lazy sunday

I'm so tired I could use three beds. Take a load off and reward yourself with an extra nap today.

wiener time

Now it's time to cool off. I'm sorry, but this is pretty adorable. I'm pretending that my dachshund adoration isn't always transparent.

[ Lovely Package via Design Nomad ]

bea fremderman

Another kind of hot. Amazing photo by Bea Fremderman.

[ via Booooooom ]

tanfastic

This brand sounds familiar. I think it's safe to say it's not around anymore, but I wonder if it was still working its magic cancer advancement spells in the 80's. Right about now I could go for some Sun In and neon Zinka.

[ image via Sugar Pie Honeybunch ]

film friday: B-E-A-C-H

This week marked the beginning of summer, even though for many this means nothing... you're either already out of school or working like it's any other time of the year. Anyway I thought this would be the perfect time to remember a genre that was all about the season -- Beach Party movies. I can't say that I've seen most, if any, of these films, but I love the fun and sugary vibe they suggest. Makes me want to be there, living it up in a technicolor, problem-free sandy world with the Beach Boys playing non-stop. These movies may have been short on substance but when it's summer sometimes all that's called for is dancing with your friends and swimming your cares away.

I don't have any videos again, because yikes that's A LOT of movies so here's a song and a video instead. I was going to make a whole playlist, but, well time slipped away. P.S. You can watch Beach Party on Hulu.

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations download at emp3

more photos from last weekend

new in the shop!

An 8"x12" print of my Get Up photo is now available in the shop. $25 and its all yours.

and what is your address?

I guess no-one would necessarily have trouble finding this place.

[ Looks Like Good Design via Inspire, Me Now! ]

1 minute photoshop: comprehension

The other day I was having a moment. Some days I feel better with age, closer to finding that inner peace or at least more patience and understanding than say a decade ago. Then just like that, with a bad night's sleep or a disagreement, the universe is turned upside down. Not because of the event in itself (that would be more dramatic than even I am capable of) but because I feel silly for my naivety in believing it's possible to have a consistent and proud handle on life. Don't get me wrong, everything's a-ok. I enjoy the occasional I'm-WAY-smaller-than-the-world revelations and am coming to terms with what I can't/won't wrap my head around, no matter how old I get.

if you got them

I really like this photo by Gosha Rubchinskiy.

[ Gosha Rubchinskiy via Hard Feelings ]

the seed

The Seed from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.

What a cute and wonderfully executed idea!

the heart of texas

This is a photo from my weekend trip to Ivie Reservoir. Had to make a pit stop in the heart of Texas, Brady. Got my Dairy Queen fix and had an all-round great time.

To see this photo larger go here.

weekly prescription

HELPFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:
Read -- [ Simon & Schuster ]
Watch -- [ Vimeo ]
Listen -- [ Gil Scott Theron ]
Do -- [ Yizzle ]
Austin Event -- [ Paramount Theatre ]

time for a game

I feel like my relationship with sports is exclusive to when it airs on TV, although unlike soccer and the World Cup I have watched tennis since I was a child. I don't remember why. I briefly took lessons when I was about 10 and "played" on a team in junior high, but I was never very good and didn't take it that seriously. I'm betting that some sort of fascination with a male player in little shorts could have been the big break in following the game. Yes, I apparently was a superficial little gal. Anyway, today is the start of Wimbledon, an event I certainly plan on watching, regardless of who is wearing the shorts.

TENNIS ANYONE:
The World's Coolest Tennis Court [ Life Magazine ]
Wimbledon Game Schedule [ Wimbledon ]
Vintage Tennis Ball Cans [ Vintage Tennis Balls ]
Andy Murray Tennis Street Magic [ YouTube ]
Tennis the band [ Myspace ]

[ image via Shorpy ]

summer's here

Here we go folks. The calendar says it's officially summer. And if you live in Austin it means it's only going to get hotter.

[ image via Opening Ceremony ]

insert pity the fool joke here

Since we're sort of on the subject... A Mr. T tee made of t-shirts. That's a lot of t's.

