tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21300190577072639822024-03-13T11:35:30.280-07:00Mama StormsShaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-53696827601320739882013-02-22T23:06:00.000-08:002013-02-22T23:06:00.279-08:00Shades of a Jungleman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs_WCOUBaGo/UShoKNpkssI/AAAAAAAAGL8/19DykofM-5M/s1600/jesseCUBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs_WCOUBaGo/UShoKNpkssI/AAAAAAAAGL8/19DykofM-5M/s640/jesseCUBW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBbxigSldVo/UShoSeK2fgI/AAAAAAAAGME/CXarcy38QIY/s1600/jm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBbxigSldVo/UShoSeK2fgI/AAAAAAAAGME/CXarcy38QIY/s640/jm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic1g_Cfa8II/UShoWfBHH3I/AAAAAAAAGMQ/So3B5XKg-xU/s1600/jm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic1g_Cfa8II/UShoWfBHH3I/AAAAAAAAGMQ/So3B5XKg-xU/s640/jm2.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kTlXpEDAc/UShoZLgUa_I/AAAAAAAAGMY/aTwGMulDuPI/s1600/jm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kTlXpEDAc/UShoZLgUa_I/AAAAAAAAGMY/aTwGMulDuPI/s640/jm3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0JJzzueMcY/UShobCjSEZI/AAAAAAAAGMg/fNn3BeDVlcw/s1600/jm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0JJzzueMcY/UShobCjSEZI/AAAAAAAAGMg/fNn3BeDVlcw/s640/jm4.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQd5WVMcFo8/UShoe3Vu9VI/AAAAAAAAGMo/9mMH8jSYGOs/s1600/jm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQd5WVMcFo8/UShoe3Vu9VI/AAAAAAAAGMo/9mMH8jSYGOs/s640/jm5.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pUHZqnZxUs/UShoigRrN-I/AAAAAAAAGMw/yx8ta-4Ii_A/s1600/jm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pUHZqnZxUs/UShoigRrN-I/AAAAAAAAGMw/yx8ta-4Ii_A/s640/jm6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoflQztiuCE/USholgAeQDI/AAAAAAAAGM4/U7A4sE8RuYs/s1600/jm7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoflQztiuCE/USholgAeQDI/AAAAAAAAGM4/U7A4sE8RuYs/s640/jm7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub9PuNB9qJo/UShoocsIpuI/AAAAAAAAGNA/pm9pAMxQMnU/s1600/jm8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub9PuNB9qJo/UShoocsIpuI/AAAAAAAAGNA/pm9pAMxQMnU/s640/jm8.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upryFWjsLU4/UShos5YSV6I/AAAAAAAAGNI/jTBk7DNh5QQ/s1600/jm9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upryFWjsLU4/UShos5YSV6I/AAAAAAAAGNI/jTBk7DNh5QQ/s640/jm9.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6LLoiPvQE/UShowigF97I/AAAAAAAAGNQ/9VFeUeGZd1g/s1600/jm10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je6LLoiPvQE/UShowigF97I/AAAAAAAAGNQ/9VFeUeGZd1g/s640/jm10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTa7tzTdnA4/USho0ZySj8I/AAAAAAAAGNY/ib0GmYePJM4/s1600/jm11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTa7tzTdnA4/USho0ZySj8I/AAAAAAAAGNY/ib0GmYePJM4/s640/jm11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8xGw4Fz8Po/USho3NC2llI/AAAAAAAAGNg/0BbTdLcKveA/s1600/jm12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8xGw4Fz8Po/USho3NC2llI/AAAAAAAAGNg/0BbTdLcKveA/s640/jm12.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBOP_qxnZV4/USho6VIBVgI/AAAAAAAAGNo/4V8es8v3WUw/s1600/jm13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JBOP_qxnZV4/USho6VIBVgI/AAAAAAAAGNo/4V8es8v3WUw/s640/jm13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzGaYyZ24pk/USho9f7nbvI/AAAAAAAAGNw/C453fUdrXWg/s1600/jm14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzGaYyZ24pk/USho9f7nbvI/AAAAAAAAGNw/C453fUdrXWg/s640/jm14.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-68052866397662662642013-02-08T16:45:00.000-08:002013-02-08T16:45:14.146-08:00Burn the floor<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wHyalVRUXrA" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Raphael Saadiq is my best find of 2013 so far. His records are new, but they sound like the old soul that I love the most. I haven't heard a song yet that wasn't like a bacon wrapped dance party. Watch out because this video is full of sexy ladies acting like their tiny outfits are on fire and burning them in slow motion.Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-7132520028316959262013-01-19T23:43:00.001-08:002013-01-19T23:43:13.170-08:00Jug Wine: Indoor Kids<a href="http://jugwinecomix.blogspot.com/2012/04/indoor-kids.html?spref=bl">Jug Wine: Indoor Kids</a><br />
<br />
Here is a comic by a girl who I sort of know who shares my sentiments on sports.Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-47101332688744341142013-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:002013-01-18T21:10:40.087-08:00mommystyre: 5 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gru6Dr0XRkA/UPZEMz5QeOI/AAAAAAAAGKE/cWyxbCgayFM/s1600/msbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gru6Dr0XRkA/UPZEMz5QeOI/AAAAAAAAGKE/cWyxbCgayFM/s640/msbun.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Hot damn I just realised that I've done exactly 300 posts on this dorky blog o'mine. I should've probably gotten better at it by now, Oof. Ah well, here it is, limping along, spurting and rambling. Touching on things from my job, brain, hands and home. You're welcome to it, because I enjoy doing it and documenting and celebrating the little quirks of my corner of existence. Also, I think my kids are exceptionally brilliant and good looking so it's really their show. What? They are. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I went back and forth about putting these pictures of myself on the internet because it seems silly and makes me self conscious but! I love to dabble in fashion and since my new job is quite a bit swankier it affords me new challenges in outfitting my mommy self. This is not a fashion blog and never will be but I feel my "career" as a barmaid has a limited shelf life and never again will I have a reason to piece together so many outfits and then try them out on a couple hundred strangers each night.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Don't misunderstand me, I am not fashionable. I know what <i>I</i> like and I try to make something similar out of scraps I pick up at the local thrift shop and then attempt to fool actual fashionistas. It's a creative outlet to balance out all the hours I spend in pajamas changing diapers.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
All of these badly lit bathroom photos were taken at 4am after working all night. If I look tired, it's because I am. If I look old, I AM. Part of the challenge of bar fashion is keeping in mind that you <i>will</i> be splashed with all manner of liquids, have your hands in water almost to the elbow all night like a medieval washerwoman, you must be able to shake your arms freely, bend way over without showing coin slots or your lacy unmentionables, squat, and don't even think about wearing something flowing or flappy or you will be snagged on the pour spouts- mocking you like dozens of silver fangs from their sticky troughs. Oh and you will be standing and reaching and bending and shaking for 7 hours. No food, no real breaks. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
This leaves you with limited options: dark clothing, mostly pants, minimal rings and bracelets, no loose hair, no spanx, and *gasp! sensible footwear. YOU try to look lithe and in charge while sweating, dunking dirty glasses and nibbling on pretzels and the occasional olive. The upside is this: it is usually dark, usually smoky, and people have been drinking! They squint at you through the haze as a magical being of power, dispensing expensive social medicine and forgive many details, such as dirty hair or a jacket obviously made for children.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Here are five answers to that challenge which actually survived a shift, taken in a dirty mirror by an undercover mommy. I welcome your advice and ridicule.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdRBPob1C48/UPZESqGO-kI/AAAAAAAAGKM/Lfr9q9O15EA/s1600/msbun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdRBPob1C48/UPZESqGO-kI/AAAAAAAAGKM/Lfr9q9O15EA/s640/msbun2.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jhi44UcW38/UPZEZi9UvmI/AAAAAAAAGKU/t1oPhMP911E/s1600/mstripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jhi44UcW38/UPZEZi9UvmI/AAAAAAAAGKU/t1oPhMP911E/s640/mstripes.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdRiaVyWWZA/UPZEcAXQSDI/AAAAAAAAGKc/RQhWRya4uYc/s1600/mstripes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdRiaVyWWZA/UPZEcAXQSDI/AAAAAAAAGKc/RQhWRya4uYc/s640/mstripes2.