i have a perfect body, 'cause my eyelashes catch my sweat.*

I'm trying really hard not to be a bad sport about summer. But today, shopping in the 114° weather, I decided to let myself pout for a little bit.

Please accept my apologies if I have a permanent scowl on my face for the next few months. I just wasn't meant to live in heat like this.


*Regina Spektor - Folding Chair & The Calculation
(from her new album, Far, which got me through the gym this morning)

counted up our feelings.

In five more days, it will have been three months since I've had sugar/sweets. That's a huge accomplishment for me. It feels so good that I'm considering staying sugar-free for quite a while longer.

Only the disciplined are free.
Thanks for teaching me that, Steve Chandler.

how to hang a warhol.

me + favorite albers


he blends right in


melissa




We had dinner with new friends Melissa, Chris, and their adorable daughter Penelope. Afterward we all headed to the Phoenix Art Museum for a little culture (it had been a while since our last visit).

I love art. When I expressed to Clint for the hundredth time that I'm looking forward to owning a couple important pieces someday, he asked if I could fit a particular painting in my purse. We've had an ongoing joke about art thievery for years.

I also love the Internet, and how it connects me with other creative people who share my interests and beliefs. I think that's amazing and wonderful, don't you?

and of course henry the horse dances the waltz.

We designed the t-shirts for the reunion again this year. Last year they looked like this.

Clint wanted to do a circus theme (maybe because it really is like a circus with 60 people there!) so we ran with it and listed each family name as a different act. I was worried about the amount of information, but I think they turned out fun and the whole family seemed to enjoy them.

the stillness that makes you shake.

Solana Beach 2009 | Blake Family Reunion
Another summer, another beach vacation with Clint's extended family. They're so awesome.

In addition to the usual time spent relaxing, reading, and visiting, we headed up to LA for a day. We spent a couple hours in Silver Lake, and later used our VIP tickets to the Tonight Show. Conan rocks.

It was a nice break, but am I the only person in the world who gets bored of the beach after two hours?

we're made of joy.

(my beautiful niece elsa, swinging in the sun - may 09)

We got home very early this morning from California. Before we left on Saturday, happy news came that my brother's wife had given birth to her twins. Her second set of twins*, two more girls just as adorable as the first two (Lucy & Elsa, who turned 3 this week).

We were able to swing by the hospital and visit them on our way out of town. They were born several weeks early -- so tiny and precious. I'm sure I've said this plenty of times, but I LOVE my nieces and nephews.

Congratulations Ryan and Kathryn. And welcome to the world Annie and Leta!


*making that THREE sets of twins who'll call me auntie!

to be an echo.

Sometimes I wake up in the morning and my hair is BIG.

We went down to Tucson last night to see Wilco. It was amazing. Clint and I have been to a lot of shows together in our life, and this was definitely a favorite.

save some space in your mind.

There's been a lot on my mind lately. Things like how I feel so young sometimes and so old other times and slightly unsure about priorities, how it would be nice to stop comparing myself to others in every way and instead love what I am and where I'm at completely, how all it takes is a slight shift in perspective to make everything seem bad or absolutely perfect, or how I often struggle to make sense of my thoughts. But also about how grateful I am because, despite all of that nonsense, I am happy.

Here's hoping you are, too.

mysterious production of eggs.

Husband has a new hobby: cooking me eggs for breakfast. He's probably done it at least 10 times in the past few weeks, and they're always delicious.

Needless to say, I'm really enjoying it. Sometimes I return the favor and pack him a lunch.

would you always, maybe sometimes, make it easy.

At the beginning of this year, I wrote my two main goals on this little chalkboard in our kitchen - remember? To be honest, I haven't done very well on either despite the best intentions. Somehow the year is already half over (how did that happen?!) so I need to step it up a bit.

Guess which member of our household added the third item?

shine a light.

I bought those sconces a couple weeks ago while thrifting. Today during my lunch break I finally got around to painting and hanging them. They're a little strange but I really like them.

every day, every hour.

This weekend I finally gave in to cleaning my home office. I got a bit carried away and spent hours organizing. Next I need to pin up the collection of inspiration tidbits on my wall.

Clint started summer school today, and he's been studying for the Spanish exam the last couple months. Sometimes I study with him. But mostly I just listen to songs in Spanish and sing along.

Can't get this sweet one out of my head:
Devendra Banhart - Santa Maria Da Feira

all surrounded by the glow.

Adell and baby Roan came to visit me the other day. We took some photos, and I admired those big eyes and chubby cheeks. When he was born two months ago, I asked if I could be his godmother. (I know that's sort of backwards, but it's my best friend's son, and I already loved the little fellow.) The answer was yes, and so I am.

I spent a couple hours holding him today during a wedding. I like babies.

happy birthday seesaw.

Two years ago, SeeSaw was born. I remember the phone call that came while I was in New York: our first client, days before we had officially started business. It has been a series of successes (both small and large) since.

Thank you thank you to:
- my very supportive husband, friends, and family
- my amazingly talented business partners/friends
- our awesome accountant
- each and every one of our clients

Feeling very blessed that my dream has been a reality for so long, and looking forward to the future.

p.s. We had a celebration dinner at a brand new pizzeria in Phoenix, The Parlor: amazing interior, delicious food, new favorite place, you must go!

she wears an egyptian ring that sparkles before she speaks.

Hooray for getting surprises in the mail.

Yes, that's a moustache on a stick.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!


(Thank you, Caitlin.)