[ Threadless via Uncrate ]

film friday: target practice

Mr. T was recently quoted as saying that he did not approve of the violence in the new A-Team reboot. And while I'm pretty sure he doesn't have an issue with the amped up action (it's more about being true to the wholesome spirit of the original?) the former wrestler must know that the secret to many a gun slinging movie, especially one that aspires to be in the franchise hall of fame, must have a healthy dose of kills. So get on board T and welcome the magical ingredient that makes mothers cringe and movies rise to the top. This is summer; it's the way things have to be. Just ask Rambo... who's on what, an upcoming 5th installment of the series. Now that guy can blow things away.

Sorry no videos to accompany the post this week. I didn't even know where to begin and quit looking before I really tried.

boyghost

I honestly still am not over my Baltimore high. My addiction to Boyghost's (or Michael Wriston) Flickr stream isn't helping. I discovered his work through another favorite (which I wrote about before), Patrick Joust.

Although Michael recently has transplanted to California he has left behind an amazing collection of photos that tell yet another story about a city with so much to say. I love his perspective and the timeless feel of some of his images. The one above I think is just perfect.

I feel like my visit to Baltimore was one of the first times I really experienced a foreign place (and I've been all over the world). Something about it left an impression like no other; it also introduced me to some artists that I believe share my sentiment and fortunately have had more time and greater skill to capture it. Now I can't wait to see what images await of California.

Be sure to click view larger when you look at his photos on Flickr. These smaller sizes don't do them justice.

need to want less: youth

I don't obsess much over my looks but one area I can't ignore is my hair, at least the grey part. I got my first grey hair when I was in high school and I would venture to say at this point I'm probably about 45% grey. I have no idea, because my hair is always loaded up with some crappy box color. Every time my roots grow out I run for the dye before I can be shocked by the reality of my aging hair. Some people have said they like the salt and pepper look. And I do, just not on me. I don't know where this premature adieu to being a brunette comes from... not from my parents. Non-existent vitamin intake. Stress. Whatever the case I'm not ready to embrace the change. And no matter my financial situation denial is something I'm unfortunately willing to splurge on.

emma hardy

Nice work by Emma Hardy. I miss my camera. Hopefully I'll get to use it this weekend.

[ via This Photo That ]

keep em coming

Ha, ha, good one. Marc Johns always makes me laugh. More please.

immortals

Whoa and I thought I liked cataloging things. Valerie Hallier has created an installation using photos of everything she has owned in the last 10 years, intended to highlight our relationship with objects and consumerism. Visually it's of course very interesting, but more so once you consider the bigger picture. You can read more about it on her site.


[ via Picame ]

project 33

I'm catching up with the rest of the blogging world and finally posting something about the site Project 33. As a die-hard lover of colorful shapes (why does that sound weird?) and vintage illustrations I have just fallen for this slice of heaven. There are lots of album covers to peruse. You can even search by shape! Yes, I like this. You can tell by the exclamation mark. Also be sure to check out sister site Groove is in the Art for more psychedelic entries.





[ via Words & Eggs ]

level & tap

I love when these sorts of sites pop up. Anything that draws attention to selling photographer's work.

Level & Tap is:

...a site dedicated to selling curated photography prints. The work is selected by a small group of editors, including me, Tom Watson. I love photography, especially printed, and want to provide a place for people to find and buy great quality work on the Internet.

The above photo is by Tsega Dinka.

[ via Design Work Life ]

tradesies

A little while back I was approached about doing a trade for one of my prints. This weekend I got this treat in the mail. Thanks so much Dimitri, I love it!

If anyone ever wants to do a trade give me a shout. Odds are I'll say yes.

wiener time

Care to have your own wiener? Well you can buy this vintage pattern from Etsy seller cakescakescakes and make one. FYI, there's also a donkey, kangaroo, panda, duck, and lamb to choose from. I can't knit, so... I'm out.

slice magazine

I am so thrilled that this photo was included in the latest issue of Slice Magazine. It accompanies Crystal Wilkinson's amazing story Holler. Please pick up a copy and read her work as well as the other super talented writers that were featured.