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyokhkcBxnc/UPZEhS9bDCI/AAAAAAAAGKk/DXbGbD3zTPE/s1600/msbelt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyokhkcBxnc/UPZEhS9bDCI/AAAAAAAAGKk/DXbGbD3zTPE/s640/msbelt.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl5sM4oqTjI/UPZEmcTBD2I/AAAAAAAAGKs/uaA2nxR9dkk/s1600/msbelt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl5sM4oqTjI/UPZEmcTBD2I/AAAAAAAAGKs/uaA2nxR9dkk/s640/msbelt2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd8cYjtS-B0/UPZEv9SALYI/AAAAAAAAGK0/gtzEODFGAtw/s1600/msdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd8cYjtS-B0/UPZEv9SALYI/AAAAAAAAGK0/gtzEODFGAtw/s640/msdress.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rOw7Q1fMNw/UPZExZEhGuI/AAAAAAAAGK8/w0YakmOuZkE/s1600/msdress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rOw7Q1fMNw/UPZExZEhGuI/AAAAAAAAGK8/w0YakmOuZkE/s400/msdress2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ONKzF__vY/UPZE4XXIA7I/AAAAAAAAGLM/nzvEajz_CBI/s1600/msvest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ONKzF__vY/UPZE4XXIA7I/AAAAAAAAGLM/nzvEajz_CBI/s640/msvest2.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33_q2l8b7ZE/UPZE0ejM-bI/AAAAAAAAGLE/-bS29BrXeW0/s1600/msvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33_q2l8b7ZE/UPZE0ejM-bI/AAAAAAAAGLE/-bS29BrXeW0/s640/msvest.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-48789566709082026872013-01-15T20:27:00.000-08:002013-01-15T21:09:15.281-08:00More old comics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nrag5ZICNY/UPYmkjQlDZI/AAAAAAAAGIs/jnW-w-m7GnA/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nrag5ZICNY/UPYmkjQlDZI/AAAAAAAAGIs/jnW-w-m7GnA/s640/Scan.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtHHKTrMyB8/UPYmsTKE3RI/AAAAAAAAGI8/BdAO3rYnufE/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtHHKTrMyB8/UPYmsTKE3RI/AAAAAAAAGI8/BdAO3rYnufE/s400/Scan+1.jpeg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op01-UJUqMY/UPYm5zeHbRI/AAAAAAAAGJM/FKDfXUSllPs/s1600/comic+1+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op01-UJUqMY/UPYm5zeHbRI/AAAAAAAAGJM/FKDfXUSllPs/s640/comic+1+1.jpeg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Japw2TvLQ4w/UPYm8-sX7jI/AAAAAAAAGJU/cVb2HgN5oJM/s1600/rubycomix+blanket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Japw2TvLQ4w/UPYm8-sX7jI/AAAAAAAAGJU/cVb2HgN5oJM/s640/rubycomix+blanket.jpeg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are the last couple of post it note comics from <a href="http://thethinks.com/?s=100+days+of+summer">this past summer</a> that were actually inked and scanned, with some bonus ones by Ruby. Hers are probably from a year ago but I think they're pretty interesting, especially the men "blowing fire" (<i>she saw someone smoking at the coffee shop</i>) and sporting monster scratches (<i>do I detect male pattern baldness?</i>). I also like the aerial view self portrait. She has since improved her drawing and sassing skills and Jesse does a bit less accidental cursing. He actually talks in real sentences like a tiny man now, for example <i>"Mommy, somebody put a sticker on my banana! That's funny."</i><br />
<br />
Evan and I have however regressed, and are still calling them "<i>sh*tmunks</i>", even when it's clearly a squirrel.<br />
<br />
ever heaps,<br />
MamiShaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-51876631752754375702012-12-13T16:20:00.000-08:002012-12-13T16:20:43.637-08:00check check! 1,2, 3...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hello internet! I missed you. I hope we're still friends. I am checking in, and would like to report that we are safely ensconced in our new rickety old house in Denton, Texas and having all manner of adventures and misadventures here in our new "small" town.<br />
<br />
Evan is right this second playing drums and freestyle rapping about Jesse's dino pants, Ruby has stolen my vintage clip on earrings and has paired them with a strawberry polka dot shirt and stripes, and I am about to down a cold cup of coffee, dress like a vaguely hip prohibition girl and serve drinks with names like Aviation and French Pearl using such ingredients as liquor of crushed violets, mint leaves, absinthe and egg whites.<br />
<br />
Here is a tiny comic I drew this summer for a project entitled "100 Days of Summer" in which I promptly got very behind and discouraged and I believe I squeezed out six whole days of summer. Anyway, Evan scanned them for your web pleasure.<br />
<br />
I hope to not allow this blog to suffer the same fate as my house plants did, which was a slow death. Yesterday I dumped out their frozen wilty carcasses and dug up some nice green flowering something or others from the yard, put them in the pot and dragged them inside to a sunny window to beautify the "parlor". I promise to water you and love you and not let Evan talk me into no internet because it is good to take a break. Or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8dUSjF1Hkc/UMpque41EGI/AAAAAAAAGHs/ocyWfGHc9ow/s1600/shayla+comic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8dUSjF1Hkc/UMpque41EGI/AAAAAAAAGHs/ocyWfGHc9ow/s640/shayla+comic.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-80657769435468102302012-10-24T23:04:00.000-07:002012-10-24T23:04:14.339-07:00MURAL MATCH 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alqU9QhqRuU/UIjTS9NNEfI/AAAAAAAAGF4/zggEXj_eXpc/s1600/redsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alqU9QhqRuU/UIjTS9NNEfI/AAAAAAAAGF4/zggEXj_eXpc/s640/redsun.jpg" width="394" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldtowne Theatre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A red and white mural match with my old chum Jeff. This is possibly the last Austin one we'll do in quite a while since we quit this town in a week! Actually, I should stop fannying around on the internet and continue packing my life into cardboard.<br />
<br />
Last night was our going away/Tacks listening party at my work and I got many warm hugs and high fives. It isn't hard to leave this city, but it will be hard not to see these friends I've made over the last decade and a half without a four hour drive beforehand. On the upside, our new house has guest quarters! Come and visit us.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr_VvXhBkFs/UIjTV1IwjlI/AAAAAAAAGGA/eGjNPGdsW3M/s1600/red1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr_VvXhBkFs/UIjTV1IwjlI/AAAAAAAAGGA/eGjNPGdsW3M/s640/red1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamm"s Candies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy0NHvCVpYw/UIjTcthh7OI/AAAAAAAAGGI/4FCBZ1E3vnQ/s1600/redhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy0NHvCVpYw/UIjTcthh7OI/AAAAAAAAGGI/4FCBZ1E3vnQ/s640/redhug.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMZwPlCbVVs/UIjTf4FV7DI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/9qYdfInYKhE/s1600/redCU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMZwPlCbVVs/UIjTf4FV7DI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/9qYdfInYKhE/s400/redCU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjkov9fpRIs/UIjTkKeqK1I/AAAAAAAAGGY/nLJonx04iu4/s1600/redhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bjkov9fpRIs/UIjTkKeqK1I/AAAAAAAAGGY/nLJonx04iu4/s400/redhats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbQKES_wRjY/UIjTn59E1uI/AAAAAAAAGGg/SjKIbbZ2YeQ/s1600/redjess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbQKES_wRjY/UIjTn59E1uI/AAAAAAAAGGg/SjKIbbZ2YeQ/s640/redjess.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5bKK9SUFKI/UIjTrXmyFsI/AAAAAAAAGGo/GMgztQIgHXw/s1600/redthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5bKK9SUFKI/UIjTrXmyFsI/AAAAAAAAGGo/GMgztQIgHXw/s640/redthree.jpg" width="555" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXxRvy9v_mg/UIjTv6eyS9I/AAAAAAAAGG0/E5AFFgXB34g/s1600/redbite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXxRvy9v_mg/UIjTv6eyS9I/AAAAAAAAGG0/E5AFFgXB34g/s640/redbite.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-87359522130386164262012-10-15T20:33:00.000-07:002012-10-15T20:33:15.117-07:00Breaking up with cool cool Austin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tlO1byPcSo/UHzQkSrcXgI/AAAAAAAAGFM/Bfix_PTjOMs/s1600/toob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tlO1byPcSo/UHzQkSrcXgI/AAAAAAAAGFM/Bfix_PTjOMs/s640/toob.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello! This website is experiencing technical difficulties. Thank you for visiting. Please enjoy the archives and the mental image of yours truly surrounded in boxes and chaos. Actually I was miraculously able to upload this one photo using stolen neighbor internet. It took an hour.<br />
<br />
