyclebicycle.etsy.com. We are a collaborative of two awesome ladies pursuing the art of the handmade! Right now we have a couple holiday cards and gift tags -just to get things going. We have a laundry list of creative schemes ready to pursue each week, so check back often for updated merchandise. We also have a blog.

Etsy is an amazing community of handmade crafters. The amount of goods to purchase is unbelievable and inspiring. Happy holiday shopping :)

Some Landlocked Blues

2008-11-02T20:55:00.002-05:00

A little weekend art project. Instead of painting on wallpaper samples, I made the wallpaper. It was a fun experiment. A seashell stamped background with a graphite illustration.

autumn

2008-10-06T20:48:00.004-04:00

I drove to the orchard this weekend, and the leaves were so beautiful. I couldn't resist taking photos along the way.

Belated...

2008-09-21T21:34:00.004-04:00

My artwork has been slow lately. The only excuse I have is that my freelance lifestyle was altered back to the typical 9-5 recently... like within the last month. Got to pay those bills! Getting in the groove of office life is hard. When I come home painting is far from my mind. It's usually more like this: take dogs to park. feed dogs. eat. beer. couch. sleep. boo. Time to get motivated!! I've been sketching a bunch and have updated my website. My friend Urn says I need to tell people when I update it so they can check it out. So! I've put like 15 new sketches in the sketchbook. Check them out! Meanwhile, The Keeper is my most completed work. (WWW.APPLEGANG.COM)

And a happy Monday goes out to all you working folks...

When I visit I like to eat cake.

2008-09-05T22:32:00.005-04:00

After nearly a year, I ventured back to Seattle this week. An unexpected free flight (who could resist?) landed me in the arms of great friends, good food, and new adventures in familiar scenery. Here are some pictures from a visitor's perspective...

relocation of a creative destination

2008-08-07T21:44:00.002-04:00

Due to rising summer heat, my non-air-conditioned attic space was just getting a little too toasty for my taste. So I relocated! To our kitchen. Who needs a breakfast nook anyway? I love this new space, and come winter time, I don't think I'll be moving.

a vermont moment *

2008-07-28T10:30:00.007-04:00

1.2..3... Tea Time!

2008-07-16T20:53:00.004-04:00

The 2nd Annual Mendon Mt Orchards Tea Party took place this past weekend in honor of Kate and Corey. A dual baby shower. Corey just had her baby, and Kate is due in just a few months. It was so wonderful and fun to celebrate the two sisters. I was lucky enough to make the decorations and this is how it all turned out. Process is everything :)

Babies!

2008-07-01T21:30:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Corey and Tim! Andrew Smith was born today! A beautiful, healthy baby boy.

Waiting...

2008-06-26T13:01:00.004-04:00

I drive by this scene frequently and each time I do, I can't help but wish I had a camera. Well, my mom and I were chatting about taking photos of Vermont from our point of view, and while we mentioned places we've always wanted to stop and photograph, this bus stop came up. Realizing we had an equal love for these three chairs, we hopped in the car, camera in hand, and took a bunch of photos. Here are a couple to share.

Dream followers.

2008-06-24T12:02:00.003-04:00

Seth had a really awesome interview from Shay on her blog that is 100% snowboard driven. Nice job, Seth. Inspiring all on how to follow their dreams.

Little Muses

2008-06-07T17:48:00.004-04:00

I am SO looking forward to this show! Check out the Three Graces Gallery blog and website for information about the other lovely ladies involved. I am lucky to be a part of this event, and am very much looking forward to seeing all of the artwork together. Kim Ferreira owns and operates this inspiring gallery by the sea.

Ocean Isle

2008-06-01T14:17:00.003-04:00

Ever since I was a wee-little girl, my parents would take my sister and me to the Carolinas. Whether they realized it at the time or not, this once-a-year trip caused an obsession in my heart that I refer to as the "Paradise Sickness". I can't get enough of that hot, sunny, tropical weather. That ocean scent. That feeling of contentment, adventure, magic... Well, you get my point. I love the beach.

Longer ago than I can remember, we started vacationing specifically in Ocean Isle, at The Winds. It was a quirky resort with tacky decor, a creaking boardwalk, and nothing but good memories. It sat on a slowly eroding beach front property which was frequented by hurricanes in the summer. We loved it there. So, upon moving back to the East Coast, I thought what could be more fun than sharing this second home to my husband? Then he could finally understand how the Paradise Sickness came to be.

Well, we took a road trip there last week, and there were too many photos to share. I uploaded them to an album that you can view HERE. Cool! Hope you have fun looking at our summer adventure :)

Mountain Biking Season

2008-05-10T19:05:00.004-04:00

Has officially started. We went on a super fun trail in Norwich, Vermont and took some pictures.

Nouveau

2008-05-02T12:21:00.004-04:00

Alright, yes, I do realize that I probably went a little over the top, but when a particular combination of elements pops into your life that's just too good to pass up, how can you?? A new digital camera with a macro view and a beautiful bouquet of flowers simply equals f-u-n. Click on the images for an even closer look.

