Merry Christmas friends!

Wishing all of you beautiful folk out there a wonderful and merriest of Christmases!  I hope Santa brings what you asked for!  

keeping busy

Stopping in to say hello friends!  It's been very quiet on this blog.  Too quiet.  I hope this finds all of you well and geared up for the upcoming Holidays!  Can you believe we are already in November?!  Well, things are coming together in my little world.  The creative juices are flowing and things are happening.  Slowly, but surely.  This portfolio is being built!  

Last weekend, I was able to work with the beautiful young lady above, Sarah Elizabeth, who portrayed an Ophelia-esque girl for a photo session we had planned for months.  The stars finally aligned and we were able to pull it off on a gorgeous Sunday morning at Carolina Beach Park.  The water was awfully cold so attempting to have Sarah lay in the water (although she tried her darndest) was just not gonna happen if I wanted to keep her from catching pneumonia!  My wonderful friend Molly accompanied me as both an assistant and my MUA.  It was such a fun, creative morning!  Opportunities for more shoots are opening up ahead so hopefully this will mean more images for you to come!  

After much hesitation, I finally opened up a Facebook page that I will be using to upload some of my more current images.  So, if you'd like to follow up on new photo sessions, be sure to check it out.  Still trying to figure out which platform to use for my actual website.  Any suggestions?

Well friends, keep nice and cozy this weekend!  

  

I hope that your weekend is full of sunshine and beauty my friends.  Happy Sunday!

my dreams are adrift

upon a warm, gentle breeze

come back to me

sweet reveries

a blissful reality.

Today, I have started tumbling on Tumblr.  I thought I'd give it a try.  It would remain mostly a photoblog.  Don't worry, my Reveries & Chai blog will continue on, although things have started to get a bit dusty and cob webs are taking over.  I decided to do away with my www.katevans.squarespace.com account, or my website.  After the 1st of next year, I hope to have things a little more organized and together with a better representation of who I am.  Honestly, I'm still trying to figure that one out myself.  

Just feeling a little out of sorts lately.  

But I shall be back.  I promise.

xo.kat

so I've been rather anti-social

Okay, so maybe the title to my post is just a little exaggerated, but from my lack of online presence both here and in my other social networking sites, you could say that I've been rather anti-social.  The reason is real simple:  my daughter.  As long as my little girl is awake, I've been ignoring my computer.  At first it was hard.  Real hard.  Once she would get preoccupied playing with her toys or with an episode of Spongebob, I'd sneak back upstairs to work on editing a few photos, checking up on Facebook updates, and trying to attempt a blog post only to have her pop up next to me with a look of utter distaste on her face.  "Checking your email again?!"  I have to pick my battles.  I've got just a little under a year left with her here with me at home before she goes off to kindergarten.  So I apologize that I haven't been cruising here in Bloglandia much lately.  I've also been working later hours every week so online time at night has been pretty minimal as well.  BUT, I'm here tonight, at midnight, hoping all of you are doing well!

Now since I'm on the subject of being social, I just wanted to say that I am still focusing on this Return to Real Mail Revolution.  I bought a box of cards that I thought were pretty cool.  Now, I admit that I've been a little slow going with it all, having just mailed a few cards earlier in the week. After hearing this bit of trivia, I am even more determined to put my mail box to good use.  Did you know that more than 75% of Americans under the age of 18 have NEVER touched a postage stamp?   Isn't that insane?!  I also heard earlier this week on CNN that there is a chance that the United States Postal Service may be closing its doors, if not laying off over a hundred thousand employees, by August of next year if budget reform has not been made.  Don't get me wrong, I think that there has been a lot of benefits that have come with the technological advances we have made, yet on the other hand, I'm watching people lose their jobs because we have moved so quickly into this digital age.  I'll be honest.  It's kinda terrifying.  I know that "going digital" has made things much more economical and perhaps even a little "greener" but when I think about the possibility of my local post office being  completely shut down,  it makes me awfully sad!  So, I will do my part to help keep my postal workers employed and send out more mail!  