Denton! It's actually happening. We have jobs, we've signed a lease, we move November 1st. Yikes. I had meant to do a thoughtful write up of why we are leaving this wonderful city and pros and cons punctuated by pertinent photos of both towns but! I have two pet monsters who love to eat my to-do lists and poo them out onto my clean laundry.<br />
<br />
Instead I am including here a copy of a letter I wrote to a friend months ago in which I discuss the subject using parables and slang.<br />
<br />
<i>You were so aghast or possibly incredulous? when I mentioned leaving
Austin's warm bosom that I feel like explaining a little more, plus I've
been explaining a lot so it will be good to write it down.<br /><br />If you asked me a couple of years ago if I wanted to leave Austin I
made the same face as you did, but since then quite a few of my closest
friends have left to seek their fortunes, my babies have gotten older,
and my elbows have gotten very cramped in these close quarters. I missed
the bus a decade ago when my money savvy friends were furtively buying
properties on the east side and I was cocktailing, fooling around in the sculpture studio of ACC and working at the
youth hostel. Now Austin is becoming a real city complete with crime,
secret millionaires, rapidly disappearing view of the sky and so
expensive that all the artists and brown people are being pushed farther
and farther outside of town.</i>
<i><br /><br />If I were single, I would stay forever, I would! But now I have this
huge thing that is my family, and here I am trying to cram it into my
old single lifestyle. I believe that Austin is the best place in the
world to spend your twenties, but now I've outgrown it. The things
Austin has to offer are better than ever, but they aren't important to
me anymore...a dozen invitations per day to attend rock shows, birthday
parties, festivals, fashion shows, mustache competitions, binge drinking
contests. I don't even read them anymore. Amazing restaurants, mecca
organic grocery stores, vintage boutiques, a bar on every corner. I
can't afford any of it, nor do I have the free time to enjoy it if I
could.</i>
<i><br /><br />The things I dream about these days are big trees in which to build
forts, an orchard full of fruit, a house that I can really call my own-
that I can knock down a wall or paint a mural on without fear of losing
my deposit. I want Ruby and Jesse to be able to venture further than ten
feet from the front door without being in danger of a car flattening, I
want them to have woods and chores and bb guns and food from a garden
instead of Fiestamart.</i>
<i><br /><br />I grew up the poor kid in a privileged school in suburbia because my
dad was a graphic designer and my mom stayed home with us. We had a
great time with each other but I really felt the lack of "fancy" stuff
and "nature" and I don't want the same for my little monsters. Sure I
could find a better job than bar work but no thanks if it means somebody
else raises my kids.</i>
<i><br /><br />I feel that kids are very like dogs. You can have dogs in the city,
you can pick up their poop with your hand. You can take them on doggy
playdates to the doggy park and leave them at doggy daycare and feed
them chicken and rice and wash them at Shampooch and send them to doggy
obedience school and treat them at the doggy bakery. That doggy would
probably be happy. OR you could have two acres on the outskirts of town,
pour chow in a bucket and the dog leaps and races and catches squirrels
and protects the children and swims in the river and has the time of
its life, leash free and on the cheap. I want my kids to be farm dogs,
higher quality of life with less fussiness. </i>
<i><br /><br />Pet donkeys for riding and camping. Chickens, milking goats, studio
and cabins for recording albums. Art barn for woodworking, ceramics and
large projects, library, gardens, writing and illustrating new
children's books. That's our big adventure.</i>
<i><br /><br />I'm excited but nervous, and every time I get stuck in traffic or
pay for parking I snip one more thread that binds my heart to the city.</i>
<i><br />Ya dig?<br /><br />ever much</i><br />
<i>Shayla </i>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-89326209073798163782012-09-28T02:26:00.000-07:002012-09-28T02:26:40.902-07:00Eyeball Feasting Fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-mi105aGk/UGVpWWj1LlI/AAAAAAAAGEA/G_oYTb4VpS8/s1600/tumblr_m98hfbXjqD1qc88me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-mi105aGk/UGVpWWj1LlI/AAAAAAAAGEA/G_oYTb4VpS8/s400/tumblr_m98hfbXjqD1qc88me.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The club in which I work used to do big fashion shows all the time, and though everyone took it VERY seriously, it always felt kinda smalltown even coming from my limited background of the Houston modelling industry. I guess Austin is finally a city now because <i>I'm</i> hightailing it out of here, <i>and</i> we're finally getting the whisperings of a credible fashion name.<br />
<br />
My dad considered going into the fashion industry because he had a knack for design and my mom dabbled in jewelry inventions so I genetically had no chance of escaping the secret love of fashion. I've just discovered this Austin based designer and am taken with her vintage fabrics and shimmery laces. My eyes feel fat from feasting.<br />
<br />
"Dawn Younger-Smith, former model, muse, and make-up artist to the stars,
is the artist behind the line Boudoir Queen. After years of working in
the fashion industry as a make up artist and developing her own
cosmetics line, Poor Little Rich Girl, her sense of style and affinity
for the past turned her to designing her own vintage inspired pieces. In
1997, the Boudoir Queen brand was born, and Dawn began creating ’20s
and ’30s-inspired pieces using vintage fabrics."<br />
<br />
Read the rest and see more lovely pictures at <a href="http://atxstreetstyle.tumblr.com/post/30082800363/austin-fashion-week-2012-bow-down-to-the-boudoir-queen">atxstreetstyle. </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAOix2SxD1M/UGVpZK3qmHI/AAAAAAAAGEI/nAlFe45mKKM/s1600/tumblr_m98f76Nq7G1qc88me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAOix2SxD1M/UGVpZK3qmHI/AAAAAAAAGEI/nAlFe45mKKM/s400/tumblr_m98f76Nq7G1qc88me.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79gn0erShT8/UGVpbezHPQI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/2q8AJzh2170/s1600/tumblr_m98gxnKfdp1qc88me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79gn0erShT8/UGVpbezHPQI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/2q8AJzh2170/s400/tumblr_m98gxnKfdp1qc88me.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjvlueF1lnk/UGVpg9JdAgI/AAAAAAAAGEY/1dudPNQhR0s/s1600/tumblr_m98io7BHsz1qc88me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjvlueF1lnk/UGVpg9JdAgI/AAAAAAAAGEY/1dudPNQhR0s/s400/tumblr_m98io7BHsz1qc88me.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2YLCr4mC2Y/UGVpkJQWm5I/AAAAAAAAGEg/Usr4ZgB4uyg/s1600/tumblr_m98guaxdZG1qc88me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2YLCr4mC2Y/UGVpkJQWm5I/AAAAAAAAGEg/Usr4ZgB4uyg/s400/tumblr_m98guaxdZG1qc88me.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-59716863781176331412012-09-25T13:59:00.000-07:002012-09-25T13:59:54.775-07:00that's so pinteresting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nzQSHxQyHU/UGIZnKj3EPI/AAAAAAAAGDU/RWgLptERl8k/s1600/popsicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0nzQSHxQyHU/UGIZnKj3EPI/AAAAAAAAGDU/RWgLptERl8k/s640/popsicle.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Because of my recent extreme busyness <i>(5 weddings since April, moving across state-NO BIG DEAL)</i> and loss of technical capabilities I accidentally dove headfirst into the Pinterest river of time wasting the other day. I've decorated my entire future music ranch and filled it with food and well dressed babies. And cats.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/mamastorms/pins/">Shayla's pretty stuff here.</a>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-24050556635771076912012-09-24T21:49:00.000-07:002012-09-24T21:51:15.200-07:00Crickets<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62kZ0mO6DsA/UGE03SX6DeI/AAAAAAAAGCo/5fBFTt2rGuU/s1600/brunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62kZ0mO6DsA/UGE03SX6DeI/AAAAAAAAGCo/5fBFTt2rGuU/s400/brunch.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gospel brunch at threadgills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Crickets, like silence. Not like a human choir sped up. I do <i>think</i> about the blog every day, but we've decided to sell this computer at our garage sale this Saturday for sixty bucks. (<i>because it doesn't actually work. Fifteen minutes to upload six photos)</i><br />