Adventures in Charleston

2008-04-23T15:23:00.007-04:00

Every year our family ventures to Charleston, South Carolina in April. The trip is arranged and executed by our lovely Grandmother. We venture down via Amtrak and spend a week absorbing sunshine, enjoying historic tours, and shopping until we can barely walk. It's lovely.

Charleston has a beautiful charm: the historic buildings integrated into the modern landscape, the secret alleyways with overgrown vines and cobblestones, and the water sitting at the edge of the city, allowing sea life to be closely admired by any who will take the time.

My Mum and me.

cuteness

2008-04-10T10:23:00.003-04:00

So! I belong to the Applegang. We consist of four rowdy girls that grew up on an apple orchard together. The title was given to us pretty much at birth, and has traveled with me everywhere. Well, two of those girls are my lovely cousins, whom happen to be sisters, and they both just happen to be pregnant! I am so excited for both of them and couldn't resist designing them a card. I used the same layout but used the background to set them apart. Corey loves polka-dots and Kate loves butterflies. These cards were such a joy to make and I just had to share :)

the process

2008-04-07T10:24:00.005-04:00

it's all about the process. this is my most recently completed painting: my heavy sand dollar heart.

i used watered down acrylic like watercolor for the octopus and sand dollar. i thought that would make them look more dream-like and fluid.

if you look closely you can see a clear stamp almost- in the middle right of the canvas. the light is hitting the painting just right in that spot. i actually stenciled a wallpaper pattern over the background of the painting with a gloss modge podge. it was more of an experiment than anything. it creates a cool effect that you won't notice at first. again, i was hoping this would give the painting a more magical, dreamy quality.

i heart vero

2008-03-29T15:49:00.008-04:00

Last week I found myself flying to Vero Beach, Florida with my friend, Becca. How could I pass up an invitation to the beach? We went to a small, gated community on the water and stayed with her grandmother, a 90 year old fire-cracker of a woman. As we toured the area of Vero, I quickly found that no one in town occupied our age group. Every person was either over the age of 40 or under the age of 15. I learned quite a bit on this trip. The elderly in Florida love their tans, and their booze. It's manatee mating season and they like to do it in three's. Blue Heron's are as tall as me. I've learned the true meaning of tar-heals by walking on a dirty beach. Rollerblading and strong allergy medications are not a good combo. And although perfect weather can never be guaranteed, you can still get a tan with overcast skies :)

this was the view from our bedroom!

Aquarium FUN

2008-03-05T12:45:00.004-05:00

The New England Aquarium is amazing! I could get all nerdy about how cool it was, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

We walked by a tinted window and when I peaked inside, I found a room full of penguins!

This fish really wanted a vogue picture taken. My camera shutter was open for a couple seconds, and he stayed perfectly still.

This tank was home to a giant school of fish.

Jellyfish chaos.

My future's so bright...

2008-02-26T09:55:00.003-05:00

(hehe) I couldn't resist.

and some endangered species love, swimming in a sea of coral polka-dots:

owl suit

2008-02-15T16:11:00.002-05:00

what i've enjoyed lately:

owl suit doodle and flower shops

solo trip to the vegas aquarium

watching stella grow... slowly but surely

observing sam-the-cat as he fishes

Nothin' like a little love

2008-01-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

Buzz Buzz.

2008-01-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Stella, meet the World. World, meet Stella.

2008-01-05T08:15:00.001-05:00

A rescue pup came into our lives this winter and oh boy is she a handful. We can't help but adore her, can't help but give her cuddles, and can't help but let her cause trouble simply due to how cute she is. Louie will try and act like he is annoyed, but I know he secretly loves her...

Out for a snowshoe.

Nap time.

Play time.

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Living in New England... it's been snowing so much. Louie loves it. I think he was born to play in the snow. The cold weather is starting to feel normal. "It's warm out!" -usually means it's about 30 degrees. My only pjs are capree length which is proving to be a bit uncomfortable on cold nights. No long socks. No sweaters. Definitely didn't plan ahead. We are still unpacking and I have decided that before the next big move we just need to sell every item we own and start over. Moving your house is most certainly not the way to go. This transition has been full of life lessons, and I'm ready to settle down and enjoy the winter wonderland outside my window.

It is COLD out this morning.

Cardinal eating dried grapes out on our deck.

First east coast riding of the year.

Road Trip!

2007-11-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Where to start? Too much has happened in the last month or so, it’s hard to keep track. I’m just going to lump it all together in a nice, sloppy snowball and throw it right at you.