Just out of curiosity, what are some of the things YOU have missed since we've gone digital?  

in the midst of a storm . . . a revolution was brewing

  

The weather is changing.  Thank goodness.  Cooler temperatures, I am hoping, are not too far away in our near future.  Hurricane Irene has come and gone and I am grateful that we were not caught in yet another natural disaster here at home.  That being said, my heart goes out to those who are still being challenged by the effects of this storm.  The winds were terrible, ripping branches off the pecan trees in our yard, but we were very fortunate.  It could have easily been much worse.  While cooped up in our home, as the storm raged on outside, I decided that it was a good time to bring out the craft supplies and make a few cards.  Recently, I had gone through the rest of the contents in my great-Grandmother's trunk, in it I found yet more photographs, some of them actual tintypes, and a few old letters.  These small treasures inspired me.  In this age of instant messaging, instant cereal, instant everything, just like analogue film, there is something magical about real mail.  Many of my friends have said that it would be rather exciting to receive something in the post other than bills.  Tell me about it.  So, I am starting a Return to Real Mail Revolution!

 

I used to write letters all the time.  To this day, I still have letters from my childhood best friend that I found when  I went through things I still had stored in my Grandpa's attic.  The envelopes were either decorated with drawings or made as collage pieces.  I remember that it was like Christmas time whenever I'd find a new letter in the mailbox.  And the moment I'd finish reading  the latest news about her life, I'd quickly grab an envelope and some paper because now, it was my turn to create.  It was as if we were playing some type of postal tag game and I think that that's what made it so much fun.  The creativity.  The anticipation.  The arrival!  It verifies the saying, Good things come to those who wait. 

 

 And so, I am getting reacquainted with decoupage glue, paper, scissors, oil pastels, postage stamps, my address book and the wonderful folks at my local post office!  Have a wonderful week friends!

good morning sunday :: n˚18

 So it's been a rather hectic week!  Car issues, scheduling issues, getting ready for a visit from my kid sis and her family.  You know, normal summer stuff.  Plus, it's been hotter than hades!  Monday's shoot went extremely well.  It was actually cool that day.  I spent a late afternoon with three beautiful and talented ladies who will be heading for the lights and action of Los Angeles in a few days.  The images above are just a few of the pictures I made that day.  I do have a few more on my flickr photostream.  More to come.  So all's good.  Okay, now a list.  A short one may I add. 

• So speaking of photostreams, I really like this Flickrite's photos.  
• I'm not too sure what I think of this new Blogger layout.  Wondering if it's me or my Mac that's freaking out on this thing.  
• This is such a neet magazine!
• Loving the new album by this talented gal!

And wow, yeah, I feel like there's definitely more to share with you but my brain is seriously having issues.  Thinking it's in need of some seriously defragging.  That is a word right?  Well friends, I hope you are going to have a fantastic week ahead.  If you've got some cool things to share with me today, let me hear about it!  

good morning sunday :: n˚17

Hello friends!  It is Sunday, not morning however, but still Sunday.  It's been a great day so far and I hope that yours is as well.  This last week started off rather slow, per usual, but the pace picked up during the weekend.  This week will be even busier.  Yay!  Ideas are flowing and I'm moving with it!  Okay, so on to the list!

• I'm enjoying this new to me wedding magazine from "down undah"!  It is chock full of lovely photographs, the kind that make you want to get remarried all over again just so you can recreate some of the beautiful decorations and celebrations featured on each page!  Neat thing is, they also have a blog!
• The research I did for my previous post about photographer Tim Walker has really helped to get me inspired!  I am seriously SERIOUSLY dying to get my hands on his book Pictures.  I know I've told you that already, but just in case you didn't know.  ;)
• Last Friday, I had the pleasure of working with a young model by the name of Marley.  We took a trip up to North Topsail on the northern most tip of Topsail Island here in North Carolina and all I can say is that it was gorgeous!  The above photos are just a few of the images I took that day.
• A new photo shoot again tomorrow!  More on that once I have pictures for you.
• I think it would be so neat to get one of these and see what kind of photos you can make with it. 
• Since we're talking about toys, I'd also love to get my hands on this camera too!  To view some photos taken with this adorable little toy cam, check out the Diana Mini Love flickr group.
• Can you believe it's already August.  Seriously, can you? 

Alright friends, there will be more to share with you this week, especially with fun projects in the works so. . . here's wishing all of you a creative and joy-filled week ahead!  'Til next time.

the inspiration that is tim walker

Fashion is the dream department of photography.

~Tim Walker

Extravagant sets.  Interesting characters.  Poetic imagery.

