d.Sharp Journal

And the winners are...

Again, sincere thanks for all of the entries for the Eiffel giveaway and gratitude for all of the kindness that has been shown to me. Ever appreciated! M was my assistant, helping fold every comment and draw the three names.

Congratulations to Shannon, Lyn and Katie Richanbach! I will email you!

And we're back.

We had a great time at Black Boot {as C calls it} with my brother and his two kids and my mom. My brother took M horseback riding and during the ride his horse kept turning all the way around to bite his cousin's horse. M assured me that even though it was kind of scary, he held on "like grim death." Thankfully.

We went to the High Desert Museum, which was much fun for the kids { and us}. At the settler's cabin exhibit, C made friends with the goat Noah by giving him his sippee cup, then Noah became interested in his diaper.

Other highlights of the week included knocking around downtown Bend and playing at the pool, {unfortunately one day accompanied by a grand maul tantrum by C upon leaving - if you want to be sure everyone gets a good look at you in your swimsuit, might I suggest a screaming three year old over your shoulder?}

My husband joined us on day three of the vacation and brought the french press and the good coffee, god I love him.

 

We also took a volcano tour including the peak, a walk through an obsidian rock flow and a walk around one of the lakes in the caldera. It was a great day. Next, we headed to the insanely cute little coastal town of Gearhart, to stay with my Dad and Stepmom, her father, my stepbrother and the kid's newest cousin.

In Gearhart, we stayed at their friend's beach house, below, and it is so perfect. Just beachy enough and funky enough, with painted beadboard walls and ceilings, lots of light. The perfect spot to share the wonderful meals and conversations we all had.

My Dad, Stepmom and her Father took M to a classic car show one day. He was in heaven, apparently he was able to charm his way behind the wheel of a few of them with" Sir, your car is so nice it takes my breath away."

 

The boys loved playing with their little cousin, who is 19 months and is as cute as all get out. I think C, especially, liked being the older boy while playing with him. 

We all would have liked more time at the beach, it was lovely. However, it is also nice to be home.

Geez people -

Your comments for the Eiffel giveaway could not have been any kinder or more thoughtful. Trust that if my olive complexion allowed, I would be blushing crimson. That kindness is the very thing that I wanted to show my gratitude for with this giveaway. I can't wait to draw the names and announce them later this afternoon!

Eiffel Tower Giveaway!

Today is Bastille Day. That seems like a good enough reason to give away three of my Eiffel Tower Candy Containers, doesn't it?

I have wanted a chance to say thank you to you all for stopping by and visiting, for the kind comments and for your generosity of spirit. So, here is a small way to do just that for three people - each Eiffel comes with a letterpress Merci Beaucoup tag.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post between now and Tuesday, July 22nd 8pm {PST}. I will draw the names and announce them sometime the following day. Each person can enter once. Want to increase your odds?  Help me spread the word about the giveaway by mentioning/linking to it on your blog, afterwards, enter your name a second time in the giveaway by leaving a comment here letting me know you posted on it. Bon Chance!

Happy Birthday X 2

You are both so good to me. The Bestest.

 

Lazyness in Progress

Oh, how I wish. Actually, non-stop in progress. My cable/internet was down yesterday, something at the line out on the pole, and it wasn't fixed until late this afternoon. Made me quite behind in getting some jobs done. I am preparing for a week and half vacation, so trying to tie up loose ends. Leaving tomorrow for Bend and then to the Coast. I don't know what the internet situation will be, but I know I will be spending much less time on the computer and more time enjoying my family, drinking exercising and partaking in the great outdoors while I am away.


Please check back MONDAY for a giveaway!

{image via ffffound}

Let it bleed.

Renewable clothing by Fernando Brízio. Felt tip pens placed in the pockets - free to bleed - create a one of kind spotted dress. The dress can be washed clean and ready for its next composition. {Just, um, don't sit down on my couch wearing that lovely dress.} Found via Daily Poetics.

Self printed calendars and plant posters by Oscar Diaz. Controlling the bleed of the ink creates the image.

Felt Tip Print by Daniel Eatock, made by repeatedly balancing a sheet of paper on the nibs of a set of Pantone pens. Via Dear Ada, if memory serves.

Watch it wiggle.

"Bompas & Parr creates fine English jellies, designs bespoke jelly moulds and curates spectacular culinary events."
 {I would have to add capture the imagination as well,  what fun.}

  More from their site:
Jellies make superb centrepieces. The Victorians used jellies to decorate their tables for dinner parties. As people jogged past the table they would wobble entertainingly. There is arguably an erotic quality to the quiver. Once the other courses were finished the jellies were removed to a sideboard and served to the guests.

{As long as there isn't any solid food suspended in the jelly, a la elementary school cafeteria.}

The Five Rollatinis

This is a book I scored at M's school a couple of years ago when they were rotating some older books out of the library. The Five Rollatinis by Jan B. Balet, published in 1959.

Balet has a few other books I hope to score at some point - I like the sense of symmetry and composition. You can see more of his work, some of his spot illustrations, here. I have to admit to liking The Five Rollatinis purely visually, the story itself - meah. {But the tattooed man is so perfect, so it's a wash.}

Looks like he needs to floss.

More great photos from Shorpy, I am obsessed. They have a member gallery where peeps can submit their own vintage photos. I cannot get over how amazing this clown head is, wish it was still on the boardwalk.

Clown Eats Boy:1953 submitted by tterrace. Santa Cruz beach boardwalk

How Do We Look For Social Worker Visits? 1969 submitted by delworthio .
Love this.