<br />
Should I put phone pictures up? I just got a cell phone after a year hiatus. That's right! Cell phone free for one whole year to the chagrin of my friends and poor Doctor Grey who <i>(unfortunately for her)</i> is the new owner of my old number and has fielded all of my birthday wishes and coffee appointments with much grace.<br />
<br />
p.s. We're moving to Denton, Texas in about two weeks.<br />
<br />
!!!Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-50947587421921130402012-09-10T23:25:00.000-07:002012-09-11T00:13:38.935-07:00Divine Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i1hROGJyQc/UE7JOoyXSzI/AAAAAAAAGBM/CaNAgcQ2q7k/s1600/cutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i1hROGJyQc/UE7JOoyXSzI/AAAAAAAAGBM/CaNAgcQ2q7k/s640/cutes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Things that make me <i>not</i> an atheist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8oN0YFAXWQ" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hGpCtK1KHwI" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeNY4VpTgHk/UE7SYXn74zI/AAAAAAAAGB4/bWJD2NrJgBI/s1600/nebulus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeNY4VpTgHk/UE7SYXn74zI/AAAAAAAAGB4/bWJD2NrJgBI/s640/nebulus.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pillars of Creation" Interstellar formation known as elephant trunks in the Eagle Nebula, part of the Milky Way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've believed in God ever since I was very small, and I've just never been able to shake it. I like to think of him as an artist, and like all artists, he has a definite style. Note how lightning in slow motion looks like tree branches <i>and</i> the human nervous system. Crickets chirping sounds like a human choir. Even the cold, dark outer reaches of space hold breathtaking beauty. It makes me feel so tiny, but in an amazing way.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="323" scrolling="no" src="http://www.numbersleuth.org/universe/magnify/" width="500"></iframe><br />
Copyright 2012. <a href="http://www.numbersleuth.org/universe/">Magnifying the Universe</a> by <a href="http://www.numbersleuth.org/">Number Sleuth</a>. Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-81418362952075494292012-09-08T13:57:00.000-07:002012-09-08T14:01:20.556-07:00"sleep"overs and newlyweds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhgSd7q_cdU/UEuqDBkgcjI/AAAAAAAAF_0/e0Q1C2wCciA/s1600/brekkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhgSd7q_cdU/UEuqDBkgcjI/AAAAAAAAF_0/e0Q1C2wCciA/s640/brekkie.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Sleepovers. We're having two in a row. Last night was my house, tonight is Ariel's. Chaos weekend- Evan has three shows, I work two nights until nearly 4am and today is our five year anniversary. We did it! That's some kind of mile marker right? We still love each other and everything! We haven't sold our children to the gypsies <i>(though it's a regular threat)</i>. If I cared about receiving gifts I would demand an awesome one. As it is, I pretty much only care about coffee, and I get that every day. We'll celebrate later this week, at least we didn't both forget like last year.<br />
<br />
I have so many pictures from the last fortnight <i>(sorry, reading too much Thomas Hardy in bed)</i> that it is quite daunting. Brooke's wedding, mountain adventuring, Madison's bridal shower, <b>shaving cream fight</b>. I'll tackle the sifting and cropping soon, and luckily my best Alison already did an awesome post about said shaving cream, <i>(with lot's of unwarranted compliments to me)</i> which you can enjoy <i><a href="http://alisonsofar.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-last-hoo-rah.html">HERE</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq53PBwmY8/UEuu5deh40I/AAAAAAAAGAg/QlpxhI9UL-c/s1600/BandD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq53PBwmY8/UEuu5deh40I/AAAAAAAAGAg/QlpxhI9UL-c/s640/BandD.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my favorite photo from the Central City nuptials yet, can't wait to see the rest! Huzzah Brooke and David! LUCKY B-WORD DAVID.Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-74005849525114594052012-08-27T16:04:00.001-07:002012-08-27T16:08:03.167-07:00BIG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93sWZRCuSio/UDv3qWQfCTI/AAAAAAAAF-k/AzpawAcrxH4/s1600/genius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93sWZRCuSio/UDv3qWQfCTI/AAAAAAAAF-k/AzpawAcrxH4/s640/genius.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWspxOQi4ZE/UDv3uFqPncI/AAAAAAAAF-s/jVs-IDBEeds/s1600/amom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWspxOQi4ZE/UDv3uFqPncI/AAAAAAAAF-s/jVs-IDBEeds/s400/amom.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Big things are happening. Big things with our family, our jobs, our friends, our home, our genius children. Hmm? What.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Why YES Ruby learned to write her name and Oh Yeah! Taught herself to swim.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
No big deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
She's four.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Above average you say? Very good looking? Brave? My, that's kind of you. I agree.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
We've been traveling, finishing records, raising funds, planning bachelorette parties, end of summer parties, you name it. We fly to Colorado tomorrow for my baby sister's wedding.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
The world is upside down! More updates soon, but this old computerbox is on its last leg and every time I sit down to upload some memories there are at least a dozen things I am putting off to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
ever bloody heaps,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Mami</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ3m0_eioJ8/UDv3v2q3UcI/AAAAAAAAF-0/rRHPMXGkc9w/s1600/asplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ3m0_eioJ8/UDv3v2q3UcI/AAAAAAAAF-0/rRHPMXGkc9w/s400/asplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xphsTni_5c/UDv3xOuMH9I/AAAAAAAAF-8/N182jeZrnF4/s1600/aswim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xphsTni_5c/UDv3xOuMH9I/AAAAAAAAF-8/N182jeZrnF4/s400/aswim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUZHqtB2zHg/UDv3y2_oSjI/AAAAAAAAF_E/_VpT8zxglAw/s1600/goldboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUZHqtB2zHg/UDv3y2_oSjI/AAAAAAAAF_E/_VpT8zxglAw/s400/goldboy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-40419171615880319652012-08-16T14:55:00.000-07:002012-08-16T14:55:06.220-07:00Steak Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssjdXvV506Y/UC1hl0DI4kI/AAAAAAAAF9I/EY4i0uT0zeg/s1600/pieme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssjdXvV506Y/UC1hl0DI4kI/AAAAAAAAF9I/EY4i0uT0zeg/s400/pieme.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
That's right! Pie. With steak in it. And GRAVY. Sometimes I crave things that don't actually exist. I read the Robin Hood stories years ago and never forgot the slices of meat pie they used to eat, full of savory meat and dripping with gravy. I tried to look up a recipe and the only kind of meat pies I could find were chicken pot pie or simply a crust full of ground beef and onions. <i>(blarg)</i><br />
<br />