Seth was offered, and accepted, the sales manager position at Nitro. It just so happens that this snowboard co’s US base is in the same area we grew up in. Therefore, as I type, we are making the UHaul drive from coast to coast, headed back to VT. The time in the car has been filled with daydreams, howling sessions, Louie always on the lookout for “big dogs” (aka horses, deer, cows, etc), and some mild cases of mistaken identity: “Look at the turkey on the hill!... oh wait, that’s a bald eagle.” “Look at the furry sheep, I just want to hug them!” “Taylor, those are cows.” “Oh…”

I feel sad to know Seattle is so far away, but the memories and friendships are valuable, and Vermont holds all new possibilities that I look forward to exploring. High-fives to new adventures!!

Dear Seattle...

2007-11-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

Belated Premiere

2007-10-11T00:04:00.000-04:00

Although my art show was up all month, I only snapped shots the night I took it down. Here are some photos- now shut your eyes tight and imagine this same environment packed full of people! :)

Smells like fall...

2007-09-29T20:13:00.001-04:00

I'm not exactly sure when it happened. I could almost pin point it directly to Monday morning. The clouds are hovering low, we keep the lights on at work all day now, I can see my breath in the morning air, and Seth and I had to begin using the heat again at the house. I'm not sure how it happened, but it's suddenly fall. It feels like there was no transition, and I question whether I am ready for the coldness ahead.

We went on a walk in Fremont today. I think this leaf I found is a sign that the winter will be full of goodness. Seth had a seafood breakfast, and Louie and I encountered a dinosaur.

Seattle Life

2007-09-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

On September 6th, I had my very first art show since college. It was amazing! Did I take photos? Um... no. A bummer, I know! My camera broke just before the show... people have emailed me their photos, but they just don't reveal the wild, crazy night that it was! Marcus' was packed full of people. The artwork looked amazing. It's up all month, so I'll go back and take some photos of the layout. The space was perfect.

Now I find myself sitting at a coffee shop window, gazing out onto a busy street, sipping coffee and taking advantage of their internet connection. Oh the joys of Seattle life...

Oh My Chair!

2007-08-24T00:22:00.000-04:00

BAM! This is my chair. It's amazing. My birthday present rules (thank you Seth). Now I need to make a little magical corner by the bookcase, and I can cuddle up to draw, read, play on my laptop, um... basically do anything I want! In my FABULOUS, oh so COOL, absolutely fantastical CHAIR!

p.s. Camelion Design

8 - 18

2007-08-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday! I am totally 25. Weird! I'm a self celebrater, so I had the day all planned out. Read the horoscope in the am: "It's as if you are stepping up to bat and everyone on the other team is pitching to you simultaneously. Others might crumple under such pressure, but you have the mind of a Jedi warrior today. You are up for the challenge; pick the incoming toss that you like best and hit it out of the park."

Yeah, totally boring I know. Oh well. Next task, go buy a flower lei. This is one tradition from Hawaii I would like to continue in my life forever. So I go to the Hawaii Shop, they make me a beautiful lei right on the spot, and as I'm walking out check out who I run into.

FOR REAL! It was kind of amazing, and really solidified the whole horoscope truth in my mind :) After breakfast we ventured to downtown Seattle for a taste of the aquarium. We have never been in the two years we have lived here, and hearing that they have done a lot of cool renovations we figured we would check it out. Well, I guess I'm an aquarium snob because it was terrible. It was expensive to get in, and then every exhibit looked like it was for kids ages 2-10. As I looked around the packed aquarium, I realized that was really the only age group there. Hm. Oh well. Definitely never going there again. The only cool spectacle of the place was the octopus.

We lasted under an hour before I admited my bad judgement, and tried to justify the $30 ticket total. Some shopping, some cake, and some good ol' Seattle rain storms to tie together the afternoon, and now we're sitting at home waiting for a fun night of mojitos and nacho plates. Yum!

Tea Time!

2007-08-06T11:34:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, August 2nd, a tea party was held to celebrate a wedding and all of the wonderful women in my life. It was fabulous. Here are some pictures of the obsessive details and fun completion!

First: the cupcakes. Making them was a blast. The process involved myself and my mum, a couple of late, dedicated nights, and lots of sprinkles!

Second: the party. Invitations, party favors, a label for each treat, party hats, colorful lanterns, fabulous dresses, and tea cups galore!

Yum! New phone...

2007-07-19T16:55:00.000-04:00

My new phone is amazing! I never knew a phone could be so addictingly fun. The picture quality is amazing, it opens to a full keyboard, and I can send video! This phone is oh-so-fabulous it is worthy of a blog post. I know, I know. Some people think cell phones are lame. But come on. Check this thing out!
http://estore.vzwshop.com/env/

Texture

2007-07-08T01:11:00.000-04:00

My favorite step in each painting is the background. It oftens takes me the most time and involves the most trial and error. I love the way the texture of this background came out. If you only knew how many layers there are... :)

Nice to meet you.

2007-06-21T19:34:00.000-04:00

Hm. With all of the things I can't seem to follow through on, I'm not sure why I added this to my list. But here it is. Hopefully I will update it often and fill it with all things creative.