British fashion photographer, Tim Walker, has been wowing the readers of Vogue magazine, and the world around, with his dreamlike photographs for more than a decade.  A few years ago, I published a post here about Mr. Walker, and today I wanted to reintroduce him to you.  I find a lot of inspiration in hearing the processes in which artists create.  Recently, I came upon two interviews of Tim and thought that you may be interested in them as well.  Here is the first:

The second interview was done by Penny Martin for SHOWstudio's In Fashion series.  

Last year, the famed photographer has also taken on a new role:  director.  The Lost Explorer, his first film, is a 20 minute short based on the story of the same name by author Patrick McGrath.  The story tells of a girl who discovers a dying man, an anthropologist from Africa who has camped out behind her family's home in London, and the sequence of events that take place upon her discovery of him. Unfortunately, the film has only been seen here in the US in private screenings, mostly in New York.  However, should the film's trailer compel  you to see more, Tim has put together a book of stills from his movie.

With a newly revamped website, admirers of Tim's work will not be disappointed.  It features more galleries of his work, such as new projects and portraiture, as well as video.  A definite feast for the eyes!

Have a great weekend my friends! 

artist :: etsuko ichikawa

A mesmerizing film that captures the meditative process of pyrography as done by artist Etsuko Ichikawa.   Thank you Anthropologist for going out and finding yet another inspiring individual, and sharing her brilliance with us!

.the artist's voice :: an interview with erica steiner.

It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance and I know of no substitute whatever for  force and beauty of its process.  ~Max Eastman

 

When I think of the word reverie, often times the first thing that comes to mind are the imagery of paintings by California based artist, Erica Steiner.   I've been following Erica's work for several years now and over time, her art has simply continued to inspire.  There is such a spiritual quality to each of her paintings. The eloquent connection between the artist's hand and soul is evident with each brushstroke, and every detail, as if the painting itself is a beautiful conversation.  And perhaps this is why I adore her artwork so much.  Not too long ago, I finally decided to ask this talented sweetheart to share a bit about herself and her creativity with us.  Here is what she had to say.  [click on the images for a larger view]

KE:  There are many that say they knew very early on in life that some day they would become an artist.  Is this true for you?  At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to become an artist and what motivated you to pursue it as a full-time career?

ES:  Deep down I think I always knew I had it in me, but I definitely haven’t always been as in touch with that knowing as I am now.  Although there were times  in my youth when I was passionately devoted to making art—I’ve loved art, I think, since birth—it was not until I was in my late twenties, hiking on a mountain trail in Kauai, that I had an epiphany, a moment of clarity, and realized that it was time to make art my career.    Since then, things have been simpler—not always easy, of course, but simpler, and happier—because art gives me such a strong sense of purpose and continuity, a refuge, and a kind of psychic root system that keeps me grounded.

KE:  Your paintings are a wonderful explosion of color and texture!  One can easily get lost in your detail work.  Tell us a little bit about your style.

ES:  I try to achieve a sort of romantic or lyrical coming-together of artistic genres: abstraction, ornamentation, landscape, representation, with subtle elements of street and folk art, informed by an expansive, anthropological sensibility, and an essentially Californian, vibrant, Technicolor spirit.  There is definitely a strong decorative aspect to my work, which I consider essentially feminist at its core; my work is also very concerned with integration, with synthesis, with bringing together disparate stylistic elements whose origins span time and space (combining, for example, aspects of Aboriginal painting with elements of Victorian fashion, or images inspired by medieval Catholic illuminated manuscripts).  The influences can come from anywhere and are continually evolving; they come through experiences I have in my everyday life, or simply, from the ether.

KE:  Every artist has a Muse.  What would you say are your greatest sources of inspiration? 

ES:  I grew up on a farm in northern California which was fairly isolated, and I think that in a way, I felt more connected to nature, to land, than to people.  The land—our land, our farm—was so familiar, so intimately ours… not because we owned it (I don’t think people ever really own land), but because we belonged to it.  Perhaps for that reason, the natural world has always been, and probably will always be, my most vociferous muse.  These days, since I’m living on the coast, it’s more and more the ocean, the movement of it, the dangerous beauty of it that inspires me; the more time I spend here, the more its energy seems to inhabit my work.  

KE:  Your recent collection of work Heaven is Not The Wide Blue Sky has just recently been exhibited in Los Angeles at Edgar Varela Fine Arts.  How would you say this new series differs from your previous work?