If it doesn't exist, just make it yourself! I used a pot pie recipe as a guide but then changed everything and added steak. Since it was my very first pie ever <i>(I don't really bake)</i> I cheated and used ready made roll-out pastry and it turned out divine. I will definitely be making this again. <i>(not too often...heavy whipping cream directly to thigh danger)</i> It is special enough to maybe become a new birthday tradition. "birthday boating and steak pie". I could definitely get behind that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjZGW-o14Nk/UC1iGmG-XuI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/YAMHmOiKZyA/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjZGW-o14Nk/UC1iGmG-XuI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/YAMHmOiKZyA/s400/pie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjZuqPLAoyU/UC1ilTM3WTI/AAAAAAAAF9c/8hRJppmvN2E/s1600/pie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjZuqPLAoyU/UC1ilTM3WTI/AAAAAAAAF9c/8hRJppmvN2E/s400/pie2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't been blogging as much as usual which means I've been trying new recipes as a creative outlet and my house is a bit cleaner. I had a lovely quinoa salad at a friend's place made with black beans, avocado, lime, cilantro, olive oil and mangoes. When I made it at home I substituted peaches and coconut oil and added grilled salmon. DO THIS. You won't be sorry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD3uXgIYgcc/UC1i8EVgO7I/AAAAAAAAF9k/AuBZGforBic/s1600/aquinoa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD3uXgIYgcc/UC1i8EVgO7I/AAAAAAAAF9k/AuBZGforBic/s400/aquinoa1.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLWFL95texk/UC1jcQgDK4I/AAAAAAAAF9s/ghOEevcizLM/s1600/aquinoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLWFL95texk/UC1jcQgDK4I/AAAAAAAAF9s/ghOEevcizLM/s320/aquinoa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also figured out that you can make gravy out of anything. I made chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and onion gravy the other day. I wish I had known that when I was a vegetarian. I also mimicked an asian chicken salad we had at a restaurant with chopped cabbage, sauteed kale, soy ginger sauce and those fun crunchy things. I love adding new things to my mental menu. Check out these beautiful little egg flowers!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIvNzbwrcMM/UC1j1Govh6I/AAAAAAAAF94/gIdUxSqsnGU/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIvNzbwrcMM/UC1j1Govh6I/AAAAAAAAF94/gIdUxSqsnGU/s400/eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
happy feasting.<br />
love,<br />
MamiShaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-24730365545520172932012-08-14T23:52:00.000-07:002012-08-14T23:52:52.564-07:00Crafternoon: altered found photos and light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaZtqVMJ7oo/UCnSX1XWalI/AAAAAAAAF8I/Tg8lsTycjo0/s1600/ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaZtqVMJ7oo/UCnSX1XWalI/AAAAAAAAF8I/Tg8lsTycjo0/s400/ryan.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
A present for Wolfie. Besides underwater themed art and photography, I also have a penchant for using light in art, glowing art, strange lamps, <a href="http://mamastorms.blogspot.com/2012/05/sculptures-and-costumes.html">6 foot ladies with light bulb heads.</a><br />
<br />
When I saw <a href="http://amyfriend.ca/section/282356_Dar_alla_Luc.html">these pieces</a> utilizing vintage photographs AND light, I knew I had to try to make something like it. This was my first attempt and as you can see, somewhat poorly executed, but still pretty satisfying.<br />
<br />
I plan to find the perfect photo incorporating water and people, have it printed on a huge canvas, then shine lights through it so that I have an entire beautiful wall. I already made a large piece like this on a movie set to act as a romantic headboard for a steamy love scene but it only featured cherry blossoms.<br />
<br />
I think a photo of actual people staring out of the past illuminated will be much more interesting, though slightly less *<i>cough</i> erotic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5Q7DKGMa9c/UCnSjLR0-MI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/JiqMNw76zxg/s1600/ryan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5Q7DKGMa9c/UCnSjLR0-MI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/JiqMNw76zxg/s400/ryan2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry_NJVWOigI/UCnS0mEEhSI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/4wV90Vj3IpM/s1600/ryan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry_NJVWOigI/UCnS0mEEhSI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/4wV90Vj3IpM/s400/ryan3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh-ywFB_mX4/UCnUPyRBd0I/AAAAAAAAF8g/4DHGBz7HO58/s1600/profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh-ywFB_mX4/UCnUPyRBd0I/AAAAAAAAF8g/4DHGBz7HO58/s400/profile.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_4iVFORMjAs" width="420"></iframe>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-66641860209536531782012-08-13T13:37:00.000-07:002012-08-13T13:37:07.030-07:00My Dinner with Edie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCKQY2FkQss/UCiUZvz41eI/AAAAAAAAF6E/bZdwJaVglgw/s1600/agwindo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCKQY2FkQss/UCiUZvz41eI/AAAAAAAAF6E/bZdwJaVglgw/s400/agwindo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I love an intimate dinner party. So much more meaningful than a restaurant or a huge bash. Home cooked meals, fresh baked bread, new exciting toys for the monsters, a peek into the daily life of old friends. Long discussions of real life. Books, film, art, parenting, God. Things completely unrelated to tv shows or the internet over chilly pinot grigio and gelato. Does it get much better than this?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBa8QNCRVmI/UCiUs61sLfI/AAAAAAAAF6M/GaUP8T10FwU/s1600/agtent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBa8QNCRVmI/UCiUs61sLfI/AAAAAAAAF6M/GaUP8T10FwU/s400/agtent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG6CU4uU_zY/UCiUy6UXM7I/AAAAAAAAF6U/BR-UplC0eI8/s1600/agwindo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG6CU4uU_zY/UCiUy6UXM7I/AAAAAAAAF6U/BR-UplC0eI8/s400/agwindo.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore this peter pan window seat. Built with love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqh8WoY2_Fk/UCiVCuiSr6I/AAAAAAAAF6c/ADkleMt2yt8/s1600/agbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqh8WoY2_Fk/UCiVCuiSr6I/AAAAAAAAF6c/ADkleMt2yt8/s400/agbread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxbrPYyrh5E/UCiVXmt4klI/AAAAAAAAF6o/kx-ep221lag/s1600/agjm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxbrPYyrh5E/UCiVXmt4klI/AAAAAAAAF6o/kx-ep221lag/s400/agjm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDx5syPctbw/UCiVryQYmhI/AAAAAAAAF6w/z-9ji-_PHO8/s1600/aghome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDx5syPctbw/UCiVryQYmhI/AAAAAAAAF6w/z-9ji-_PHO8/s400/aghome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dU6HkRUu5w/UCiV_iIP8yI/AAAAAAAAF64/ZwqBP0ZuRDg/s1600/agedie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dU6HkRUu5w/UCiV_iIP8yI/AAAAAAAAF64/ZwqBP0ZuRDg/s400/agedie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VkVe5WrEXg/UCiWS1AWZmI/AAAAAAAAF7E/3Oxq6WsMSFg/s1600/agbutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VkVe5WrEXg/UCiWS1AWZmI/AAAAAAAAF7E/3Oxq6WsMSFg/s400/agbutt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVRr6fQ6GXY/UCiWX-2SxHI/AAAAAAAAF7M/k7e3riKx77o/s1600/amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVRr6fQ6GXY/UCiWX-2SxHI/AAAAAAAAF7M/k7e3riKx77o/s400/amanda.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bLFQkE9628/UCiWjPyETzI/AAAAAAAAF7U/j49AsbMwNIw/s1600/agraham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bLFQkE9628/UCiWjPyETzI/AAAAAAAAF7U/j49AsbMwNIw/s400/agraham.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQr723Hqkog/UCiW1Xrrg7I/AAAAAAAAF7c/PnyWkJ-T40w/s1600/agcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQr723Hqkog/UCiW1Xrrg7I/AAAAAAAAF7c/PnyWkJ-T40w/s400/agcream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_330007197"></span><span id="goog_330007198"></span><br />
<span id="goog_330007197"></span><span id="goog_330007198"></span><br />
<span id="goog_330007197"></span><span id="goog_330007198"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_387738292"><i><span id="goog_330007197">*donate to Evan's album project</span></i></a><br />
<span id="goog_330007197"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tacks/twelve-lions-paws-an-lp-of-enjoyable-music"><i>(only 10 days left!)</i></a> </span>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-75104844243047305622012-08-10T21:43:00.000-07:002012-08-10T21:57:44.893-07:00Mary Cassat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UWPzc1fIo/UCXXGKLSh5I/AAAAAAAAF3w/t2ECWKSJ7sg/s1600/The-Bath-I-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UWPzc1fIo/UCXXGKLSh5I/AAAAAAAAF3w/t2ECWKSJ7sg/s640/The-Bath-I-large.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
Ah Mary! How I love her. Some of her favorite subjects are mothers with their babies doing mundane every day things, but she can capture a look in the woman's eye or an accidentally marvelous pose of the limbs and it becomes extravagantly beautiful and moving. Fat infants being bathed or reaching to caress a face, the morning toilette, the mixed splashy patterns of rug, dress and wall papers. At the risk of extreme cheesiness, seeing these women make the same adoring faces and gestures that I make on a daily basis is almost like time travel.<br />
<br />
