In Case of Rain

Hello Monday and hello rain. It's one of those mornings where you want to go back to sleep, awake to a long, lingering hot breakfast and curl up with a good book. The photography series In Case of Rain by Aline Smithson illustrates the simple childhood enjoyment of rainy days. Smithson began photographing "untouched childhood pursuits" like board games and records after realizing that today's generation has lost touch with the activities previous generations have enjoyed. This series is an effort to preserve these beautiful objects, which may someday be obsolete. Such a lovely series...see more goodness here. Enjoy your simple pleasures and rainy days.

Donna Wilson

Hey guys - it's been a busy week here as our office is re-located into a new area. One would think a nice new office would be a good thing. But, I found out this new office has no heat...yes, that is correct NO HEAT. I'm a cold natured person, which means my already large collection of cardigans and scarves is about to double. Hello J.Crew merino! It's still summer so the "no heat" realization hasn't sunk in yet, but until then I dream of buying snuggly goodies from Donna Wilson. Her amazing collection of furnishings, cushions and blankets will add warmth and fun to any room. I love the wood grain blanket and fox cushion. Speaking of foxes...they seem to be popping everywhere...maybe the new animal trend of the season?

Inspiring Interior

Yes, yes, yes! Architecture, interior design and art happily co-exist in Douglas Coupland's house featured on Dear Ada. Can you spot all the great design elements? The colorful spools of thread, Mousetrap sculpture, game board pyramid, white Lego blocks and wall o' dice? I'm overwhelmed with interior delight. The spools of thread remind me of design school days and I can't wait to do something similar in future awesome studio.

{images via Dear Ada and The New York Times}

Zoo

The photography work in Zoo by Britta Jaschinski displays dark and unsettling images of animals in zoos and the issues their captivity provokes. Jaschinski's stark black and white photographs remind us to pause and think about the fragile beauty of nature.

We have an amazing nearby zoo that provides lush space for animals to roam and be observed. Yet, I still empathize for these enclosed animals. This topic is also on my mind after a visit to a different, smaller zoo this weekend where I felt the animals had little space and looked unhappy. My experience and these photographs make me re-think the dignity of living creatures. I'm continuously torn on this topic - what are your zoo thoughts?

Check out more amazing photographs by Britta Jaschinski here and purchase Zoo here (it's going on my wish list for sure).

In the Open

Silos and water tanks are common sites around North Carolina, yet they make quite a statement in the works by Rebecca Rothfus. I love the contrast of detailed drawings against simple, organic shapes, and the mix of neutral and bright colors. These drawings make me feel like I'm standing near a farm or grass clearing and having a quiet spot to exhale. Ahh...

Found Love

During my morning ride to work I discovered these adorable signs posted on the side of the road. A combination of driving, looking, swerving, scouting...and one by one the signs became more sweet and sincere. I have no idea who or what they were intended for, but they touched my heart and brought a little happiness to my day. Even when they fall down they make a perfect statement. What love did you find today?

Diorama Photography with a Twist

I am fascinated by all things mini including the amazing photographs of miniatures by Lori Nix. She creates and photographs her own highly-detailed dioramas which bend the line between truth and illusion. Nix's photographs also illustrate her interest in "the disaster movies of the 1970s and her memories of growing up in Kansas." My head is swirling over the patience and talent it must take to create these epic wonders.

With a little imagination and downright eerie sense of curiosity...you can almost place your mini-self in these magnificent images. I'm also having a flashback to Beetle Juice...wasn't that such a great movie?

Happiness is a Butterfly

The butterfly wall installation by Nancy Blum is breathtaking. I could spend hours looking at the intricate patterns, stunning details and delicate beauty. Don't you want a room full of happy butterflies? Be sure to also check out Nancy Blum's amazing works on paper and public art pieces.

On a side note thanks for all the support and encouragement. I'll continue to have a positive outlook, work hard and smile often. But, right now I'm ready for the weekend and look forward to a little bit of French cuisine and District 9. Nothing like gruyere & potato croquettes and alien craziness to get this party started. Happy weekend!

Notes

It's a busy day, but I have the lovely photographs by Sanaz Mazinani to slow me down. I love how art can be discovered in our day-to-day environment. Maybe we are all just walking art exhibits?

I digress from what's really on my mind...I'm going through a rough patch at work. I keep reminding myself to be thankful for the good things in life. I know I'll get through this phase and move onto a better, happier one. Writing and saying it out loud makes the idea of a new job and transition more tangible and meaningful. Do you know what I mean or have I already tipped over to the crazy side? Regardless, I'm so glad to have a little place on the blogosphere to visit, connect and share with you. It makes for a much better day...thank you. How about you - need to vent? Let's hear it...

Life-Size

The Life-Size series by Cynthia Greig explores the interaction between humans and miniature objects as if they were functioning tools or possessions. To push the concept further Greig says, "I print the image so that the original object appears to approximate "life-size" scale, disturbing perceptual expectations and a natural sense of order."

Greig's photographs blur the line between our perception of size and reality. The appearance of a gigantic and fantastical world evokes a natural desire for curiosity and discovery. I just love the power of imagination...

Porcelain Perfection

The lovely porcelain pieces by Laura Walls Taylor are pushing my Etsy kick into high gear. The canary mug is perfect for morning Chai tea and the rose stem swizzle sticks are great for evening martinis. Check out more charming pieces here and follow Laura Walls Taylor on Twitter for shop updates. You can also follow Please Sir on Twitter!

{via new found and loving blog Green and Pretty}

Lirola

Parents and kids filled the malls this weekend for tax free shopping and back to school deals. I also dabbled in tax free delight...just a little. One trend I still love is floral ruffles and fancy t-shirt details (and I'm glad it's continuing through Fall). Embellished t-shirts and cardigans have become my new best friends and must-have comfy fashion pieces.

The clothes by Lirola are beautiful examples of dressing up your everyday cotton jersey. You could definitely wear these for casual or elegant occasions as well as through several seasons. What fashions are you loving right now?

Nightwood

Ever get a creative high feeling? Like when you are around inspiring designers or read about talented artists making crazy art...you sort of get a creative burst of energy. I had a similar feeling while reading this month's ReadyMade magazine with newly appointed Editor-in-Chief Andrew Wagner. I was excited and inspired by all the vintage, fashion and interior goodness. An article that stood out to me was about Nightwood, a home décor business specializing in reconstructed furniture and hand-stitched textiles. The prism pillow is my favorite...the simple shapes and colors are perfect.

Besides having giddy thoughts with each flip page of Readymade I also realized it was Friday. Doesn't it feel good? I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of creative bursts and finds!