ES:  I think because just before I started this series, I moved to a place that is both rural and relatively close to the city, the new work incorporates the ever-present influence of nature, as well as, for the first time, more industrial/ human-made landscape imagery.  This was a big change for me, and one that I had resisted for a long time, but the images were persistent in their wanting to be painted, and I finally relented. The result is a juxtaposition of geometric and human-made elements with the more feminine imagery of rebirth and renewal that has long been the mainstay of my work (lush floral imagery, psychedelic and textile-inspired patterns, gold leaf).  In addition, the work addresses the rapid environmental degradation currently taking place on the planet, incorporating occasionally catastrophic or apocalyptic imagery, including erupting volcanoes, nuclear reactors, and flooded land and city scapes.

KE:  In any of your travels, is there one particular memory you have that stands out in your mind? 

ES:  There is one, sort of hauntingly beautiful memory that comes to mind. I was nineteen, and staying in a losmen in a remote agricultural region of the Indonesian island of Flores.  It was a clear, chill, early November night, and, having arrived in the village after sundown, I decided to go out for a walk and explore.  By flashlight, I found a path through some nearby rice paddies, which lead to a footbridge and beyond it, a patch of forest that obscured the sky.  Finally, I found myself in a clearing, and spread out in front of me, a cemetery flush with candlelight, altars of flowers and photographs and clusters of saint’s candles flickering in glass jars.  The graves were not marked by stones but by wooden crosses, but still it seem­ed to me that they were very old, and as my eyes gradually adjusted to the light, human figures began to take form, standing, kneeling, embracing one another, and processing quietly like apparitions among the graves.  Later I would realize that I had encountered the ritualized celebration of the night when the veils between the worlds are said to be at their thinnest, All Saint’s Day, the Day of the Dead.  But in the moment, the beauty of the scene was so potent that it was all I could do to take it in.  It was a truly a dream-like, waking moment, a moment when I felt reality give in, just a little, and let me in on a secret.   

KE:  For fun, what is your all-time favorite movie?

ES:  I don’t think I could ever choose a favorite movie, but the movie that comes to mind, the first movie that really captured my imagination, was the infamous 1970’s musical, Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.  It was a spectacularly awful movie (renowned to be one of the worst ever made) based on the songs of Sergeant Pepper as interpreted by the Bee Gees.  My Dad, who was, and still is, a huge Beatles fan, took me to the Plaza movie theater in Petaluma to see it when I was five years old, and I fell madly in love with the music of Sergeant Pepper, my first passionate love affair with a work of art. 

KE:  Any words of wisdom?

ES:  Speaking of The Beatles, they taught me this when I was little, and I still think it’s true: All You Need Is Love. (Think about it.)

Find more of Erica's work, as well as dates for upcoming exhibitions, by visiting her website.  Also, be sure to check out Erica's  Facebook page.  Thanks so much for hanging out with us today friends!

 

.summer lovin' :: the threadsence way.

 

 

Once again, the dynamic husband and wife team who make up Stephanie Williams Photography take us out on a gorgeous day in San Clemente for Threadsence's new Summer LookBook.  Carefree and light, these images make me want to smear on some sunscreen and just have a play out in the sun!  Pages and pages of California Dreamin'!  Watch the "behind-the-scenes" reel from the shoot below! 

 Photos via Threadsence Facebook

.good morning sunday :: n˚16.

Hello friends!  It was another warm weekend.  And a busy one.  As a matter of fact, it's been a blur. . . the days melting into one another.  But I am here, barely.  As I had promised, here are a few of the images I took earlier in the week with my friend Molly.  A talented and carefree beauty, she was such a delight to photograph.  Many more projects in the works with this young lady so hopefully, when the weather cooperates, more photos will come.  And now, today's list: 