Here's a quick excerpt of Holler:

Tallboy is my brother-in-law. He is six-foot-five, pock faced, and wears a Reds baseball cap pulled down over his eyes. All you can see is a little bit of his broad nose and headphones wires snaking down his bird chest. We all grew up together and I remember Tallboy before he found Mr. Jessie out in the field, before he went a little off and Miss Mattie had him committed to the state hospital.

1 minute photoshop: infestation

I'm miserable. When I think I can't get any itchier, I do. I haven't actually seen the critter(s) that have decided to gnaw all over my skin, but I the signs of their handiwork are clear. It's uncomfortably annoying. Welcome summer.

good bad postcards

Remember the Pringles jingle, "once you pop, you can't stop"? I feel kinda like that, except that I'm binging on vintage postcards instead of maltodextrin laced potatoes. Bad Postcards is my favorite new web confection. Each post is just as great as the last and has all the potential to keep on keepin' on. Really, how many cheesy postcards are floating around in the universe. An infinite amount. Thanks for existing Bad Postcards. It's nice knowing I have a go-to place when I need to put a smile on my face.

the beautiful game

This weekend I surprised myself when I watched part of the World Cup... and actually liked it. Really it was an accident; flipping through seven channels often doesn't yield too many offerings, which then results in it being turned off. This time I stuck around, despite the weird swarm-like sounds and my lack of soccer knowledge. Judging from friend's chattering about it and the world-wide fan fare I'm not a lone spectator. Dean Dorat documented the 2006 World Cup frenzy, hopping from one bar to the next, in her series called The Beautiful Game. The collection can be viewed on her site but is also available as a Blurb book.

weekly prescription

HELPFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:
Read -- [ Day Trip Society ]
Watch -- [ Cooking with Dog ]
Listen -- [ YouTube ]
Do -- [ Mr. Doob ]
Austin Event -- [ Mellow Mushroom Facebook ]

lazy sunday

Oh boy it's been a busy week and my feet are aching. I think it's a good day to relax and check-out by watching an old movie (and then later the premiere of True Blood).

[ photo by Ana Himes ]

film friday: copy shop

With the release of Karate Kid today, I decided to dedicate this week to the wonderful remake trend. I mean once really isn't enough. Sequels aren't enough. Let's make a new improved version and start the whole process over again. It's hard coming up with an original story. Tweaking a script and filling the roles with super relevant up-and-coming stars is a great strategy. Release in a warm sunny climate for optimal results. It's a perfected science.

I don't know about you but I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for:
Fright Night
Arthur
Footloose
The Thing
Overboard
Red Dawn
The Warriors

In fact here's a whole list for you to swoon over.

THE PRE-XEROXED ORIGINALS:

how to hate the world

The news has never exactly brightened my day. And sometimes being up on current events feels less like enlightenment and more like a punishment. Such is the case with the on-going saga of British Petroleum's colossal raping of the environment (along with their waste of natural resources and destruction of livelihoods). Every day that I watch/hear the news I sink further into that all-too-familiar global pit of despair. It's hard not to wonder "what's the use?" and living in a bubble has its appeal all over again. Can billions of people get it together when one giant company, with tons of money and resources, can't resolve a mess of its own doing? I'm simplifying things I'm sure, but when you feel overwhelmed that's the only way to process what feels like the undoing of a hopeful future.

The other day, with the gulf spill fresh in my mind, I passed by the local Sherwin Williams* store. I'm guessing that someone else in the world has also thought of this (since few ideas are really new), but I had my own private "a-ha" and decided that with some minor tweaking a new, more appropriate BP logo was in order.

HOW TO HELP THE GULF:
[ National Audubon Society ]
[ Gulf Coast Fund ]
[ Baking for Good ]
[ National Wildlife Foundation ]
[ The Greater New Orleans Foundation ]
[ The Huffington Post ]

*Obviously this is not meant as any slander upon Sherwin Williams, an attempt to reclaim their logo, or profit from it. I feel silly for even saying so, but you never know...