friday photo: hot hot hot!

It's been so hot lately ... it was just 80 degrees today! No complaints here, we are breaking out the shorts and flip flops with glee! This photo was taken last summer during a trip to Seattle to visit our cousins (good times!), and the heading is quite appropriate. Note the preggo belly as well.

Well, we're headed off to farmer's market tomorrow, have fun playing wherever you are!

humanitarian photography

Recently I received an amazing book from a good buddy that showcased the photography of Jeremy Cowart as he traveled around the world with the Passion World Tour to 17 cities across the globe to celebrate their shared faith. The images are stunning, as they capture the spirit of the nations they visited - the faces, the people, the hearts of many enraptured in true joy as they worshiped the God of the universe.

It brought to mind the good that photography can do. Transporting individuals like us in America, to the hard truth and amazing hope that is alive in other nations. Beyond our entitlement, success, busyness, and materialism - there is something else. I felt it when I was in South Africa almost 5 years ago, and it really crept into my heart and underneath my skin. It really snaps me back into reality when I am too full of myself and this American existence. Since then I've been reminded to be conscious of this often, and it is more apparent when you are faced with photos that speak of it ... loudly and clearly. You may recall that I was drawn to these photos from the TOMS shoe drop - and little did I know that it was the work of humanitarian photographer Esther Havens. While clicking around the web one day, I came upon her site and blog and was touched by the images I saw. Take a look (click to see them larger), and I hope you're encouraged to be more grateful, less busy, and hopeful. Not in a cliched, feel good kind of way -- but with true, heartfelt understanding of others around the world. Go to her site to click on more countries and see more photos.

images via awakening the book and esther havens

before and after: seriously smart interior design

Here's a quick post that I had to share because it's pretty brilliant. When you have a small space to deal with and you want to make it look bigger and create drama - this is a great idea.

Please note in the before photo, the small window on the left and how tiny the room feels. In the after photo, see how the room appears larger due to hanging the curtains high, and having them span the length of the wall! This gives the illusion that the window is actually larger. And that huge pendant light and black ceiling doesn't hurt either. The after is bright, light and lovely. And so smart! This is one idea to bookmark for later. Enjoy!

found via design*sponge

four births

In honor of my friends having their little girl today, here's a cute trailer for a documentary that follows the first year of life of four babies in different parts of the world. Watch 'til the end, it's super sweet.

cheery iphone wallpapers

Now first things first - I don't own an iPhone. But when I saw these awesome wallpapers on the photography blog From Me To You, I was immediately smitten. These small images don't do them justice at all. Photographer Jamie Beck captured the essence of New York Christmas in these poignant and striking photo vignettes. Check more of them out here, and download them (for free!) for your iPhone if you have one. I know I'd be rockin' these wallpapers for the entire month to keep the holiday cheer going.

the holiday train

We missed it this year, but the Holiday Train came rolling into town at 8:05pm, at least we can relive it with this video. How lovely! Christmas sure is fast approaching, I'm going to find more ways to enjoy it before it's over!

look up to the sky

Many times on my way home from work, or while on a walk with the dog, I'll look up at the sky, take a photo, and just marvel at it. I've seen some pretty beautiful skies/sunsets in the past few months, and it is a great reminder that sometimes we need to stop and take a minute to appreciate the creation all around us, and the Creator that made it. The setting sun, the colors, the expanse, and the cloud formations! Wow, just wow. Check it out.

One side note though, I need to be really careful, because sometimes I snap these photos while I'm driving. Oops.

a little soundtrack: well, sorta

This past weekend was fun, we went to a Labor Day BBQ and spent time with friends. I totally forgot to document it, so it's one of those times when all you have is your memory to prove that the fun happened. Then this week was busy upon busy, and now it's practically over again. Odd.

I woke up feeling not so good today, not sure what it is, but I saw this video and it really lifted me up. It's been around the blogosphere for a bit, but even if you've seen it, it wouldn't hurt to see it again. Click on it to see it large, and then go for the HD and full screen. Then sit back and just marvel. My favorites are the rays - like angels flying through the water. It's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. It stopped me in my tracks for the whole 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Yes, good soundtrack too - by Seattle band, Barcelona. Gives the song a whole new meaning.

weekend delights

This weekend was fun. We attended a friend's wedding, visited my parents and fiddled with my dad's vintage camera collection (film! love!), spent Sunday afternoon with friends, and then made a simple dinner of cold soba noodles to enjoy. I love the simple moments in a busy weekend. Here are a few photos:

The soba noodles were on sale at the Korean market and they were organic (asian organic, get out of here) - and the packaging was just so appealing to me. You can't see it in the small version (click to see it larger), but they were the most beautiful colors and had this metallic star pattern printed on the package. It's the little things that keep me inspired. What little things inspire you?

a little soundtrack: strawberry swing

This song has been in my head for a while, and now they have a fabulously clever music video for it. Love. Go watch it. This is the song for my summer.

remember the time

Two great tributes to Michael Jackson - remembering a music legend. I still remember listening to his Dangerous album with my sister, we'd lip synch to it and take turns playing the part of the boy in "Black and White." Good times.

no man is an island

You've got to watch this video. Taken entirely with a cell phone on the streets of Sydney and New York- such a poignant message. Lots to think about on a Monday. Thanks to my friend Matt for the link.

a little soundtrack: defying gravity

Yes, yes ... I stole the name of the song from Wicked. But really, this is about a wonderful song written by Sara Bareilles. I love this live version below, the first time I heard it I got chills. It shows her recording for a charity CD, and I personally think it's the best version of this song on Youtube. Great songwriting and a heart-breaking topic. Oh, the things we put the human heart through sometimes. Turn up your speakers a bit for this one, it'll sound like she's in the room with you.

maker faire 2009

This weekend I went to the Maker Faire for the second year in a row, and I have to say, it was inspiring and interesting as usual. There were so many fun things to see and experience. Always a must around this time of year, and it really challenges you to create something when you see what others have done. We saw a huge metal sculpture of angel wings, a cute dinosaur-themed handmade pinball machine (made by elementary students!), a Mercedes covered entirely in pens and markers, and we had a blast at the hula hooping station. Swing those hips!

That part made me feel like a kid again. And that was a wonderful feeling.

i love you more than ___________.

This is a great site, and so funny too. In light of V-day coming up, it's so nice to see others expressions of love. Yup, I love you more than Costco samples ... *smile*
Go to the site to fill in the blank yourself!

life is like a musical ... or at least i wish it was

This video is just the cutest, coolest thing ever. It'd been awesome to have witnessed this. Just fun fun fun! If life was like a musical, we could do this all the time!



Also, I found some other clips about the public's reaction to it, and how they made everything come together behind the scenes at Liverpool Street Station.





via darling dexter