• I finished this book today.  LOVE it!  
• With vintage images still fresh in my mind, I was pleased to stumble across yet another book today.  Anonymous:  Enigmatic Images from Unknown Photographers is chock full of interesting  photographs, sadly, their maker long forgotten.  Viewing a few of the pages, I realize just how much I actually miss not just black and white photographs, but literal photographs in general.  You know, prints.  How many of us can actually say that we have at least 25% of the images we photograph with our digital cameras in tangible form?  I don't.  I wish I did.  My 35mm cameras will need to come out and play more often.  As well as my Holga, who has yet to truly be tinkered with.  I just wished it was easier to locate a local professional lab.  The next closest one is 2 hours away.  A huge bummer.  Perhaps this is why instant film is making a big come back.  I'm curious to see what paths photography as we know it today will take here in the years to come. 
• Water.  I miss water.  Let me rephrase.  I miss being IN the water.  The other day we went to the beach and I longed to get into the water.  Why didn't you? you ask.  Easy.  I need a new bathing suit.  Nope nope!  Before you say, just go out and get one, I'd like to tell you that it's pretty hard to find one for a girl with my peculiar build to find one that makes me feel decent.  It's ridiculous really.  Perhaps I'm the ridiculous one.  But back to the water.  I hate sitting on the sand soaking up the rays.  I'm dark enough.  I miss just being completely submerged in the element that is H2O. Things have been so tense lately that I simply long to just let go. . . relax my muscles, my mind and surrender myself.  Don't worry.  I'm fluffy so I'll float.  Without a doubt, I am truly a sun and water girl.  
• I'm loving the debut album Torches, by Foster the People.  I canNOT get this song out of my head!  Jacked up I know, but still!  I love the tune and at the part when they whistle. . . how can you not love it? 

Alright folks, another short list.  Summer looks like it's gonna be a busy one so I'll try my best to get more things for you to munch on but for today, these will have to do.  Hope the summer weather is treating you well!  'Til next time!  xo

.good morning sunday :: n˚15.

Hello friends!  It's Sunday and I hope yours is going well.  And for all of you Papas out there, Happy Father's Day!  Is anyone else having problems with Blogger?  I can't tell if the problem is Blogger or my internet provider.  I've been trying to get this post going and it's been going haywire!  Weird.  Alrighty, the list!

• I think I may have already used the above image in another post, but that's okay.  It's my little reminder that I need to reorder some PX 100 Silver Shade film.  I kinda miss it.  It's just so flippin' expensive though!  I do want to try out the new PX 70 Color Shade Push.  C'mon The Impossible Project, I need a sale!  Mail me some coupons or something.  ;)
• Recently, I've been revisiting the works of photographers I used to follow when I was on Myspace years ago.  Remember Myspace?  One of the photographers was a gal originally from Georgia, whose images captured the essence of young adulthood, wanderlust and carefree days.  Laura Taylor of The Darling Life is all grown up and making beautiful work!  I especially enjoyed her Polaroid albums.  
• A friend at work told me earlier today that she had a book she really wanted me to see.  The title of the book is Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, a unique novel that weaves vintage photographs of "peculiar" looking folk into the story.  The author, Ransom Riggs, is quite an interesting individual himself.  A writer, photographer, and filmmaker, he is also a collector of old black and white photos.  {a man after mine own heart}  Currently, he is working on a new book, Talking Pictures, that will be released in early 2012.  The book features many of the photographs in his collection that share just a glimpse of the story behind them.  Below is a book trailer for Talking Pictures.  Also be sure to watch the book trailer for Miss Peregrine too while you're at it.  When visiting his blog, you'll agree that Ransom Riggs is one talented and intriguing fellow!  

It's a short list today!  Getting ready for a photo shoot tomorrow.  I'll be sure to share some photos.  Have a wonderful week friends!!

.my apologies.

Hello friends.  I feel that I owe all of you an apology.  I have not forgotten about the music posts, I just have not had the time, nor the mental focus I needed to get them up.  My mind has been a little preoccupied with things here on the home front that when I attempt to sit here and write, every thing comes out choppy and disassembled.  So, I am sorry.  I do hope that you are well and that beautiful things are happening in your world!  I know it's not Sunday, but since I missed my "good morning Sunday" post a couple of days ago, I hope you won't mind if I do it here today.

