life : nice people

florabella textures are really nice

friends
we still receive nice comments/emails from our online friends asking about charlie and i just wanted to thank you so much and give an update. he is doing ok, but it's a struggle. helen was quite the talker and she was the one who kept everyone informed about things going on with different family members and friends. his world has gotten very quiet and 24 hours is a long day to fill. he's done very well with daily life and has socialized through bingo (lots of female widows), lunch at the local church (more widows and he's the only guy), atlantic city, golfing and us. recently he rolled out of bed and has a black eye. apparently, he was sleeping on helen's-side so he would be closer to the bathroom. he forget, rolled over and splat. oh boy!

art
kelly is the such a creative inspiration and so nice. she opened a new shop yesterday called sunrose studio featuring her wonderful photography and digital collages and the name is perfect for her. good luck, kelly!

neighbors
except for one, our neighbors are really nice. the hydrangeas above are from our lovely neighbor in the house next door who insists on giving them to scott for me. i've been lucky to receive peonies and roses from his tiny garden, too. he doesn't speak english and we don't speak chinese. we bow and smile, a lot. everyone understands. it's nice. we hope to have some nice tomatoes from our tiny garden to share with him this summer.

tunes
i hope the members of the band fanfarlo are nice because their music certainly is. i like the cover art for their new album reservoir.

hope you have a very nice week! xo, cindy

home : the domestic arts

the only thing i made in these photos is the camera strap, but i ironed just about everything.

ever since my photography class finished i've been able to get back to sewing. it's such a rewarding craft as it is creative and functional, but does involve lots of math and ironing. my mom thought of ironing as an art form and would turn the laura ashley dresses i wore into things of beauty with each ruffle just so. although i don't really make him anything, scott seems to like when i sew, too. maybe it's because i usually ask him to check my calculations?

one project i was intent on making this summer was an apron. i never found the orla kiely version in target and was looking through a kitchen drawer for one i had to use as a pattern. i found it and three others that my mom made. i completely forgot about them! i washed and ironed each one and they are almost too pretty to use. the blue gingham one above is smocked, which is something i really love. i'm thinking i'll make one dish per apron, which will make scott really happy. not sure how long it will take me, but i hope not too long.

instead of the apron, i made a patchwork camera strap cover using alicia's tanglewood fabric squares pre-cut to the perfect size (thank you!) and her wonderful tutorial. i didn't realize it, but i seem to collect a lot of patchwork. not sure what to make next. any ideas?

hope you all have a nice weekend!

xo, cindy

ps i've gotten so lazy this summer, i don't seem to be able to use capital letters.

shop : anthropologie

we were in the anthropologie at rockefeller center this weekend and they always have the most wonderful window displays. very inspiring as i've been focusing on the domestic arts this week - sewing, laundry and ironing. the last two are photos are for their new vera collection. i loved seeing the actual screens for the prints.

happy wednesday! xo, cindy

fun : happiness is ...

spring + early summer at k's house

home
my brother's pretty house in new jersey shows that the state is more than kooky housewives, gangsters and toxic waste. it's a nice place to live and visit on holiday weekends ;). his lovely wildflower garden is so photogenic.

art
richard avedon at the icp with a husband who doesn't mind looking at fashion photos. hey, they are pretty girls after all. he liked sunny harnett and i liked suzy parker. we both liked anything that was shot outside the studio, preferably between 1947-1957. so glamorous.

movies
we're late to the party on twilight, but were ambivalent expecting teenagers hooking up and lots of vampire blood. wrong! it is a wonderful movie with excellent messages (restraint, loyalty, love) for teens and the rest of us. scott keeps talking about it. the soundtrack seems really good, too. love the song full moon by the black ghosts.

tunes
iron & wine is a new band to us from a new friend. thank you!

pics
two rolls of film from the new york botanical garden edible garden are at the drugstore. oh, the anticipation. hope they come out ok. the first roll i had developed was blank - eek!

hope you had a nice weekend! xo, cindy

pics : rose garden {2}

Hi Everyone -

This is the stone & lattice pavilion from the Cranford Rose Garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which must be the prettiest place to have a wedding ceremony. There is a fantastic time-lapse video of the Garden here.

