Various and Sunday

Day Trip

2012-01-27T18:24:00.001-08:00

A couple weekends ago, hubs and I ventured up to the City of Angels. I had a gift certificate to All Saints, that cool store I posted about here a while back. Since I don’t know L.A. very well, I always end up on Robertson. It has a little string of shops, including Kitson, and The Ivy restaurant (a personal all-time favorite and in fact my blog banner is the mantel that is over the fireplace in the restaurant).

We had salads and relished the lovely interior. This place makes me so incredibly happy. I just sit there smiling.

I love the hand painted dishes, and their incredible salads. Fresh everything, and served with warm bread and salted butter. So yummy.

Below is a mantel in one of the other rooms. It’s oh-so-French. Every table has these gorgeous little teapot vases with garden roses and sweet peas. Beautiful.

Then, we took a walk and saw this secret walkway – which lead to a very expensive shop. I did not venture in.

One of my favorite designers…MARNI…though I own nary a piece. Their store window:

Over a fence, I saw this awesome building. Don’t you love the windows?

A fun day. Next time, I’ll get a city guide and chart a new course.

A Nice Little Thought

2012-01-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Isn't it the truth, this little saying? You really can only take some things so far. And then, you just have to let it go. Not to say you shouldn't try hard to achieve things, but spinning aimlessly on a thought, a task, a request, or some other "thing" that continuously falls out of reach, or is simply blocked from you, is a thing to be released. Bye bye fleeting things; weigh me down no longer.

Of course, on the topic of trying, these words by Ira Glass are so true. For me, it's about painting and writing creatively. I've painted a little, and written creatively a little, but I have this feeling I'll be good at both once I really get going. Ira captures this sentiment in this little talk, encouraging creative types to keep going.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I am so happy that we have Monday off! Heaven. Somehow now that I'm in the full-time world, I appreciate these days off so much. Before, although my agenda was my own, I lost site of the preciousness of time.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:12:00.001-08:00

Here’s to happiness and health and peace, and simple, relaxing times. May all the hustle and bustle of the holidays melt away and leave us with more quiet days. This video from Kinfolk magazine is the perfect visual to slow down with…

Click on the image and enjoy the serenity . . .

Happy 2012!

+ ,

Robin

May I Come In?

2011-12-29T18:30:00.001-08:00

I happened upon a nice blog, here. It was highlighting interiors by the Hovey sisters, who, as their bio tells, “strive to add a sense of nostalgia, adventure, history, and beauty to interior décor.” I think they definitely hit the mark, don’t you?

A little Louis-V. anyone? I’m in… I recently splurged for a L-V bag, and really love it. The brown and tan pattern is my favorite. After all, what are the long hours for if not to reward yourself once in a while.

Simple, but rich with detailed, vintage goodness… I swear I owned that bed frame.

American Painter Love

2011-12-27T22:01:00.001-08:00

I love Fairfield Porter. I even love his name. More of his work here. But then, I love Hopper, too.

These 3 by F.P.:

This, by Hopper:

And of course, Wyeth:

But then, I have to add my friend Spencer Eldridge to this list. It would not be complete without him. More on Spencer, here.

Holiday Meows to All

2011-12-27T08:41:00.001-08:00

Hoping it was warm and relaxing for everyone, with minimal stress, good food, and nice times with family. We had a fairly typical California day; weather is usually up for interpretation here...can you say climate change?
In other news: Cats got a new scratch post this year and OH the excitement that ensued! Photos coming soon.

Paws to the Grindstone

2011-12-23T10:43:00.001-08:00

So, each day as I work (yes, even today when present wrapping would be more fun; though I am blog posting at the moment…), I am surrounded by cats. Two, actually. Gwynnie and Kate. Kate likes this spot, next to my laptop (versus my work laptop which is to the left), and under the lamp which gives off some heat. This morning, hubs walked by and said: there she is, bucking for a Christmas sardine, paws to the grindstone. Totally cracked me up. So, with the power of photography, here you have it. Katie Bee: paws to the grindstone.
I s,
Robin

Oh, Santa Dear

2011-12-22T00:08:00.001-08:00

So, I go in and out of the Christmas spirit. Can you say mood swings? One day I’m excited, the next day overwhelmed. Today I got a pre-Christmas gift. A trip that I was supposed to take, leaving 12/26, was cancelled! And while I’m still working from home, I won’t have travel to deal with. J to the O to the Y! Did anyone hear me squeal this afternoon?
If you are reading this and you are an elf, I’m hoping Santa brings me an easel this year, so please leak the message. Tomorrow I’m signing up for a painting class, and I think this is going to be a must have. Not sure what will come of this artistic instruction, but maybe something folkish with blurry lines.

Tea Cup Cozy Cat Cowl

2011-12-21T12:26:00.001-08:00

It can get tedious just writing about information technology all day. One’s mind tends to wander a bit. Sometimes you have to just think outside the box and pull your tea cup cozy off your mug and pull it over your cat’s head, as is depicted here.

Gwyneth: Really? You’re really doing this? Then taking my picture, and blogging about it? Wasn’t that pink vest picture enough?

Such a darling tolerant one.
Oh, and Kate loves yams and kale. A lot goes on here during the day. You just wouldn’t imagine! *yawn*

A True Green House

2011-12-20T14:29:00.001-08:00

I saw this today and thought: a green house that grows food, not orchids or some rare ornamental this or that. How smart! This is Lucy Marr. Her and her hubby are: Stephen and Lucy Marr - Hairdressers and Skincare Developers
at their glass house - Auckland - Nov 21 2011
I love this idea…

One could certainly whip up quite the green drink from this little crop of goodies. And since it’s enclosed, no bug friends to disturb the leafy goodness. If you click the link, and scroll down a bit, you will see the green drink they make and the recipe. It sounds divine.
Love love love.

