Kid at Heart

Feel the grass under your toes.

Cross your arms, grab hands, lean back and spin.

Throw your head back and look up at the sky.

Watch the clouds turn into animals.

Listen to the sounds of the world.

Grab a handful of sand and let it slip through your fingers.

Swing higher than you are tall.

Jump and imagine you are flying. 

Laugh like nothing else matters but the joy in your heart.

C.Bennet

My Lovely Little Things

S.S.C. Photography & Prints

Rachel Pfeffer Designs

BangBangCrash

Photography: Ode to Nature

New Painting!

I finished this little painting called Pods which is available in my Etsy shop.  It was done in acrylic paint on a 3x3" canvas.  I thought about keeping it, but I can always paint another one right?

Photography: Mochi Photo Montage

Jewelry Organization

If you're like me then you take pleasure in organization.  Here are some ways to organize your jewelry:

This multi-level hanger is perfect for necklaces and bracelets.  One side lifts up so even if it doesn't have a clasp you can slide it on.  It's easy to find what you're looking for, keeps chains from getting tangled, and can be stored in your closet out of view.  Thanks for the idea Fer!

BLUEBIRDHEAVEN on Etsy offers a creative way to display jewelry in re-purposed printer drawers. 

A frame with wire mesh is a great way to organize your earrings.  Find the pictured earring holder at PARADISE HILL DESIGNS.

Photography: Seeing the world in black and white

Pictures I took for a photography class a few years ago.

Adventure Time: Rock Climbing

Cameron's been itching to go rock climbing and so last weekend we decided to go on an adventure!  Early Saturday morning we headed to Mission Trails and hiked up the Climbers Loop Trail.  We didn't make it there quite early enough (I'm not a morning person) and other climbers had set up at some of the better spots.  Cameron can't lead since breaking his arms a couple years ago so we had to find a top rope climb. We ended up at "Nob Job" (free guide available here http://members.cox.net/sandiegorock/index.html) and a couple friends joined us. Cameron taught me to belay so he could climb too.  We had a great time and can't wait to go again!

This is Cameron "saving" me when the rope got stuck and I couldn't move.

Hot Finds: The Encinitas Street Fair

Last Sunday I headed to the Encinitas Street Fair with my mom.  The fair was much bigger than I imagined and full of talented vendors.  Here's what I picked up!

The silky dress will make a perfect swimsuit cover-up or would look great paired with leggings.  I stopped back by the booth as they were packing up so I got a deal! I got both items for under $30.

Hot Finds: Oh Etsy, how I love you...

Here are some things I've acquired from some very talented people on Etsy: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/friedasophie

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenlo262

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bayanhippo

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SonataSoaps

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kasiablue

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tmStudioDesigns

It's the little things...

I recently watched the French film Amélie whose main character becomes a self proclaimed do-gooder after returning a tin of childhood treasures to a stranger. Although her schemes are to bring joy to those around her, it reminded me of the power of random acts of kindness.  If you've been the receiver of such an act, whether it's someone paying for your cup of coffee,  a stranger offering a compliment, or whatever it may be, you know what I mean.  You can't help but smile in wonderment at the selflessness and thoughtfulness of a person who doesn't even know you. Once driving through the toll for the Bay Bridge my friend offered fruit snacks to the worker in the booth.  It's the little things like that that can turn even a bad day into a good one.

Being on the non-receiving, doing something for someone else is a pretty gratifying experience.  In high school my friend and I handmade Valentine's cards.  We carefully crafted each card to be unique with quotes from Shakespeare and such.  We then went into downtown and distributed our cards to complete strangers.  It was a lot of fun and I still remember the experience with fondness.  So this is my call to you: go be inspired and spread kindness to strangers and loved ones alike! 

(oh, and watch Amélie if you haven't yet)