In our modern world I sometimes feel that all the good dirty wholesomeness of human life has been lost with the advent of television, the internet, cars, running water, microwaves. We scarcely even sweat anymore, unless we pay a gymnasium to let us do repetitive motions on a machine in an air conditioned room in order to sculpt our bodies to look amazing at the beach- which we slaved away hunched at a desk all year and flew a plane in order to reach. Even a mere one hundred years ago people were fit because they looked after crops, made their own furniture, chopped firewood, milked cows. They read anything they could get their hands on, taught themselves music and drawing and they rode horses for fun. I'm not entirely anti-technology, I mean- this is a blog after all full of digital pictures taken with a camera that works black devil magic. However, we all seem to think that we get smarter and smarter each generation because new things to help us be more comfortable keep being invented. It's all a lie!<br />
<br />
Have you ever read the Bronte sisters? The books they wrote before the age of 25 would shame any English speaking blogger today. There are a million other examples, including native Americans and their herbal cures or <a href="http://www.howtotutor.com/pics/elethir3.gif">the 1839 McGuffey's Reader</a> <i>(meant for ages 7-8)</i> not to mention those pesky pyramids, but what I'm actually trying to say is that these paintings give me hope because I am <i>just like these women</i>. Nothing much has really changed when you can still see the intense love between mother and child. It is a wild, wolfish, ancient love and technology hasn't managed to killed it yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykKUL1IMxjQ/UCXXKLkJLvI/AAAAAAAAF34/ysEGtyxjOc8/s1600/The-Bath-2-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykKUL1IMxjQ/UCXXKLkJLvI/AAAAAAAAF34/ysEGtyxjOc8/s640/The-Bath-2-large.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suqwpOIAHPQ/UCXXO_RFgvI/AAAAAAAAF4A/RAKA4l7xKBo/s1600/The-Letter,-1890-91-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suqwpOIAHPQ/UCXXO_RFgvI/AAAAAAAAF4A/RAKA4l7xKBo/s640/The-Letter,-1890-91-large.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GHm_zpDu2M/UCXXUcSetdI/AAAAAAAAF4I/r31JOopR2dY/s1600/The-Bath-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GHm_zpDu2M/UCXXUcSetdI/AAAAAAAAF4I/r31JOopR2dY/s640/The-Bath-large.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74dUKnkhKhQ/UCXXXt8v0tI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/FVO0skcZsTw/s1600/Nude-Child-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-74dUKnkhKhQ/UCXXXt8v0tI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/FVO0skcZsTw/s640/Nude-Child-large.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-69943038908433495332012-08-10T20:08:00.003-07:002012-08-10T20:08:40.217-07:00Glass Crab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5MkKY7TLkE/UCXMAFml5wI/AAAAAAAAF3I/Owi41KzJxiA/s1600/glasscrab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5MkKY7TLkE/UCXMAFml5wI/AAAAAAAAF3I/Owi41KzJxiA/s640/glasscrab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was doing an experiment with my photo uploading, but please enjoy this crab in a glass shell. (which I grabbed from the internet somewhere). He is so cool! A joke about glass houses and being naked is here somewhere, but I haven't thought of it yet.Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-67172174311095683082012-08-03T14:15:00.000-07:002012-08-03T14:15:00.396-07:00Hrm<span id="goog_768556768">The blog kings say I can't upload any more photos without paying them money. Although it's not very expensive, I'm so offended that I'm putting it off. I'll watch the Olympics instead. Oh wait! The tv kings say you have to have cable in order to watch that. I guess I'll read a book. </span>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-79093550026762022222012-07-31T23:42:00.000-07:002012-08-10T21:56:28.474-07:00Chubby Canvas and a Carnival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSSSBC5xdYc/UBiuLiXyzUI/AAAAAAAAFyg/WsyuMkr9V_4/s1600/crucat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSSSBC5xdYc/UBiuLiXyzUI/AAAAAAAAFyg/WsyuMkr9V_4/s400/crucat.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
A story about two adventures in one day. We're just three mothers trying to enrich the lives of the little ones even though it's so hot that a kid can barely enjoy a popsicle. I met a couple of my favorite mommies downtown for an "art in the park" event for kids, featuring live music by local celebrities the Biscuit Brothers, stroller parking, various craft tables and free ice cream. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Boy-mmrJznQ/UBiugmRnscI/AAAAAAAAFyo/AhXncWLvZUc/s1600/ckids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Boy-mmrJznQ/UBiugmRnscI/AAAAAAAAFyo/AhXncWLvZUc/s400/ckids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPYrBM_4aLQ/UBiu5szA9tI/AAAAAAAAFyw/1W632P1Ik90/s1600/chats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPYrBM_4aLQ/UBiu5szA9tI/AAAAAAAAFyw/1W632P1Ik90/s400/chats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There were clowns, there were paper hats, there was music-but the show was so packed we just wandered around drinking lemonade in paper cups and trying not to grab the wrong children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8NoTKGHGJk/UBivNdG1zpI/AAAAAAAAFy4/aRnDjoRctt4/s1600/chan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8NoTKGHGJk/UBivNdG1zpI/AAAAAAAAFy4/aRnDjoRctt4/s400/chan.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
At some point in the confusion Hannah spontaneously lost her British citizenship when she was coerced, not only to give a high five (<i>horrid fratboy gesture</i>) but to give it to none other than Ronald McDonald in the flesh. Sorry about that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdDryoS2TqE/UBivTAh2yNI/AAAAAAAAFzA/bSkmUZxfHtc/s1600/calison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdDryoS2TqE/UBivTAh2yNI/AAAAAAAAFzA/bSkmUZxfHtc/s400/calison.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Alison was cool and breezy, and didn't care a whit about the sweltering mouth that was the weather or the thousands of strange children swarming around our feet trying to sweep our own dear progeny into oblivion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4muNMiCVVA/UBivpC-H1UI/AAAAAAAAFzM/toHOyXvGNDo/s1600/cpops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4muNMiCVVA/UBivpC-H1UI/AAAAAAAAFzM/toHOyXvGNDo/s400/cpops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRrG4AlgUzA/UBiv-A_3XiI/AAAAAAAAFzU/TIiAvKYnrHU/s1600/chot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRrG4AlgUzA/UBiv-A_3XiI/AAAAAAAAFzU/TIiAvKYnrHU/s400/chot.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
We stayed just long enough for free ice cream, (<i>identical to some I had in my freezer)</i> and when I saw the look on Jesse's face I knew there wasn't too much fun left to be had at the wilted art tables. Not to mention the line for face painting was longer than the line for the bathroom at SXSW. I invited everyone to come to our messy house for conditioned air, snacks and face painting without the wait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXf1SeqvOCs/UBiwGeU7y4I/AAAAAAAAFzc/iCD_U8RfZQA/s1600/clevipaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXf1SeqvOCs/UBiwGeU7y4I/AAAAAAAAFzc/iCD_U8RfZQA/s400/clevipaint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DchQYOkNfc4/UBiwHxwMLHI/AAAAAAAAFzk/h_gh5jEZjTg/s1600/cdactyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DchQYOkNfc4/UBiwHxwMLHI/AAAAAAAAFzk/h_gh5jEZjTg/s400/cdactyl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"flying-dactyl"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VqYkJfgvhc/UBiwWMPAwGI/AAAAAAAAFzw/QreoON912-s/s1600/cjesshark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VqYkJfgvhc/UBiwWMPAwGI/AAAAAAAAFzw/QreoON912-s/s400/cjesshark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Usbn0gctY/UBiwlY1oMAI/AAAAAAAAFz4/Nli5mkaDzQY/s1600/cmepaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Usbn0gctY/UBiwlY1oMAI/AAAAAAAAFz4/Nli5mkaDzQY/s400/cmepaint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIMkJ0tESgc/UBiwrW53pgI/AAAAAAAAF0A/KCC-nY9h2Ho/s1600/cemcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIMkJ0tESgc/UBiwrW53pgI/AAAAAAAAF0A/KCC-nY9h2Ho/s400/cemcat.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZt_pJX1CMY/UBiw8mi9XbI/AAAAAAAAF0I/mo8HL8EX1Ls/s1600/caustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZt_pJX1CMY/UBiw8mi9XbI/AAAAAAAAF0I/mo8HL8EX1Ls/s400/caustin.