Blanton Birthday

My twin brother and his wife flew here from NYC to surprise me and celebrate our birthday together! Husband was perfectly in cahoots with them and my mind was properly blown. On our birthday we headed over to UT’s Blanton Museum of Art. The current exhibit is Through the Eyes of Texas: Masterworks from Alumni Collections. The great thing about gathering works from all over is that the art is so diverse. We all wandered, crisscrossing, commenting, digging it. My littlest one even found her favorite Georgia O’keefe painting!

“Cathedral of Junk”

We’ve got to explore all the famous tourist spots in Austin, don’t we? This place is ever changing, and very fun to explore.

You’ll need to call to make sure it’s open because this multifaceted multimedia work  is in the artist’s back yard.

It’s funky, whimsical, romantic, industrial…

Big and little details make you think, and remember…

…and this, I love this live table out back.

The artist, Vince Hannemann. He was great with the kids and all the other people who came and went while we were there.

Link to a beautiful video about “The Cathedral of Junk”

Heart Shaped Sky

The big sky here in Austin offers up deliciousness daily.

At the Zoo

We love the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary. It was one of the places my kids were so excited about living near when we moved to Austin. These are some of the characters we met on our last visit.

Here’s an Idea

2013-01-04 Silly Band Wine Glass Tags, originally uploaded by jdl2005.

A couple of years ago, Silly Bands were all the rage with the elementary school set I ran with. Today, this is how we use them most. The remainder of all those party favors live in a kitchen drawer to get broken out when more than a couple of glasses are used. They work well with a water glass too, though you can’t tell the shape!

Tough Sweeties

2013-01-01 075.Girls, originally uploaded by jdl2005.

They have been sleeping late, hanging around, gobbling Christmas cookies, inventing some great stories. In the spirit of getting back into the swing of things, we are off to get some desks for them today! We’ve been in our new house for three months now so the midwinter nesting is in full swing.

Did you see my new “Follow me on Pinterest” button off to the side here? I’m using Pinterest as a file for design inspiration. Enjoy!

Happy Fresh Start!

2012-12-31 028, originally uploaded by jdl2005.

New Year, New Day, New take on things? I have been reading so many happy, hopeful postings – including a few so glad to kick 2012 to the curb. I love the spirit of looking forward and being present. (the ever positive friend’s “Happy NOW Year!”) Best wishes to you and yours for heaps of love and laughter in 2013. xoxo