Things that make me smile...

Hopefully they make you smile as well.

For links to where these came from please click on the images.

Monday Love

Can you believe this intricate flower necklace is mainly formed from... gasp, paper?! With the layered petals of the ranunculus and sweet little accent leaves and blossoms I simply can't resist. This style is available in an array of colors at Blush Envy. However, I think I like the subtlety of the creamy white paper most. It is easier to appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance with a single shade.

Feathered and Spectacular

I am not really sure why I enjoy looking at other people's yearbook photos so much. Especially if they are from the eighties or earlier. These must have been taken when Charles Angels was a smash and everyone wanted to look like Farrah Fawcett. I like making up little stories about the people in the photos. Who knows, maybe the girl in the bottom right corner was a huge ABBA fan. Such a enormous fan that she may have permanently scarred her younger brother with her obsession to Dancing Queen and matching leotards. Still to this day he can't watch gymnastics without cringing.

For a link to the yearbook page click here. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hitting on all cylinders...

There probably are not be too many other people who would adore these images as much as me. Volkswagens, retro colors and gorgeous vintage type- swoon! You see, I drive a loud, slow moving, and yet perfectly wonderful, Volkswagen bus. I know that the first thing most people think of is stinky incense or that I must not have a home. Don't worry neither of those apply here.

My "people mover" used to belong to my Grandfather. He was not a flower child but, simply admired functional things that were built to last. I remember once going grocery shopping with him when I was little. A young man helping us take out our groceries was surprised by the bus. He actually asked if Grampa was a hippy in the sixties. I will never forget his response, "Hippy!? HIPPY? No, too much hair them hippies. It's just a good ol' car."

Driving a bus has many unexpected side effects. Most of them are rather pleasant. Like friendly waves from other bus drivers, or being told nostalgic stories from passers by. However, there are other side effects from the bus. Some of them I am sure you can guess. But one occurrence truly surprised me. I never would have thought that I would get hit on as often as I am now. Over the years it has become rather comical. I am starting to think that certain men see me in the bus and assume that I must be low maintenance, ready for a good time and that I come complete with a car you can lay down in. Yikes!

Side effects included, no matter how embarrassing, I still love my Volkswagen. Like many other vintage car owners, mine has seen better days. Especially living here on the coast with all of the salt in the air. I am sure that it is just a matter of time until I will win the lotto. Then I can fix her up as lovely as those pictured above. Please click on the images for a link to where they came from.

Things to keep other things in...

I guess, I never gave it a second thought, until one day Joe asked me why I purchase things to put other things in. I felt like I was in the middle of a George Carlin routine about "stuff."

"What are you talking about? I am simply organized."

I thought that was it. Then I began to pay more attention to my funny little habits. Sure, I like containers to keep items in. The bobby pins have a home and my vintage buttons are in their own box. They are sorted into color families... so are the books on the shelf and the clothes in my closet. That isn't that bad is it? I mean, at least I always know where the scissors are right?! Then I started to realize that I will get up from a comfortable position during a movie just to shut the cabinet doors in the living room. Silly yes, but something in my brain feels those doors are supposed to be closed. Oh my, this must be how obsessive compulsive disorder starts. Am I going to end up one of those cuckoo old ladies with too many cats and an obsession over a grand collection of junk? I certainly hope not.

Don't get me wrong, I am far from the perfect house keeper. But I realize that organization makes me feel more at ease, so why not be organized. To be honest, I find the quirky things my brain feels "I" need to do, are kind of interesting. Most times I am sure my brain is correct. Like when it reminds my hands to feel the temperature of the water before I jump into a scalding hot shower. Then there are those other thoughts that are rather funny. Like feeling I need to tuck a stranger's tag back into their shirt at the super market. Yep, my brain triggers an automatic thought to tuck stranger's tags in. Sad isn't it. Thankfully I fight this impulse and have yet to be arrested for altering a stranger's attire. If you are feeling the need for some things to keep other things in there are a few lovely choices above. Click on the images for links to each item. I hope you, and your brain, have a great weekend!

A world away from digital...

Cameras have been ever changing since their discovery. With time they have evolved to be rather complex little devices. Not to mention, a large part of our daily lives and memories. The ones shown above are pinhole cameras, all made from paper. How on earth can a camera be made from paper you ask? Well, pinhole cameras are a very simple version of a camera. They have no lens and a single very small aperture. Simply explained, it is a light-proof box with a small hole in one side.

Any of the versions shown above would make a wonderful gift for someone passionate about photography. The best part is that these can by customized for the owner with there name or color choice. The version above can even be made out of a photograph! Just click on the images for a link to the item. Since we are on the subject of homemade cameras, I must share this amazing artist with you. His name is John Chiara, he is a photographer working in the San Francisco...

Fluidity

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I find the beauty and calm tension in these pieces breathtaking. These stunning images are by Valeria H Photography. If you have the time, take a visit to her shop... you wont be disappointed.

Repurposed with Care

Repurposed items are prettier than ever! Just look at these neat wares I found by searching for upcycled goods. For a link please click on the images.

Monday Love

It was a slower time when travel by rail was standard. It seems like it must have been a quieter more relaxing way to travel. You could sit with your thoughts and watch the world roll by. For links to all of the items please click on the images. Have a great week everyone!