Bright spot

For almost the entire time I have been writing on this blog, Laura Trevey has been a complete bright spot!  From the very beginning she would log on and post friendly, encouraging comments.  We all know how much those comments can brighten our day, especially during those first few weeks when it feels like you are talking to no one but yourself!

When I first visited her blog, Bright, Bold & Beautiful, I was completely taken by her pieces - they are absolutely gorgeous!  Each watercolor features the most amazing colors, and they all seem to have the unique ability to bring me back to a certain moment in life.  Below are a couple of my favorites, and a little snippet about the memory they evoke.    

Belle of the Ball.

This piece reminds me of waking up on my wedding day.  All of the dresses gorgeously hung up, the bright colors, and the lovely happy feeling that you have knowing what a special day lies ahead of you! 

Ruby Fields.

This brings me right back to fall in Connecticut, which is where I grew up.  There is nothing better than the Autumn leaves in New England. 

Hosta Leaves II.

I live in Oregon and my back patio is completely hidden by large Doug Fir Trees.  Nothing grows, aside from hosta!   This year, I had my first successful shade garden in the back and the hosta was the absolute star.  This reminds me of quiet mornings with cups of tea and the newspaper, relaxing and looking out over the garden.  

Connections.

In the Oregon winter, the rain creates the most beautiful pixelated images.  Most people think that Portland is miserable in the winter, but there is a really beautiful, cozy feeling that all of the darkness and rain bring with them.  This image does that same thing for me! 

Thanks so much to Laura for her gorgeous work!  Visit her shop to see more her pieces.  You can find them at http://www.lauratrevey.etsy.com/. 

Its the small things

I finally hit 50 followers this lovely Thanksgiving weekend!  And while that is a ridiculously small number in blogland, it is a perfect little milestone to lead me into the dreaded Monday following an amazingly relaxing four day weekend!  Thanks so much to everyone who follows and comments!  It's great fun to log on everyday and read the thoughts of others out there in the universe, especially when they leave little notes & ideas on something you have written on your own little blog.  

My 50th follower is Jane and in checking out her sites, I found her super-fun etsy store Art Conductor.  I love a good wall decal - they're such a fun alternative to traditional art - and Jane has some seriously great ones on there.  Here are a couple of my favorites:  

I live in Portland, so my love for bike related items is almost in my blood. 

This decal is my favorite out of the bunch!

I'm not really a phone person, but this is so cute and has a fun retro feel.

The shoe decals are so great, and that floor is mesmerizing! 

You know I can't help myself when it comes to birds!

This looks perfect with the rustic bed.

How cute would this look in a little girl's room or nursery? 

Happy Monday back to work - hope its a good week!

Eyeful of birds

As you may know, I have a total thing for birds.  I found the loveliest photos this morning from eyeful.  Thought I would share.  Hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Up bird in flight.

Wanderlust.

Summer.

Many and one.

One.

Eerie & adorable

The photos on this site are amazing!  This mini-shoot is completely adorable - and I love how the cemetary adds a nice bit of mystery and mood.  Such a sweet outfit contrasts with the scene, and makes me feel like if this were a movie someone would be offering this girl some tainted treats. 

This first one is my favorite - those shadows and the tree make it!

The gold buttons on that lovely little jacket!  Love them!

~all images via liebemarlene's flikr stream~

Art class

Basically, I chose that title today because I need one.  I am what I would call "crafty", but am miles away from what I would call an "artist".  Lately, I have been really drawn to people and their craft.  As someone from the outside looking in, I see artists as really honest folk.  They put all of their emotion right on the page (or whatever they choose) for all to see.  I have been shopping for some art for the house, and this week more than usual, I have been bumping into some amazing artists online.  I found this shop Twolia via Lovely Clusters, and saw these gorgeous dreamscapes.  I just want to take them, have them blown up, and hang them in my bedroom.  The colors are pale and subdued, and the lines are so soft.  They make me feel like I am floating....

Cloud series

Once upon a dream
artist - jbeaudet

I really like the use of nature in these as well.  Something about bringing a bit of that into the house that always feels good! 

Seaplane

Are you one of those people where being anywhere close to the ocean just seems to calm you down?  I am.  Just the thought of heading out to the coast (or the shore, as we native New Englanders like to say) evokes an overall feeling of vacation.  Aaagghh.  It's one of those 5 senses things - the smell of the air, the beautiful views, the sound of the waves crashing and seagulls cawing, the salt you can taste when the wind whips around, the sand in between your toes.  You know how it is!  It doesn't even matter what the weather is - stormy, sunny, somewhere in between...the sea always has this way of making me happy and warm inside!  I discovered these prints by Frances Seward over the weekend and they seem to do the same thing.  I am thinking of getting a couple for my office - they're absolutely gorgeous!

Coastal Hues III

Inner Calm

River Stream

Moonrise

Distant Light Source

Morning Light

I love how there is this sort of natural base, but an almost fantastical feeling as well....at least to me!  I guess that is the beauty of art - it is completely open to your own interpretation.   

Don't you just want one of each?  Hope you are having a lovely Monday morning!

It's the weekend!

Get out there and enjoy it!  I am so excited for the glorious weather we are having out here in Portland and plan to take full advantage of the warm temps this weekend.  But, I can't help it, this time of year always makes me miss New England.  Have a great weekend!

~Morning Colors via Indy Kethdy's flikr stream~

Modern magic

I know I've told you about my bird obsession, but I don't think I've mentioned my love of all things mid-century modern. I was looking up some old Todd Oldham projects yesterday, and was reminded of the amazingly talented Charley Harper (who might have even been more into birds than I am!). I studied math in college and immediately fell in love with his geometric genius the first time I saw it. It is so simple and cool, and his style and use of color were revolutionary! Plus, there are birds!  These are just a few of my favorites.  You should really check out his entire collection of prints!  

Lovely

I originally stumbled on this website last week (via Felinofelice) and I seriously can't get it out of my head!  The artwork is gorgeous - these mermaid prints below are my absolute favorites.  I am thinking about getting all three!  The whole line of art deco inspired prints are pretty darn amazing as well.  Oh, and check out the titles of them, too - they are just as charming as the prints themselves (see "The Italian Love Bandit" below!).   

The Etsy shop is Matou en Peluche, the artist is Sam, and the lovely accompanying blog  is http://www.matouenpeluche.typepad.com/.  Go there - I know you will be just as taken as I am!    Happy Monday!

 Underwater Boudoir.

 

The Interloper.

  

Jemima takes Harry for a walk.

  

The Italian Love Bandit.  Adorable.

  

Nancy. Couldn't Help myself - it's my Gram's name, too. 
Love those green eyes!