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btuk21uOaQY/UBixLMcG-MI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/2h_RD38ex3I/s1600/ccleavage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btuk21uOaQY/UBixLMcG-MI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/2h_RD38ex3I/s400/ccleavage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">accidental cleavage, sorry Mam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfx29hjnGkQ/UBixbuuqz6I/AAAAAAAAF0Y/_mzHnbwz02Q/s1600/crueyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfx29hjnGkQ/UBixbuuqz6I/AAAAAAAAF0Y/_mzHnbwz02Q/s400/crueyes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTNsF5xsHyE/UBixs919f0I/AAAAAAAAF0g/W3xjDgo2XJg/s1600/c2cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTNsF5xsHyE/UBixs919f0I/AAAAAAAAF0g/W3xjDgo2XJg/s400/c2cats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two ummm....cats?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Pa6M_fJbY/UBix9ZaXn7I/AAAAAAAAF0o/6iXnTTD8R1Q/s1600/celiapaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Pa6M_fJbY/UBix9ZaXn7I/AAAAAAAAF0o/6iXnTTD8R1Q/s400/celiapaint.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elia made sure Alison didn't get left out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCvGo-jGX9I/UBiyRr8pGPI/AAAAAAAAF0w/JeRdVceCBv8/s1600/c2faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCvGo-jGX9I/UBiyRr8pGPI/AAAAAAAAF0w/JeRdVceCBv8/s400/c2faces.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lion and butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4maUk73S-Q/UBiypKku2SI/AAAAAAAAF04/NzztjTaHYn4/s1600/cend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4maUk73S-Q/UBiypKku2SI/AAAAAAAAF04/NzztjTaHYn4/s640/cend.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoHIZ-hCIrc/UBiy-sUKVLI/AAAAAAAAF1A/nNJqk1N1CcA/s1600/cend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoHIZ-hCIrc/UBiy-sUKVLI/AAAAAAAAF1A/nNJqk1N1CcA/s640/cend2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
the end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1535669260"><i>*donate to </i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1535669260"><i>Evan's album </i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tacks/twelve-lions-paws-an-lp-of-enjoyable-music"><i>project</i></a>Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-27184177223885761672012-07-30T19:36:00.000-07:002012-07-30T19:37:51.391-07:00We are to Picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ppichkXIfs/UBcnuueFwTI/AAAAAAAAFwk/C4qNnqMpax4/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ppichkXIfs/UBcnuueFwTI/AAAAAAAAFwk/C4qNnqMpax4/s640/picnic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhdy_NJ5JPM/UBcn2KQFY8I/AAAAAAAAFws/FPppNnFvrb4/s1600/psmiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhdy_NJ5JPM/UBcn2KQFY8I/AAAAAAAAFws/FPppNnFvrb4/s640/psmiles.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it must be summertime when I realize that the only two things I've worn today are pajamas and a bathing suit. Also, we can't stop picnicking. Here we are again frolicking in the sunset like a pack of peanut butter loving monkeys. Refined monkeys who love a free symphony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite things about having my own little family is the inventing of your own holidays and weird/<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/26/travel/friends-summer-photo-tradition/index.html?fb_action_ids=10151146121971393&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151146121971393%22%3A10151137940998125%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151146121971393%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=[]">awesome traditions</a>. We have a camping holiday, daily brunches, sunset picnics, crafternoon, weekly book hunting, songs we made up just for our family. It's thrilling to imagine what we'll come up with next. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkErPRJLHLg/UBcn8-5dAnI/AAAAAAAAFw0/y9sjVoBOZE8/s1600/pfrolic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkErPRJLHLg/UBcn8-5dAnI/AAAAAAAAFw0/y9sjVoBOZE8/s640/pfrolic.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ut8CtN8fsmo/UBcoC_oceDI/AAAAAAAAFw8/WYnYeHpCXYs/s1600/pfrolic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ut8CtN8fsmo/UBcoC_oceDI/AAAAAAAAFw8/WYnYeHpCXYs/s640/pfrolic2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjM1NZRyERE/UBcoLp9CgGI/AAAAAAAAFxE/rGNpJENhLfk/s1600/pstep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjM1NZRyERE/UBcoLp9CgGI/AAAAAAAAFxE/rGNpJENhLfk/s640/pstep.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCIKP3vn4w0/UBcodWlIp-I/AAAAAAAAFxM/7PQD35N3kZk/s1600/pme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCIKP3vn4w0/UBcodWlIp-I/AAAAAAAAFxM/7PQD35N3kZk/s400/pme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jj4XeRXQjXM/UBcojTunOsI/AAAAAAAAFxU/UzNSoOvcH9I/s1600/plaugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jj4XeRXQjXM/UBcojTunOsI/AAAAAAAAFxU/UzNSoOvcH9I/s640/plaugh.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CnhnwdNPLI/UBco75N0TQI/AAAAAAAAFxg/WUktA_h59-4/s1600/pset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CnhnwdNPLI/UBco75N0TQI/AAAAAAAAFxg/WUktA_h59-4/s640/pset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zvzaarr3mY/UBcpF2kO_SI/AAAAAAAAFxo/d1bdY8SQVdQ/s1600/pn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zvzaarr3mY/UBcpF2kO_SI/AAAAAAAAFxo/d1bdY8SQVdQ/s640/pn1.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_19738809"><i>*donate to Evan's</i></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tacks/twelve-lions-paws-an-lp-of-enjoyable-music"><i> album project</i></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9c30cHlJTds/UBcpN9Q0gxI/AAAAAAAAFxw/4IjaPkSPkOo/s1600/pn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9c30cHlJTds/UBcpN9Q0gxI/AAAAAAAAFxw/4IjaPkSPkOo/s640/pn2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ce5BWlwtbtc/UBcpmBtXvHI/AAAAAAAAFx4/ofs-7DkB9Ug/s1600/pn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ce5BWlwtbtc/UBcpmBtXvHI/AAAAAAAAFx4/ofs-7DkB9Ug/s640/pn3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-8132779790163275942012-07-27T14:22:00.000-07:002012-07-27T14:22:01.783-07:00Tacks, the boy disaster- Twelve Lions' Paws<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tacks/twelve-lions-paws-an-lp-of-enjoyable-music/widget/video.html" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
The long awaited full length album! The songs are written, recorded, slaved over, picked apart, rewritten, re-recorded, rearranged, tried in different sounding rooms with different engineers over the course of five years of love and hatred. Missed family dinners, two children, four houses, and four rotating band members later it is actually done. It is a beautiful thing.<br />
<br />
Evan has poured his whole soul into this, spending countless evenings scrawling lyrics, listening to hundreds of hours of recordings, practicing singing, banging away on the piano. This was his full time job-unpaid. We got by on his private piano lessons, the odd jazz gig and my bartending. Only the final mastering remains, which will happen in the next few days.<br />
<br />
Here is a dorky and endearing video the boys made for a program called Kickstarter, which is an online donation project designed to help artists and musicians reach goals without going into personal debt. They call upon friends, family and fans to donate whatever they can in exchange for different levels of incentives, ranging from a feeling of euphoria to an advance copy of the record to a private concert. If they don't reach their goal within 30 days the money goes back to you.<br />
<br />
The guys are projecting a pretty modest goal, just enough to cover the costs of studio time and the engineers. This doesn't include tshirts, buying gear, future tours, pocket money or even the printing and pressing of said album. <i>(any overages will certainly go that direction)</i> Though it rubs my fur backwards a bit to panhandle on the internet, what better cause to humble myself? This is the future of our family, and I married a musician with this kind of life before my eyes. A house full of music, children and laughter, our income invested in keyboards and microphones and lovely noises rather than the nasdaq or a large home in a safe part of town.<br />
<br />
If you feel so led, you can be a part of this project<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tacks/twelve-lions-paws-an-lp-of-enjoyable-music"> <u><b>HERE.</b></u></a><br />
If you'd rather just give us a hearty high five- spreading, sharing, and re-posting this link all over the wide web is just as good as money to us.<br />
<br />