Any plans for the weekend, which starts on Friday? One thing we'll be doing is checking out singer Julia Nunes after reading about her on VSL. We love her video for the song Build Me Up, Buttercup - it gets very interesting at 1:05. Have fun and be safe!

xo, Cindy

pics : rose garden {1}

Hi Everyone -

The Cranford Rose Garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is beautiful this time of year and perfect for the July 4th celebration as the rose is our national flower. Tomorrow, a completely different set of the stone & lattice pavilion.

xo, Cindy

PS See a new set of diptychs over here, which includes some cute baby ducks. Quack, quack!

fun : happiness is ...

the last storm before the weekend ...
gave the sky a pink glow at 8:45 pm. left from the west, right the east.


the high line park ...
is just wonderful. the standard hotel was built over the park and there are reports people can be seen having 'relations' in the windows. scott was concerned as there were so many kids in the park and took it upon himself to inspect each side. boys!


the chelsea market ...
is fantastic and a must visit. aren't these obama cookies from eleni's too cool to eat? most of my photos from the market were terrible, so i guess we'll just have to go back ;).


finishing projects ...
when they work out as planned is terrific! i wanted to make a 'duvet-type' cover for our chenille bath rug and this one actually fits. yay! alicia's tutorial was great for the patchwork-top using vintage sheets. and, we outgrew the art display board almost as soon as it was done - ugh! these art wires took me quite a while to arrange and required complicated mathematical formulas, tape, and lots of staring at mav's to get them just right. i wanted them to be super-straight, so please don't tell me if they're not ;).

what's making you happy these days? do tell!

fun : a few favorites {3}

Toni Weber + Jamie Shelman
Toni's clothesline photo reminds me of my Mom and Jamie's cats are the cat's pajamas.


Inleaf
I won the lavender sachet in Lotta's giveaway and bought the zip purse using a $20 gift certificate.


3191 Prints
I carry the 3191 book around like it's a bible. I've even put a wax paper book cover on it to keep it safe and sound.

Hi Everyone -

This is the last group of favorites for the week. I hope you've all been as inspired by these talented ladies as me. When I started doing these posts many months ago, I asked Erin if she thought people would think I was 'bragging' by featuring some of the things we've collected. She said not at all and that it was a wonderful way to show support for the handmade community. I believed her as she is very wise and that was the intent. To highlight favorite artists in a very personal way.

Although I do have some favorite lotions and potions, I'm not one for expensive beauty treatments in a salon. Not that I don't need them or don't think they're wonderful. I just really don't enjoy people fussing over me in that way and prefer to have a photo or something handmade, instead.

We have no big plans for the weekend and that's fine with us. The sun might shine, so that alone will be a good start. Have fun!

xo, Cindy

PS : RIP Neda, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. No matter how long you live, life is short and so precious. We know it.

fun : a few favorites {2}

Sara + H
Sara's wonderful print is going to cause me change our entire photography display.


Heather Smith Jones Jotter + Lauren Alane Owl
Two smart ladies go perfectly together.


Florabella
Shana Rae's photos are ethereal and her textures are divine.

Hi Everyone -

This week I'm -
{updates 2:00 pm}

1. Very excited about Fifi's interpretation of my typewriter photo.
   
2. Making a new bathroom mat using Alicia's patchwork tutorial. {up since 4 am and done!}
   
3. If the sun comes out, photographing a special project for a special lady. {not today, rainy}
   
4. Thinking about getting a haircut. I'm not a fan of haircuts. Ugh. {whoa, that's pretty short. i'll be happy in a week. no more polo shirts for me. girly blouses only. scott will say it makes me look younger. love 'em}
   
5. Signing-up for PJ's giveaway for a $50 'e' gift certificate from Amazon. Go see the cutest photo! {done}
6. {Off to do the laundry.}
   

What's keeping you busy? Add it to my list!

xo, Cindy

fun : a few favorites {1}

Bonbon Oiseau
Coral or jade earrings look lovely with Deb's delicate bracelet.


Dolce Chic
I purchased the pansy print from Ms. Candace Rose and she included the rose print because she noticed I marked it as a favorite in Flickr. So sweet and appreciated.


WREN Handmade
I love small things, especially when I don't have the patience (talent) to make them myself.

Hi Everyone -

This weekend I realized -

1. Shows like The 'Real' Housewives of New Jersey are bad influences on me if I watch them too much ;).
   
2. Although understandable in light recent events, this blog has become too focused on us, namely me, me, me (see #1).
3. I haven't posted any favorites in a while and need to get busy.
   

All week, we'll have favorites photographed on the cheery yellow bandanna included in Cindy*'s Swap box (below). The sun is playing hide & seek in our neck of the woods, but we can deal with it in other ways.



Have a good one!

xo, Cindy

pics : beach diptychs {2}

License Plate Flag & Shooting of the Muskets

Hi Everyone -

There was a military reenactment at Mulford Farm Museum while we were in East Hampton. There's a lot of camera shake in that top photo on the right because I didn't expect them to actually shoot the muskets. It was so loud and sudden! I included it anyway because it reminds me of how funny it was at the time.

We're taking Charlie to his favorite Czech restaurant this Father's Day. He's doing ok, but you know, it's not easy. Among other things, he really misses the daily chit chat we often take for granted. And, making reservations for 3 instead of 4 is weird. We're still kind of in shock that Helen passed away and it's only two months, but seems like so long ago. Thanks to everyone who asks about him.