• My website is down at the moment because I'm hoping to get a new one, or revamp my existing one.  It's high time that I focus on getting this photography business off the ground don't you think?  
• I am actually considering shooting weddings again.  I miss the energy, the excitement of being in love, the income!  So, I have a couple of books that I think are fantastic sources of inspiration and advice.  The first book, Fine Art Weddings, by renowned wedding photographer Jose Villa, was just the shot in the arm that I needed.  His images are so . . . beautiful!  fresh . . . emotional . . . lovely!  What I loved most about his book was his humble approach to everything.  He didn't hold back any of his own hard learned lessons, which I think was the biggest encouragement to me.  A workshop in written form, his book is essential to the aspiring, and perhaps even some seasoned wedding photographers.  
• The other book, Fashion Flair for Portrait and Wedding Photography, is a book I have yet to get my hands on.  I had a chance to browse through it on the Nook yesterday and liked what I saw.  I'll get back with you on it once it arrives.  
• I really want one of these Yudu machines!  It's a really neat screen printing machine that allows you to create your own customized products such as t-shirts, totes, really just about anything!  What would Yudu?
• The last several weeks, I have become increasingly aware of the fact that I'm not getting any younger, and that my health isn't all that great at the moment.  I'm doing okay, I'm just tired of feeling uncomfortable and tired.  I've been looking into more information about pH levels in our diet.  You don't think about that stuff when you're chowing down on a burger and drinking your highly caffeinated drink.  My father is a diabetic and I'm not going to be very far behind him if I don't change things now.  I'm looking into these two books:  The pH Balanced Diet and The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide.  Getting old sucks.  Just sayin'.  
• Still thinking about surfing. . . a lot.  Yesterday marked the beginning of tourist season here in Wilmington so the beaches will start to pack out real quickly.  Still, I think of water. . . waves. . . and more water.  No sharks!  No sharks!  Check out these two documentary films on surfing:  Step Into Liquid and Riding Giants.

Have a groovy start to your summer friends!  

.good morning sunday :: n˚14.

Hello friends!  Well, I hope this Sunday finds you enjoying the sunshine and cool breezes as we quickly approach summer.  If you ask me, it seems like summer told spring to take a hike a couple of weeks ago because it's been a lot warmer than usual.  How about in your area?  How are things going there?  Well, here we go with today's list:

• My mind has been pretty preoccupied lately.  Honestly, it's been really difficult to keep a straight thought which is why I haven't been posting as much as I'd like.  Working through a funk that I have been having a hard time shaking off.  But I'm okay!  I've been spending a little more time outside, attempting to grow a green thumb as well as flowers that I hope will stay alive and flourish.  The top photograph is of three little pots with little seedlings of sunflowers, zinnias, and daisies.  I'm excited to see these little guys sprouting up!  By golly, this year, I want a garden!  
• Speaking of gardening, I truly am a total dunce when it comes to growing stuff.  But I'm trying.  I found a cute little book that encourages kids (and adults like me) to grow fruits and vegetables.  After featuring each plant, the book also shares some pretty delicious looking recipes.  Yum YUM!  
• Do you ever feel like creating something, whether it's a drawing, painting, sewing, or whatever, and although your hands are so eager to work, you can't seem to get beyond the blank canvas?  What do YOU do to break that wall down?
• I have been thinking about sewing, mostly outfits for my daughter and skirts for myself.  I've been browsing through a few books, like this one and this one.  Anyone out there have any suggestions for others titles?
• Some time in the near future, when I have a little more mullah to play with, I will need to order more of this film, and possibly try out some of this film so that I can take more photos for this flickr group that I've just been invited to join.  I love portraits!
• Just so you know, I haven't forgotten about my music posts.  I will have one here for you tomorrow.  :)

Alrighty friends, I will see you here again mañana!  Wishing you beautiful days ahead!  xo

P.S.  Just had to share this.  Gave me goosebumps!

.good. . . afternoon, sunday :: n˚13.

I know, I know!  I'm late again!  Sundays have been getting rough!  Now, I know that I have already technically shared the above video from a previous post, but I am totally in love with it.  And Vimeo.  Obviously.  Ha!  I do hope your weekend has been a beautiful one.  It's rather warm and muggy here in Wilmington, already, but hey, all the more reason to head to the beach. . . well, at least until the sharks come out to play!  Let's get going with this list thing, shall we?

