first,

First we eat, then we do everything else. 

- mfk fisher

wildy, messily, marvelously

happy, happy weekend! 

“We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messily, marvelously who we were born to be.” 

― Anne Lamott

fashioned to dream in

There were days when she was very happy without knowing why. She was happy to be alive and breathing, when her whole being seemed to be one with the sunlight, the color, the odors, the luxuriant warmth of some perfect Southern day. She liked then to wander alone into strange and unfamiliar places. She discovered many a sunny, sleepy corner, fashioned to dream in. And she found it good to dream and to be alone and unmolested.

The Awakening, Kate Chopin

Favorite thoughts from a favorite work. 

DIY: live in the sunshine, swim the sea..

This idea has been collecting dust in my mind since I made these gold shells last month and my boyf suggested I put them on a canvas (and he says he isn't crafty!). I love this Emerson quote, overdone as it may be, especially now that I live in southern California and have absolutely no excuse not to be playing outside at every occasion--any reminder to truly live and chase experiences and see the world is a good one. When the fresh flowers from my farmer's market bouquet wilted away, I snipped off the dry flowers and finally had all the perfect components for this three-dimensional piece. 

Tres simple: write out a quote on a canvas using adhesive letters and carefully paint over with canvas-friendly paint. Since I used materials I already had on hand (meaning I was rocking yoga shorts and an insane head of beach hair and couldn't, in my right mind, go in public), these gold letters were my adhesives of choice. As you can see, they bled a bit along the edges, because they aren't super sticky. I like the look that gave, but if you want perfect lines, definitely pick up some stronger letters at your local craft store. While the paint dries, I recommend watching an episode of the Tonight Show starting Jimmy Fallon. It kinda makes for the best night ever. Carefully peel off the letters, as not to lose any of the sticker backing to the canvas. Using hot glue or super glue, attach items of your choice to the canvas. I used the shells and dried wildflowers to illustrate the quote, but it could be anything!  

I love the color and whimsy this brings to my room. Looking at it reminds me of playing in the ocean collecting these shells with my love, and walking through the farmer's market on a sunny day with a friend, and reminds me to get outside every day. Thanks, Emerson. 

a closed mind

just a thought for your Tuesday. I saw this somewhere last week & it's been rolling around in my head ever since, so I had to put it down on (theoretical) paper. Here's to ever-expanding minds! 

quit slackin'

Happy 2014! Last month my talented boyfriend & I collaborated on this poster--and by collaborate, I mean he did all the fancy footwork and I said things like "can that be yellow-er?"--for me to put up in my room. I have big dreams and hopes but often accidentally let them go by the wayside while I waste time on silly things like Facebook and Netflix, which is something I want to leave in 2013. I don't want to look back on this new year and think of all of the things I could have done if only I had the motivation! And while this phrase is a little bit silly, it's also something I need to hear/see daily. And maybe you're like me, too. If so, enjoy! Make that ish HAPPEN, y'all! 

My boyfriend also surprised with a nice big print of this for Christmas, and a matching 'goals' list to go next to it. I'll be sharing soon, along with more photos of my new space.