Curious Bird

peeking out

hi, friends.

here's a glimpse.
things are pretty perfect so far, well, except for the constellation of mosquito bites I just discovered on my leg, but doesn't that kind of thing come with the territory? I think so.

more soon, I hope. 

sun hats and sensible shoes

Things are about to quiet down around here for a while.  I've got a little something to do. I'll pop in from time to time -- hopefully weekly -- with photos and hellos, but I won't be posting on a regular basis for about five weeks. Thanks so much for all the sweet comments and emails lately -- I've enjoyed each and every one.

Have a wonderful Summer, friends! 

Until next time,
Leya

the deets.

If you read my list of favorites over at Simple Lovely and are wondering what the heck I was talking about when I mentioned what I use to protect my camera when I toss it in my shoulder bag (the link was missing),
here you go:

These camera covers are great. Each one is really easy to throw in a bag and will protect your camera from getting banged up,  scratched, or damp -- beats using a clunky camera bag, if you ask me.

There, hope that clears things up for those of you who asked for details.

lists + knots+ favorite things

Hi there.
I'm running around like crazy trying to get ready for my time at camp. The list-making I mentioned yesterday is definitely helping, although I think I may need to consolidate soon -- working from two or three lists is getting a little confusing.

Last night around 9pm, I managed to finally make one of the fabric necklaces I intend to teach a class on at camp. Very easy (except for turning the fabric tube part) and pretty cute once finished. The first one I made is a short version, but a longer one is in the works. These necklaces are definitely a great way to use up some fabric scraps, and I always like it when I find projects that work for that.

I didn't take any photos while making the necklace above, but all you need to do is:

1. Sew a long fabric tube (with both ends left open)-- the necklace above was made from a tube that was approximately 3 ft. long  and about an inch wide-- so the longer the better for longer necklaces.

2. Tie one end of the tube  in a knot. I started about 6 inches away from the end, but you can do whatever you like.

3. Put a large wooden or plastic bead (it can be the cheapest you can find) inside the tube and tie a knot snug against it on both sides to hold it in place. Continue this process until you have completed the entire tube, or have the necklace length you like.

4. Tie off the other end of the tube (same distance as you chose for the first end).

5. Tie the necklace on and off you go!

** vintage scarves work great for this -- the silky fabric is really nice to tie in knots.

Before I run, I wanted to mention that Joslyn over at Simple Lovely asked me about my favorite things, and wouldn't you know, I had a few that came to mind. (Thanks, Joslyn)

I'll say hello again soon.

Happy Friday,
Leya

daily ritual: making a to-do list

I couldn't get it together enough for a daily ritual post yesterday. some days are just like that. so here I am today, and sadly, I think this is going to be my last daily ritual post for a while. I have lots going on and guess what time it is? It's SUMMER CAMP time! I can hardly believe camp is already here, but it is and I'm not all that ready, hence, all the list-making up there in that photo.

everyone has different ways to prepare for things and keep their lives organized -- one of mine is to make lists. lots of lists. It helps me remain calm when I have lots to do. It also keeps me from forgetting simple things like replying to a letter or buying a needed supply. I don't know what I would do if I didn't stop and take the time to make a daily list or add a few things to a post-it note. From the looks of my current jumble of to-dos, I suppose I would probably forget to charge my camera battery and be walking in the dark woods without my trusty headlamp...

more daily ritual photos here.

I'll be saying hello again soon -- something fun to show you tomorrow.

-L

Hi there,

I promise I haven't flown the coop -- I've just been busy showing our out of town guests (Dustin's 'rents) a good time. It was quite a visit -- we took in some fireworks, enjoyed our fair share of delicious food and drinks, and did some exploring, which included some serious pounding the pavement.  Now that they're back home, I bet they're going to be soaking their feet every night for the next week...we walked a lot.

Motown is totally zonked just thinking about all that walking...

More soon,

-L

Hi there,

A quick hello before beginning the long holiday weekend. We have visitors arriving very soon and lots of plans are in the works. I'm looking forward to learning a little more about the city of brotherly love -- I find that I explore a lot more when I'm showing people around.
Also, if you live in Philly and know of any amazing spots or happenings this weekend that aren't to be missed, please pass them along.

In other news, last night I met up with some friends at the ICA to see the Sun Ra exhibit and later watch the Sun Ra Arkestra perform, and guess who won the Arkestra raffle? Well, wouldn't you know, it was me! I do not remember ever winning a raffle, so I was really surprised to get the call this morning. Not exactly sure of what loot I won (a big basket of stuff), but I am looking forward to biking over to the ICA to bring it home. 

Loving this story I saw in the Times today.  I hope to have a little cottage fixer-upper someday...
For starters, I would put the new print that just arrived up on the wall first thing.

Have a great weekend.
Be safe with those sparklers and roman candles,

-l.

daily ritual: noticing the love between m + m (and photographing it)

it is no secret that I love a couple of boys named mortimer and motown, and that I photograph them often.  I am not too shy about expressing my feelings for these two. I am also not shy about posting photos of one or both of them in this space and over on flickr on a pretty regular basis. what can I say, they are rather photogenic and I'm a bit of a crazy cat-lady. could be worse.

funny thing is, I never lived with cats until mort and motown. I grew up in a family that preferred dogs to cats in a big way.  I had two very sweet dachshunds for most of my childhood, and never really put much thought into the possibility of spending my days with a cat (or two).  I remember a neighborhood cat that liked to sleep on our back porch, and honestly, I was a little scared of him. back then, cats were weird and unfamiliar, and they didn't seem interested in people or all that loving.

somewhere along the way, my ideas about cats changed, and now it is hard to believe that mortimer and motown haven't been around forever (only thirteen years). they have been shuttled across the country in the cab of a moving truck twice and spent some time in the care of our great friend while we traveled throughout india and southeast asia. they have destroyed a favorite vintage chair, and have made me get out of bed earlier than I wanted countless times. motown has eaten my plants. mortimer has gotten the flu and barfed in the middle of a party we were having. they have delivered really big bugs to me as gifts, and they also have a litterbox that requires cleaning (probably the true daily ritual of this post). I haven't minded cleaning the litter, the early mornings, or even the bugs, and we have a pretty good thing going thus far...as long as they keep allowing me to disrupt their naptime to photograph them.

more daily ritual photos can be found here.
join in if you like.

-leya