Williams-Sonoma Goes Vintage, and Mary’s House Gets Bear-y Cute

2011-12-19T14:14:00.001-08:00

I was surprised to see this weekend that W-S is offering vintage items. They had a table with some very nice vintage culinary items. Each item has a tag that says FOUND, and then a description complete with a wildly expensive price. Um, silver plate tray, $149? I think not. But it was lovely to look at. I’m wondering if it’s specific to the store and if maybe the staff are doing it, because I don’t see it on their website.
In other news, my belle mere has the most adorable things going on at her house. Can you say candy kitchen? Pardon the blurry photo; it’s on a window sill with light beaming in.

Oh, and the bears are cooking things too, and using pink oven mitts I might add:

Excuse me, I need to get over to the stove and grab one of these teensy utensils to stir the soup:

And then, once your tummy is full, it’s time for a Christmas bed time story!

Oh, and make sure both ovens are turned off before you turn in! This little scene sits on the window sill at the kitchen sink. This must make doing dishes much better, don’t you think?

The cast iron rabbit makes the fluffiest ring holder:

The Joy of Cooking, in miniature…and yes, there are actual recipes in the book!

Cosmo’s Big Day

2011-12-13T23:09:00.001-08:00

Cosmo moved to his forever home today. Steve, his new Dad, came to get him at 3:00, and after a quick stop at the vet to check him out, he went on to his new place. Since Steve already has 6 cats, Cosmo will actually start out in the garage at Steve’s, but with a heated pad and kitty bed. As the other cats get to know him, he’ll get to move inside. Though it may not sound super ideal, it is a warm place to live with a caring owner who actually knows about cats. Steve’s cats are all rescues. And, Cosmo will get vet care when he needs it and plenty of attention. And, if it all works out (we know how cats can be), he’ll have 6 new buddies! Yay! I did ask if I could visit, so there may be follow up pics of Mr. Cos’ in his new digs. I am relieved that the big boy found a place! Whew!

Hypnosis & Cat Re-Homing

2011-12-05T23:08:00.001-08:00

I will stare at you with my green eyes and silver muzzlepouche until you do my bidding!

So, Mr. Black and White here below is currently in need of a home.

Our next door neighbor passed away a few weeks ago, and left Cosmo and his house to a friend. The friend, however, is allergic to Cosmo – we now learn. So, while it was Cosmo’s address first, he is now having to move. Funny how things work out. It gives me a big pain in the heart. I’m helping find him a new forever home. He came from a shelter and I would hate to see him go back. Anyone in San Diego have room for a big kitty? He’s 14, but in excellent health. I’m hoping he finds a soft spot to land. Meanwhile, I’m going next door and feeding him and hoping it all works out for the big guy! Leave a comment if you would consider adding Cos’ to your family!

You Gonna Finish That?

2011-12-02T13:36:00.001-08:00

They say a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Not true. I Googled it a while back. What about a cat’s? I’m guessing it’s about the same. I’m just hoping I’ve developed a tolerance via the continuous feline spit vaccine I’ve taken over the years.
Gearing up for the slurp:
Going in for the kill, aggravated that her whiskers are touching the glass:

Slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp, slurp…

Playing Nice

2011-12-01T21:06:00.001-08:00

Some may remember my period of angst when said kitten on the right first joined the family. At first, if seemed Kate (darling Tabby on left) might EAT Gwyneth. Then, Gwynnie grew. Now, little G. antagonizes poor Katie, stalking her on a whim. While Kate holds her own, it still bugs me that the little grey varmint wields such power. But here we have a moment of sisterly peace. Ooh! I see a bird! Oh! Me, too!

And here, close, but not too close.
And here, eating like two planes in runway formation.
‘Course, if Gwyneth gets too uppity, I’ll have to show everyone the picture of her in her pink vest. Oops, too late.

Retail Goodness: AllSaints

2011-11-30T15:31:00.001-08:00

While I was in Chicago back in September, I ran across a new store: AllSaints. It’s based in the UK and they have an amazing space, though the website does not do the clothes justice and they are a vegan's nightmare with all the leather. Check out the wall o’ Singer sewing machines in the first picture below, among other things… A person working there said that they own something like over half of the world's Singer machines from that era. I couldn't help but wonder if my Grandmother's was in there. I'm guessing this is not the only store that has them...they have a few stores.

The clothes were all mostly black and neutral. All with a sort of literary/vintage/industrial flair. The boots were low and chunky. I love finding new stores to roam through. Another all-time favorite is Zara. Check out the cool video on their home page right now featuring gallery owner Lucy Chadwick. Her clothes, hair, and style are perfection.

Gratitude

2011-11-28T15:24:00.001-08:00

There is so much to be thankful for, and it’s always good to let it be known. Even if no one hears or reads it, it’s good to put the words to paper (or a digital file). They say it makes your heart healthier to feel gratitude. And, I believe it. I’m so thankful for family…and health…and the job that keeps it all afloat…and for friends that provide the extended family that we couldn’t live without…and the dogs and cats that warm our hearts and extend the family further…and for the Earth that provides the things we need to live…and for every day that we get to exist with freedom and the opportunity to be who we are.

Image source: http://www.owlsdaughter.com/2010/09/serenity-and-gratitude/