I hope you enjoy this group of diptychs. I am so corny, someone really should stop me ;). Have a nice weekend!

xo, Cindy

PS More diptychs over here, including my photo, sort of.


Soldier, Kid & Lodgings
'Hey kid, do I look like I'm kidding? That's your tent for the night.'


Cook & Seamstress
'I should have chosen the sewing. Look at Miss Jane Austen.'
They had a turkey, salmon, scallops and potatoes cooking in the fire pit. Yum.


Windmill & Turnstile
They had concerts in the 1680s?


Outdoors & Indoors
I absolutely adore this place.


Indoors & Outdoors
It is so, well, quaint.


Swans & Their Flock
The Swans are used to people feeding them and were heading towards us. Yay! And then ...


Swans, Trader & Soldiers
The guy in the upper left bribed them with bread and they headed in the other direction. We were unprepared and had no bread. I think the muskets have HIS name of them. Just kidding, sort of ;).

pics : beach diptychs {1}

Windmill & Hydrangeas

Hi Everyone -

This is the first batch of diptychs from our weekend at the beach. Based on the rainy spring this year, we were lucky to see the sun.

xo, Cindy


Sportscar & Sidecar
The sidecar is part of Billy Joel's Motorcycles as Art and Icon Exhibit and he was actually there, alone.


Surfer Magazine & Boom Box
Research for sweet surfing dreams and what we'd need as we recover in the hospital if we actually tried it.


Beach & Trike
The Trike is a motorized hang glider and totally cool.


Coffee & Ice Cream
Black Raspberry from Candy Kitchen is Scott's favorite. He'll pretty much drink coffee from anyplace.


Outside & Inside
We could happily live in either place, especially Dienst + Dotter on the right.


Fountain & Trees
I love moss.


Novas Ark Project & Goats
Very unique sculpture park. The goats are so cultured.


Restroom & Tractor
There was actually a portable toilet (ew!) behind the fence and the tractor reminds me of the Green Acres tv show.

fun : summertime swap, my turn

Image by Hungry Girl Por Vida

Hi Everyone -

I received the most incredibly generous package from my partner in Nadia's Summertime Swap when I got home yesterday. It was sent by the wonderful Cindy* of Hungry Girl Por Vida and was chock full of the best things, including two CDs of new music that I already love! Cindy* always shares the best recipes on her blog, so I'm very lucky to receive her homemade raspberry meringue kisses.

She also included vanilla beans, which I've never bought for myself because they're always so expensive, edible lavender from Nevada, and some delicious nuts. Scott loves to play cards, so he gets the Reno, NV playing cards, but I get the handmade earrings. It's raining cats and dogs here, so I'll be taking photos as I use the things she sent if/when the sun comes out and will mention some of the new music in a future post.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful package, Cindy*! This swap is so nice because you make two new friends - Sheila + Cindy*!

xo, Cindy

PS My final photography class was great! People recognized the effort I put into the project more than I did and said very nice things about my work. My classmates had wonderful photos and I particularly admired those taken of people and at night. It's very good to see your photos actually printed and displayed to get a feel for your aesthetic. It's quite different than seeing them on a computer monitor.

food : strawberries+

Strawberries from a Farm Stand in Sag Harbor.


Church Strawberry Festival in Sag Harbor.


Strawberries & Brioche for Breakfast at Home.
Picked up the English Calico Teapot, Glass and Dragon Petit Point Placemat at our favorite antique store, Sage Street Antiques. I need them like a hole in the head, but couldn't resist. I've been drawn to cobalt blue a lot, lately. I think it's Scott's Mom as she was a big collector of cobalt blue glass.


Blueberry Rhubarb Pie for Charlie's Birthday.
It was supposed to be Strawberry, but it's still yummy.

Hi Everyone -

Thank you so much for the nice comments on the five senses photos. I'm showing them to the class tomorrow, and although I took the class for fun, I'm still nervous. As much as I loved the class and not to be overly-dramatic, I think I'll feel like I'm completing graduate school when it's over. On to the next thing like using what I learned and some sewing this summer.

This weekend we went to the beach for the first time this year. We managed to eek out some nice weather and the strawberries were in abundance. I made some Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins today and the recipe is over here. We brought a pie home for Charlie's birthday and we felt a little bit sad because we always brought it home for Helen & Charlie.

See you later in the week with more beach photos. I'm thinking some of these Les Brumes textures might look neat, although I'm still on the fence about using them. I guess I feel like I should be able to make my photos interesting on their own through technical adjustments in the camera. But, the filters are really fun to use and create beautiful moods. I love these Florabella textures, too.

xo, Cindy

PS In the last digital lab I mentioned getting LCD screen protectors. I originally picked up the thin films that you peel and stick on. They were crummy with lots of air bubbles and didn't provide a perfect fit. The LCD optical glass screen protector ($10) seems much better.