Thank you kindly for stopping by this corner of the web where I keep my ravings. I think you're pretty.Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-83652511683656758712012-07-26T18:03:00.001-07:002012-07-26T18:03:21.324-07:00Beets Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDF0vYfykUE/UBHfAtl4RAI/AAAAAAAAFvs/Wen_VVDq5Xs/s1600/aplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDF0vYfykUE/UBHfAtl4RAI/AAAAAAAAFvs/Wen_VVDq5Xs/s640/aplate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBmTnjLaMEg/UBHfF-SRIuI/AAAAAAAAFv0/t9eVwRtjBLg/s1600/abrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBmTnjLaMEg/UBHfF-SRIuI/AAAAAAAAFv0/t9eVwRtjBLg/s400/abrine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Pickled beets! I totally did it! I've been wanting to try this ever
since I had fried beets dipped in spicy mayo from a downtown food cart <i>
<a href="http://eskaustin.com/">(East Side Kings)</a>, </i>but was daunted because I thought pickling=preserving. Wrong. Pickling is just soaking something in brine whereas preserving necessitates equipment and know how and a surplus of produce to squirrel away for winter. Now I know, elementary kitchen trivia. Stop laughing at me, <a href="http://mamastorms.blogspot.com/search?q=miranda">Miranda Brown.</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsCQSRCfQg8/UBHfTX44z4I/AAAAAAAAFwA/pV-dspUBUKU/s1600/aboil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsCQSRCfQg8/UBHfTX44z4I/AAAAAAAAFwA/pV-dspUBUKU/s400/aboil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Anyway, it was easy but took longer than I thought. I used <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pickled-Beets-104407">this recipe</a> but don't be fooled by their breezy "slip off the skins" step. It was like peeling a boiled egg for every single little bugger, and my kitchen smelled like the pickled devil and looked like I'd been doing murder. Look at that platter of boiled beets, it's like I'm the woodsman and those are the hearts of every Disney princess EVER.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPzdChncJSI/UBHfadkwj3I/AAAAAAAAFwM/pSWXNhEKMOg/s1600/abeets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPzdChncJSI/UBHfadkwj3I/AAAAAAAAFwM/pSWXNhEKMOg/s400/abeets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I skipped the "cooling the brine overnight" step <i>(because I don't mind having peppercorns mixed in with my pickles)</i> and tossed it together immediately, saving one whole day of waiting.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I also tie-dyed two tank tops in the beet juice because it was such a gorgeous shade of purple. They didn't turn out how I'd envisioned. *cough</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfQSIZ0bEk0/UBHff3iMJAI/AAAAAAAAFwU/SOxF1q7gvJ0/s1600/a2plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfQSIZ0bEk0/UBHff3iMJAI/AAAAAAAAFwU/SOxF1q7gvJ0/s640/a2plates.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
The beets however, turned out delicious. Serve over wilted kale fried in coconut oil and topped with goat cheese, or in a martini in place of olives. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Cocktail naming winner:</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Two-piece Beetini</i></div>
<br />
Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130019057707263982.post-49693864038501460782012-07-25T14:26:00.000-07:002012-07-25T14:26:11.047-07:00MURAL MATCH 3: Castle Hill Graffitti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmBDgrX-joc/UA8N6HLA_HI/AAAAAAAAFtY/8QIm3wCjp44/s1600/gmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmBDgrX-joc/UA8N6HLA_HI/AAAAAAAAFtY/8QIm3wCjp44/s640/gmain.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow! We bit off a little more than we could chew with this one. We hit the mural mother lode! This is both good and bad because we had so many to choose from that we didn't know what to wear in order to "match" any particular wall and ended up flinging three bags of colorful things and random accessories into the car, planning on some luck and a couple of costume changes.<br />
<br />
What really happened? We depleted our camera batteries, patience and sweat within fifteen minutes. There were stumble holes crisscrossed with brambles and the ground was spangled with broken glass. There were at least four other groups mugging around with cameras and the kids started choosing their own clothes <i>(my tshirts)</i> instead of matching ones and I was so hot I stopped caring about anything. I think my brain was getting a little melty.<br />
<br />
Luckily Sarah was with us and helped me talk the monsters off of the narrow walls <i>(which they were using as balance beams)</i> and took great pictures despite the 2000 degree heat. Check out <a href="http://www.nats-umi.com/">her lovely design/creative blog</a> and adventures living in a houseboat in Amsterdam. Afterward we bought overpriced smoothies at the hippie yoga place and summer dresses at the thrift store. <i>(cheaper than the smoothies)</i><br />
<br />
There are so many cool murals in this town that it could take years to dance in front of all of them. I might have to come back to Castle Hill because there were three more levels we didn't even get to! Here's an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">article talking about the public art project.</a><br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQu0DWHGco/UA8OTp2S5iI/AAAAAAAAFtk/npqIPtl-Xbw/s1600/gsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQu0DWHGco/UA8OTp2S5iI/AAAAAAAAFtk/npqIPtl-Xbw/s640/gsky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vg7ukjfhsc/UA8OXPqkydI/AAAAAAAAFts/kFvPJs274MY/s1600/gsarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Vg7ukjfhsc/UA8OXPqkydI/AAAAAAAAFts/kFvPJs274MY/s640/gsarah.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofi-tPeE3h4/UA8ObqEEk0I/AAAAAAAAFt0/hN9VceQLi_Y/s1600/gsarah2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofi-tPeE3h4/UA8ObqEEk0I/AAAAAAAAFt0/hN9VceQLi_Y/s640/gsarah2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCh-hZKjokc/UA8Oz5Fty4I/AAAAAAAAFt8/QaT5NCjkDpM/s1600/gbludress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCh-hZKjokc/UA8Oz5Fty4I/AAAAAAAAFt8/QaT5NCjkDpM/s640/gbludress.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeL88yNyYAw/UA8PTqdiW4I/AAAAAAAAFuI/QyjAUhmvGnM/s1600/gblu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeL88yNyYAw/UA8PTqdiW4I/AAAAAAAAFuI/QyjAUhmvGnM/s640/gblu2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Ja73KIYfI/UA8PxJNV2wI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/MRGcuGE-AAI/s1600/gsibs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Ja73KIYfI/UA8PxJNV2wI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/MRGcuGE-AAI/s640/gsibs.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqLRHAKrbC8/UA8QHajV66I/AAAAAAAAFuc/VnWsxgZW8bw/s1600/gwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqLRHAKrbC8/UA8QHajV66I/AAAAAAAAFuc/VnWsxgZW8bw/s640/gwall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acs6AGjztIA/UA8Qp1GYATI/AAAAAAAAFuk/tJqJdOZC0NA/s1600/gmad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acs6AGjztIA/UA8Qp1GYATI/AAAAAAAAFuk/tJqJdOZC0NA/s400/gmad.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 frowns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00RzJww-Zp4/UA8REfuFDXI/AAAAAAAAFuw/4VyFu8nqSEU/s1600/gpinkru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00RzJww-Zp4/UA8REfuFDXI/AAAAAAAAFuw/4VyFu8nqSEU/s640/gpinkru.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkHEOxLXYv4/UA8RhfHY1tI/AAAAAAAAFu4/qdGfOB3BQaQ/s1600/gpeace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkHEOxLXYv4/UA8RhfHY1tI/AAAAAAAAFu4/qdGfOB3BQaQ/s640/gpeace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g06Aohat0DI/UA8RxC_XCnI/AAAAAAAAFvE/XBmHw0Rk7bs/s1600/gclockru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g06Aohat0DI/UA8RxC_XCnI/AAAAAAAAFvE/XBmHw0Rk7bs/s640/gclockru.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlBr2f4_Ut4/UA8SLYk9wGI/AAAAAAAAFvM/jIs2J8-sv5w/s1600/gclock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TlBr2f4_Ut4/UA8SLYk9wGI/AAAAAAAAFvM/jIs2J8-sv5w/s640/gclock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVrDVKNTjRs/UA8TfY-PaiI/AAAAAAAAFvg/h89ipCQpsDQ/s1600/gking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVrDVKNTjRs/UA8TfY-PaiI/AAAAAAAAFvg/h89ipCQpsDQ/s640/gking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztviDAF5K38/UA8TESVLglI/AAAAAAAAFvU/vkYFr8n_AmQ/s1600/gwide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztviDAF5K38/UA8TESVLglI/AAAAAAAAFvU/vkYFr8n_AmQ/s640/gwide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Shaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10445233104596072186noreply@blogger.com0