• Little Miss Sunshine (aka. my daughter) will be celebrating her 4th birthday soon, which still blows me away.  Trying to get a little party together for her so it's been interesting.  Now with the possibility of bad weather moving in (thanks Weather Channel for the heads up) we may need to redirect the fun, outdoor activities to suit more not-so-wet indoor recreation instead.  Boo!  I'll let you know how that goes.  The theme this year:  bugs.  
• I've been hitting up my local library and have recently picked up a book featuring the work of photographer Cecil Beaton.  Photographic clients ranged from socialites & debutantes, Hollywood starlettes, to the Queen of England herself.  He was a multi-talented fellow, having not only skills behind the lens, but also on stage, both as an actor, as well as costume and production designer.  He won Academy Awards for costume and production designs for the films Gigi and My Fair Lady.  I happened upon a great Flickr set that shows several of his iconic black & white portraits.  
• Have I already told you that I want to go surfing this summer?  Have I?  Well for someone who was born and raised in Hawai'i, you would think that I'd be a pro on the board right?  Yeah, not so much.  One, surfboards can get pretty costly, especially IN Hawai'i.  Needless to say, in a single parent home, surfboards were not considered a necessity.  Second, I already had [have] a self-image issue and something about being a chubby girl in a bathing suit, wiping out in the midst of experienced surfers just didn't seem like a fun afternoon at the beach.  Go figure.  Although, being a chubby girl in a bathing suit, wiping out in the midst of inexperienced surfers, or "kooks" instead, not so bad.  A little embarrassing when my board nearly missed the face of a Japanese vacationer also learning to surf, but fun nonetheless.  Anyway, more on that adventure another day.  But on that note, photographer Ryan Tatar's awesome images of today's surf culture have really been making waves.  Most, if not all, of his photographs were taken with film, either instant or cross-processed, which really adds character to his already interesting captures.  The photos in his essay, Cape Fear Kooks, were taken right here in the Wilmington/Cape Fear Region.  Pretty cool.
• I've really been in this funky state of mind the last couple of weeks, which is perhaps the biggest reason for not posting much here as of late.  I think I'm ready for another adventure.  No, no!  Not anything like the unpredictable, terrifying, stressful adventure of last year.  I'm thinking more along the lines of a vacation, or road trip.  That gypsy blood that flows in my veins is making me a little restless, but right now, we are no where near being in a position to do anything so. . . I will just share with you, in a post later this week, several travel writing books that have piqued my interest.  
• And last, but not least, music.  Starting in June, I would like to share with you, over the course of a week or so, daily (hopefully) posts about the topic of music.  Sharing some of my personal faves, as well as introducing you to some very interesting people I have the pleasure of knowing.  Music enriches our lives and I think sharing that enrichment with each other is good stuff for the soul, don't you think?  So, stay tuned. . . 

Alrighty friends, again, I apologize that today's "good morning Sunday" bit is getting to you late, but I hope you enjoyed it.  Have a beautiful week ahead!  

.good morning sunday :: n˚12.

Good morning friends!  Okay, so I am posting this much, MUCH later than I had planned. . . so really, it's a "good evening" friends!  I hope today finds you well and inspired.  I am running late, so let's get going with  today's list: 

• I am so happy that the new Priscilla Ahn album, When You Grow Up, is finally out!  Listening to her beautiful voice always puts me in a good mood.
• Found via Sofia, I'm enjoying photographer Saul Leiter's view of the world through windows and reflections.
• Working in a bookstore can be very dangerous sometimes, especially when you are looking at purchasing photography books.  For those who are looking for some great photographic inspiration and instruction without breaking the bank, visit Craft & Vision. 
• Speaking of books, I'm thinking about reading this one.  
• Wish I had an iPhone just so that I could take cool photos like the ones here.

Wow, seems like my lists are getting shorter and shorter!  Ha!  How about you?  What new things would you like to share today?

.some times.

Some times

I simply want to fly away

as a bird

to leap from the nest

momentarily 

just so that I could soar

above the seas

the mountain tops

the people

the grind

to feel the wind against my face

my body

lifting me up 

higher and higher 

until there is nothing left but

o p e n n e s s

the sun

the clouds

s p a c e

and all the clutter in my mind

the heaviness

in my chest

will easily 

fall

f a l l 

f  a  l  l

to the awaiting ground below

then maybe I can

think 

just a little more

c l e a r e r

feel 

a little more

d e e p e r

and perhaps

be myself again.

.ruche :: an unending love.

Swoon. . . that is exactly what I did when I saw the new Ruche lookbook lastnight.  Page after page of sheer beauty!  You cannot help but fall in love with both the gorgeous clothing featured for this season,  and the warm, dreamy Southern atmosphere in which these photographs were taken.  Photographer Stephanie Williams' photographs have done for Ruche what a great author does for a novel:  draw you in then grab you at the very beginning, taking you on a fantastic, vivid journey.  And once you finally reach the end, you are left completely, and utterly speechless.  

You can view more of Stephanie Williams' recent work here at her blog, This Modern Romance.  And if her photos in the latest lookbook have inspired you to pick up a pen, you may want to write a line or two for Ruche's little giveaway challenge.  Stay inspired friends!