melancholy

Local artist Todd Murphy has intrigued me since I first saw his work many years ago. I am certainly no art aficianado, but as with most things in my life, I know what I like when I see it. His images are at once haunting and full of light, even with the dark backgrounds the subjects seem to emerge as if born of light. They are ethereal and melancholy and although I can't quite put my finger on it, I simply love every work I have ever been lucky enough to view. I hope someday to have one of his masterpieces hanging on the walls of our little abode.

{images via artnet.com}

also represented by Robert Kidd Gallery

Must do that again

The last 24 hours have been so much fun. We had a wonderful stay at the W hotel midtown. The room was ultra modern, yet totally comfortable and a visual feast. I'm so glad I had my trusty iphone along to capture the good times. The concert was fantastic. We loved the venue, the Tabernacle. There wasn't a bad seat in the house, so to speak. It's a relatively small space, so other than bothersome tall people, we had a terrific view of Jason Mraz. And the singing did not disappoint! He is really a fantastic showman; so charismatic and relaxed on stage, and a voice that sounds equally strong fronting a complete band ensemble or solo, stringing along with the guitar. I hope to have a chance to see him again, maybe with the kiddos next time. Lastly, to top off an already memorable night, the mister had made reservations at Shaun's for brunch. We've been lucky enough to eat at all of his previous restaurants and this latest incarnation is equally superb. The interior was as delicious as the food. It's in a beautiful old building in Inman Park with fantastic original tile floors, creamy white painted mouldings, and striking original windows. We had a delicious meal, over did it as usual, and the company was the best. Thanks Mister P, it was wonderful, you thought of everything!

Thinking out loud

Lest I get too excited about my grown-up night out, my boys are always there to bring me back to earth. {Context} I was just telling the mister about the life of a blogger whose blog I follow daily. She just happens to live, year round, in one of our favorite vacation spots, AND she is an interior designer with a blossoming business. As I uttered the words, "someday that would be a nice life to have," along zips by second-born and pronounces, without so much as an after thought-

Second born: "Mom, I'm going to do number two!"

Mom: "of course you are, call me when you're done"

Oh well, I must not forget my place in this world, I wonder where a*s-wiper goes on a resume, is that even a job qualification?

Getting in the Mood

Tonight, the Mister and I have a date with Mr. Mraz...ooohh, that sounds a little naughty, ahem, I mean we are going to a concert and, and this is a big AND, we are spending the night in the city! Like at a real. life. grown-up. hotel. NO strollers, diaper bags, cribs, bedtime routines involved. NONE! Can you imagine? I can't actually, we have never spent the night away from all three kiddos at once. I feel sorry for grandma, bless her heart, she is in for a long one.{no, actually, they will probably behave like perfect little angels, go to bed on time, no fuss, and eat every morsel of food she presents them with; they only save the good stuff for mom and dad, right Ellen? ;0)} Oh well, I'm super excited, OBVIOUSLY, thanks for the awesome mini-vacation package honey, now I just have to do all my chores before I can go...

Sixx Design

This husband and wife design duo (extraordinaire), Robert and Cortney Novogratz, have been in my thoughts since I first spotted their amazing NYC home featured in one of the original issues of Cookie magazine. Their design aesthetic mixes the high with the low, vintage with contemporary, and bohemian with luxe. The melange combines to form a most magical living space and all of this is done with no less than SIX children in tow. Truly amazing! Their homes are dynamic, exciting, visually stimulating abodes. Nothing comes across as too precious and every space appears to be lived in by people both large and small. If perfection can be achieved on the home decorating front, these two have come as close as I have ever seen. I simply adore every one of their creative, unique, beautifully welcoming interiors. Must save my pennies in hopes of a creative collaboration with the team at Sixx Design.

Can't wait for the book to arrive on bookshelves in 2009.

{interior shots via sixx design, book cover shot from amazon}

Overheard (last night)

Second born to first born: "D, what does expensive mean?"

First born to second born: "S, it means you're not going to get it."

Aaah, from the mouths of babes, I knew these kids had smarts, but who knew they were so wise. (I'm all smiles inside)

"Mama, Me Eat Too Much Dinner"

Superstar's favorite past time, hands in mama's hair, doing I'm not sure what, as captured by Auntie L on the iphone. This is what we did in our turkey-induced coma, laid around on the couch watching Iron Man, or for those not so lucky and too slow on their feet, laid around on the floor. We were most definitely STUFFED, and, as so aptly proclaimed by the third born, "mama, me eat too much dinner." I'm with you on that one babe. But it was a good night nonetheless, a very good night, in fact.

THANKFUL

Of all the blessings for which I am thankful, these four top the list!

got lost, but look what I found...

little love blue's photostream

omoo's photostream

atsjebosma's photostream

antufev's photostream

purl bee photostream

death before disco photostream

I haven't had an opportunity to do much exploration on flickr, even though I'm sure there is a treasure trove of beautiful images to explore, but today I dipped my toe in and was pleasantly rewarded.

{all images discovered on flickr }

Puzzled

These were taken earlier in the year when Mister P was left home alone with the boys. Nice job honey, you really captured the multi-faceted first-born. I love seeing him through your eyes!

Visual Stimulation

beautiful styling from {pameladuncansilver.com} via {partyperfectblog.blogspot.com}

Three is a Good Number

chattanooga, children's museum {July, 2007}

If It Were Only That Simple!

To read this hilarious exchange in its entirety, go here.

{via the always inspiring Oh Happy Day}

Who's a lucky girl? (I am)

Look what was awaiting my viewing {and drinking} pleasure yesterday morning. Happy anniversary honey, you're the best! And I, I am a lucky girl indeed!

Love the...

old fashioned, yet modern

"hang in here all day " feel

the sliding barn doors

breathing life into an abandoned place

industrial juxtaposed with the organic



those doors and windows, I want them everywhere

EVERYTHING about this room

chairs, the stool, the lamp on the pedestal

the welcoming vibe of this space

{all images from Met Home via Point Click Home}