Papa Bear Party

Today is my dad's birthday. It never seems like a big deal to him, but it always is to me.

My father is so much to so many people. He has a generous heart, he is a patient teacher, and a friend to many.

What those people may not know is that my dad is a big ol' teddy bear too. He has taught his cubs to work hard, do their best, and enjoy life. He has done all of this with love.

Happy Birthday Papa Bear!

like riding a bike

I went for a bike ride tonight. I hadn't been in a long time, not since I had my unicycle turned back into a bicycle (long story). Apparently, the old saying is true...you can't forget how to ride a bike.

It was fun and I can't wait to do it again.



Check out amazing bike art by Taliah Lempert here.

hi

This ID tag perfectly suits Monsters personality.

in knots

Dawn and Jon...c'est bon!

We were thrilled to hear that my sister Dawn, and her darling boyfriend Jon are going to tie the knot sometime next year. We couldn't be happier for them.

mystery solved

Look sassy and smart? The Nancy Drew dress from Shabby Apple can help me do both.

pretty in pink

Did you know that these pink ear plugs are all you need to sleep like an angel? The TV said so.

long s'tori'

I love this damn show.

got my goat (cheese)

I can't get enough fresh chevre right now.

Try a fresh slice of artisan bread (I like sourdough), with a thick spread of chevre goodness, top with vine ripened tomatoes and arugula, drizzle with lemon vinagrette...heaven.



Image from igourmet.

something missing

We need more beavers around here. You need some of these too.

feeding the pig

Our's likes quarters. We make him fat and then rob him blind.

winter coating

Thinking about this....



and this...



and this.

the reddress project

I am in awe of this art project fostered by Danish upholstery manufacturer, Kvadrat. The company partners with artists and galleries to encourage exploration of new textile applications and uses, and realize their vision. The Reddress project was completed in 2005.

To follow is the description of this art project from Kvadrat:

It was the Korean designer Aamu Song’s dream to create an enormous red dress, which would form the setting for this spectacular musical performance staged on 14th August 2005, in Louisiana’s park.

Rising to over 4 meters high, the monumental dress was made out of 550 meters of red Divina upholstery, it had a diameter of over 20 meters and was made with 238 'pockets' in which sat a member of the audience.

sound off

This is one of the awesome gifts that Josh and Henri got me for my birthday. This hand crafted wood i-pod system by Vers is beautiful and has great sound...lucky girl!

out of the saddle again

My apologies for being absent last week. I returned from Montana on Friday night, and have been resting all weekend. I promise to be around this week.

weekend fun

We had a lovely camping weekend in the Uintas. Fresh air, yummy treats, and good old fashioned fun.

i'll cry if i want to

Today is my 31st birthday. I have been blessed with 31 years in this world thus far.

Today and always, I am thankful for my Mom and Dad who brought me into this world, who loved and nurtured me and still do. I am grateful for my sisters, who are my life long friends and always will be. I am grateful for my good friends who are my extended family, and always there for me no matter what. I am grateful for Henri and his warm kisses and unconditional love. And of course, Josh for celebrating life with me, and finding new joy everyday.

Now that is something to cry about.

let me eat cake

Today I know that not everyone's parents stayed up the night before their party decorating their birthday cake. My mom and Dad worked so hard at creating special memories for me and my sisters. Birthday cakes are very special to me, which is why Josh is sweating it out in the kitchen right now.

I am such a lucky girl.


{some of my homemade birthday cakes}

what's in a name?

According to BabyNames.com, Henri means Ruler of the Home, appropriate somehow.

toonces

We were reminiscing about Toonces tonight. I can almost hear you laughing Dad. This one is for you.

safe sleep

What a great bed. It has felted wool upholstery and cushioned bumpers to prevent injuries...if that sort of thing happens to you.


{grimen bed from ikea}

defending 75th place

We are people of the ice. No one ever said Canadians were going to dominate the summer Olympics.



Image from CBC.

bye bye fly

If you have to have one...


{fly swatter from charles & marie}

canadian house & home

When Canadian House & Home is available at local books stores, I always pick it up. It has been one of my favorite magazines for years. It has a nice mix of modern and traditional design.

in the black

For most of the year, I almost always wear black. Wearing black well is all about fit and detail. The delicate ruffle details on this sweater are the type of thing I look for. I may have to add it to the rotation.


{tartine sweater from j.crew}

stitch by stitch

I just found out that a local shop teaches quilting, and I have decided that this will be my new fall and winter project. Oh, I do love to hibernate...I can't wait to get started.

red and white and furry all over

It is a magical place that I come from. It is so magical, that a town close to where I grew up, Exeter, is known as the home of the white squirrel. No joke, I've seen them with my own eyes. Check it out here.

call me bonzo

Too sleepy for much blogging tonight.

My mother always used to say "Bedtime for Bonzo" when it was time for us to go to sleep. I say it now, and I'm not quite sure why.

i miss my country

I miss home. This happens every now and then. I feel like I'm forgetting where I came from, and I need to surround myself with familiar things until it passes.

This week I am going to try and feature at least one Canadian thing every day.

I found these beautiful postage stamps from Canada Post. These stamps feature the work of Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.

I might like some of these to collect...hint, hint.


{audrey hepburn}


{winston churchill}

the key to style

Simple and smart.


{catch me keychain by troika}

drive-in fun

Last night we went to the drive-in with some friends and saw Step Brothers. It is one of the funniest movies we have seen in a while, and definitely worth paying full price to see.

home delivery

I must get to MOMA before this exhibit ends.


{home delivery: fabricating the modern dwelling}

chester the westie

Henri is thrilled about the arrival of his new cousin, Chester. Welcome to the family little man!

Congratulations Dawn amd Jonny on your new fur baby!