Original Inspiration

My big brother is here to visit for a few more days. I love it when he comes to town. He was, without a doubt, my original inspiration for becoming an artist.

Giving Thanks

This holiday I am giving thanks for the long shadows and high contrast afternoons of autumn, warm sun spots in our pretty little bungalow, blushing pear & raspberry pies, new dresses and old sweaters, quiet moments after loud weekends, moody Faulkner hard bounds, breezy glossy Sunsets.


And, of course, I'm thankful for my family.

Being There

Part 2 of a summer road trip...

Our trip to Ashland, Oregon was one of those vacations that none of us wanted to end. Some of the highlights were...  

 ... late summer gardens, spilling out over picket fences...

... the old house we stayed in with the perfectly wallpapered attic room...

... all the old houses and buildings with paint peeling character and signs of lemonade summers on back porches...

... slow spacey time spent in art filled coffee houses...

... morning mimosas at the Dragonfly...

... late night pints at the Black Sheep...

... hanging out with this gang...

... and these guys...

... lounging in Lithia Park...

... watching the grass grow.

Birthday Girl

Today is my Great Aunt Libby's 90th birthday. She's wonderful.

This old photo is of her with my Grandpa Al and my Grandma Gladys. Libby and Gladys were twins. What a bunch of cuties.

big brother

Besides being Father's Day, Sunday was also my big brother's birthday. Happy birthday dude.

Saturday Recap

This last Saturday afternoon was pretty darn perfect. Not only did I get to hang with some of my favorite people...

... but I got to sip margaritas and taste ceviche on a sun drenched, Mexican tiled patio. It just doesn't get much better.

sunny and 70˚

Greetings from sunny Southern California. Oooh I do so love Autumn in Ventura. It has been so hot and bright here lately. It feels like summer.

Happy weekend folks. Hope you are having a bright Saturday and that there's a sunny Sunday in your near future.

{how adorable are my little God brothers in the photo above? I love those guys.}

long distance hug

On our way back from Wyoming, on our epic summer road trip, Mr. C and I got to spend some time with his wonderful mom. She is an amazing woman with a huge heart and a knack for making smoothies.

She told us some sad news yesterday. It makes me wish that I could give her a warm hug and tell her not to worry, that it will be all right. Hopefully she feels all the positive thoughts I am sending her way. And maybe some of the kisses I blow to the north will land on her cheeks.

Annie

Just finished taking some head shots of my sister from another mister. She's going to be a famous model some day.

Dear Ol' Dad

My dad is totally awesome. We couldn't celebrate Father's Day with him Sunday because we had an epic photo shoot scheduled. But we did have the loveliest Italian feast at Arnoldi's in Santa Barbara in his honor, complete with chianti and bocci ball.

For those of you live in the area, you simply must visit Arnoldi's Cafe one summer evening. It's such a perfect setting for long days and late nights.

{photos by of mom and dad by me}

Oh Brother

Wish I was there to celebrate with you, Jabe. Hope it was a perfect day and that you caught some of the kisses I was blowing in your direction. Happy Birthday.

{photo found here}

in memoriam

While I often shy away from the deeply personal in this public space, I wanted today's post to be a tribute. I am thinking of some one I've been missing. She's been gone for one year to date, though it hardly seems that long. These red flowers are for her.

Spaghetti Western

So, today's is a bit of a personal post. My mom is having complications from a surgery that should have been routine. I know she'll be OK, but it's always always stressful to have a mom in the hospital. I thought I'd take a moment to tell you all how impressive my dad is.

He's spent the last days in waiting rooms and next to sick beds, taking breaks only to nap and devour left over penne puttanesca. He's like on of those old timey heros, lookin' out for his lady, doin' what needs to be done.

{photo is of my pops at the Folk Art Museum of Santa Fe... he's posing in an exhibit on Carnival}

way to go Mom & Dad

"If you've been married for a long time, you love without looking."

—Meryl Streep

My parents celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this weekend. Their marriage is 10 years older than I am. I can hardly imagine knowing some one that long, let alone being married to him. I am entirely impressed with you both, Mom & Dad.

{The photos above are of my parents & my big brother. They were taken before I was a glimmer in their eyes by a photographer that I never knew. I apologize for not being able to give proper credit for these lovely shots.}

happy birthday to you, Lynn

This year, saying happy birthday was much more complicated. So we got creative...

7 Red Balloons

Nicole, Sarah, Annie, Isaac, Noah, Kendal, Nickolas, Ian and I all sent our messages to you on the fog and wind. I would not normally condone the release of balloons, but there are some moments, when you are invited into the closest circle, not to say what or where, just to be there.

2 Trees

Ian and I climbed a small mountain to silently say... everything.

kickin' it old school

It's our last night in Olympia and I'm so glad I got some Old School pizza in me before I left. Tonight it's out on the town. We've all got crossed fingers that the evening will be warm like this glorious sunshine day.

Surprise!

So, it all payed off—all the finishing up and running around and last minute planning. We made it to Olympia, Washington to celebrate my big brother's birthday and spend Father's day with the fam. The best part: both my dad and my bro were totally surprised.

That's my brother above. Isn't he a cutie? Happy birthday Jabe.