All You Need Is...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

And though the rest of the message got a little preachy, thanks to the skywriter in Orlando for this bit. 

Up in the Air

Two weeks ago we went to Orlando to visit family. Greg stayed on for a conference and I flew back with a connection through Raleigh-Durham. I'd never had the pleasure of visiting this airport before and I was blown away by the great architecture and design elements.

A beautiful combination of wood, steel and glass. More information here on the design, construction and accomplished architect.

I actually really don't mind layovers. There's something about being semi-captive, waiting for the next leg of a journey to begin, with eating, talking, watching, reading, surfing, or maybe working (if you're so inclined or obligated) being the only activities to choose from. And I was glad to spend 3+ hours doing just those things in such an unexpectedly beautiful space.

The decision is final. We're moving to Seattle in just a couple of months. Going out to see my new home-to-be in 2 weeks. Then 5 weeks from today off for some fun and sun in Puerto Rico. So many more hours in airports in my future. Lucky me. Seriously :)

Faux Spring Better Than No Spring

Forcing some bulbs because of course this time of year in Ohio leaves one feeling pretty bloom-deprived. And thinking so doing will fulfill the "fresh flowers help sell your house" thing in a budget and eco friendly way since I have a bunch of these guys (fritillaria) plus tulips and hyacinths just biding their time in the garage. House isn't quite on the market yet, but only a few weeks till it will be.

It's not a Benjamin Button fritillaria, I lead with the impressive full bloom shots. :)

I started off with them in an old aluminum bundt pan, but things got too rusty, so transferred to this vase which is better support-wise anyway as they are a bit taller than expected.

Parrot tulips going too in a couple old apothecary jars. 

Loving the silver and glass with some twigs mixed in. Feel like it mirrors the outside world right now.

PS Changed up the look of the blog a little (finally made a header!). 

Hey, 2013. I've Got a Good Feeling About You.

Uh-mazing sunset last night. Just glanced up and there it was. (Color not enhanced in anyway, promise. All mother nature.)

I've jumped into 2013 with both feet. Trying to be more productive, mainly by dragging myself out of bed before the sun is up every weekday. Working on two archaeology-related volunteer projects to get myself reinvolved while I hunt for jobs in the field. Going to two yoga classes weekly and so happy to be getting the kind of instruction I've always hoped for, laying the foundation for a true understanding and practice. Plus getting other forms of exercise as I can squeeze them in in anticipation of a March trip to Puerto Rico(!). Eating less and more nutritious things after glutinous holidays. Getting our house ready to put on the market in a month or so including getting rid of stuff, stuff, stuff, so much stuff. Looking forward to moving with only the things we need and love, no extra baggage.  

So that's just to name a few. But not working on my blog or even taking many photos (with nice new camera or even phone) has been bugging me, because I love the creative outlet. So I've finally returned. 

One Warm Winter Night...

A week ago yesterday was our neighborhood's annual luminary lighting. Though it didn't feel much like the holidays as it was somewhere around 50 degrees out.

We took a little walk around and enjoyed the candlelight and the modern equivalents.

We had both going inside as well.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas or your holiday of choice this season!

O, Cwistmas Twee

As for the title, I am watching The Princess Bride as I type, so really, what choice did I have? We got a nice little twee three weeks ago (nearly) already (!) from the local lot, stuck it on a bucket so that we could see it from the sofa, used burlap for a skirt, transferred lights that were strung up around our screened porch...

tinsel or bead garland? Greg fought for the beads and won...

+ some ribbon...

+ some more ribbon + vintage baubles I found at a thrift store last year.

and then this came in the mail last weekend, a pre-x-mas gift from some great friends, a Cwistmas pickle, the finishing touch! 

Meet the Kids

Formal introductions here on the blog. Piper, the black lab and Elphie, the siamese x american shorthair, or something like that. I love it when they pose themselves.